An exquisite novel depicting 1980’s Paris. Atmospheric and beautiful.
Many thanks to Random House and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This novel is a little bit make-believe, little bit travelogue, lotta bit fabulous French food -- as one would expect from this author. But the fanciful tone is severely marred by an early scene of sexual child abuse against the protagonist. Reichl weaves real and fictional characters into a story centering around the search for the work of a little-known Parisienne artist and artist's muse as Stella, the main character, simultaneously seeks to fill the gaps in her own life story and create a new, fulfilling existence in Paris.

Stella St. Vincent, a thirty-something copy editor in New York City, has survived a relationship with her mother, Celia, so complicated that even the words “my daughter” give Stella pause. Celia lived life to the fullest, reinventing herself and discarding the parts of her life that no longer pleased her—including Stella’s father, whom Celia refused even to name. And when Stella rebels by becoming the exact opposite of her mother—disciplined, buttoned-down, reliant on schedules to guarantee safety—Celia does her best to push her daughter out of that comfort zone. So the bequest in Celia’s will is no accident: Stella inherits $8,000, a ticket to Paris, and instructions to spend all the money before returning home.

Stella resists until even her employer loses patience and forces her to take a leave of absence. Even then, Stella spends weeks in Paris scheduling every meal and sightseeing tour—until an encounter with a strange shopkeeper intent on selling a beautiful dress designed by Yves St. Laurent sends Stella on a journey that will expose her to a lost nineteenth-century painting, the artist who created it, her own past, and the sensory experiences that she has denied herself for so long.

I hope to interview the author of this captivating, beautifully written novel when the book comes out in April 2024.

This book should come with a content warning for child sex abuse. The second chapter recounts our heroine's horrific experience. I couldn't get past it and ended up not finishing the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Random House.

While not as impactful as her nonfiction, Ruth Reichl's "The Paris Novel" is an enjoyable read. Stella's journey of self-discovery in the City of Lights is relatable, and the descriptions of Parisian life, from the cafes to the art galleries, are beautiful.. The story overall is a little predictable at times, but the eclectic cast of characters that Stella meets are fun and engaging. You will certainly cheer Stella on as she learns to step outside of her comfort zone and really experience life for the first time. She learns to let go of the tight control she usually has on all aspects of her life, and simply enjoy what might come next. Her ability to live in the moment is inspiring. As Stella learns about herself in Paris, she learns about her mother as well. The book is directive to attempt to understand our loved ones while they are still here.
Overall, "The Paris Novel" is a charming, perfect for those seeking a delightful escape to Paris and a reminder to embrace new opportunities. If you're a fan of Reichl's writing or simply adore descriptions of delicious food, this book is definitely for you.

An easy, breezy book for anyone who loves Paris, food and fashion. Since Ruth Reichl is the author there is in-depth description on food. It was an enjoyable read but not very memorable.

Food, books, and Paris…what more could you want?! This takes you on a divine trip with amazing descriptions of food, life in Paris, wine, book stores, art and so much more. It tells the story of Stella, who comes to Paris only because her mother left her instructions to do so when she passed. It takes you through a few mysteries as well as a love sorry with food! I loved it! I can’t wait to go back and dig into Ruth’s cookbooks now!

TW for a mention of child abuse in the beginning.

Paris is a main character in this story. I've never been, but appreciated the descriptions of food, sites, sounds, people.
Thank you, NetGalley, and the publisher for access to this e-ARC.

This was a well researched and well written story that kept me rapt. I loved the clothes, the food- all of it. My favorite book of this author! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. great story!

The Paris Novel starts with Stella St. Vincent. A woman determined to make herself small to ensure nothing exciting ever happens in her life, and also a little rebellion towards her mother. When her mother passes away and her only request is for Stella to go to Paris. At first, Stella is resistant, but her boss encourages her to go and she takes a leap of faith. Once in Paris, Stella stumbles upon a vintage Yves St. Laurent dress that seems to be made for her. This dress begins to open a whole new world to Stella and she continues to not only discover Paris, but happiness as well.

Ruth Reichl did an amazing job weaving historical details, creating beautiful characters and relationships. This book was truly so enjoyable. Food, Art, Fashion, Family and Friendship are all abundant in this fiction read. It was such a joy to experience Stella unraveling her protective world and creating the friends, family and joy that she had kept her self from.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the ARC.

I loved the rich history in this book, as well as the character development of Stella. The many interesting people she met and her chosen family. I didn’t realize, until the author’s note at the end, that many of the people and events in this book are real. I have never once considered the Nazi’s impact on more than just the people of Europe, but the art and other inanimate objects. A beautiful story of a woman’s journey for purpose and family.

Loved everything about this book! Paris, food, art, identity exploration, what’s not to like? A lovely story about finding connection with yourself and others in new and unexpected ways. The descriptions of food were also amaaaaazing and added to my enjoyment of the book. Thank you to netgalley and random house for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️From the publisher Random House: When her estranged mother dies, Stella is left with an unusual inheritance: a one-way plane ticket and a note reading “Go to Paris.” Stella is hardly cut out for adventure; a traumatic childhood has kept her confined to the strict routines of her comfort zone. But when her boss encourages her to take time off, Stella resigns herself to honoring her mother’s last wishes.
Alone in a foreign city, Stella embarks on an adventure.
Her first stop: the iconic brasserie Les Deux Magots, where Stella tastes her first oysters and then meets an octogenarian art collector who decides to take her under his wing.
As weeks—and many decadent meals—go by, Stella ends up living as a “tumbleweed” at famed bookstore Shakespeare & Company, uncovers a hundred-year-old mystery in a Manet painting, and discovers a passion for food that may be connected to her past.
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My review: (TW in one of the early chapters for sexual abuse of a child.) Stella is not happy and very regimented. She goes to Paris as her non-motherly mother instructed her to do in her "will". The book is a lot of wine, food, description, some intrigue and searching to solve a mystery of artistic history.
I was a little bored but interested in what would happen and what Stella would learn. I tend to skim over paragraphs when they are filled with hordes of adjectives because let's face it...tedious. And there was a bunch of skimming in this.
But Stella met interesting people and found herself in the process. The story picked up a lot in the 7 or 8 chapters and I enjoyed it more.
If you love fancy food, wine and dream of Paris...you'll love this book.

⭐️⭐️⭐️Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for an advance digital copy in exchange for my review.

Wow, this was a wonderful read! I already loved the description and fell in love with the writing and storyline right away. The main character really gave a lot to the novel and you felt as if you knew her. Great read!

want this to continue engaging characters in a novel of discovery finding what makes you happy set in Paris the city comes alive with each page terrific read

Thank you to Net Galley and Random House for an e-copy of the ARC of Ruth Reichl’s upcoming book, The Paris Novel. In her writing fashion, Reichl’s description of Paris, of fashion and food transported me to Paris. I could call back walking in certain places 24 years ago as she described different spots and plans the main character, Stella, was experiencing. There was a surprising episode in the second chapter involving child sexual abuse that was unexpected and I believe should be included as a CW. Overall, this wasn’t my favorite book by Reichl, but still thankful for the walk down Paris memory lane.

I love Ruth Reichl’s writing and I was so excited to get an early copy of this book. I did really enjoy parts of it, but on the whole it felt very disjointed to me. I found myself loving some parts and being bored during others. It almost felt like 2 different books that were smashed into one.

I did like this fiction debut by Reichl quite a bit. I've been a fan of her other books for quite a while. The Paris novel follows an intriguing plot and cast of characters. I loved that Paris is a character itself - lovely descriptions and Reichl's talent to write about her passion of cuisine is still unparalleled.

📖 ARC REVIEW 📖

Thank you @randomhouse for an early copy of The Paris Novel by @ruth.reichl. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. 🤍

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Release date: April 23rd, 2024

Blurb: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195430688-the-paris-novel?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=VnOO11lhlr&rank=1

🛑Read on with caution; review may contain spoilers🛑

The Paris Novel has made me hungry to try out Parisian food. New Yorker Stella, the protagonist in this story who has avoided being like her mother all her life, travels to Paris as per her mother’s request after her death. She reluctantly explores Paris as she likes routine and having a concrete plan for everything.

I admire Stella’s character, it takes so much bravery to go to an unknown city, especially with being used to a routine and having a plan. But Paris had a lot to offer, and her newfound appreciation and passion for food – which she beautifully describes every time she eats a new dish – really made me crave such. As she explores the city, I find myself appreciating and wishing I was there, travelling with her. She describes Paris as if you were there in person and it’s gorgeous.

I highly recommend this enlightening and beautifully written book if you’re interested in all things Paris and its food and art from the perspective of a woman on a journey to finding herself.

I’ve always been obsessed with novels about Paris, so I thought I would devour The Paris Novel. Sadly, I struggled through this book. The premise seemed interesting enough, but it just didn’t grab me the way I hoped it would. Reading about the sights, sounds, and tastes of France is always such a treat, but I formed no connection to Stella or any of the other characters. I’m sorry this book wasn’t for me. Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.