Paris, art, literature & romance.  We have a winner.
358959
Paris is one of our favorite cities, and this movie is like a visit to Paris with time travel.  It is clever, funny and makes a good point about the tendency to romanticize the past.  The visuals are beautiful, the portrayal of various literary and art figures seems spot on.  We sometimes put it on for "background" ambiance but end up watching it.  Very
2978035
Paris becomes more hometown than far away romantic paradise.
The characters are deeply connected to their Country and their culture and they are literally rooted in their beautiful City of Paris!
You need to be comfortable jumping back and forth - century to century - generation to generation.  I found this took away from my ability to completely meld into the characters.  Well worth the read.
442599
If you love the city of Charleston, you will love this novel. Rich in vivid description of the city, its culture and people. The main character is an Art History professional, so you also get a Art History lesson at the same time. Great book, although the end is a bit disappointing.
1950664
Don't be misled by the word "Romance" in the title of this book -- "Possession" is no bodice-ripper.
An acquaintance of mine, seeing the word on the cover, asked me if the book was about a man with  strong arms carrying someone up a flight of stairs. I told him the book was  "nothing like".
Before mass-market paperbacks appeared ad  nauseum in supermarket carosels, there was an entire literary tradition  known as the "Romantic." Into this literary tradition, A.S. Byatt  has created and inserted two fictitious poets, Randolph Henry Ash and  Christabel LaMotte.
Two present day scholars, Roland Mitchell and Maud  Bailey, uncover documents suggesting that the two poets knew each other.  Eventually drawn together by their individual research, Roland and Maud  trace the movements, uncover the correspondence and piece together the  relationship of Ash and LaMotte. During this time, their own love story  unfolds, offering an intriguing parallel to the love that now exists only  in relics from the past.
A word, if I may, about one of the supporting  characters, Val. Roland is not at first free to pursue a relationship with  Maud, because he is already romantically entangled with Val. For the sake  of the plot, it is obvious that he must, of course, become unentangled.
I have never understood the justification behind making the hero's  original romantic interest abominably loathsome for no other reason than to  manipulate readers/viewers into rejoicing when she is sent packing like the  literal and symbolic baggage she is. This always seemed to me, a very weak  form of plot.
I hope I do not give too much away when I say that I was  very pleased to see that Val is NOT treated in this cavilier way. Instead,  she is given a happiness that she is surprised to find but in fact richly  deserves. Everyone deserves to be happy, and the chance to make someone  else happy, right?
Byatt's book is not just the story of two love  affairs, but the story of a love affair with reading itself. If you have  any doubts, just peruse the following passage, taken from pages 510-512 of  the trade paperback edition:
"It is possible for a writer to make,  or remake at least, for a reader, the primary pleasures of eating, or  drinking, or looking on, or sex. Novels have their obligatory  tour-de-force, the green-flecked gold omllette aux fines herbes, melting  into buttery formlessness and tasting of summer, or the creamy human  haunch, firm and warm, curved back to reveal a hot hollow, a crisping hair  or two, the glimpsed sex. They do not habitually elaborate on the equally  intense pleasure of reading ... Now and then there are readings that make  the hairs on the neck, the non-existant pelt, stand on end and tremble,  when every word burns and shines hard and clear and infinite and exact,  like stones of fire, like points of stars in the dark -- readings when the  knowledge that we shall know the writing differently or better or  satisfactorily, runs ahead of any capacity to say what we know, or how. In  these readings, a sense that the text has appeared to be wholly new, never  before seen, is followed, almost immediately, by the sense that it was  always there, that we the readers, knew it was always there, and have  always known it as it was, though we have now for the first time  recognized, become fully cognizant of, our knowledge."
At once  mystery and romance in both the common and literary senses, Byatt's  multi-faceted epic is full of breathtaking prose like the passage above.  The revelation at the end of the book is not unpredictable, but nonetheless  gives a nice feeling of closure to the relationship of Ash and LaMotte and  is a vivid reminder of how similar these long-dead poets are to the living,  breathing Roland and Maud.
For an engaging read that can be enjoyed on a  variety of levels, I strongly recommend "Possession" by A.S.  Byatt.
2401656
This is a lovely story that holds a little something for Everyone. Lovely romance....putting the past behind while continuing to  learn much from it as well. Art, as well as beauty, is often in the eye of the beholder. Thank you Anna Quindlen, for a pleasant weekend in front of the fire.
968301
I found Paris Was the Place to be totally engrossing. I know it's fiction but the writing is so vivid and honest to feel factual. Some pieces are beautiful and alive, other portions harrowing. And the situational description so mesmerizing I was transported there. Totally recommend this - enjoy!
786109
Even though I'm French, and as such, not very much aware of the going-ons during the Civil War, I had great pleasure finding out all those little details interspersed in the otherwise not-so-classical romance story, the characters are anything but plain and archetypal, neither heroes, nor anti-heroes. Maybe it's not a popular stand, but I personally enjoy stories with such thoroughly human characters, lovable right down to their most irritating shortcomings.
I'd say that this story combines what I love the most in literature: social, historical and psychological accuracy, and a bold impressionist/naturalist style.
I had bought it to have something nice to read in the bus on my way to work. I ended up reading it overnight. I can't wait for the printed copy to come out, so I can bookmark all my favorite passages as I do for all my favorite novels.
2521280
They say that love conquers it all. How much of that affirmation is true??? For Winter and Cade love will be the fuel that impulse them to take their life by the horns and do whatever it takes to be happy.

Kiss me in Paris is a sweet, exciting, fun, entertaining, loving and passional romance novel. This is the story of two broken souls, people whose path will cross in the fantastic city of Paris. An educational summer program will be the perfect excuse to set them in a scenario that comes to life by its own. Winter and Cade will discover themselves, helping each other to learn about life, forgiveness, letting go and above all about LOVE.

Two amazing characters whose personalities and actions make them seem like real people. They are so well described that is almost impossible not to like them and picture them as people you might know. The story has alternative points of view so you get to see both sides and also it makes them more substantial.

The story not only includes great characters, dialogues and settings. It has a solid plot with a huge component of feelings and emotions. There are scenes with such force that will make you cry and others which make you laugh. The authors made an excellent work creating a world though words that escape the pages and transport you to a magical place.

The love is palpable at every page, it grows little by little, it leaves you hanging and breathless and the most relevant fact is that the relationship and love are believable all the time.

Another high point is the construction of the characters' past. Kimberly and Dmytry really get to build them a genuine journey, a past that makes them who they are today.

I should warn that Kiss me in Paris is a book for mature readers because it has a few scenes with a HIGH temperature, scenes which I loved because they fit perfectly in the story but they might not be suitable for immature readers. These scenes are AMAZING, with a passion that goes beyond the pages and leaves you gasping for air.

There are so many good things to say but I leave it up to you to discover this fantastic story.

I absolutely fell in love with this romance book. If you are looking for a new-adult book that leaves you with your heart in your hands and speechless, this book is for you.

*** I received an ecopy from the authors in exchange of an honest review. ***
978714
I have to confess up front. I love these books. I must have a dozen. I really like the Paris book, and the one for Prague, and Stockholm, and South Africa, and .... You get all the detailed material similar to other great travel books plus you get great visuals.

On a cold day back here in the USA (or Canada) or elsewhere, have a glass of wine and sit in a nice chair or in the garden on a warm day and read this book. For a moment you will be back in traveling. The photos are that good.

As I said, the photos and descriptions and the cutaway drawings are excellent and more than make up for any lack of small detail. But there is lots of detail here. The book includes the history of the city and many details on the art, art galleries, parks, culture, historical figures, cutaway views of historical buildings, and many other things of interest. The history is summarized at the beginning of the book with historical time lines and cross referenced to the culture and political figures. A solid effort - lots of stuff to see and absorb.

It has the other things too such as maps, accommodations, transportation, and the rest.

You will be pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality of this book and it makes a nice souvenir to refresh your memory when you get home.
3281504
Don't be fooled by the "YA" (young adult) category. This book is not just for teens.

I've read some great recommendations for this book, so I ordered it on Kindle on a whim. I'm an avid Francophile and Paris is one of my favorite cities. Didn't know much about the story, so I hoped that it would at least be decent. Little did I realize that this book would not only cater to the Paris fan in me, but also the Anglophile who loves British-accented romantic heroes.

A couple of chapters later, and I'm hooked. Anna is a delightful, refreshing and hilarious young woman who is resentful of her parents' shipping her off to Paris to attend a private boarding school. She leaves her friends and family in Atlanta, Georgia and doesn't care (and know much) about Paris. She can't speak French, is scared to explore Paris on her own, can't figure out the food and the metro, left a budding romance with her crush Toph and misses her friends and family. Her new boarding school neighbor Meredith Chevalier feels sympathy for the newbie and takes her in. She is invited to eat breakfast the day after she arrives at school and meets Meredith's friends Rashmi, Josh, and the charming Etienne St Clair. Things start to look up. She develops an instant crush on St Clair but is disappointed to find that he has a girlfriend and seems to only want Anna as a friend. Anna herself can't decide who or what she wants - her cute "could be-boyfriend" Tosh who is waiting at home in Atlanta or this witty and gorgeous French-Anglo-American (did I mention that Etienne has a killer British accent and speaks fluent French)? As Anna and St Clair's friendship deepens, so do the complexities. St Clair has a long time girlfriend Ellie, her close friend Meredith also has a crush on St Clair, Tosh still seems interested, St Clair himself is an enigma, and Anna can't help herself and falls in love with her new best friend.

I won't spoil the story for everyone. Needless to say, I found this book utterly charming. Perkins understands that love isn't always easy - and Anna goes through a series of emotional highs and devastating lows. It is funny and sweet, but has its moments of drama. It keeps readers on their toes as the various relationships develop then threaten to fall apart. Anna and her friends and family are fully realized characters and the story and her experiences are completely relate-able. And may I add that Paris itself is an important character in this book. Anyone who has been there will be transported yet again to Notre Dame, the Pantheon, Jardin du Luxembourg and the lovely corners and streets of the Latin Quarter where much of the book takes place. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book. It's an absolute gem and I wish it didn't have to end. I am looking forward to hearing more from Stephanie Perkins and I hope she has many more books to come that are as delicious and enchanting as this one.
71179
Brilliant read, entirely satisfying in all aspects. Beautiful, lyrical writing - never overdone - brings to life the 1860's art world in Paris, with many famous early Impressionists portrayed wonderfully as temperamental individualist characters. A complex lifelong relationship develops between two artists who walk a thin line between friendship and intimacy as they each struggle to discover and express their unique ]]talents authentically in an environment averse to, and highly critical of change. The author exquisitely describes, through the eyes of the artist, the process of creating a painting, conveying the ever-present conflict between self-criticism and doubt, learned skill, and pure inspiration. Many passages in the book, I read out loud in order to savour the poetic and musical beauty of the flow of words, an art form in itself. I highly acclaim this author.&nbsp;talents authentically in an environment averse to, and highly critical of change. The author exquisitely describes, through the eyes of the artist, the process of creating a painting, conveying the ever-present conflict between self-criticism and doubt, learned skill, and pure inspiration. Many passages in the book, I read out loud in order to savour the poetic and musical beauty of the flow of words, an art form in itself. I highly acclaim this author.&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/WOMAN-OF-CLAY-An-outrageous-gospel-story-unveiled/dp/B00ALHRGTU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">WOMAN OF CLAY: An outrageous gospel story unveiled</a>
736786
From todays master of epic storytelling comes a novel that captures Paris in all of its contradictory moods: fiery passion and suave calm, loyalty and rebellion, peace and war, hope and despair, light and dark.  With his meticulous research and imaginative prose, Rutherford takes the reader on a journey that spans centuries, tying together the histories of several families as they make their impressions on the very heart of Paris.  We watch in fascination as Thomas Gascon helps to build the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower.  Our hearts ache with Jacob as he watches his daughter escape with her forbidden lover.  We listen with blushing cheeks to the tales that come out of the Moulin Rouge; we laugh along with Marie when she is introduced to the incomparable Ernest Hemingway.  And we stand tall with Charlie as he gives his all to protect his beloved city.  All that Paris is - all that it is imagined to be - is captured here in these spellbinding pages.

In all honesty, I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy this novel when I first started reading it.  Ive been a fan of Mr. Rutherfords works for so long that I expect them to grab hold of me from the very beginning and hold me captive until their thrilling end.  This novel, however, with its jumping narrative (as opposed to the fluid shift through time that he has employed previously) felt broken and disorienting.  My initial reactions to the characters, too, were not as positive as they have been in the past.  However, as I went further and further into the novel, I found myself drawn in despite my reservations.  By the middle of the book, I was once again a happy captive, anxious to get to the end and hoping for the best for all of my favorite characters.  As in life, the resolution did not unfold exactly as I had hoped it would, but it was satisfying nonetheless.  Though I would certainly recommend other Rutherford books to first time readers (my favorites are the Ireland and London books), this tome is still one that should not be overlooked - especially by armchair travelers like me!!

With his unrivaled blend of impeccable research and narrative verve, Rutherfurd weaves an extraordinary narrative tapestry that captures all the glory of Paris. More richly detailed, more thrilling, and more romantic then anything Rutherfurd has written before, Paris: The Novel wonderfully illuminates hundreds of years in the City of Light and Love and brings the sights, scents, and tastes of Paris to sumptuous life.
3264549
This novel captures the atmosphere of Paris. It was carefully researched. It leads you on wanting to know more and trying to guess the outcome
1137633
The author continues to offer a glimpse of our sometimes painful past with her new novel, Paris, Adrift. Its dramatic, innocent, and hopeful. The characters, Juliana and Al, explore their sexuality more freely in romantic Paris and its refreshing to see it. Not that prejudgment and bigotry did exist in Paris, but there were clubs where the homosexual affection was permitted. The characters embrace in more than one occasion, and this simple act brings,unintentionally, a smile to the readers face, because its sweet and full of emotions. I got a bit of frustrated with Juliana who struggles with her religious beliefs and her sexuality and perhaps she is afraid to name her feelings for Al. Over all, Paris, Adrift is a good read.
2234991
I enjoyed reading this book recently.  It is set in Paris and I like Paris.  There is an interesting cast of characters.  It gets philosophical, of course.  What is the meaning of it all?  Sometimes beauty is deeper than skin deep.
2121716
I actually finished reading this a few days ago but... well... life happened and I haven't been on the internet much. Good things, friends, furniture acquisitions, etc. So now that things are settling down, I feel I can revisit this wonderful book.

Let me start with what I didn't like. The font. Though I loved the cursive feel that reflected entries in the diary of this teen, the font was just too small to read in large chunks. I think if I could have read faster and more, I would have been much more emotionally invested.

The story wins five stars plus. It introduces to us the way many of our youth discover their sexuality. The pain of being called names just for attempts at love. And this during the most vulnerable time of our lives: adolescence. Hopefully parents and teachers read it to see how they might help kids go through this as graceful as possible. Hopefully, the judgement will die as folks learn that people are people and love is just love.

The illustrations were marvelously done. I loved the subtlety of color gradually introduced after the blue haired sweetie. This stays in my permanent collection as I know I will want to read it again and again, just to enjoy the drawings.

Because I couldn't leave the story behind, I had to find the movie on Netflix streaming. It is in French with subtitles so I have taken my time watching/reading it. Actually, I have to say I am watching a bit before sleep every night as it is the quietest time so I can pay attention; fewer distractions for me at that time of night. The actresses are well selected and ... the French can make a better movie than we Americans with all our hang-ups. I feel this may be the movie to watch over and over and teach myself French--among other things. ;-)
490963
I found this book in my family estate being one of my father's favored books. He had been stationed in Paris and spoke about his time in Paris as never to be forgotten with great food, good people and dotted with the pleasures of Art in all forms....I picked it up and started to read with joy as I now embark on my own Atelier to write and draw and paint...Wanting the full flavor of Paris and Cafe's and Studios I discovered this to be a real "find"... You will not be disappointed at the depth that is written on various celebrities and the gossip of the time.
A study of the artists, writers, dancers, their environments and who contributed to the avant-garde literary and artistic world of Paris between the world wars. Huddleston, a British journalist and writer living in Paris, writes about such personalities as Yvette Guilbert, Josephine Baker, Sherwood Anderson, Ezra Pound, Hilaire Belloc, Ford Madox Ford, Foujita, Anatole France, Paul Morand, Ernest Hemmingway, Andre Maurois, Isadora Duncan, Paul Claudel, Paul Fort, Francis Carco, Anna Pavlova, Marcel Proust, James Joyce, Paul Valery, Jules Romains, Sarah Bernhardt, and others.  Go back in time to when "conversation" on Literature, Philosophy, Art and Music was actually considered "Avant-Garde"....You will enjoy this book...another time, another place, another Grand Memory. Carolyn's by Design