Book Review: The Confectioner's Tale by Laura Madeleine

Title: The Confectioner's Tale
Author: Laura Madeleine
Published: April 23rd 2015 by Transworld
Amazon | Amazon UK


Blurb: What secrets are hiding in the heart of Paris?

At the famous Patisserie Clermont in Paris, 1909, a chance encounter with the owner's daughter has given one young man a glimpse into a life he never knew existed: of sweet cream and melted chocolate, golden caramel and powdered sugar, of pastry light as air.

But it is not just the art of confectionery that holds him captive, and soon a forbidden love affair begins.

Almost eighty years later, an academic discovers a hidden photograph of her grandfather as a young man with two people she has never seen before. Scrawled on the back of the picture are the words 'Forgive me'. Unable to resist the mystery behind it, she begins to unravel the story of two star-crossed lovers and one irrevocable betrayal.

Take a moment to savour an evocative, bittersweet love story that echoes through the decades – perfect for fans of Kate Morton, Rachel Hore and Victoria Hislop.

First of all I would like to thank the publisher for sending me a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Review: I love historical fiction, Paris and baking (and baked treats) so I was not surprised that I enjoyed this read so much. Laura Madeleine's debut takes us to Paris in 1909 and her detailed descriptions of the different neighbourhoods, their buildings and its people paint a clear and easy to imagine picture of how the city of love must have been back then. 

In Paris we meet Gui, a young man from the country that travels to the city with a good friend to find work and be able to send some money back to his mother. The two friends start working for the railways but soon Gui finds himself in a total new environment. After meeting the beautiful daughter of the owner of one of Paris renowned Patisseries, he manages to find a job in its ovens and as he falls in love with the young girl, he also finds another passion: baking the most extraordinaire creations.

But the story not only takes place in Paris at the beginning of the century. Many decades after, Petra discovers that her beloved grandfather, a famous British historian, was involved in a scandal in Paris back then. Something he had kept as a secret all his life. But what is the connection between these two stories? This mystery kept me glued to the pages of The Confectioner's Tales for hours. I wanted to know what had happened back then that had hunted somebody's life so much. It was actually not that big of a scandal at th end but I certainly enjoyed finding out.

The Confectioner's Tale is a well crafted story with a beautiful setting. I could totally picture myself in a patisserie in Paris eating some macaroons while people watching. It's a story that entertains, keeps you wondering and makes you part of it. What else can you ask for? 

Rating: 
      

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2 comentaris

  1. I read this just before Christmas and also really enjoyed it. Another great review.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Tanya! Now I'm craving maracons badly, I'll have to get some for myself! :) x

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