#ParisInJuly: A round-up of books set in France


Bonjour! Did you know that Paris in July, hosted by Thyme for Tea, is in its sixth year? I've come across this event many times in the past and kept thinking "I should join that" .... but never do! This post is a long time in the coming.

I've always had a fascination for France, mainly because of the foodie culture there. Now that I now live in Canada, I can't get away from the Francophone influences, evident from bilingualism and the many cultural events. 

For this post, I am pulling together some of the books--set in France, of course-- that I've enjoyed. Click on the links to get to my full reviews. Hopefully you'll see one or two that may pique your interest!

Why it's a favourite: A story that will stay with me because of its simple yet profound messages: to never judge a book by its cover, to take time to appreciate the beauty around us and the people who touch our lives. We all need to be reminded once in a while.

Why it's a favourite: Unconventional, surprising, slightly snide, but with plenty of hidden gems. Ponder and you'll realize that there is so much more to Kundera's absurdity. I always find Kundera's books thought provoking, challenging, and open to a reader's personal interpretations. This is no different.
Why it's a favourite: A richly detailed historical fiction novel that conjectures on the little-known love story of Pablo Picasso and Eva Gouel. A non-sensationalized recounting that highlights what it means to love, and to lose someone you love.


Why it's a favourite: Straddling both Japan and France, this historical fiction piece is both heartbreaking and enlightening, bringing to sharp focus the artist life of creation, beauty, and agony.

Why it's a favourite:  A gorgeous book all around. A story to savour languidly. Historical fiction buff, you'll be immersed in 1920s New York and 1950s Paris. Sensualist, you'll revel in the descriptions of scents and their intimate power to transport you in time and place. Story lover, you'll discover how the lives of these seemingly totally different women are entwined. 

Why it's a favourite: Filled with gorgeous descriptions of the coasts of Cap d'Antibes in southern France, art and literary musings of Picasso and Fitzgerald, and a feeling of a being in the inner circle of the charmed Murphys, this existentialist historical fiction tale will be sure to intrigue those of you who are familiar with these real life people or those who love 1920s art and literature.

Which of these are you interested in?

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© guiltless readingMaira Gall