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Published by Random House Publishing Group on April 23, 2024
Pages: 288
Source: NetGalley
A “mouthwatering” (The New York Times) adventure through the food, art, and fashion scenes of 1980s Paris—from the bestselling author of Save Me the Plums and Delicious!
“An enchanting and irresistible feast . . . As with a perfect meal in the world’s most magical city, I never wanted this sublime novel to end.”—Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney, author of Good Company
Stella reached for an oyster, tipped her head, and tossed it back. It was cool and slippery, the flavor so briny it was like diving into the ocean. Oysters, she thought. Where have they been all my life?
When her estranged mother dies, Stella is left with an unusual inheritance: a one-way plane ticket and a note reading “Go to Paris.” Stella is hardly cut out for adventure; a traumatic childhood has kept her confined to the strict routines of her comfort zone. But when her boss encourages her to take time off, Stella resigns herself to honoring her mother’s last wishes.
Alone in a foreign city, Stella falls into old habits, living cautiously and frugally. Then she stumbles across a vintage store, where she tries on a fabulous Dior dress. The shopkeeper insists that this dress was meant for Stella and for the first time in her life Stella does something impulsive. She buys the dress—and embarks on an adventure.
Her first stop: the iconic brasserie Les Deux Magots, where Stella tastes her first oysters and then meets an octogenarian art collector who decides to take her under his wing. As Jules introduces Stella to a veritable who’s who of the Paris literary, art, and culinary worlds, she begins to understand what it might mean to live a larger life.
As weeks—and many decadent meals—go by, Stella ends up living as a “tumbleweed” at famed bookstore Shakespeare & Company, uncovers a hundred-year-old mystery in a Manet painting, and discovers a passion for food that may be connected to her past. A feast for the senses, this novel is a testament to living deliciously, taking chances, and finding your true home.
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Paris Novel Review
If you’re looking for a book that feels like traveling to Paris, The Paris Novel is the right one for you to read. Written by the incomparable Ruth Reichl, this fictional novel was a joy to read through. I’ve yet to visit Paris, but after reading The Paris Novel, I feel like I have a list of places that I absolutely have to visit. What Reichl did that was interesting is build a world in Paris where a lot of the characters, stores and restaurants are real people. In particular, the famous bookstore Shakespeare and Co. and the owner George Whitman are vital characters to the main character Stella’s journey.
“The Paris Novel” beckons readers into a world where the tantalizing flavors of French cuisine, the allure of Parisian art, and the quest for self-discovery intertwine to create an unforgettable tale. Stella’s journey from a timid soul to a spirited adventurer is beautifully narrated, drawing readers into the heart of her transformative experience.
From the moment Stella steps onto the streets of Paris, readers are enveloped in the sights, sounds, and aromas of the city. Through vivid prose, the author transports us to iconic locations like Les Deux Magots and Shakespeare & Company, where every encounter feels like a brushstroke on a canvas, creating a rich tapestry of Parisian life.
At its core, “The Paris Novel” is a celebration of embracing life’s possibilities, even in the face of uncertainty and loss. Stella’s inheritance of a one-way ticket to Paris becomes a catalyst for her journey of self-discovery, leading her to uncover hidden passions and forge unexpected connections with those she meets along the way.
The novel’s exploration of food is particularly captivating, with descriptions so vivid that readers can practically taste the flavors jumping off the page. From the briny freshness of oysters to the decadent delights of French pastries, each culinary experience serves as a gateway to deeper emotional connections and revelations for Stella. Any aspiring food writers, this is a master class in food writing in fictional settings.
Other Recommendations
I would love to direct you a recent episode of Cherry Bombe Radio, where the host Kerry interviews Ruth about the book. Check it out here.
I would also highly recommend fans of this book to read Piglet, brilliant in a different way, but it has equally compelling food writing. Check out other books with food writing in the contemporary fiction genre here.
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