Once again, acclaimed novelist Ron Hansen demonstrates his masterful versatility as a writer, with Isn't It Romantic?, a screwball comedy in the tradition of filmmaker Preston Sturges. In this charming entertainment, mistaken identities, botched schemes, and hilarious misunderstandings all play a part as Parisian sophistication collides with the affability and simple pleasures of the Great Plains.
Touring America was Natalie's idea. But she had not planned on being accompanied on a cross-country bus by her playboy fiancé, Pierre. Nor had they anticipated being stranded in Seldom, Nebraska, population 395.
But that is exactly what happens to this French couple, and they quickly find themselves being taken in by the obliging citizens of Seldom: Natalie by Mrs. Christiansen, a retired high school teacher who runs a rooming house for women, and Pierre by Owen, a gas station owner and ambitious winemaker in an unlikely part of the world.
And here also, the separated couple become enchanted by the locals. Natalie is soon being wooed by Dick Tupper, a handsome and honest rancher with a rambling farmhouse and lots of wide open space. Pierre falls quickly for Iona, a beautiful, no-nonsense waitress in the local diner.
Soon everyone is hatching plots to get what they want: Owen needs help from Pierre's world-class wine business if he is ever going to sell his Nebraska vintage; Pierre wants Iona; Natalie thinks she wants Dick Tupper, but maybe it's Dick who wants Iona, and Natalie who wants Pierre? The fun and surprises are many in this playful romance.
About the Author :
Ron Hansen is the bestselling author of the novel Atticus (a finalist for the National Book Award), Hitler's Niece, Mariette in Ecstasy, Desperadoes, and Isn't It Romantic?, as well as a collection of short stories, a collection of essays, and a book for children. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford was a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award. Ron Hansen lives in northern California, where he teaches at Santa Clara University.
Review :
"[A] sweet, light, exhilarating flight of fancy." -- New York Times
"The tiny town of Seldom is truly a funny place." -- New York Times Book Review
"Hilarious ... irreverent and laugh-out-loud funny ... further proof of the author's phenomenal range and talent." -- San Francisco Chronicle
"Ron Hansen's ISN'T IT ROMANTIC? is a lively, affectionate and often poetic romp. It made me laugh out loud." -- Bob Kerrey, President of the New School University and former Nebraska Governor and Senator
"Hansen shows the true reach of his talent ... an inspired comedy that will have readers laughing out loud." -- Booklist
"A pleasant diversion." -- Kirkus Reviews
"A treat ...[ISN'T IT ROMANTIC?] has both sophisticated and down-homey humor ... with laugh out loud scenes." -- People
"Hilarious ... be prepared to be unexpectedly charmed, delighted ... touched." -- Charlotte Observer
"Smiles and outright laughter ...a literary bonbon as sweet and light as meringue." -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
"[A] comedy of culture shock and errors [that] never misses a punch line." -- Denver Westword
"Done with such skill, and such heart, that this slyly comic froth of a novel is exceptionally enjoyable." -- Lincoln Journal Star (Nebraska)
"Irresistible ... silly and funny and filled with wonderful characters ... a romp." -- Seattle Times
"Ron Hansen's brief, charming, moonstruck novel ... [is a] delightful roundelay... that defies expectations." -- Wall Street Journal
"Ron Hansen delivers a sweet surprise with ISN'T IT ROMANTIC?" -- Midwest Living
