- Paperback: 208 pages
- Publisher: Gallic Books; Translation edition (20 Jun. 2019)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1910477672
- ISBN-13: 978-1910477670
Synopsis
When Hubert Larnaudie invites some fellow residents of his Parisian apartment building to drink an exceptional bottle of 1954 Beaujolais, he has no idea of its special properties.
The following morning, Hubert finds himself waking up in 1950s Paris, as do antique restorer Magalie, mixologist Julien, and Airbnb tenant Bob from Milwaukee, who’s on his first trip to Europe. After their initial shock, the city of Edith Piaf and An American in Paris begins to work its charm on them. The four delight in getting to know the French capital during this iconic period, whilst also playing with the possibilities that time travel allows.
Review
I fell in love with Antoine Laurain’s writing when I read The Red Notebook a couple of years ago, so was really looking forward to his new novel Vintage 1954. Set in beautiful Paris, Hubert, Julien, Bob and Magalie drink a vintage 1954 Beaujolais that seems to have unique properties more than just the taste and smell. Finding themselves in 1954, they have the chance to catch up with old relatives but ultimately they need to get back to 2017.
Like a good Beaujolais this book is full bodied, with a lot of character, elegance and a touch of the French Je ne sais quoi. The four main characters are a mixed group and very different from each other. Hubert works in property management, Magalie is a restorer of antiques and has a quirky style, Julien a mixologist at the famous Harry’s Bar and finally Bob, on vacation from America. The thing that connects them is 18 Rue Edgar-Charellier, the apartments they live in, and in Bob’s case staying there. All these characters, from different walks of life brought their own charm and personalities to the story. In 1954, there is no social media, technology and the Euro hasn’t been invented yet (and there is no mention of Brexit). All seem to embrace the freedom this gives them and humorously a relative of Julien’s points out why would you need to send photos or need so much technology when there is the newspaper. To find out more about their adventures you need to read the book!
Antoine Laurain writes with such charm and finesse and with added wit. His observations of people have a realism to them, and the touches of social commentary make me smile everytime. Going back to 1954 we meet some of the greats of that period Audrey Hepburn, Salvador Dalí, Edith Piaf, Hubert de Givenchy and an appearance by the Duke of Windsor; I would love to go back in time to meet these iconic figures. The historical details made me realise how different outworld is today, and not always for the better; the Mona Lisa not being behind glass and less tourists in Le Louvre, Les Halles with its busy markets and wonderful restaurants rather than being replaced with a shopping Mall.
Vintage 1954 is a wonderfully nostalgic read that offers pure escapism. The writing has a finesse as well as humour and cultural comments of the period. The characters are all endearing, and bring their own stories to 1954, and have very personal adventures. Very much a love letter to the Paris of the past this is a charming, nostalgic and seductive read.
Thank you to Gallic Books for my copy of Vintage 1954 in return for an honest review.
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