One of the most striking things to me about Christopher Moore's writing style is his ability to switch between the inappropriate and beautiful in the blink of an eye. It seems effortless (but I'm sure it's not). There was a time when I loved Moore's work without question. That time, alas, has passed -- he too frequently tries to pass things as jokes that I don't find funny. While that was thankfully actually minimal in Sacre Bleu, there is, unfortunately, a large section early in the novel where he runs the same joke about rape into the ground. I think if I had not taken a big chunk of time between the first and second halves of the book (yay final exams), I wouldn't have been able to engage in the rest of the novel after that point. But I did get a little distance, and Moore didn't repeat the side-splitting rape joke shenanigans, so I was able to enjoy the second half of the book. Still, I couldn't wholeheartedly jump into it, and neither can I wholeheartedly recommend it. The story is interesting, but Moore's attempts at an original and controversial style can get in the way of the story itself. He is undoubtedly a talented writer and storyteller, though, so if you can get past those flaws it's worth checking out. 
 One thing that I do love about Christopher Moore is his ability to write female characters that are varied and capable. While this novel focused on male characters for the most part, the women who are present are vibrant and can hold their own. On the occasions when his female characters have a breakdown, there's no hints that it's because of her wilting feminine disposition -- it's made clear that it is because she has gone through something terrible. That shouldn't be something that stands out, but it unfortunately isn't seen often enough in literature/media in general. 
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 Rating: 3.5 Stars 
 Favourite Quote: "Lovely Pissarro. Like everyone's favorite uncle. I remember one time we were all at a showing of our work at Durand-Ruel's gallery, and one patron saw me among the male painters and called me a gourgandine, a hussy. Pissarro punched the man in the face and stood over him with Renoir and the others while he lectured him, not about my lady's honor, but about my value as a great painter. Gentle Pissarro. So fierce in truth. So gallant." 
 Recommend: If you can deal with its flaws, it's definitely an interesting story and concept. But considering the nature of my reservations about the novel, I can't wholeheartedly recommend it.