Still Life: What parts of Still Life resonated with you the most? Why?

On the broadest level, I think it’s the characters, especially the villagers in Three Pines, that resonated with me the most. Each one felt individual and unique. I was immediately drawn to Isabelle and Jean Guy, intrigued by Ruth, and curious about Gamache. I wanted to know more about them. I also liked Myrna. Even the supporting characters, some of whom appeared only briefly, had surprising depth. I found myself wanting to know what they were thinking and to spend more time with them — which, to me, is one of my barometers of a good book. I also loved the setting—the village itself with the three pines, surrounded by woods and with cozy and welcoming homes and bistro. The place took hold in my imagination.

I agree, Tara. There are many books that I read that I enjoy, but have no curiosity about what happens next for the story or the characters once it’s finished. When I read Still Life, there was something about how LP’s descriptive writing created those characters and that setting that made me want more. At this point, there are only hints of who these people really are, but I saw that most of them had depth and pasts and potential struggles that I wanted to know more about. They weren’t “one and done” people for me. I also like a good hero to root for, and with Gamache, I had found one; and like you, found that I was drawn to JG and Isabelle as well, younger versions of Gamache who already seemed on the right path of quiet integrity and heroism.
Since it was a murder mystery, I wondered if I would see the villagers again if the series continued, but knew that those characters would also be a joy to revisit. And the setting was both familiar and foreign to me; I grew up in a small community, too, and could relate to many of the scenes and attitudes that were revealed about Three Pines, but also had never been to Quebec, and was left wanting to know more about that part of the world and the way of life there.
In the end, what resonated with me most was the feeling of contentment I had when the story was complete. I had found these delightful characters, like new friends, who shared many of my values, and that intriguing setting, comfortable yet interesting. I was eager to return.

I think your description of a “feeling of contentment” is perfect, Jane. That’s how I felt. I wasn’t that engaged in finding out who the murderer was as much as I was in following the characters as they investigated and learning more about them. And I agree Tara, having good characters in a book can make up for any deficits in plot. I think the characters’ attitudes, behaviors and thoughts are what resonated the most for me. I could see bits of myself reflected in what they were thinking.

For me, it is almost always the characters. I no longer remember my true first impressions of “Still Life” but I know I found myself caught up more in the characters and their individual stories than the “mystery” itself. That does not mean Louise Penny doesn’t write a great plot; it is just that I find the characters so compelling, engaging and human.

Among the characters, I found Matthew Croft a particularly complex and interesting character, the highway maintenance guy who reads poetry to deal with the trauma he sees. And his love and acceptance of Philippe was compelling. He is willing to accept jail time and his son’s accusations and still reaches out with love and acceptance and willingness to allow Philippe the distance he apparently needs.

And, of course, the unfolding story of Armand and Jean-Guy’s relationship always resonates.

To me, LP’s writing is so descriptive, it is like watching a film. It is also comforting like savoring a really good piece of dark chocolate.

Like all of you it was the characters and their relationships. The setting too was important as it created a feeling of safety and comfort. I think LP said herself her books are about community and belonging. All of the characters are interesting in their own way and I too found myself wanting to know more about them.