The Wharf of Chartrons

[historical fiction]

Release date: August 12, 2014
at Open Road Integrated Media / Publishers Square

468 pages

ISBN: 978-1-4804-6119-2

Goodreads

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SYNOPSIS

A family linked by wine and old rivalries sets out for new territory, during the turmoil of World War I.

David and Gaspard are cousins, bonded by family and their allegiance to their winemaking heritage. Parting with tradition and moving their vineyards near Bordeaux threatens to upset the family peace, but that’s only the beginning of their trouble. Short on funds, they are forced to team with a wealthy but morally corrupt engineer—though perhaps at a cost too high for the cousins…

Despite the odds, David and Gaspard succeed in making a successful wine, Clos-Marzacq. Along the way, they each fall in love, though not always in the best of circumstances. And now, to cement their successes, the cousins need to secure a stronghold on the Wharf of Chartrons, seen as the gateway to selling into England and America.

The Wharf of Chartrons exalts the passion of men who have a love of their land, and who are concerned about drawing the very best wine from it. [provided by the publisher]

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jean-Paul Malaval was a journalist before turning to a career as a writer of local photography books and later fiction.
In 1982, he began what would become a long-term relationship with the publishing house Éditions Milan, in Toulouse.
To date, Jean-Paul Malaval has written ten works of historical fiction,
mainly based in the region where he grew up, the Corrèze, which is near the Dordogne.
Five of his ten novels have been published by Presses de la Cité.
He is loyal to his home region and has been mayor of the town of Vars-sur-Roseix in Corrèze since 1995.

Visit the wikipedia page on him [in French]

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WATCH THIS BEAUTIFUL VIDEO
where Jean-Paul Malaval speaks
about the art of writing

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TOUR QUOTATIONS

The Book Binder’s Daughter

The Wharf of Chartrons is an emotional read about two men trying to break free of their traditional families, to carve out their own success in a corrupt business world, and to find the loves of their lives. If you appreciate fine wine and a French setting, then THE WHARFS OF CHARTRONS is the book for you

Jorie Loves A Story

The chapters in which he elicits a more direct connection to the timescape and the landscape were my absolute favourites by far.

The Avid Reader

The writing was well done I think.

Lisa’s Yarns

I love the fact that the author of this book actually lives in the region where the book was set as I feel that improves the authenticity of the book and impacts the author’s ability to vividly describe the region.
All in all it was an entertaining book and filled my France fix for the month.

Words And Peace

If you enjoy France and French wine, especially Bordeaux, get to meet David and Gaspard, in the fascinating period around WWI, rich with so many events, as they launch into wine-making, both following and distancing themselves from their ancestors.

I Am, Indeed

In one of my favorite genres, the story in The Wharf of Chartrons manages to incorporate family drama, tradition, memories, wine and the various horrors brought on by war, Jean-Paul Malaval manages to take all the elements and present a lovely story.

Deal Sharing Aunt

This was a fun book to read and the ending proves that love makes a family, not dna. I am giving this book a 5/5.

Chocolate & Croissants

The book also offered insight into France’s wine industry and how the war impacted wine growers…
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely, Author Jean-Paul Malaval wrote a book that will transpose you back to a different era. The Wharf of Chartrons is a continuation of The Winegrowers of Chantegrele a book that I am going to seek out.

Book Nerd

I really enjoyed this book and found it to be a rewarding experience. The author was able to combine the wine making experience with life changing experiences with finesse. Great read!