A magical, tender and darkly humorous novel. An ideal, heart-warming holiday read

The Lady

Witty, well observed and brilliantly written

Mature Times

Jean-Pierre’s back story unfolds and we begin to understand why his life has reached this impasse and a measure of begrudging sympathy comes over you – although he would hate if you were to say anything. As with Soft in the Head, I was hooked from the get go

Nudge-book

The perfect pick-me-up

The Connexion

It is so quick and easy to read but it has a lasting impression as the characters feel so real

Of Beauty and Nothingness (blog)

Praise for Soft in the Head

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Marie-Sabine Roger presents a tale of quiet hope and discovery alongside a person’s history that is profoundly sad. An unusual Bildungsroman that is candid and refreshing

Financial Times

Unapologetically heartwarming… comfort reading that celebrates humanity, love, empathy, the sense of community and generosity of spirit

Herald magazine

If you want summer reading escapism, you can’t go wrong with this tender tale of an unlikely, love-filled friendship

Big Issue

[Margueritte] introduces [Germain] to books, dictionaries and libraries and shows him that it is never too late to learn new things or make new friends

Standard Issue

Quietly powerful… told with earthy candour and tenderness, spiked with wry humour… a profound exploration of how neglect can (mis)shape a life – and how books, and a chance encounter, can change it for the better

The Lady

Uplifting tale… full of humour and humanity, the story reveals how meeting the right person can change one’s view of the world

France magazine

Sweetly charming, and at times hilarious… thought-provoking… this first English translation will sweep readers off their feet, wherever in the world they are

Living France

A magical and heart-warming book that should be on everyone’s to-read list

Mature Times

Uplifting, bright and hopeful from the first page, this is a wonderful little book… Frank Wynne’s translation is superb

The Connexion

Highly readable… Highly recommended… An easy conversational style… Plenty of books have focused on characters who have overcome disadvantage to achieve their life goals but few have done it with such a light touch. Germain is a big bloke but you can feel his inner being unfolding like a butterfly out of a cocoon

Nudge

It is impossible not to fall in love with Germain and Margueritte… this is book you could return to, especially if you needed to put a smile on your face

Bookbag

What book lover could resist a tale of someone’s life changing when they’re taught to read in adulthood?

The Writes of Woman (blog)

One of the sweetest books that I have read this year… a true elegy to friendship… managing to be life-affirming without being saccharine… a book truly to treasure

Girl With Her Head in a Book (blog)

Roger’s novel is a quintessential summer read, that will stay with you long after you’ve left Germain and Margueritte’s journey together. A tale of growth and new beginnings that will make you laugh, cry, and ponder all of life’s little foibles

If These Books Could Talk (blog)

The effect of the whole story is a lingering sense of upliftedness and an appreciation for the small things in life… Perfect pick for a lazy holiday read or to keep on your nightstand for when you need a gentle easing into sleep. It’s funny, touching and generally focused on finding the good in people and the magic that can happen when an unexpected friendship bears the fruit of positive change in the participants

The Bookshelf Gargoyle (blog)

I absolutely loved this book and was smitten with Germain’s story and for this reason I think it should be on everyone’s “must-read” summer book list

The Bookbinder's Daughter (blog)

This is a lovely story of the redeeming qualities of civil conversation, the possibility of friendship bridging many years and inquiring minds, and the worlds opened up through reading

Darwin Ellis (Books on the Common), Indie Next

A heartwarming and endearing story of the power of books, friendship and how you never know what life is going to throw at you… I can’t recommend it enough

Of Beauty and Nothingness (blog)

I enjoyed the fact that it was an ode to literacy, reading and power of words

Constantly Moving the Bookmark (blog)

A book about books, this novel is delightfully satisfying… It’s hard to say exactly how wonderful and well-written Soft in the Head is without quoting a swath of text

The Worm Hole (blog)

Every once in a while, it does you good to read something that makes you think and question perceptions, and this does so in an entertaining and ultimately heartwarming way

Jill's Book Cafe (blog)

A beautiful touching story… Frank Wynne has captured its French essence perfectly

With Love for Books (blog)

A poignant story, and a good read

CherylM-M's Book Blog

A delightful little read

In Neverland (blog)

Oh, how I devoured this one… Easy to read, charming and with gentle but realistic characterisation… a gorgeous read. Highly recommended

Shutters and Letters (blog)

I really liked the developing relationship between Germain and Margueritte… the big picture of the story was lovely

Book Sojourner (blog)

The most touching book I’ve read this year

BongBongBooks (blog)

A book that climbs into your heart and sets up camp there for long after you have turned the final page

In Words and Ink (blog)

A timeless novel of human regard, respect and connection

Fictionophile (blog)

Simple and delicious

Express Styles

A real pleasure trip

La Vie

A funny, touching book that it is a delight to read

L'Express

Renews your faith in humanity… a real little moment of happiness

Le Nouvelliste

Moving, tender, funny, joyful, profound, humane and full of warmth

L'Express

Hilarious until the very end

Psychologies

A tender hymn to human relationships… Exquisite

La Vie

Impossible to forget

Foreword Reviews