This is a quiet book about two elderly French men who decide to follow the route of the Tour de France in a car. George is in his 80s and Charles is younger and more enthusiastic about the trip. George has the perfect chance to go on the adventure when his daughter goes to South American for two months. He doesn't want her to know he's gone away. She's been caring for him and, frankly, they both need a break. Charles has his wife's blessing. And off they go.
Not much happens. George meets Charles' sister and they like each other. George's granddaughter calls him, figures out that he's put his phone on call forwarding, learns about the trip, and asks him to text her each night to tell her that he's okay and where they are that night. George learns text-speak and he and his granddaughter rekindle a latent relationship. They're both delighted about that.
They meet some interesting people and see some interesting sights, but neither are dwelt on. The trip seems a little cursory.
Charles has a special reason for the trip, but I'm not going to tell you what it is. He'll have to tell you.
A while ago, I read a book about an elderly man who takes off on a grand adventure, so, a similar subject, but with major differences. The book was The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared. I liked that one better.
I read this last summer. It's a sweet little book. Nothing amazing or earth shattering, but quiet and sweet.
ReplyDeleteI didn't dislike this book, but I think I thought it would be more like the Hundred-Year-Old Man. More of a rollicking old age adventure. 'Ignore your aches and pains and have some fun', that sort of thing.
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