Sunday, May 24, 2015

George's Grand Tour - Caroline Vermalle

George's Grand Tour
Caroline Vermalle; Anna Aitken (translator)
Gallic Books, May 26 2015. $14.95
ISBN: 9781908313737

With her mom heading to Peru, twenty-something London-based actress Adéle calls her octogenarian Grandpa that if he needs anything including a visit he should tell her.  Politely George Nicoleau thanks her; even as both know she has not taken the train to Poitier followed by the bus to Chanteloup to his hamlet since her parents’ divorce a decade ago. 

George reacts with mixed emotions to Adéle’s call of concern and caring.  On the one hand it energizes him to begin the Grand Tour with his eightyish friend Charles, but also worries him that Adéle will replace her mom the “inspector” by checking up on him with a visit.  As George and Charles conduct their Grand Tour drive, he and Adéle rekindle what they once had via texting.

Besides a unique vivid Tour de France ride by the elderly travelers, this is a compassionate and at times amusing (especially George’s technology efforts) tale.  The quirky storyline reminds readers loved ones matter but in spite of their caring concerns; still to go after fulfilling your dreams by adapting the effort as needed to age, health, technology or other considerations.  Readers will want to join George and Charles on their merveilleux pilgrimage.


Harriet Klausner

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