For Book Lovers
I added this section for those who are avid readers like me and always on the look out for a good book. Immersing into another persons' world can be a refreshing break from focusing on your own, especially when the book has to do with Paris!
Here are a few wonderful reads which are in some way, or another, related to Paris.
They are listed in no particular order. Enjoy!
Currently Reading
Books and Novels
A Moveable Feast
by Ernest Hemingway
"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast."
- ERNEST HEMINGWAY, to a friend, 1950
His remarkable memoir of Paris in the 1920's. I devoured every page.
The Shadow Queen
by Sandra Gulland
It's so easy to fall in love with Sandra Gulland's characters.
I adore the main character in The Shadow Queen, Claude des Oeilletes. There is a beautiful innocence to her during the entire novel that really pulled at my heartstrings.
The court of Versailles during the reign of Louis XIV to XVI is one of my favourite settings. Needless to say, when a novel takes place during this time period I'm captivated.
An Unexpected Guest
by Anne Korkeakivi
I must admit I picked up this book because of its beautiful cover. On it, a soft light illuminates from a window—inviting and warm, yet a little mysterious.
Clare is a British diplomat's wife in Paris. Her day begins with a last minute notice to arrange an important dinner party for 12. Then, she receives a call from her son, who has found himself in a bit of trouble at boarding school; she must keep this from her husband. Then, there are those sightings of a man from her secretive past. How will she keep it all together?
Though the bookcover is what initially drew me in, I can assure you that the content does not disappoint!
Paris
by Edward Rutherfurd
I have to admit it was a little hard for me to get into this book; BUT, when I did I couldn't put it down.
The character building takes a little while and I am an impatient one. I want to get to the good stuff quickly.
So, for those who are like me, be patient and you will also love this book. I enjoyed it very very much!
The Age of Desire
by Jennie Fields
Here is another gem of a book that takes you into the life of famed author Edith Wharton.
Her disappointing, sexless marriage, and 'dolt' of a husband, pushes her into a bittersweet love affair that troubles her for years.
Jennie Fields paints an intriguing picture of Edith's life in Paris.
Before Versailles
by Karleen Koen
I was so excited to dive into this book - and I am glad I did!
Karleen Koen makes it incredibly easy to envision a scene. Her words are beautiful and her storytelling is flawless.
Here is another book about the love affair between Louis XIV and his favourite mistress, Louise de La Vallière.
Oh to have a time machine! My first stop would be Versailles in 1661.
Paris: Portrait of a City
by Jean Claude Gautrand
"Weighing in at 10 pounds and 624 pages, Paris Portrait of a City is too heavy to cuddle up with on the couch. This latest tome in TASCHEN’s series of bigger-is-better photography books on great cities needs to spread out on a coffee table of its own. This book is a photographic study of more than 160 years of the city’s history through the eyes of Jean Claude Gautrand, a 79-year-old photographer and photo editor who is one of France’s most eminent experts on photography." - The New York Times.
The Billionaire's Vinegar: The Mystery of the World's Most Expensive Bottle of Wine
by Benjamin Wallace
A wine lover's mystery!
What a fantastic book. Had a friend not suggested it, I would never have picked up a book on vintage wines. It was very interesting and I especially loved the Thomas Jefferson connection.
Remarkable Creatures
by Tracy Chevalier
Though this story did not take place in Paris, there is a connection!
Chevalier's novel takes place in the early 1800's. It retells the fascinating true story of Mary Annings who lived in Lyme, a coastal town in England. She had an eye for finding fossils and spent her days searching the beaches and cliffs. During one of her hunts she came across an unusual looking specimen. Calling in the help of family and friends to dig the piece out, she found none less than the bones of a dinosaur - an incredible find!
Some of her fossils are now on display at the Museum national d'Histoire naturelle in Paris.
The House I Loved
by Tatiana de Rosnay
Another captivating book by one of my favourite authors.
Set during the time of Baron Haussmann's modernization of Paris, the main character Rose has to deal with the loss of what she cherishes most - her beautiful home.
A touching story I will remember for years to come.
The Reinvention of Love
by Helen humphreys
A heartwrenching love story!
Stories like this make me appreciate my independence more than ever. I cannot imagine feeling trapped my entire life, such as Victor Hugo's wife Adele must have felt.
I started the book on a Friday evening and was finished by Sunday morning.
The Many Lives & Secret Sorrows of Josephine B., Tales of Passion, Tales of Woe and The Last Great Dance on Earth
by Sandra Gulland
My favorite trilogy! Her story is so wonderfully romantic yet tragic at the same time. Josephine was an incredibly strong woman who was constantly challenged personally and professionally during her entire lifetime. I enjoyed every page!
The Lady and the Unicorn
by Tracy Chevalier
Part fiction part truth, this book tells the exciting story of how the famous six tapestries came to be. Enchanting!
(You can view these phenomenal 500 year old pieces at the Musée du Moyen Age.)
Guides to Paris
Parisian Postcards: Snapshots of Life in Paris
by Dr. Loui Franke
Parisian Postcards is not your typical guidebook.
Dr. Franke doesn’t lead you to the popular tourist attractions but rather takes you to interesting, overlooked destinations such as the Square René Viviani to see the oldest tree in Paris or the Bibliothèque Nationale de France to view Louis XIV's exquisite globes.
She provides a wonderful collection of stories and alternative information that will no doubt inspire you to visit these marvelous places!
City Walks - Architecture: Paris
by Michael Herman
City Walks Architecture consists of 25 walking tours highlighting both landmarks and lesser-known sites. Each tour card includes information, pictures and insightful notes on each location's history and significance. These walks will take you to places you didn't realize were there. I've completed almost all of them, my favorite being The Arcades.