I've just finished reading the book "Almost French". Yep, I was reading two books at the same time. "Crimson Petal and the White" was read at home 'cos it was too heavy to bring around. "Almost French" was a much thinner and lighter book, so the reading of that book took place during train rides.
I enjoyed "Almost French". It's written by Sarah Turnbull, an Australian freelance journalist who lives in Paris. She writes in the first person and tells us of how she came to live in Paris all because of a chance encounter which has sinced changed her life forever. I shall not let on too much in case my friend Vanessa accuses me of spoiling the story for her! :p
We get to see Paris and Parisian society through the eyes of one expatriate. She describes the struggles she went through and is still going through sometimes, as she tries to adapt to the Parisian way of life. The many faux pas which she has committed, especially in the initial years, are quite funny.
Turnbull manages to appreciate Paris for its beauty, quirks and idiosyncracies. I enjoyed reading about the odd characters in her neighbourhood, the Parisian obsession with fashion and style; their obsession with their pet dogs; their cool veneer and aloofness towards strangers; their insistence on perfection and impeccablility when it comes to wining, dining and entertaining etc. Turnbull describes many facets of Parisian life and I think she gives a rather well-rounded picture of the French.
She also writes about how she misses Sydney, and she sometimes makes references to places in Sydney. That was one reason why I enjoyed the book. I know what she's talking about when she writes about Sydney. I could relate to what she was writing, and I think this element of being able to relate to the material you're reading is what makes the difference between a good read and an extremely good read.
It's a story about French culture, people and society and the struggle which expatriates face. But at its heart it's a story about love. Love of one's homeland and adopted home, love of one's family, love of one's friends and the love of one's soulmate.
Posted by DSD at September 29, 2003 10:44 AMYou know this already, but I got the same book Joan! Hey if you ever want some fun and light reading, in a similar vein of Harry Potter but with a more complex plot, pick up Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. I'm going to put up a review of it on my blog soon, but I must tell you first how good the book is. I enjoyed it more than Potter actually. And the book is being made by Studio Ghibli into an animated film (the folks who did Spirited Away). The books is aimed at young adults but many adults round the world love her books and this particular book. Neil Gaiman recommends her books too. At any rate, some light and very fun fun reading. It twists all the traditional fairy tale traditions and becomes its own unique story. You'll like the male protagonist, Howl - I certainly did! =)
Posted by: Van Heng at October 2, 2003 12:23 AM