The Paris Lawyer by Sylvie Granotier

The Paris Lawyer by Sylvie Granotier

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Blurb

“A beautifully written and elegantly structured novel of a woman's attempt to solve the central mystery of her life, along with several other mysteries along the way. It captures the reader from the first page, and never lets go.”
— Thomas H. Cook, winner of the Martin Beck Award, Barry Award for Best Novel, Edgar Award for Best Novel

Winner of the Grand Prix Sang d’Encre crime fiction award in 2011, for the first time in English.

As a child, Catherine Monsigny was the only witness to a heinous crime. Now, she is an ambitious rookie attorney in sophisticated modern-day Paris. On the side, she does pro bono work and hits the jackpot: a major felony case that could boost her career. A black woman is accused of poisoning her rich farmer husband in a peaceful village in central France, where the beautiful, rolling hills hold dark secrets. While preparing the case, Catherine’s own past comes back with a vengeance. This fast- paced story follows Catherine’s determined search for the truth in both her case and her own life. Who can she believe? And can you ever escape from your past? The story twists and turns, combining subtle psychological insight with a detailed sense of place.

"This is a complex tale, skillfully told, that will keep you in suspense to the very end.”
— Patricia MacDonald, Edgar-award nominee

My review.

Please note that this book has been translated!

This should not be an issue apart from the fact that the translation caused;

Action too far removed from object of interest! That is the summation of this books writing.
The method of writing was new and it made me uncomfortable. That said as the book progressed I found that the author chose this form of narrative to give the reader an insider view of the true horror of the happenings. Making every thought known and turning the mundane and extraordinary into an existential crisis worked out to enhance the true horror of the happenings of the story.

This said it made me feel alienated from all the characters even the main protagonist who I was supposed to be rooting for!

The story itself is a very good one. World building like the narrative takes on an foreign feel which works very well within the story.

I honestly wish I could have read the book in the language it was written. I am sure my 4* review would be a 5* if I could. After all is said and done I could not wait to see how the story will play out and I was not disappointed.

WaAr