I recently picked up French Windows by Antoine Laurain, and I have to say it was a delightful and charming read. Laurain has a way of drawing you into his world with a quiet, almost whimsical tone, and this novel was no exception.

The story revolves around a man named Daniel, a Parisian who is on the verge of a life-changing decision. After being given the opportunity to purchase a beautiful, classic Parisian apartment with French windows (hence the title), Daniel’s life begins to unfold in unexpected ways. What initially seems like a simple story about finding a new home soon becomes much more—a meditation on personal transformation, the passage of time, and the complex relationships that shape our lives.

What really struck me about French Windows was Laurain’s ability to weave together the mundane with the extraordinary. The beauty of Paris is ever-present, but it’s not in a flashy, touristy way. Laurain captures the little details—the way the city smells after rain, the sound of footsteps on cobblestone streets—giving the novel a sense of intimacy and authenticity. It's a love letter to Paris, but also to life’s simple moments.

French Windows is a compelling and beautifully-written character-driven story with an intriguing twist that I did not expect. If you are looking for a fast-paced crime thriller, French Windows may not be the book for you. However, if you are looking for a more literary narrative with an exploration of psychoanalysis and the being, it is the perfect fit. The insight into the various beings who Nathalia observes is fascinating, and the way in which it all comes together in the end is masterfully done. And the ending... well I was definitely shocked. I will absolutely be looking out for more Laurain works in the future.

A mystery told with a series of vignettes, a truly compelling literary work. Nathalia Guitry accidentally photographs a murder and has difficulty processing this tragic event which causes her therapist to encourage her to write. This book comes across as both a literary novel and a psychologically intriguing book, a thoroughly enjoyable read.

While the overarching mystery plot was pretty dull, I really enjoyed the series of vignettes that Nathalia writes. The stories that come from the five floors are romantic, cathartic, and immersive, and they were the best part of the book, in my opinion. The twist was surprising at first, but looking back, it was a little predictable. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy essay and short story collections.

Oh what a joy, I love this author.
Nathalia Guitry, has captured a murder whilst photographing, unable to deal with the trauma her therapist says she must write.

so she writes about her neighbors. Each floor of the building has some brilliant characters and Nathalia doesn't always write what is true.
This is a fun fun read, it is also dark and compelling and I just loved how Nathalias mind worked mixing fact with fiction.

No spoilers from me about the whos and what they do but believe me this is a book that is brilliant.

"French Windows" by Antoine Laurain is a captivating blend of psychological intrigue and literary storytelling. Photographer Nathalia Guitry, after unintentionally capturing a murder on film, turns to writing about her neighbors as therapy—but her accounts blur the line between reality and imagination.

Laurain’s signature charm and vivid Parisian atmosphere shine through, with echoes of Hitchcock’s Rear Window. While some readers love the intriguing premise, others find the mystery aspect underdeveloped. Still, it’s a compelling exploration of observation, storytelling, and human complexity, perfect for fans of literary fiction with a twist.

A quick but introspective read. More than being a straightforward mystery, it's a book about trauma and the power of one's imagination. I was impressed by Laurain's ability to push us into Natalia's mindset and the twist was a whole lot of fun! Highly recommend, especially for people looking for quicker (but nevertheless deeply compelling) reads!

French Windows is a compelling and introspective novel that follows Nathalia, a woman who has witnessed a murder and begins seeing a therapist to process the traumatic event. While Nathalia is certain of what she saw, the narrative invites readers to slowly uncover the truth alongside her. As she delves deeper into therapy, the line between client and therapist begins to blur, leading to an unsettling exploration of trust, memory, and self-discovery.

The novel’s exploration of psychoanalysis is both thought-provoking and complex, as Nathalia works through her emotions and tries to make sense of the murder she witnessed. The shifting perspectives and narrative structures can be disorienting at times, and I found myself occasionally frustrated as the different threads of the story overlapped. However, this structure is intentional, capturing the confusion and inner turmoil Nathalia feels as she tries to piece together what really happened.

Though the story doesn't follow the conventions of a traditional thriller, it offers a unique and intellectually engaging journey into the intricacies of trauma and perception. The relationship between Nathalia and her therapist is particularly intriguing, as their interactions subtly evolve in unexpected ways, keeping the reader on edge and questioning what is real.

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book

This author is new to me. The title first got my attention and then I liked the description. This book was enjoyable and an easy read. I thought the characters were interesting too. I would recommend this book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Pushkin Press for an eARC. A young woman goes to a therapist because she has lost her passion for photography. It comes out that she photographed a murder. She shares with the Doctor stories she writes about people in the building the murder occurred. Are her stories real or not? Who is the murderer? An intriguing story that pulls you in until the last moment.

Thank you to Netgalley.co.uk and Pushkin Press for a copy of this book.

This short story is translated into English by Louise Rogers Lalaurie and is written by Antoine Laurain.

Set in Paris, and typically Parisienne, it weaves around two main characters, Dr Faber and his patient Nathalia. Nathalia meets with her psychologist because she has witnessed an event. It has prevented her from working, and she needs to talk through her thoughts and feelings to try and recover the loss of passion for her work.

As the story unfolds, it becomes more and more intriguing, and the reader becomes enveloped in a wish to discover what she has seen. What has had such an effect on Nathalia that she seeks Dr. Faber out for help?

The writing is set out in short chapters, which entice the reader forward, and each one gives a hint as to what is coming next - but we aware, dear reader, all is not as it seems!

One of the most thrilling reads I had this year, fast paced and gripping, confused and clear at the same time, Natalia Guitry and Dr. Faber weave a clash of wits across the 200 pages of this book. Scented with the Parisian life, this book is not just a novel, from science or literature, from psychoanalysis to romanticism, FRENCH WINDOWS is an intriguing mystery, perfect for a late day read on a summer busy day. Meeting Dr. Faber for therapy, Natalia is assigned to mold stories about the unknown lives in the building opposite to her. And she writes it, stories, each floor, each character, vivid imaginaries blending with real life, making it hard to realize what's true and what's false. And connecting in the murder that she witnessed.

An amazing read, I say again, the perfect example of a cat and mouse game. A rare occasion where the predator and prey switch roles and yet, cause no harm. And Natalia writes stories about people again-

3.5, rounded down.

Un petite bagatelle - c'est charmant, mais ....

A short and rather sweet French fable, but it lacks any real substance - but for the few hours it takes to read, it's a clever divertissement. The murder subplot doesn't amount to much, and I doubt I'll remember much of it 2 months from now. The original French title translates literally as 'Dangerously Sweet', which is much more evocative and on point.

French Windows by Antoine Laurain is an interesting yet occasionally challenging read. The story has its charm, but the use of complex vocabulary and intricate sentences made it difficult to follow at times. While the writing can be dense, the book ultimately delivers a satisfying sense of closure, leaving the reader with a rewarding conclusion. Despite the occasional struggles with the prose, the emotional payoff makes it worth reading, earning it a solid 3-star rating.

I thoroughly enjoyed it! I simply could not put it down!

Natalia, a photographer grappling with creative block after capturing a murder from her building, turns to Dr. Faber, a renowned therapist, for assistance.

Dr. Faber suggests to Natalia to write down stories about the building across her apartment as their therapy session.

This book is shorter and has a slower pace compared to the mysteries I’m used to reading. It’s also my first translated book from French, and I’m sure it won’t be my last.

French Window pays homage to Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 film Rear Window. Since I hadn’t watched the movie, I began reading the book without any prior knowledge or expectations about its plot.

Thank you NetGalley and Pushkin Press for this opportunity!

I'm not sure exactly how I feel about this one. It follows a therapist as he works with an unusual patient. To learn more he has her write about each floor of her small building, true and fiction. We get these mini stories and the therapist trying to determine what they say about her and if they are true. I do enjoy Laurian's style of writing and that is consistent here. But overall, this story was only ok for me.

A joy and delight from beginning to end.

Beautifully translated. The French language becoming a smooth poetic English text full of charm and Gallic flavour. Set in Paris yet the characters are accessible and strikingly familiar.
Slowly the reader is drawn into the patient/doctor interactions of Nathalia Guitry to Doctor Faber. I really enjoyed these therapy sessions and psychoanalysis especially when she agrees to write about her neighbours.

“ ‘In my apartment… I watch the people opposite. In the north wing.’
‘You watch your neighbours?’ ‘
‘Yes. Force of professional habit. I feel as if I’m an eye.’
She has internalised a form of perversion: voyeurism, rendered harmless through the practice of her profession. But Nathalia cannot be a perverted voyeur because she is a photographer by trade. For her, the act of seeing is a continuation of her work.”

She is seeking help, as she can no longer pursue her professional career as a photographer. One day her camera captured a murder.

So this interaction slowly unfolds as we too become voyeurs learning about those living in the apartments opposite. Each seems to have overcome some difficulty or crisis in their lives. The doctor wonders how much is true or simply the product of his patient’s imagination. The stories are a clever addition to the drama, character driven and interesting tales in themselves.

The book quickly draws you in; you feel unable to abandon the story of this woman seeking help and ultimately the shock of the murder comes out. Breathless drama; a clever setting for the unravelling of some strange events.
Ideas of self worth, motivation, desire and identity surface but it is the two characters centre strange that hold the most tension.

Such powerful storytelling that is both engaging and revealing.
Fiction at its best that challenges reality and convention.
From the pen of a celebrated author with a unique style underpinned in gentle wit, full of life and affirmation.

This is my first read by Antoine Laurain . I enjoyed reading it . It was fast, quick and an interesting read , similar to Dr Faber I was compelled to discover whether the stories Nathalie brings him are works of imagination or true. I didn’t figure out the twist right away but I did expect it towards the end just before it got revealed. Overall it's a great read, a book that got me out of my reading slump😍. I thank netgalley and Pushkin press for eARC copy.