Gabriel Chevallier — Clochemerle

Vintage 2004 Paperback, 320pp. A funny look at the social and political dynamic of French village life. Gabriel Chevallier's delightful novel Clochemerle satirizes the titanic confrontation of secular and religious forces in a small wine-growing village in Beaujolais. The eruption begins when the socialist mayor decides that he wants to leave behind a monument to his administration's achievements. He takes as his model the ancient Romans, who were famous for two things- hygiene and noble edifices. Thus, he decides to unite the two concepts. by constructing a public urinal in the centre of town. There is one problem, however- the chosen locale is next to the village church, and this outrages the ecclesiastical party. *Perfect for fans of Joanne Harris's Chocolate *. Cover creased. (ISBN: 9780099453888). Good.