THE CURIOUS CHARMS OF ARTHUR PEPPER
In this poignant and curiously charming debut, a lovable widower embarks on a life-changing adventure
Sixty-nine-year-old Arthur Pepper lives a simple life. He gets out of bed at precisely 7:30 a.m., just as he did when his wife, Miriam, was alive. He dresses in the same gray slacks and mustard sweater-vest, waters his fern, Frederica, and heads out to his garden. But on the one-year anniversary of Miriam’s death, something changes. Sorting through Miriam’s possessions, Arthur finds an exquisite gold charm bracelet he’s never seen before. What follows is a surprising and unforgettable odyssey that takes Arthur from London to Paris and as far as India in an epic quest to find out the truth about his wife’s secret life before they met—a journey that leads him to find hope,
In this poignant and curiously charming debut, a lovable widower embarks on a life-changing adventure
Sixty-nine-year-old Arthur Pepper lives a simple life. He gets out of bed at precisely 7:30 a.m., just as he did when his wife, Miriam, was alive. He dresses in the same gray slacks and mustard sweater-vest, waters his fern, Frederica, and heads out to his garden. But on the one-year anniversary of Miriam’s death, something changes. Sorting through Miriam’s possessions, Arthur finds an exquisite gold charm bracelet he’s never seen before. What follows is a surprising and unforgettable odyssey that takes Arthur from London to Paris and as far as India in an epic quest to find out the truth about his wife’s secret life before they met—a journey that leads him to find hope, healing and self-discovery in the most unexpected places.
- MIRA
- Hardcover
- May 2016
- 336 Pages
- 9780778319337
Buy the Book
$24.99
About Phaedra Patrick
Phaedra Patrick studied art and marketing and has worked as a stained glass artist, film festival organizer and communications manager. She is a prize-winning short story writer and now writes full time. She lives in the UK with her husband and son. The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper is her debut novel.
Praise
“Eccentric, charming, and wise, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper is about finding courage, generosity, and compassion, even when all seems lost. With clear-eyed prose and a moving story, Patrick reminds us how selfless people can be – she reminds us to be brave. The Curious Charms is not just for those who are mourning over love or the past. This book will illuminate your heart.” —Nina George, New York Times bestselling author of The Little Paris Bookshop
“Tender, insightful, and surprising…. [Arthur Pepper] will instantly capture the hearts of readers who loved The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, The Little Paris Bookshop, and The Red Notebook.” —Library Journal, starred review
“Filled with colorful, complex characters and adventure, The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper is a lovely story about grief and healing. I was moved by Arthur and his journey. You will be too.” —Marisa de los Santos, New York Times bestselling author of Love Walked In
“Once in a great while, a character like Arthur Pepper comes along and quietly steals your heart. Arthur might make you cry – but he’ll also make you laugh, think, and feel grateful that you came along on his fantastical journey. I won’t just be recommending this book to everyone I know, I’ll be buying them copies.” —Sarah Pekkanen, bestselling author of Things You Won’t Say
Discussion Questions
1. What do you think the ending suggests about Arthur’s mindset at the end of his journey? Is he hopeful? At peace? What do you think is next for him?
2. How does Arthur’s journey change him? What does he ultimately learn about himself?
3. As Arthur discovers more about Miriam’s secret life, how do you think his feelings about his marriage to her changes?
4. Why do you think Miriam never told Arthur about her life before they met? Do you think she was justified in keeping such big secrets?