Helpful Score: 2
This is a good summer beach book. I became interested in the true story of the abandoned Paris apartment and wanted to know more about it. This fictionalized account was all I could find. I'm not sure how much of it is actually true. But it's a fun read, one I consider chic lit. There are 2 stories - the modern one and the one that takes place in late 1890's. I like the latter story better but the modern one kept it going. This is a good get-away for the mind. Good summer fun.
Helpful Score: 1
This was very readable and held my interest throughout the entire book. I enjoyed the way it followed the family dynamics of two very different women - one in the early 1900's and one contemporary. The ending came very quickly and answered some questions that I had.
I wanted to love this book as much as I love my favorite city, Paris! Story of a Sotheby's furniture expert sent to Paris to authenticate furnishings in an apartment supposedly abandoned for 70 years. Exciting, huh? Among the furniture and decor, she finds journals written by the original owner which gives provenance to these pieces.
It starts with great promise but I felt betrayed reading journals written in 1890's when author wrote in today's vernacular. I almost gave up, it was so irritating. But I pressed on because the story was so interesting. The twists and turns added interest as well as happenings in current-day Paris. Altho it leaned toward chic-lit, the story of Marthe de Florian and her escapades were fun to read.
The current day portion of the book was too predictable. Married gal in Paris, worried about her cheating husband back in NY, she lets smooth-taking French attorney wine and dine her and yes, the inevitable happens. Yawn. But a twist at the end and all is well again. Sigh.
It starts with great promise but I felt betrayed reading journals written in 1890's when author wrote in today's vernacular. I almost gave up, it was so irritating. But I pressed on because the story was so interesting. The twists and turns added interest as well as happenings in current-day Paris. Altho it leaned toward chic-lit, the story of Marthe de Florian and her escapades were fun to read.
The current day portion of the book was too predictable. Married gal in Paris, worried about her cheating husband back in NY, she lets smooth-taking French attorney wine and dine her and yes, the inevitable happens. Yawn. But a twist at the end and all is well again. Sigh.