Jacob's Advice really got to me. I wish I'd read it sooner. It's an affecting (and sometimes affected, but in a good way) story of two cousins together in Paris attempting to sort our their lives, relationships and ethnicity. It's discursive, literary and allusive but Jude Cook maintains a lightness of touch throughout which is impressive. It's slightly rose-tinted and old-fashioned in its view of academia and research, but Cook captures Paris (and later Amsterdam) remarkably vividly, as well as the sense in which 20th century history is still making itself felt and being echoed and reflected in the 21st. I felt slightly bereft at the end of the novel, wanting more, and that doesn't happen to me very often. A fantastic novel.

This book is absolutely brilliant.
This book is not plot driven but it is paced
This book dealt with tough themes and was difficult to read in places

Sadly, I did not have time to read this book before it was archived, however, I still believe it is a worthwhile read!

Thank you #netgalley and @unboundbooks for this e-ARC in return for my honest review.

Set in France in 2015 we follow the story of two English cousins in the search for their past.
It's also a love letter to Paris. This is a great novel.

This is a poignant and interesting story about two cousins, Nick and Larry, and their search for identity and belonging at a time and in a place where they feel disconnected and unsure.

The relationship and closeness between the characters shines through the book and both men are likeable and interesting characters. You are taken on a journey with them and really see their development and rejoice or despair in their discoveries along the way.

The novel is set against the backdrop of Paris during the 2015 terrorist attacks. The beauty of the streets, restaurants and landmarks is contradicted by the fracture, destruction and terror of the attacks.

This is cleverly mirrored in the novel as the light humour and “banter” is balanced with the themes of rejection, identity and loss.

This book is beautifully crafted, especially the dialogue between the main characters and although not my usual fast paced read, is one I have thoroughly enjoyed reading.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

There's a lot going on in this novel, and when you finish it, you need to stop and process what you just read. The story takes place in Paris, just after the Charlie Hebdo attacks. The main character thinks he's Jewish, and has always wanted to be. But isn't sure.
Paris has always been a complicated place to be Jewish . It still is.

Even though this book is written by someone named Jude Cook, I will avoid making a joke about it being a "cook book" because I'm sure the author is sick of hearing that joke.
#Netgally #judecook #bookstagram #jewishbookstagram

Have you been to Paris? Tell us about it in the comments.