Customer Reviews

Two English Girls and the Continent

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If you are a Truffaut fancier, an admirer of early 20th century French literature or a hard-core English major (or recovering English major) who enjoys non-contemporary literature, this is a delightful way to escape into a languid, evocative read. It's easy to see why Truffaut fell for this story as well as Jules et Jim by the same author; it begs to be told in an atmospheric French film full of meaningful glances, pastoral landscapes, cafe society, and forbidden desires. Although I haven't had the pleasure of seeing the film which is currently enjoying a resurgence of screenings, Two English Girls on the Continent was an excellent read constructed from the diaries and correspondences of a young Frenchman and two English sisters. Each makes very different choices about intimacy, love, art, and family life. This book is not for people who want a turbo-charged plot -- the story unfolds over decades, but like a fine French wine, is at its delightful best when savored slowly. If you enjoy immersing yourself in a good read that makes it easy to visualize the excesses and constraints of another time and place, give this a try. It's a great excuse to linger over coffee.