I just listened to a conversation between Louise Penny and Robert Bathurst (the audio book narrator for the back half of the series) and Penny says Three Pines isn't real but it is "a state of mind." I love that and will now try to live my life in a Three Pines State of Mind.
Fascinating background on this area of Canada that I had wondered about for a long time as I read Louise Penny’s vivid portraits of the place and people. Thanks for filling in the picture--and now, of course, I want to visit!
Thank you Amy. Fascinating essay and very helpful context (I have no background knowledge of the area, and yet to visit). Really helpful to hear your comments on some of the grittier aspects of real life in the area.
You have me hooked, can't wait to read it. I have nothing but wonderful memories of the Eastern Townships and each time I get to exit 90 Lac Brome, I seem to exhale and forget about any of the troubles around me.
It provides some missing context (for me) for the real Eastern Townships, and still allows Three Pines to breathe as a real place despite its unreal status.
I agree with you that "[s]ome might argue that Penny paints a rose-colored view of this real place". I would argue it's hard for an idyllic location to be building a body count that in time will rival Cabot Cove or Fjellbacka!
I understand that perspective though. But it misses the underlying truth of Three Pines as being like every other city, town, and village in that it has darkness within the souls of even the most amiable of residents and the glorious brightness of ordinary people who love each other fiercely.
Absolutely, Don. The fact that Louise Penny invents "Three Pines" rather than set her story in a real Eastern Townships town/village gives her leaway to create an imaginative space that is both a little bit better and a little more deadly than the real thing. That being said, I think the bigger truth of the darkness and the light existing in every place comes through.
I just listened to a conversation between Louise Penny and Robert Bathurst (the audio book narrator for the back half of the series) and Penny says Three Pines isn't real but it is "a state of mind." I love that and will now try to live my life in a Three Pines State of Mind.
Lovely essay Amy.
I have never been to Eastern Townships but this essay made me want to make a pilgrimage. Love this and also the book recs!
Fascinating background on this area of Canada that I had wondered about for a long time as I read Louise Penny’s vivid portraits of the place and people. Thanks for filling in the picture--and now, of course, I want to visit!
Thank you Amy. Fascinating essay and very helpful context (I have no background knowledge of the area, and yet to visit). Really helpful to hear your comments on some of the grittier aspects of real life in the area.
You have me hooked, can't wait to read it. I have nothing but wonderful memories of the Eastern Townships and each time I get to exit 90 Lac Brome, I seem to exhale and forget about any of the troubles around me.
I have read Amy's book and you are in for a treat.
Thanks for this excellent essay, Amy.
It provides some missing context (for me) for the real Eastern Townships, and still allows Three Pines to breathe as a real place despite its unreal status.
I agree with you that "[s]ome might argue that Penny paints a rose-colored view of this real place". I would argue it's hard for an idyllic location to be building a body count that in time will rival Cabot Cove or Fjellbacka!
I understand that perspective though. But it misses the underlying truth of Three Pines as being like every other city, town, and village in that it has darkness within the souls of even the most amiable of residents and the glorious brightness of ordinary people who love each other fiercely.
Don
Absolutely, Don. The fact that Louise Penny invents "Three Pines" rather than set her story in a real Eastern Townships town/village gives her leaway to create an imaginative space that is both a little bit better and a little more deadly than the real thing. That being said, I think the bigger truth of the darkness and the light existing in every place comes through.