The Little Village of Book Lovers

A Novel

By: Nina George

Narrated by: Steve West, Mary Jane Wells

Length: 7 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

A young woman with the extraordinary power to bring soulmates together searches for her own true love in this tender, lyrical standalone novel inspired by the “bona fide international hit” (The New York Times Book Review) The Little Paris Bookshop

In Nina George’s New York Times bestseller The Little Paris Bookshop, beloved literary apothecary Jean Perdu is inspired to create a floating bookstore after reading a seminal pseudonymous novel about a young woman with a remarkable gift. The Little Village of Book Lovers is that novel.

“Everyone knows me, but none can see me. I’m that thing you call love.”

In a little town in the south of France in the 1960s, a dazzling encounter with Love itself changes the life of infant orphan Marie-Jeanne forever.

As a girl, Marie-Jeanne realizes that she can see the marks Love has left on the people around her—tiny glowing lights on the faces and hands that shimmer more brightly when the one meant for them is near. Before long, Marie-Jeanne is playing matchmaker, bringing true loves together in her village.

As she grows up, Marie-Jeanne helps her foster father, Francis, begin a mobile library that travels throughout the many small mountain towns in the region of Nyons. She finds herself bringing soulmates together every place they go—and there are always books that play a pivotal role in that quest. However, the only person that Marie-Jeanne can’t seem to find a soulmate for is herself. She has no glow of her own, though she waits and waits for it to appear. Everyone must have a soulmate, surely—but will Marie-Jeanne be able to recognize hers when Love finally comes her way?

©2023 Nina George (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Brimming with magic . . . Full of allegory and mysticism, the book often feels more like a poem than a novel. . . . nuanced and enchanting . . . an elegantly crafted, unhurried examination of the enthralling and elusive nature of love.” —Kirkus Reviews

“An appealing companion piece to The Little Paris Bookshop . . . George convincingly portrays her characters’ emotions. . . . Charming.” —Publishers Weekly

“This spin-off of George’s beloved The Little Paris Bookshop—this is the book within that one—is narrated by omniscient and powerful representations of abstract concepts, with Love, Pride, and Fate all weighing in, and this creative framing adds to its considerable charm. George pays particular attention to the romantic potential of the everyday—those mundane events that can spark new feelings in anyone hoping for a chance at love. Fans . . . will adore George’s latest exploration of life, love, and destiny.” —Booklist

A beautiful Love story

This is a beautiful story about Love with some really wonderful characters. It really gives one a lot to think about.

Delightful story bad narration

I thought this was a delightful story about love and books. My favorite part was the descriptions about the roles that books and reading can play in our lives. But the one thing that got in the way for me was the narrator. While most of the book was fine, there was there were several parts where her French accent was so thick that I couldn’t even understand what she was saying. I really hope the publisher takes note about this, as I feel like I missed out on several parts of the book because of it.

Beautifully written.

A perfect follow up to The Little Paris Bookshop. The characters are wonderful and the narration is excellent.

an enchanting memorable story

I read this after the little Paris bookshop and wasn't disappointed. the author is amazing. The story made me think about life and love in so many different ways I love this book and hope there's sequels