Overview
A brand-new English translation of Antoine Laurain’s heart-warming romantic comedy about an estranged couple who must come together to rescue their son’s grades.
“In this compact, funny and charming novel, Antoine Laurain puts an oddly appealing spin on this infamous cornerstone of the French education.” –Nous Deux
8-year-old Benjamin's parents, Pauline and Pierre, don't really have fun or even talk much anymore; they can hardly see the point in staying together these days. But then, Benjamin's scores in his weekly dictation tests take a sharp nosedive. Banding together to save their child's education and the family reputation, Pauline and Pierre realize these national exams could have the power to restore their strained relationship.
Pauline ropes in an eminent friend and elderly member of the Académie Française to lend a glamorous hand to their efforts to improve their son’s scores. Her plan crystallizes around hosting one last, great dictation with parents and children alike at their traditional, end-of-term summer picnic in the famous Parisian park of Buttes-Chaumont. However, as the participants’ dictation attempts lead to a humorous series of mistakes, Pauline and Pierre learn alongside the picnickers that the joy of life comes not from perfection, but from embracing the fun in the traps and pitfalls that are sent your way.
Sparkling with whimsy and quirky Parisian humor, this soufflé-light tale of love and grammar lost and regained from bestselling author Antoine Laurain is perfect for fans of Muriel Barbary and Emily in Paris.
“In this compact, funny and charming novel, Antoine Laurain puts an oddly appealing spin on this infamous cornerstone of the French education.” –Nous Deux
8-year-old Benjamin's parents, Pauline and Pierre, don't really have fun or even talk much anymore; they can hardly see the point in staying together these days. But then, Benjamin's scores in his weekly dictation tests take a sharp nosedive. Banding together to save their child's education and the family reputation, Pauline and Pierre realize these national exams could have the power to restore their strained relationship.
Pauline ropes in an eminent friend and elderly member of the Académie Française to lend a glamorous hand to their efforts to improve their son’s scores. Her plan crystallizes around hosting one last, great dictation with parents and children alike at their traditional, end-of-term summer picnic in the famous Parisian park of Buttes-Chaumont. However, as the participants’ dictation attempts lead to a humorous series of mistakes, Pauline and Pierre learn alongside the picnickers that the joy of life comes not from perfection, but from embracing the fun in the traps and pitfalls that are sent your way.
Sparkling with whimsy and quirky Parisian humor, this soufflé-light tale of love and grammar lost and regained from bestselling author Antoine Laurain is perfect for fans of Muriel Barbary and Emily in Paris.
While major retailers like Amazon may carry Dictation or the Course of True Love, we specialize in bulk book sales and offer personalized service from our friendly, book-smart team based in Portland, Oregon. We’re proud to offer a Price Match Guarantee and a streamlined ordering experience from people who truly care.
We’re trusted by over 75,000 customers, many of whom return time and again. Want proof? Just check out our 25,000+ customer reviews—real feedback from people who love how we do business.
Prefer to talk to a real person? Our Book Specialists are here Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST and ready to help with your bulk order of Dictation or the Course of True Love.