Dane Huckelbridge's Blog
June 27, 2017
Visiting places in Paris from CASTLE OF WATER
Greetings! Bonjour! And howdy-do.
A couple readers on their way to Paris have asked me about visiting places mentioned in the book. I thought I'd pass on a few in case anyone stopping by "The City of Light" feels like doing a little literary book tour, with novel in hand. Enjoy!
1. Cafe Chateau d'Eau
When Barry has his tartines in the morning in the first chapter, this was the cafe I imagined him stopping at, just as the sun was coming up. There is also another cafe called the Le Petit Chateau D'Eau a ways up the street which is actually much nicer, so if you have time, visit both.
2. Du Pain et des Idees
At one point, Sophie tells Barry how they'd get croissants and eat them by the Canal Saint-Martin if they'd met in Paris. This is the bakery she's talking about. The croissants are amazing. Worth the trip.
3. Aux Deux Amis
On the night of Sophie's birthday, Barry envisions how it might have been if they were on an actual date. The narrator mentions Aux Deux Amis, which is a wonderful little bistro in the 11th. The food is usually very good, and the natural wine they serve there is always superb.
4. Chez Jeanette
The bar Sophie mentions when talking about their imaginary meeting on Rue Faubourg Saint-Denis was called "Chez Suzette" in the book, but this is the inspiration for it. It's a lively, young place that's always good for a drink or three on the weekends.
5. Julhes Epicerie
This little market comes up as a place to grab food for a picnic. And it's good for exactly that. Located right on Rue Faubourg Saint-Denis, there is always a great selection of sausages, hams, cheeses, and anything else you might want to eat on a baguette.
I think that's it for now. Perhaps I'll add some more for the New York City portion of the book later on.
Cheers!
Dane Huckelbridge
A couple readers on their way to Paris have asked me about visiting places mentioned in the book. I thought I'd pass on a few in case anyone stopping by "The City of Light" feels like doing a little literary book tour, with novel in hand. Enjoy!
1. Cafe Chateau d'Eau
When Barry has his tartines in the morning in the first chapter, this was the cafe I imagined him stopping at, just as the sun was coming up. There is also another cafe called the Le Petit Chateau D'Eau a ways up the street which is actually much nicer, so if you have time, visit both.
2. Du Pain et des Idees
At one point, Sophie tells Barry how they'd get croissants and eat them by the Canal Saint-Martin if they'd met in Paris. This is the bakery she's talking about. The croissants are amazing. Worth the trip.
3. Aux Deux Amis
On the night of Sophie's birthday, Barry envisions how it might have been if they were on an actual date. The narrator mentions Aux Deux Amis, which is a wonderful little bistro in the 11th. The food is usually very good, and the natural wine they serve there is always superb.
4. Chez Jeanette
The bar Sophie mentions when talking about their imaginary meeting on Rue Faubourg Saint-Denis was called "Chez Suzette" in the book, but this is the inspiration for it. It's a lively, young place that's always good for a drink or three on the weekends.
5. Julhes Epicerie
This little market comes up as a place to grab food for a picnic. And it's good for exactly that. Located right on Rue Faubourg Saint-Denis, there is always a great selection of sausages, hams, cheeses, and anything else you might want to eat on a baguette.
I think that's it for now. Perhaps I'll add some more for the New York City portion of the book later on.
Cheers!
Dane Huckelbridge
May 28, 2017
CASTLE OF WATER: Literary fiction that's made for summer
Since summer seems to be here, and there seems to be a lot of discussion of "beach" books, I thought I'd mention that "Castle of Water" isn't merely an appropriate choice, it's actually SET ON THE BEACH. A literary castaway story with a French twist, it tells the tale of a young aspiring artist who, in his quest to visit Paul Gauguin's final resting place, ends up stranded on an island with a Parisian architect. No, it's not your cliche Robinson Crusoe story, but something very new and very different.
At any rate, if you have the chance, give it a try. Ideally, on the beach if you can.
Merci!
At any rate, if you have the chance, give it a try. Ideally, on the beach if you can.
Merci!
April 4, 2017
CASTLE OF WATER is out!
Just a quick update: my novel CASTLE OF WATER is now available for purchase, on Amazon or wherever books are sold. Enjoy!
October 1, 2016
CASTLE OF WATER
Just a quick update: my debut novel, "Castle of Water," is now available for preorder on Amazon. If you'd like to be the first to read this fresh take on the classic castaway story, go ahead and order a copy today. I've been told it pairs well with French wine and little green bananas.
Castle of Water: A Novel
Castle of Water: A Novel
