Sacre Bleu

A Comedy d'Art

By: Christopher Moore

Narrated by: Euan Morton

Length: 11 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

It is the color of the Virgin Mary's cloak, a dazzling pigment desired by artists, an exquisite hue infused with danger, adventure, and perhaps even the supernatural. It is... SacrÉ Bleu.

In July 1890, Vincent van Gogh went into a cornfield and shot himself. Or did he? Why would an artist at the height of his creative powers attempt to take his life... and then walk a mile to a doctor's house for help? Who was the crooked little "color man" Vincent had claimed was stalking him across France? And why had the painter recently become deathly afraid of a certain shade of blue?

These are just a few of the questions confronting Vincent's friends - baker-turned-painter Lucien Lessard and bon vivant Henri Toulouse-Lautrec - who vow to discover the truth of van Gogh's untimely death. Their quest will lead them on a surreal odyssey and brothel-crawl deep into the art world of late 19th century Paris.

Oh la la, quelle surprise, and zut alors! A delectable confection of intrigue, passion, and art history - with cancan girls, baguettes, and fine French cognac thrown in for good measure - Sacre Bleu is another masterpiece of wit and wonder from the one, the only, Christopher Moore.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2012 Christopher Moore (P)2012 HarperCollinsPublishers

Irreverence story about blue

This began slowly - but once I got the rhythm, it was one of his better books. Sort of a combination of the vampire books, and the irreverence of "Lamb". Why not a story about the color blue - especially the sacred blue of the virgin's cloak, or the blue the Picts used to color themselves, or the influence for musicians to sing the blues, or cause someone to have the blues.

Leave it to Christopher Moore to come up with a tale that Van Gogh was actually murdered by "The Color Man" who with his accomplice murder artists to stay alive by creating more Sacre Bleu. The accomplice is also a muse/seductress of painters. The mystery is solved by a young painter/baker and Henri Toulouse-Lautrec who are both in love with their separate versions of the muse.

Throw in many artists and an appearance by Oscar Wilde - this is another great, irreverant romp. Definitely not for everybody.

Hilariously Mesmerizing

This was my first Christopher Moore book. It was outstanding, funny, clever, interesting. For the first hour I did not really get what the story was about, but I did not care because it was so cleverly written that I was having a great time just listening to the conversations.

I am going to listen to all of his books.

The reader also did a great job with the material.

Good performance, confusing story

Would you try another book from Christopher Moore and/or Euan Morton?

I would definitely recommend the other books by Christopher Moore and Euan Morton. They are excellent.

If you’ve listened to books by Christopher Moore before, how does this one compare?

This is the weakest book that Christopher Moore has written. Great historical detail about artists of the time, but the story lacks direction for about 3/4 of the book. It finally gained a direction, but not until VERY late in the story. Most of my friends who also read Christopher Moore's work simply gave up on this book.

What about Euan Morton’s performance did you like?

Euan Morton is a GREAT storyteller. The tones and inflections he uses for the different speaking parts are sometimes subtle, but different enough for you to understand that it is a different person speaking and who that person is. One of the only reasons I did not give up on this story was because of the performance.

Could you see Sacre Bleu being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No. Please don't do it . . .

Any additional comments?

While I really enjoy Virtually ALL of Christopher Moore's work, this was definitely not his strongest. Decent enough if you are willing to not understand where the story is going for most of it.

Seriously...laugh out loud funny.

If you could sum up Sacre Bleu in three words, what would they be?

Funny, witty and a must-read(must-listen)

What other book might you compare Sacre Bleu to and why?

I don't think you can compare Christopher Moore's writing to someone else. He has a unique sense of humor that I haven't come across in other writers. He is a comedic genius. I have been a fan of his writing for a long time.

What about Euan Morton???s performance did you like?

Great narration.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Sacre Bleu

Blue on B;u

Great premiss for the story line. fast paced, well written and a solid ending. If you are looking for a fun read, then this is the book for you

Moore is Brilliant in Many Ways

What made the experience of listening to Sacre Bleu the most enjoyable?

Fantastic turn of phrase, great storytelling and downright humor.

What did you like best about this story?

Just enough history and accuracy to add weight balanced with fiction and twists of truth and humor to make it almost fantasy. But a great combination.

What does Euan Morton bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He gave voice to a few of the characters but specifically The Color Man will be seared into my brain due to his voice.

If you could take any character from Sacre Bleu out to dinner, who would it be and why?

henri de toulouse-lautrec

Any additional comments?

Different from the majority of his other books, this one takes its time in unfolding. Still worth every moment in listening and reading.

Unlike his other works but still quite enjoyable.

By unlike his other works I mean that it was not laugh out loud funny in ways that would leave you gasping for air or crying with laughter. However, it was a lovely story with wonderfully developed characters that keep you thoroughly entertained.

Typical Christopher Moore

If you are a Christopher Moore fan you will love this book. Typical twists and turns and a very unusual look at the subject matter. Love his sense of humour. If you have never tried a Christopher Moore book be prepared for the language.

hilarious and amusing

I think this might be my favorite book by this author. I've loved all of them, but this subject is near and dear to my heart.

Well rounded

both good characters and good plot. Smart female characters and funny as hell. wonderful to no end.