Katherine Pancol is one of the best-known writers in France, and millions of copies of her books are available in 30 languages. With The Yellow Eyes of Crocodiles, English-speaking readers will have a chance to enjoy her sly Gallic humor as they escape into an enjoyably readable novel.
Joséphine is a scholar of medieval history. Her snarky 14-year-old, Hortense, constantly remarks on her lackluster appearance, her "loser" clothes and her humorless approach to life, while younger daughter Zoé is sweet, loving and a bit of a baby. Joséphine's husband, Tonio, has been fired from his job and is cheating with his manicurist. Jo kicks him out.
Jo's older sister, Iris, has it all: beautiful home, successful husband, a perfect son, wealth. Yet she feels her husband, Philippe, drifting away. At a party, motivated by a desire to seem interesting and engaged in Philippe's eyes, she tells one of his influential friends, a publisher, she is writing a book set in the 12th century. He demands to see it.
Of course, she cajoles Jo to write the book for her, promising her all the money if she will allow Iris to be the "author." Against her better judgment, Jo agrees. The book is published, and wild acclaim follows. Meanwhile, Tonio's gone to Kenya with his mistress to start a crocodile farm, expecting to strike it rich by pleasing his Chinese bosses.
While there are several plot lines left hanging and not a lot of surprises, Pancol--or her translators--has such a readable style you can't stop turning the pages. --Valerie Ryan, Cannon Beach Book Company, Ore.