The Seven Turns of the Snails Shell by Mj Roe offers readers an intricate view of Paris, French culture, and the impact that a high-profile controversy can have on the lives of people.
“Seven Turns” begins in the aftermath of the accident that took Princess Diana’s life when former French Resistance fighters are called upon to secretly transport someone out of France. The son of one of the men called upon for this task is a doctor who provides the medical care needed by one of the accident victims. The victim needs immediate medical care, but must soon be moved to the French countryside for a long recovery process.
Meanwhile, Charles Christian’s American ex-lover, Anna, is on a book tour in Paris. She and Charles meet at one of her book signings and agree to see each other again. But, Charles is now surrounded by mystery and danger that Anna can sense, but not understand. Soon, she returns to Southern California, where her fiancee awaits.
Anna, who thought she had no family left, discovers that she may have a grandfather in France. She returns to France and finds her grandfather. She also reunites with Charles and is tortured by her feelings for him. The danger that surrounds him seems ever-present, and he never discusses the future. Not sure if she can live with Charles without knowing why he’s so distant, she confronts him and discovers the web of secrets surrounding Charles and her grandfather.
“Seven Turns” received Honorable Mention at the 2010 Paris Book Festival and the Los Angeles Book Festival. The book has a complex plot, and Roe’s writing style is fluid with descriptions that bring the French landscape to life.
