We are so excited to journey with you to Three Pines, the fictional French-Canadian village created by Louise Penny for her Three Pines series, featuring Armand Gamache. This spin-off podcast series will tackle each of the books in the series in turn, in a spoiler-FILLED format. Be sure you’ve read the book before listening to the episode.

As you’ve come to expect with all Currently Reading content, Meredith and Roxanna will follow a regular episode format, with regular segments, so you know what to expect each and every time. We love staying focused on the book, rather than conversational rabbit holes. 

Show notes for this series will not be time-stamped, but will include links to Bookshop dot org or Amazon for any books or resources referenced in the episode. These are affiliate links, so they kick back a small percentage to us if you buy through them, and help support the work we do on Currently Reading.

2:02 - The Set Up

A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny

3:34 - Putting the Book Into Context

Publication date (mentioned that it is the last book pre-iPhone which comes into play later)

The rating is higher on Audible than Goodreads, speaking to the quality of narration.

Seasonal setting - Winter

Book Awards: Agatha Award for Best Novel in 2007

Critic Reviews

Release date confusion

Alternate Title: Dead Cold (Canadian title), TV Show on Amazon Prime titled this episode “Whiteout”

Meredith’s and Roxanna’s encounters with the book

9:37 - A Deeper Exploration

First few paragraphs

Still Life by Louise Penny

Gamache is not introduced until chapter 8

Immediate body shaming of CC’s daughter by CC herself

The Oddness Factor

P.148 highlighting the oddness of the murder

The Canadian Perspective

Exploration of art used in A Fatal Grace

The pacing of the novel

The Villagers and the Village itself

Themes: Three Pines as a place of respite, Introspection and the acceptance of oneself, Light and Dark

The comparison of CC, Peter and Clara Morrow

Vulnerability and authenticity at superpowers

Lack of small children belonging to main characters

The Fear Factor

 

46:57 - What Do We Need to Know?

Village of Three Pines - The Bistro, The Hadley House

How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny

Enneagram Corner

Introduction to Arnoult

1:00:22 - Superlatives

Biggest flaw or disappointment

Fat shaming and appearance shaming

Favorite scene

Character MVP

Biggest loser

Best food description

Favorite quote

1:20:44 - Within the Series

Setting the table

Favorite quote

Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny

A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny

Next episode’s read: The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny

No Spoilers this episode! 

Connect With Us:

Please note the change in Meredith’s Instagram handle. This was recorded prior to the change. 

Meredith is @meredithmondayschwartz on Instagram

Kaytee is @notesonbookmarks on Instagram

Roxanna is @roxannatheplanner on Instagram

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@currentlyreadingpodcast on Instagram

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