About this episode
We are so excited to journey with you to Three Pines, the fictional French-Canadian village created by Louise Penny for her Three Pines series, featuring Armand Gamache. This spin-off podcast series will tackle each of the books in the series in turn, in a spoiler-FILLED format. Be sure you've read the book before listening to the episode. As you've come to expect with all Currently Reading content, Meredith and Roxanna will follow a regular episode format, with regular segments, so you know what to expect each and every time. We love staying focused on the book, rather than conversational rabbit holes. Show notes for this series will not be time-stamped, but will include links to Bookshop dot org or Amazon for any books or resources referenced in the episode. These are affiliate links, so they kick back a small percentage to us if you buy through them, and help support the work we do on Currently Reading. 1:56 - The Set Up The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny (one L simply due to demographic of readers? Please don't fight me over this!) 3:05 - Putting the Book Into Context Publication date Seasonal setting - Spring, around Easter Book Awards: Agatha Award for Best Novel in 2008, Nominated for: The Anthony Award, The Macavity Award and the Barry Award for Best Novel of 2008 Critic Reviews Alternate Title: Cruelest vs Cruellest - that's the only difference dependent on geographic location of publishing. Meredith's and Roxanna's encounters with the book Currently Reading Season 5: Episode 45 w/Ezeekat 8:46 - A Deeper Exploration Setup and first few paragraphs A seance as the driving source of the mystery Still Life by Louise Penny One note character in Madeline/lack of care for her as a character Gamache not introduced until chapter 9 Pg. 69 - Make note for future reads Gamache as a father and grandfather figure versus an inspector The pacing of the novel Quality of writing itself Themes: Regeneration, Resurrection and its unpredictability, jealousy, equanimity, grief, platonic love, Character Development - Gamache's Pride, Beauvoir The Fear Factor 55:58 - What Do We Need to Know? Village of Three Pines - The Hadley House, Hazel's House A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny Homes as a driver for the plot/characters The Oddness Factor Gamache's accented English 1:06:00 - Superlatives Favorite scene Character MVP Biggest loser Best food description 1:16:32 - Within the Series Is this book skippable? Setting the foundation Favorite quote *Does the reading of passages take you out of the conversation or help enhance it? Let us know at the socials below! Next episode's read: A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny No Spoilers this episode! Connect With Us: Please note the change in Meredith's Instagram handle. This was recorded prior to the change. Meredith is @meredithmondayschwartz on Instagram Kaytee is @notesonbookmarks on Instagram Roxanna is @roxannatheplanner on Instagram currentlyreadingpodcast.com @currentlyreadingpodcast on Instagram currentlyreadingpodcast@gmail.com Support us at patreon.com/currentlyreadingpodcast and www.zazzle.com/store/currentlyreading