I love reading essays and short pieces about a topic or place I enjoy. If you do as well, "France, A Love Story" (subtitled "Women Write about the French Experience) might suit you well. Edited by Camille Cusamano, the book features 25 essays by women both unknown and known to me, including M.F.K. Fisher, Ruth Reichl and Alice B. Toklas.
The essays are set around the country. There are plenty of pieces set in Paris but you can also travel to Dordogne on an archaeology dig;, Gascony, in search of that most highly prized mushrooms, the cepes; and throughout areas of France torn by World War I (with Alice B. Toklas and Gertrude Stein).
In an excerpt from "Comfort Me with Apples" by Ruth Reichl (reviewed here), the writer recalls a visit to Paris with her editor in which it's difficult to know which mattered more -- her fling with the editor or all the fabulous food to which he introduced her at some of Paris' grand restaurants.
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| A to-die-for meal at Verjus. 2012 |
M.F.K. Fisher recalls one of her first meals in France during her honeymoon and it is clear that both the food and the service influenced her career as one of America's premiere food writers.
There are stories of broken hearts, whirlwind romances and a quest to find the source of the Seine.
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| Site of a picnic on the Seine, somewhere between Giverny and Normandy |
Or, you will spend time with a woman who spent one summer (and several after) learning how to build the classic mortar walls seen in so many French towns as she worked with a group of Masons on a chateau.
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| Our picnic was in an area with this very old wall -- perhaps built the way as the one in the essay. |
And then, there are stories of women making that journey with their mothers as adults, including a rather delightful bit as a daughter accompanies her fashion writer mother to a Parisian show.
All in all, this book is a treat. Essays are always a fast read and I confess, I was sorry it was over.
This post is part of Paris in July at Tamara's Thyme for Tea. Check it out to find more posts related to Paris and France on topics from food to film, books to travel.
Sharing with: Paris In July
48 comments:
Sounds like a great book!
Wonderful post, sounds like a great summer read. Thank you
I enjoyed sharing these stories as you described them! I've read some of the authors, and it sounds like a lovely selection.
best...mae at maefood.blogspot.com
I'm enjoying the Paris in July posts, Jeanie. Yes, it's all the delicious foods and desserts in Paris that my girls talked about the most. Your picnic area looks so charming and peaceful. Always a treat to come by and visit when you create these delightful posts, Jeanie.
~Sheri
I can't believe the portion on that meal is enough to satisfy a grown up, no matter how good it might taste!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing all these beautiful photos with us. :)
This sounds like an interesting collection. I like how there are not only French people's writing in the book. It goes to show you have loved France is by the world (or at least a lot of it.) Hugs-Erika
Jeanie, I also got Roku and Netflix when I got cable. Yes, make sure you get some of the Hallmark shows and other good ones. I just got basic cable, which is all I needed.
~Sheri
Essays and personal stories are always interesting to me. I dream of going to France again.
No doubt, Paris and France overshadow all the other places in the world, and there are some other places I would gladly return to visit. or read about them.
Paris is a place which always inspires stories and dreams. Have a wonderful day, hugs, Valerie
Hello Jeanie,
I always enjoy your book reviews!
Sounds great, loved the photos. Thanks for sharing.
Take care, enjoy your day and week ahead!
Sounds like a fun read.
Perhaps this is one that you need to read again, Jeanie. It's great when a book grabs you in that way.
Mind blowing post
I'm going to look into that book - I love reading anything about travel!
I'm going to look into that book - I love reading anything about travel!
Now I want to read it:)
Sounds like a lovely read. I love Paris! How I miss travelling.
Amalia
xo
I need to check out that book. I’m dreaming of exquisite French food now. Hugs to you and Rick.
A book concerning my favorite place on earth?! I'm in!!! Thanks for the recommendation ... I'm off to Barnes & Noble this minute!
Oh to be in Paris in July! I'm getting serious European withdrawal symptoms now! Thanks for the book recommendation.
Have a lovely week
Wren x
It sounds promising! I enjoy travel books, and I also enjoy essay collections because you can pick it up and read one at a time. Thanks for the review!
Lovely post and a wonderful book. Paris is a beautiful city and the food is heavenly.
It sounds like a very interesting book, with all the different essays, even if some of them are better than others. I'm glad that you've enjoyed it.
I enjoy reading about France and even novels set in France. Alas, I've never made it there but heard a lot from my sister's trips to France. Sounds like a great way to spend an afternoon.
Sounds like a great book to get in to the French way of life.
Sounds good!
France is fabulous!
This sounds right up my alley and a good way to travel to France in my mind!
So.....I ordered the book, as well as it's companion, Italy, A Love Story. They will arrive in a week! Can't wait to read them!
Your posts on France just call me to return.
Now this book sounds like one I would enjoy very much.
Sounds awesome! Janice
This sounds like fun -- and just my speed these days! Thanks for the recommendation (and the photographic accompaniments!).
Thanks for suggesting it.
This is a book I'd like to read. Thanks for sharing it with us.
The title of your post reminds me of the movie Paris,je t'aime (2006). Several directors collaborate. Have you seen it? I've wanted to post about it and also a newer one called The Truth (2019), with a dynamic cast of Juliet Binoche, Catherine Deneuve, and Ethan Hawke (on Netflix). Have been enjoying your Paris posts. Thanks for sharing your past travels esp. now when we can't do any.
This sounds like a wonderful collection one could linger over for a long time.
This would be a great book to take to the beach! Sounds delightful, adding it to my to read list. Thanks for sharing this one.......
Always a treat to see photos of your journey to Paris and to read about fabulous food.
Sounds like a delightful collection. And you had me at M.F.K. Fisher :)
This looks so interesting. Thanks, Jeanie for the info. I enjoy the writing of M.F.K.Fisher. I will put this on my list.
It sounds like an interesting book. I read Comfort me with Apples many years ago so it was interesting to see the author's name pop up.
I sure have some memories about France, LOL.
A broken heart was in there, too.
And ripped jeans as I bent down to get a ball.
Paris... I was too young (14 years old).
It sounds like an interesting read, but was made even more enjoyable with your lovely photos from the regions mentioned in the book.
It must be an interesting book to read Jeanie.
Jeanie, this sounds like a lovely book and one that I would enjoy. I just finished “The Last Garden in England” and thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you for recommending!
Jeanie, your Paris posts are so enticing. Looking at your pics in this one makes me want to go back... and I sure would love to do that when the world is a safer place. We always have Paris in our hearts. :)
It does sound a good read, many thanks Jeanie.
All the best Jan
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