Helpful Score: 2
In the 1860s, Baron Haussmann's move to modernize Paris lead to the destruction of many narrow streets and the buildings on them to make room for the city's current broad boulevards. Written through the eyes of a woman who lives through the destruction of her home and the life she knew and treasured, Rose Bazelet's story unfolds. I liked de Rosnay's previous novels better than this one, but it was a moving story nonetheless.
"The House I Loved" is written both as a series of letters to her deceased husband as well as meditations on her youth, her marriage and her friends. She does all of this as she waits the demolition of the home she shared with her husband. The memories revealed in the letters share both joy and pain, as well as things previously unknown by her husband. The story deals with the era of the renovation of Paris in the 1860's. The main character, Rose, definitely comes alive in this novel. There are a number of very likeable characters. Rose does not want to leave the hose as the demolition of the area moves forward. you can't help but wonder if this will have a good outcome. It was a different and unique way to tell a story. I enjoyed it, and I learned a great deal. The author's love for Paris comes through. If I get back to Paris some day, I think I'll look at that area with a knowledge of its history that I didn't have before.
An elderly woman refuses to leave her Paris home, even though it is slated for destruction.
As she waits for the demolition crew, she writes to her late husband, eventually revealing a secret she had long kept from him, but it's an event the careful reader has understood since very early in the book.
As she waits for the demolition crew, she writes to her late husband, eventually revealing a secret she had long kept from him, but it's an event the careful reader has understood since very early in the book.
I did not enjoy this as much as I did Sarah's Key, the first of Ms. de Rosnay's books I have read. It is a quick read, an interesting story, but I found myself rushing throught the last half.
This book was a good account of the modernization of Paris in the late 1800's. It isn't her best but worth the read, it'll only take you a day to get this book finished.
