EDITOR’S CHOICE
Will There Be Wine? is a hilarious and heartfelt journey through post-divorce dating in Paris, brimming with witty observations, relatable misadventures, and a resilient protagonist you’ll absolutely adore.
Will There Be Wine? by Whitney Cubbison is a captivating and humorous exploration of one woman’s quest for love and self-discovery in the City of Light. Austen Keller, having achieved a dream job that transported her and her husband to Paris, finds herself navigating life after an unexpected divorce. At almost 40, she re-enters the dating world, now governed by unfamiliar cultural norms and linguistic challenges.
The novel vividly chronicles Austen’s misadventures through the Parisian dating scene, each date more disastrous and comically tragic than the last. Characters like Pierre the Mansplainer and Guillaume of the Gym Shorts add a delightful, if cringe-worthy, variety to her experiences. Despite the string of awful dates, Austen’s resilience and humour shine through, making her a relatable and endearing protagonist.
Cubbison’s witty narrative style brings both laughter and poignant moments, balancing the ups and downs of Austen’s romantic escapades with her fulfilling career and strong female friendships. The author’s keen observations on cultural differences add depth, making this more than just a tale of romantic misfortune.
Will There Be Wine? is a heart-warming and entertaining read, perfect for anyone who has ever had to start over or braved the complexities of modern dating. Cubbison masterfully blends humour with genuine emotion, creating a story that is as thought-provoking as it is enjoyable. Austen’s journey is a testament to the idea that even in the face of heartbreak, there is always hope—and plenty of wine—to be found.
