Les Caprices d'un astre by Antoine Laurain

Les Caprices d'un astre Reviews

• 
  William Bentrim

  An Astronomer In Love by Antoine Laurain
  This book might best be described as a character study. Guillaume le Gentil is the French King’s royal astronomer seeking to document the transit of Venus across the sun. Xavier Lemercier is a divorced real-estate agent searching for meaning in his life. Centuries apart the two never meet but the life of one dramatically impacts the other.
  Laurain builds his characters with precision and depth. You, as Xavier feels, must have met sometime before. The strength and resilience of Guillaume are awe-inspiring. There is no action, violence, or mayhem in this book. There are a lot of thoughtful perspectives on human nature, the courage of convictions, and the need for connection and companionship.
  I did not expect to enjoy the book and I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
  
• 
  Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance

  Two men. Two different times. Two longing for love. One telescope.
  
  Have you read Antoine Laurain before? If you haven't and if you enjoy a light story set in Paris with a bit of adventure and a bit of thoughtful life wisdom, I'd encourage you to read this book or one of his other books. When I set down an Antoine Laurain book, I feel more positive about life, and I can't say that is the way I feel when I set down most books.
• 
  Diana

  Another beautiful book from Antoine Laurain. This time there were dual storylines that kept me interested particularly the historical one. The information about natural history and astronomy was fascinating and of course there was a little romance. Nothing sappy or lame, just a beautiful convergence of individuals in different settings.
  Definitely my favourite author of the past ten years.
• 
  Emma

  VERDICT: Historical fiction mixed with a contemporary narrative, clever connections and exquisite descriptions: Laurain’s quirky writing has reached a delightful maturity.
  
  Imagine you go to a flea market, and you find a very old telescope. Then you dig around on the life of famous astronomers. What would you do with that?
  I don’t know how and where Antoine Laurain found his inspiration for An Astronomer in Love, but I can say that with an old telescope and the life of an astronomer, he managed to produce a novel that is definitely my favorite of all his books (and this is my 8th). Here is why you should drop everything and start reading it.
  
  My full review is here:
  
  https://wordsandpeace.com/2023/06/26/...
• 
  Carol (Reading Ladies)

  It’s not a romance despite the title. (see my explanation below)
  
  In 1760, a real-life royal astronomer, Guillaume le Gentil, is sent by King Louis XV to document the transit of Venus. (interesting to read about!….but the Guillaume link will give you story spoilers which you may want to avoid) Just know that his adventurous quest is complicated. In the modern timeline, Xavier finds Guillaume’s telescope in a property he sold. He takes it home and uses it to entertain his ten-year-old son and is entranced by occasional glimpses of an intriguing young woman on her balcony. Ultimately, this story of adventure and destiny is a sweet love story.
  
  Do you love it when a book finds you at just the right time? Thanks to Davida @ The Chocolate Lady’s Book Review Blog for putting this book on my radar.
  
  It’s two days after Christmas and (1) my two most recent reads haven’t been great (both had heavy content and one I DNFed at 87%) and (2) I desperately needed a relaxing read but didn’t feel in the mood for a typical romcom or seasonal read. Then I remembered Davida’s review and hoped An Astronomer in Love would fit my reading mood. What a sweet, whimsical, and delightful read!
  
  In addition to beautiful writing and delightful prose, the author’s light touch and a bit of whimsy and humor captivated me from page one.
  
  Even though the tone is light, there is depth. Guillaume is on a serious quest to document the transit of Venus (which will occur only twice in his lifetime). He also longs for love. Xavier in the modern timeline is also lonely as a result of a recent divorce. He unexpectedly meets a woman he thinks he might love, but he sabotages his own plan and hopes. Will these two men centuries apart find love in their lifetimes? How will the transit of Venus (Roman goddess of love and beauty) figure into the story lines?
  
  Dual timelines are handled differently from author to author. Sometimes we get alternating chapters and other times half of the book is devoted to one timeline and the other half to the second timeline. Often something in one timeline connects the timelines. Other times, there is a mystery to be solved in the contemporary timeline that can only be solved by delving into the past. Readers are known for being opinionated about timelines! At times, readers prefer one timeline over the other because the character is more likable or because one story line is more engaging or relevant.
  
  An Astronomer in Love employs the dual timeline structure most interestingly. The two story lines are expertly and almost magically connected through a telescope, circumstances, and/or thoughts. It seems like we are only a breath away from the other timeline in any given moment. This is literally true as timelines blend seamlessly within chapters and even paragraphs. It’s almost as if the stories are being told simultaneously, and it causes the reader to pay close attention! Early in the story, I had to backtrack a bit to ground myself in the right timeline. After I grew accustomed to the writing style and structure, the transition between timelines becomes a work of art and not a frustration. It’s something you need to experience for yourself. Students of literature would greatly enjoy studying this unique ability to weave two timelines together. It’s the most interesting element of the story.
  
  If you’ve followed my reviews for a while, you might know that I prefer a perfect balance between character-driven and plot-driven. If I need to choose between character and plot, I lean towards plot. Purely character-driven can bore me without some internal growth or external conflict. Something needs to happen! Literary Fiction is often character-driven, and I tread carefully into Literary Fiction. Often, the story involves sad people living sad lives. Yes, the story can be well written but I need elements of hope or redemption.
  
  I consider An Astronomer in Love to be heavily character-driven. However, it has enough of a plot (Guillaume’s quest to document the transit of Venus and Xavier’s desire to win the heart of the woman to whom he’s attracted). Even though this story might be considered character-driven, it has enough plot or conflict to satisfy my reading tastes.
  
  The author writes with a light touch which includes a bit of whimsy and humor. Even though Guillaume (in particular) faces some setbacks, the story is not dismal.
  
  Certain themes such as the quest which defines much of Guillaume’s life is strong evidence to classify this as Literary Fiction. What happens when one’s all-consuming dream ends in disappointment? How does one handle a botched relationship that had so many possibilities? Especially, if it is absolutely one’s own fault? Can there be happy endings here? I loved the themes of picking yourself up and moving forward, forgiveness, handling crushing disappointment, courage of convictions, the need for connection, loneliness, heartfelt and honest communication, taking risks, and chasing your dreams.
  
  I love wonderful endings, and An Astronomer in Love definitely includes a satisfactory ending for each timeline. The author certainly sticks the landing in the smoothest and most endearing of ways!
  
  Is there a difference between a romance and a love story? Yes, I think there is. For me, a romance is the focus of the entire story. There wouldn’t be a story without the romance. A love story might end in romance, but it’s not the primary focus. In An Astronomer in Love, the story’s focus is on two men: one who is driven by achievement (and is also lonely), and the other who is lonely because of personal life circumstances. In the end, they each find love, but it’s not the focus of the entire story despite the title.
  
  If you’re looking for an overall delightful, interesting, and charming read in this week between Christmas and New Years, I highly recommend this gently-told, unique, and engaging story! Fans of literary fiction, astronomy, biographical fiction, thoughtful themes, and love stories will appreciate An Astronomer in Love. Book clubs will find much to discuss.
  
  For more reviews visit my blog
  www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
• 
  Book Minded Mag

  This book is such a delight. I enjoyed every minute of it. Reading translated books is proving to be the right move for me, as I've enjoyed all of the ones I've read so far. For a more detailed review, see the link below.
  
  
  An Astronomer in Love
• 
  Marg

  What a delightful read
• 
  Ngân Thu

  A heart warming read that makes you want to book the next flight to Paris
• 
  Nora

  What an absolute joy to read. I love Antoine Laurain’s quirky tales and this one was such a treat.
• 
  Kaytee Cobb

  I need to check the paper formatting for this one because the Kindle formatting was garbage, but the story was excellent.
• 
  Davida Chazan

  This lovely novel does something very unique with a dual timeline, so even if you hate them, you might love this one! You can read my full review here.
  https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2023/07/1...
• 
  N.

  Could not put down. A lovely dual timeline story about a real-life astronomer and a fictional real estate agent in Paris and how their lives intersect.
• 
  Margaret McCulloch-Keeble

  Delightful. Charming. Enchanting. Lovely. As usual. There isn't an Antoine Laurain book I've disliked.
• 
  Juliette

  Une petite pépite ! C’est une histoire qui mêle romance, astronomie et histoire
  Les personnages sont touchants et la moral est une belle leçon ❤️🔭🌌
• 
  Joanne Adams

  Loved this book! The story has 2 time lines. The first is of Xavier and Alice and the 2nd is of Guillaume Le Gentil de La Galaisiere in the late 1700’s. I loved how both stories intersect around the Transit of Venus. The love story in both timelines was fabulous. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys romance and some science. This was a recommendation from Anne Bogel at MMD podcast.
• 
  Wolfgang Amadeus Brozart

  Pageturner mit schöner Moral, aber inhaltlich zu einfach und wenig brillierend.
• 
  Monica Fumarolo

  There can be something so incredibly magical about browsing shelves and coming across one singular item that grabs you in a way that nothing else does. That was the case for me many years ago when I first came across Antoine Laurain's novel The Red Notebook at my favorite local indie. Ever since, I have kept a keen eye out for his latest releases, and I can't believe this one almost passed me by! The story alternates between the recent past and the far past and two men each finding love in unexpected ways, united by a single telescope and the astronomical event known as the transit of Venus. In the 1700s, readers get to know Guillaume Le Gentil, an astronomer who has the blessing of the King of France to sail across the world to witness the transit of Venus, an instance where the planet Venus crosses between the sun and the earth. It occurs rarely - once every 121 years, then again 8 years later, then not again for another 105 years. Meanwhile in 2012, Victor is a real estate agent who has come into the possession of an old telescope that was left behind at an apartment he recently negotiated the sale of. He keeps it so he and his son can observe the heavens, but first he uses it to look in on the local sights, one of which includes a beautiful woman with a zebra in her living room.
  
  This book, though short, has a way of being cozy and charming. It demonstrates that base human desire for connection, for wanting to see the best in people and find the bright side. Laurain has not ventured into the realms of magical realism here, but he has walked just up to the edge of it. He has weaved together characters and events that make it feel like magic could be possible at any moment. I want to bump into these people on the street and it was such a privilege to be escape into their worlds for a while. It's not like a Hallmark movie where things are super sanitary - these people still felt like real people, with complications and faults that felt relatable and realistic. And yet, they exist on the verge of extraordinary, and I already have a sneaking suspicion I'll be rereading this along with Laurain's other works very soon.
• 
  Ingrid

  A story about two men separated by more than two centuries, but related via the same telescope and the transit of Venus. The moment I saw the cover and read the description I knew I wanted to read this book as it sounded really interesting and original.
  In 1760 Guillaume Le Gentil sets out on a journey from France to the Seas of India to observe a transit of Venus. In 2012 a real estate agent Xavier comes across Guillaume‘s telescope in one of the Parisian properties that he sold. Both timelines are told in parallel in alternating chapters and I liked how the language and the storytelling differed to reflect different times. Initially I thought I will be more into the current timeline, but I must say that I really grew fond of Guillaume‘s part of the story and his personality as the book progressed. I loved how he remained open, curious, kind, and always dedicated to science and discovery of the world despite all challenges and misfortune with his main mission.
  I think it is a very beautiful tribute to Guillaume Le Gentil, a real astronomer to King Louis XV, whom very few of us have heard about, before reading this book that is.
  
• 
  Aimee

  A gorgeous, dual-narrative novel. Whether the vibrantly-narrated trials of an 18th century astronomer as he crosses oceans and waits years in hopes of glimpsing Venus, or the anxiety-riddled estate agent in 2012 Paris, finding his place in the world - this novel steals your heart. Once again, an Antoine Laurain novel full of whimsy, heart, and great pathos. The themes of disappointment and letting go, of finding great joy in unexpected places, of love for other and yourself are gently placed before you, and allow the reader to take what they need, and let it nourish their spirits. A proper lovely book. And, I’m not just saying that as a character with my own name appears …
• 
  Nicole's Bücherwelt

  Hach, das war mal wieder eine schöne Lektüre, die man nicht mehr aus der Hand legen mag. Seit "Liebe mit zwei Unbekannten" bin ich ein großer Fan des Autors und fiebere jedem neuen Roman entgegen (nur "Die Zigarette danach" fand ich recht skurril, zwar in seinem Stil, aber nicht ganz meine Geschichte).
  Auch das neueste Werk enttäuscht nicht. Die Figuren, allen voran Xavier und Guillaume, sind sehr sympathisch und man wünscht ihnen ein gutes Ende für ihre Reise, die man gespannt verfolgt. Mehr verrate ich jetzt aber nicht, das müsst ihr schon selbst lesen. 😉
• 
  Jess

  I absolutely adore this book! It is truly fantastic. I found myself remembering little precious details of it in the days after I finished it. Alternating between Guillaume in 1760 and Xavier in 2012, we only get a a few pages of each story at a time before switching. I really liked this. In typical Antoine Laurain fashion, we have a shorter-than-usual novel (some could argue novella size) but the choice of words is so precise that you have exactly, perfectly, what you need for the story, with nothing extra floating around. I'm adding this to my collection of books I really love.
• 
  Lindsay

  Beauty, love, and magic floating amongst the stars.
  ​
  How did the book make me feel/think?
  
  Antoine Laurain’s “AN ASTRONOMER IN LOVE” is a charmingly heartwarming story about the magic often revolving around us in everyday life. Beauty is often found in the ordinary. And if we rush to judgment, we might miss the comfort of the small moments of love surrounding us, often hidden in plain sight.
  
  This is the fourth Gallick Book I’ve had the privilege of reading, and every single one of them has been fantastic!
  
  WRITTEN: 15 September 2023
• 
  Kathy

  This was a charming little book translated from French into British English and read by a Brit. I enjoyed listening to it but had to read the last 30%.
  It was life affirming and very pleasant. And I could imagine all the scenes in Paris.
  It flips quickly between the historical astronomer and the modern day amateur which took a bit of getting used to.
  Nice book!
• 
  Martha

  What a perfect little book. I lived learning about this most unfortunate astronomer and he juxtaposition of our hero Xavier. Getting stuck and unstuck in life. Keeping their eyes to the constellations and the wonder and beauty of the see and the sky and love itself. A joy to read.
• 
  Camille Marsella

  Un joli roman qui raconte l'histoire d'une astronome du temps de Louis XV et d'un agent immobilier de nos jours à Paris qui découvre une lunettes de longue vue oubliée dans un appartement qu'il a vendu. Alors commence une recherche sur cet objet plein d'histoires...un bon moment de lecture