Blog Tour - A Single Rose by Muriel Barbery

 

A Single Rose by Muriel Barbery. Trans. Alison Anderson (Gallic Books)

Advance reading copy for Blog Tour

I was delighted to have the opportunity to read a new book from Gallic Books in advance of publication, and to take part in this blog tour. The stars really did seem to align for me with this one...

• Book in translation - check
• Book set in Japan - check
• Book from an independent publisher - check

The book's blurb added to my interest in the book and I was delighted when a copy dropped through the letter box a while ago, especially as the parcel was so pretty!

Anyhow back to A Single Rose I can't think of a better way to explain the book than to use the official blurb, which was written by a professional after all!

The temples and teahouses of Kyoto are the scene of a Frenchwoman’s emotional awakening in the stunning fifth novel by international bestseller Muriel Barbery. 

Rose has turned 40, but has barely begun to live. When the Japanese father she never knew dies and she finds herself an orphan, she leaves France for Kyoto to hear the reading of his will. 

In the days before Haru’s last wishes are revealed, his former assistant, Paul, takes Rose on a tour of the temples, gardens and eating places of this unfamiliar city. Initially a reluctant tourist and awkward guest in her late father’s home, Rose gradually comes to discover Haru’s legacy through the itinerary he set for her, finding gifts greater than she had ever imagined. 

I will now confess that this is a book I had to read twice - the first time I was just so immersed in the narrative that I just had to keep reading to find out why Rose didn't know her father, and also what his legacy was. 

By the time I reached the end of the book I realised that this isn't really the point of this book, it isn't about the destination at all, it is all about the journey and the discoveries that you make en route.

On the second read I found myself revelling in the traditional Japanese tales that preface each chapter, and wandering around Kyoto with Rose as she toured around the shrines, shops and eateries in the area. It is so beautifully written and descriptive that I felt like I was taking a walking tour of the area myself while I was reading and I did have to keep stopping to Google the locations Rose visits just to see them.

As I said at the start there was so much to draw me to this book and I am pleased to say that it didn't disappoint and in a time when travel is practically impossible still a book that is this visual is a treat.

Part of me wishes that I had read the book more slowly the first time around, but when a book grabs you like this then it isn't really a hardship to start from page one all over again!

To my shame I've not read any of Barbery's other books but I'm definitely going to rectify this soon - but possibly not until I've read this one for a third time!

Do look out for what other Bloggers and Bookstagram reviewers thought of A Single Rose I'm hoping they liked it as much as I did!