The Idea of Love

By Louise Dean

First of all, don’t get carried away by the book cover which is very romantic. I fell for the charming cover and the beautiful synopsis that was given at the back of the cover. The story is definitely not as romantic as the cover. I managed to finish the book partly because I didn’t want to waste money and partly due to the curiosity that something at the end might prove worthy. I finished the book all right, other than that there’s nothing special in this book, at least I didn’t find it tempting.

The author, Louise Dean is British novelist and her other books are 'Becoming Strangers' and 'This Human Season'. She received the awards Society of Authors Betty Trask Prize in 2004 and Le Prince Maurice prize in 2006.

The story was depressing and gives a feel as if the entire book is soaked in alcohol. The story is about family, relationships, love and, of course, depression. Pharmaceutical salesman Richard and his French wife Valerie live in a small French town. Their loveless marriage is survived by their son Max. Richard often travels to Africa for marketing anti-depressant drugs. Their odd lifestyle mainly involves drinking sessions with their neighbors Jeff and Rachael whose life is no different from theirs.

As the story proceeds further, we are encountered with self-obsessed parents, love-less children, and philandering spouses. Richard enjoys every other female company except for his beautiful wife and Rachael enjoys helping orphans in Africa than her family. What is expected as a cute romantic story becomes a shockingly true tragedy?

The tragedy strikes when the promising young business man Richard’s life takes a bend, moving from riches to rags, worse when he starts using what he sells. The situation worsens when Max gets affected by all this and his erratic behavior becomes a concern. You’ll feel pity for the angelic Maud. What follows is a story of self discovery. Finally, the parents overcome their self obsession and understand what matters the most.

It's a pretty OK book. It’s not particularly an enjoyable read, but read it for the moral, which is much required in the current situation.