Le Mariage

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Marriage has long been a focal point for great European novelists, with Tolstoy portraying it as a lonely affair and Flaubert as tragic. In contrast, American literature has often overlooked the theme, especially in the 20th century, which focused more on individualism. Diane Johnson's latest novel signals a revival of interest in marriage in the 21st century. Dividing her time between San Francisco and Paris, Johnson writes with the depth and insight reminiscent of Tolstoy, while infusing her work with distinctly American humor. Her characters grapple with comedic self-consciousness, and the plot explores the bizarre aspects of modern life. The narrative centers on Tim Nolinger, an American journalist in Paris, and Anne-Sophie d'Argel, a French art dealer. Tim, who contributes to both conservative and liberal magazines, embodies the dispassionate American, while Anne-Sophie represents quintessential Frenchness. Their impending marriage unfolds against the backdrop of a medieval manuscript theft linked to a murder, leading them to the Crays, a couple facing marital decline, and Delia, a tourist with her own complications. As the wedding date approaches, the characters navigate their chaotic lives, revealing their inner struggles and desires. Johnson's mastery of plot ensures that every character's journey is compelling and interconnected. With a keen understanding of the contemporary French milieu and the American expatriat