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Why do you think the village of Three Pines is not on any map? Is this a benefit or disadvantage? Does it make the village special? In what way do each of the villagers fit into Three Pines and show that they belong?
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I like to think that Three Pines isn’t on any map because it’s like a fairy tale place – hidden in the woods, a little bit “out of time.” Off-the-map places may still exist in the world, but being “uncharted” makes them feel mysterious, romantic, and magical. At the very least, it makes them special. It doesn’t seem to be a disadvantage to those who live there. In fact, they all seem to appreciate its hidden nature.
I especially liked the history Ben shares with Gamache about the three pines being planted as a code for United Empire Loyalists seeking sanctuary—a refuge from the world’s cruelty. Interestingly, Louise describes Three Pines as a historically British/English town surrounded by French Quebec, which may explain why it was forgotten and left off maps.
Throughout the Gamache series, Three Pines continues to be a sanctuary, a beacon for those in need of belonging. In Still Life, the villagers demonstrate in both small and big ways how much they care for one another and their community. Jane Neal stands up to the teenage vandals to defend Gabri and Olivier’s home. Ruth helps clean up the mess and she runs the volunteer fire department. Timmer appears to have looked after Clara and Peter in lots of different ways. Gabri and Olivier don’t seek revenge on Philippe for the vandalism; instead, they insist he work at the bistro, not as punishment but as a way to help him see kindness and possibility. Clara, too, is determined to help find Jane’s killer and works with Gamache.
Each of them plays a role in shaping Three Pines into more than just a hidden village. It’s a true community.
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This is a bit hard to literally answer, because in future books, we find out why the village isn’t on the map. And also, LP herself has given answers as to why she created the place. But I’ll try to answer in the spirit of just reading the book without further knowledge. I do think that living in Three Pines would be more of a blessing than a curse for most people. Clara and Peter feel more at peace here; they no longer subscribe to the Montreal papers, but instead find solace in reading the local news. They were stressed and needed a haven, and found it. It’s an advantage for them, as they can still go into the outside world and participate in whatever they choose, but they have a safe place and endless inspiration to retreat to. The same goes for the other residents as well. Myrna has a more satisfying life, and still manages to help people with her insights and wisdom, but has found a way to keep herself from becoming too jaded and cynical as she was in danger of doing in the larger world. Ruth is a permanent resident here, and that’s probably the best place for her to be. She has still managed to make her mark on the world, but finds the love and acceptance she requires within this quiet circle of friends. It might have been much harder for her to find such comforts had she lived anywhere else, given her unfiltered mind and fluctuating emotions. Olivier and Gabri were unhappy in the outside world, and although they found some solace and introspection (and ultimately, each other) through therapy there, they needed to escape and find a gentler, more tolerant world. For all these people, they have benefited from the voluntary isolation. It’s a place to heal, lick one’s wounds, and find oneself. I don’t see a big downside for any of these characters; I don’t think that living in a bubble without seeing the reality of what’s going on in the world is good or healthy, but I don’t think they’re doing that; they can still be involved wherever they want to be; they often go to Montreal, it seems, and they are all living happy, fulfilled lives in many ways. They are people who live, love, create, and help one another. They are living good lives and are positive forces in this community.
Perhaps the downside is more evident in residents who never learned why the place and the people there are so special and should be treasured; maybe there are some who don’t realize how lucky they are to be part of that community– people like Ben and Yolande, who think they’re entitled to so much more in the world, and never see all the good things they’ve had (e.g.: Ben had a loving mother and good friends; Yolande had Jane in her corner growing up). I don’t see them being very successful in the larger world or making positive contributions. Maybe the blessing is that they stayed around Three Pines and weren’t inflicted on the rest of the world! -
I think maybe because the village finds you: I think why you seek it is the reason you find it. And the reason you stay and make it home.
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I 100% agree with this. It’s like Three Pines finds them when they need it most. I have always thought it found Gamache when he needed it most!
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Definitely agree with Tara and Susan. Looking at the Three Pines in “Still Life” through the lens of future books surely informs how I think about this question. And, Three Pines is a refuge. Susan and Tara pretty much capture how the villagers fit and how they show they belong.
In my view, it is not only a benefit that Three Pines is not on a map, it is probably essential. As welcoming and generous and open minded as the residents of Three Pines are, I am not sure that level of trust and personal knowledge would be possible unless Three Pines remained a village. It is the villagers who make Three Pines a refuge, a special place. It’s “undisclosed” location makes that possible.
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Agree with everyone’s thoughtful interpretations. It’s a refuge, a sanctuary, a place of tolerance and wisdom. It’s not perfect by any means, but the residents are for the most part open-minded and trying their best.
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