The little French bistro A novel

Sixty-year-old German Marianne Messman is on a tour of Paris with her husband. After 41 years in a miserable marriage, she's had it when he belittles her, yet again, in front of others. She makes her way to the Seine and jumps in to put an end to her sorrow. Much to her fury, a stranger saves her. Marianne travels to the coast of Brittany where she soon finds a niche that she's sought unknowingly all her life. Through her new friends, she realizes everyone has burdens but there's still joy in life. However, Marianne eventually becomes ambivalent about what she wants and again contemplates ending her life. At times, it's difficult to feel sympathy for this selfish woman who casts aside people who have helped her. Too many subplots are confusing and add little to the plot. Narrator Emma Bering is the best feature of this title. Her varied accents are spot-on, and her style is warm and conversational, particularly when describing the gorgeous locale and scrumptious food and drink. Her vivid descriptions add atmosphere and brings listeners right into Marianne's world. -VERDICT Recommended with reservations for fans of fiction set in France. ["Beguiling": LJ 5/1/17 starred review of the Crown hc.]-Susan G. Baird, formerly with Oak Lawn P.L., IL © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.