Recommended reading for a visit to France
 

I was thinking that I would like, for my next trip, to go to France for 6-7 days.

What would be good reading, fiction and non fiction, to give me a feel for history and culture?

I have read the Toujours Provence series and some Moliere in my time but that is about it.

This trip won't happen anytime soon so feel free to load me up!

Barbara Tuchman's "A Distant Mirror - The Calamitous 14th Century" and Ina Caro's "The Road from the Past - Traveling through History in France".

If you're going to Paris, try from Paris to the Moon by Adam ____, can't think of his last name but I think it begins with a G. Sorry. That is the exact title though.

You might try "The Seven Ages of Paris" non-fiction by Alistair Horne published in November, 2002 to excellent reviews.

Adam Gopnick. WONDERFUL BOOK!!!! Anyone who loves Paris should read it.

If you want a good trashy read (it is summer, after all) try Judith Kranz's book "Mistral's Daughter." It starts in the 1920s in Paris with a painter's model, and follows through with her daughter and grandaughter. Other good books which you won't be embarassed to be seen reading are Peter's Mayle's books, the ones following "A Year in Provence." His one about the bicycle thieves is so funny (someone help me here with the title).

I second the recommendation of Ina Caro's excellent book.

Another non-fiction favorite of mine is Richard Bernstein's "Fragile Glory: A Portrait of France and the French."

"France - Culture Shock" (Its part of a series... or anything of Polly Platt's books "Savoir Flair", for example. Actually, any of Peter Mayle's books would be great too

Paris To The Moon is a total waste of money. The writer is self-absorbed and his choice of topics is bizare.

Much of the book is devoted to "cute kid" stories and endless prattle about his family, not Paris. I felt like I had been forced to leaf through a huge family photo album of very average people. You can and should do much better.

Jeez, Degas, how did you really feel about the book?!

Also, try On Rue Tatin, especially if you are into cooking at all, but even if you aren't it's a great book.

swalter518

I tried to hold back, but it just slipped out. Many folks have bought it, but the reviews are mixed. That's what makes the world go round.

I'll check out your second recommendation.

I too was very disappointed by "Paris to the Moon". As I was living in Paris when I read the book, I was hoping for some sympathetic ideas and clever insights. But really, the writer lived in the architypal American ex-pat quarter, and clearly ate and socialised in untypical circles. I mean, who on earth gets a summer membership to the pool at the Ritz? Certainly no Parisian I've ever met.
To be fair, it's a nice collection of anecdotes, but many of them couldn't be further away from the "real Paris".

Anyway, enough negative opinions...

How about trying a bit of Zola for social history, or even George Orwell's "Down and Out in Paris and London" (OK, it's about as relevant as "Paris to the Moon" but I found it much more engaging!!)
Another author to try for stories about life in the French countryside is Marcel Pagnol, author of "Jean de Florette" and "Manon des Sources", along with "Le Chateau de ma mère et la Gloire de mon Père" (or is it the other way round? i can never remember!!). Anyway, even in translation the books are quite charming.

And then of course, there's Alain Fournier's classic "Le Grand Meaulnes" which again is quite readable in translation.

Rose Tremain's "The Way I Found Her" is a quirky story about a young boy experiencing a summer in Paris with his mother and an eccentric Russian novelist (it gets a little crazy towards the end, but it's an enjoyable read!).

I'll second the recommendation for "The Seven Ages of Paris." A big but very readable history of Paris. I couldn't put it down.

Mistral's Daughter is based on some things about Picasso and some of the action takes place where I stayed in Villeneuve-les-Avignon, The Prieuré.

Degas, Maybe I'm just drawn by anything that makes me think of Paris. On Rue Tatin has a similar story basis as Francis Mayes' books-American moves to France, rehabs house, runs into cultural snafus, and cooks along the way. I loved it but if that's not up your alley, don't bother.

re hanl's post...remember those two films "Florette" and "Manon" from 10-15 years ago? They were delightful and I'd love to see them again! i.e. now that I've since had the opportunity to spend some time in that French countryside.

TuckH you are a darling! Your mention of those two movies (both in my private video collection) reminded me of Maurice Pagnol's memoirs, My Father's Glory and My Mother's Castle. Two movies were based on it, and they're wonderful. All of the above would certainly put longings for France in you...

swalter518, I hear you about being drawn to books about Paris.

The Seven Ages of Paris was on target for me. On Rue Tatin had some mixed reviews on amazon.com. Since its at my library, I'll give it a try.

Can't believe no one's mentioned Hemingway's Moveable Feast. It's a very easy read.

Very "American-ex-pat-writer-living-in-a-
garrett-in-1920's Paris." in style.

Jennie :)

Now I have 2 more books to read-Degas, I'm going to try 7 Ages... and Moveable Feast sounds good too.