An Astronomer in Love is the gently told and compelling story of a rare celestial event, a telescope, and finding love.

An Astronomer in Love by Antoine Laurain

Genre/Categories/Setting: Historical Literary Fiction (1760 and contemporary timelines), Book in Translation, Biographical, Astronomy, Love Story, Paris (France), various locations in the Indian Ocean

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

My Summary of An Astronomer in Love:

It’s not a romance despite the title. (see my explanation below)

In 1760, a real-life royal astronomer, Guillaume le Gentil, is sent by King Louis XV to document the transit of Venus. (interesting to read about!….but the Guillaume link will give you story spoilers which you may want to avoid) Just know that his adventurous quest is complicated. In the modern timeline, Xavier finds Guillaume’s telescope in a property he sold. He takes it home and uses it to entertain his ten-year-old son and is entranced by occasional glimpses of an intriguing young woman on her balcony. Ultimately, this story of adventure and destiny is a sweet love story.

My Thoughts:

Right Book at the Right Time

Do you love it when a book finds you at just the right time? Thanks to Davida @ The Chocolate Lady’s Book Review Blog for putting this book on my radar.

It’s two days after Christmas and (1) my two most recent reads haven’t been great (both had heavy content and one I DNFed at 87%) and (2) I desperately needed a relaxing read but didn’t feel in the mood for a typical romcom or seasonal read. Then I remembered Davida’s review and hoped An Astronomer in Love would fit my reading mood. What a sweet, whimsical, and delightful read!

Light and Somewhat Whimsical With Depth

In addition to beautiful writing and delightful prose, the author’s light touch and a bit of whimsy and humor captivated me from page one.

Even though the tone is light, there is depth. Guillaume is on a serious quest to document the transit of Venus (which will occur only twice in his lifetime). He also longs for love. Xavier in the modern timeline is also lonely as a result of a recent divorce. He unexpectedly meets a woman he thinks he might love, but he sabotages his own plan and hopes. Will these two men centuries apart find love in their lifetimes? How will the transit of Venus (Roman goddess of love and beauty) figure into the story lines?

Interesting Structure

Dual timelines are handled differently from author to author. Sometimes we get alternating chapters and other times half of the book is devoted to one timeline and the other half to the second timeline. Often something in one timeline connects the timelines. Other times, there is a mystery to be solved in the contemporary timeline that can only be solved by delving into the past. Readers are known for being opinionated about timelines! At times, readers prefer one timeline over the other because the character is more likable or because one story line is more engaging or relevant.

An Astronomer in Love employs the dual timeline structure most interestingly. The two story lines are expertly and almost magically connected through a telescope, circumstances, and/or thoughts. It seems like we are only a breath away from the other timeline in any given moment. This is literally true as timelines blend seamlessly within chapters and even paragraphs. It’s almost as if the stories are being told simultaneously, and it causes the reader to pay close attention! Early in the story, I had to backtrack a bit to ground myself in the right timeline. After I grew accustomed to the writing style and structure, the transition between timelines becomes a work of art and not a frustration. It’s something you need to experience for yourself. Students of literature would greatly enjoy studying this unique ability to weave two timelines together. It’s the most interesting element of the story.

Character-Driven

If you’ve followed my reviews for a while, you might know that I prefer a perfect balance between character-driven and plot-driven (see this post). If I need to choose between character and plot, I lean towards plot. Purely character-driven can bore me without some internal growth or external conflict. Something needs to happen! Literary Fiction is often character-driven, and I tread carefully into Literary Fiction. Often, the story involves sad people living sad lives. Yes, the story can be well written but I need elements of hope or redemption.

I consider An Astronomer in Love to be heavily character-driven. However, it has enough of a plot (Guillaume’s quest to document the transit of Venus and Xavier’s desire to win the heart of the woman to whom he’s attracted). Even though this story might be considered character-driven, it has enough plot or conflict to satisfy my reading tastes.

The author writes with a light touch which includes a bit of whimsy and humor. Even though Guillaume (in particular) faces some setbacks, the story is not dismal.

Themes

Certain themes such as the quest which defines much of Guillaume’s life is strong evidence to classify this as Literary Fiction. What happens when one’s all-consuming dream ends in disappointment? How does one handle a botched relationship that had so many possibilities? Especially, if it is absolutely one’s own fault? Can there be happy endings here? I loved the themes of picking yourself up and moving forward, forgiveness, handling crushing disappointment, courage of convictions, the need for connection, loneliness, heartfelt and honest communication, taking risks, and chasing your dreams.

Satisfactory Ending

I love wonderful endings (see this post), and An Astronomer in Love definitely includes a satisfactory ending for each timeline. The author certainly sticks the landing in the smoothest and most endearing of ways!

Romance or Love Story?

Is there a difference? Yes, I think there is. For me, a romance is the focus of the entire story. There wouldn’t be a story without the romance. A love story might end in romance, but it’s not the primary focus. In An Astronomer in Love, the story’s focus is on two men: one who is driven by achievement (and is also lonely), and the other who is lonely because of personal life circumstances. In the end, they each find love, but it’s not the focus of the entire story despite the title.

Recommending An Astronomer in Love

If you’re looking for an overall delightful, interesting, and charming read in this week between Christmas and New Years, I highly recommend this gently-told, unique, and engaging story! Fans of literary fiction, astronomy, biographical fiction, thoughtful themes, and love stories will appreciate An Astronomer in Love. Book clubs will find much to discuss.

My Rating:  5  Stars

Meet the Author of An Astronomer in Love, Antoine Laurain

Antoine Laurain is a novelist, screenwriter, journalist, director and collector of antique keys. He is the author of the best-selling novels The President’s Hat and The Red Notebook.

A truly born and bread Parisian, after studying film, he began his career directing short films and writing screenplays. His passion for art led him to take a job assisting an antiques dealer in Paris. The experience provided the inspiration for his first novel, The Portrait,winner of the Prix Drouot.

Sign up for Antoine Laurain’s newsletter and keep up to date with his upcoming novels, book signings and events near you: https://signup.e2ma.net/signup/1874646/1807059/

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QOTD:

Have you read other books by Antoine Laurain?
Is this new release on your TBR or have you read it?

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