Marina Kemp's impressive debut is full of complex characters and fantastic homages to the classics of gothic literature. Full review posted at BookBrowse: https://www.bookbrowse.com/mag/reviews/index.cfm/ref/pr261056

4.5 stars

When I first encountered this book, my mind ran to the assumption that it was going to be a very ‘high brow’ read. Don’t get me wrong, I love intelligent and more serious novels from time to time but I also enjoy just escaping into a trashy romance too, so it just depends on my mood.

But this novel continued to stand out and intrigue me. I loved the cover and thought it was elegant and eye catching, but I also thought the story sounded compelling and smart. By the time I was ready to pick it up, my interest in it was well and truly caught.

The book had been sitting on my bookshelf calling my name for the better part of two months so it was with great anticipation that I cracked it open.

Summary
In this haunting novel, a young nurse forms an unlikely connection with the elderly man she cares for, and finds herself confronting the guilt she carries from her past.

Marguerite Demers is twenty-five when she leaves Paris for the sleepy southern village of Saint Sulpice to take up a job as a live-in nurse. Her charge is Jerome Lanvier–once one of the most powerful men in the village, now dying alone in his large and secluded house surrounded by rambling neglected gardens. Manipulative and tyrannical, Jerome has scared away all of his previous caretakers.

It’s not long before the villagers have formed opinions of Marguerite. Brigitte Brochon, pillar of the community and local busybody, finds her arrogant and mysterious and is desperate to find a reason to have her fired. Glamorous outsider Suki Lacourse sees Marguerite as an ally in a sea of small-minded provincialism. Local farmer Henri Brochon, husband of Brigitte, feels sorry for her and wants to protect her from the villagers’ intrusive gossip and speculation (but Henri has a secret of his own that would scandalize his neighbors, if only they knew). The sudden arrival of Jerome’s three sons will upend the rhythm of their days, changing their lives forever.

Set among the lush fields and olive groves of southern France, and written in clear prose of luminous beauty, Marguerite is an unforgettable novel that traces the ways in which guilt can be transformed, and how people can unexpectedly find a sense of redemption. (summary from Goodreads)

Review
While my attention to the larger story was caught early on in this book, it was admittedly a slow start for me. This isn’t the kind of book that I was able to just jump right into and start reading with vigor. It was more of a slower paced read which was ok, but the story itself was very compelling and interesting with a lot of introspection. Though I have to say that I read a couple of other reviews that pointed out that this book was a little on the darker side and I agree, it was a little darker than I was expecting but I thought that’s what made this book all the more compelling because it was darker and a little more intense. It is definitely a worthwhile read.

I love introspection and reflection in novels such as this. I thought it really made the reader pause and consider the characters and their situations. I was very impressed with the writing style of this book, especially considering this was the author’s debut novel! I couldn’t believe that, it was incredibly well written and engaging even if it was slower to start.

The characters and the setting take center stage in this book. I loved the setting in the French countryside. I thought the setting really added to the complex themes of grief and regret as well as secrets. The small village setting was perfect for that.

This novel had a lot to unpack and enjoy. It was a different type of read for me but one that I found myself enjoying page by page and it did make me think and reflect on the characters so I would say that makes it a great read! This one is going to be one you don’t want to miss!

Book Info and Rating
Hardcover, 320 pages
Published March 24th 2020 by Viking
ISBN13 9781984877833
Free review copy provided by publisher, Viking, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and in no way influenced.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: fiction

'Marguerite', by Marina Kemp, is a character based novel that caught me from the very first pages. When Marguerite Demers, a 25 year old nurse, arrives in a small French town to care for Jerome, a misanthropic old man, the tension builds relentlessly and continues until the very end of the book.

Marguerite is met at the train stop by Brigitte Brochon, ostensibly the caretaker for Jerome's estate. Brigitte does not offer a smile or assistance to Marguerite and she appears to perceive Marguerite's presence with resentment and suspicion. Brigitte is quick to gossip and attempts to turn the townspeople against Marguerite.

Suki LaCourse, a bohemian-dressed Muslim is considered a village outsider despite having lived there for 15 years. Her husband is rarely around and she attempts to befriend Marguerite who is somewhat wary of Suki's attempts. Suki appears glamorous but conflicted and Marguerite can't make up her mind of whether she'd like to pursue their friendship or not.

At some point, Jerome's sons visit him despite a multi-year estrangement. Havoc ensues and Marguerite's relationship with them crosses professional boundaries. As Brigitte gets wind of some of this, along with Marguerite's relationship with Suki, she begins spreading poisonous gossip about Marguerite to the townspeople.

Henri, Brigitte's husband, attempts to be supportive of Marguerite. He has secrets to bear and senses that Marguerite is also dealing with secrets and the weight of her past.

The interconnection of these dark and weighted characters, along with their secrets, form the heart of the novel and give it both its complexity and beauty. The writing is stellar and each character comes alive with Ms. Kemp's pen. It is difficult to believe that this is a debut novel.

I will call this a strong 3.5 stars. Our title character, Marguerite, is a live-in nurse to an elderly and cranky man in the south of France. She is fleeing her former life, which we learn more about as the novel progresses. While caring for Jerome, she gets to know some of the locals, who are interesting and colorful characters. Brigitte is the town gossip and wonders what Marguerite is up to; Suki is an outsider who is looking for acceptance; Henri is Brigitte's husband who is hiding a secret of his own. Jerome's three sons, who are somewhat estranged from him, make a brief appearance, which is just enough for us to get a feel for the dynamic between father and sons.

This book was quite slow to get going. I would have liked more action. It is also introspective and a bit dark. If you are looking for an uplifting story, look elsewhere. That said, the action picked up about 3/4 of the way in, and then I became very invested in finding out what would become of the characters. I suppose the ending was fitting but a little disappointing.

The writing was strong and eloquent which carried it through the slow parts. I will recommend this to readers who appreciate thoughtful dramas that focus on characters more than plot.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for providing early access to the digital copy.