AndLike reichl’s first novel. The p aris novel is something of a modern fairy tale. It’s overstuffed with plot threads and despite the fairy tale plot threads is also rich in carefu lily researched details. Given reichls ba ckground as a famous food critic, editor and memoirist., there’s an abunda nce of meal scenes. Unless. You’re a tru e. Foodie these are likely to be too much of a good thing. The fictional character do tend to beg credibility. That said, this is an enjoyable outing that kept me turning the pages pretty

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it left me wanting to find more titles by her. I’ve never been to Paris but the way it’s described in this book makes me feel like I’ve seen it already! Very well written and especially love all the god! Made me hungry reading it. Would definitely recommend to friends!

This is a charming little jewel of a novel that was a wonderful read on a rainy autumn day. Stella is a book editor in New York who is estranged from her mother, Celia, who was a pretty poor mother (her father was out of the picture). When Celia dies, she leaves several thousand dollars to Stella but with the instructions that she must go to Paris with the money. Stella takes a leave from work and goes, and there begins her adventures: she meets a mysterious man, Jules, who becomes her guide and benefactor, she befriends the 'tumbleweeds' at the Shakespeare and Company bookstore, she begins a search for answers about the model of Manet's painting Olympia and oh, by the way, she tries to figure out if a peripatetic French chef is her father. It's all a bit of a fantasy and nowhere like real life and I loved it.

A lovely story about copyeditor Stella from New York finding her way to Paris in the 1980s, thanks to a directive in the will of her mother, who provided a small bequest for the trip.

Stella finds herself and her true love in life -food, Paris, art, and romance.

This was an enjoyable novel of a grown woman coming of age in Paris, meeting well known writers in the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore, finding her true passion in cooking, and discovering a father she never knew.

I loved the references to the artists and writers of the age who people the novel, in direct and indirect ways, the artistry with food, the excitement of would be writers squatting and sleeping at the bookstore. Paris in the 80s was brought alive in this book.

Ruth Reichl never misses the mark, and her debut novel is no exception. The Paris Novel was such a treat. From the gorgeous descriptions of the French countryside and the zany cast of characters to the incredible meals Stella eats along the way, I truly didn’t want this adventure to come to an end.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for the advanced copy!

I loved this! Having just gone to Paris last year, this book was like a return trip. I read it in just two sittings. An absolute delight!

Great Author, Great Story, Loved it more than her others. A great book for a lazy weekend afternoon for an escape. Thanks

As I"ve come to expect with Reichl's books, this story was magical. I pictured myself in Paris, enjoying the delightful characters and the amazing food interwoven throughout. Fans of Reichl will not be disappointed.

The Paris Novel gives Ruth Reichl, former restaurant reviewer and foodie another opportunity to display her knowledge and love of anything French. The heroine, Stella, has a troubled past but soon adjusts to French culture, cuisine and art. She is charming and fairly complex but not very exciting.
The finale is basically predictable but still fun.
Read it for the food and restaurant descriptions--and don't expect a great work of art.

Book Review

The Paris Novel

By Ruth Reichl

Pub Date: April 30, 2024

Trigger Warning: sexual molestation

Thanks to @netgalley and @atrandomhouse for the advanced copy of The Paris Novel in exchange for an honest review.

Stella St. Vincent never knew her father or her mother for that matter, even though she lived with her. Stella lived with her mom, but they never bonded. Her mom had never been interested in being a mom and Stella was fine with it. Stella created her own life with her own routines and when not in school she could usually be found at The Met. After college, Stella had a career in publishing that pretty much occupied all her time. The downtime she did have was spent in her apartment reading. So, when she was notified of her mother’s death and the only, she left her was a plane ticket to Paris, she wasn’t thrilled to take a vacation. Convinced by her boss to go, Stella’s life would be forever changed in a good way.

In New York, she never bothered to see new places or try new food or meet people. Once in Paris she was forced to be a tourist. Of course, she made a list of everything she wanted to see, but her days didn’t always go as planned. She met people along the way. She took risks and made friends and she kept extending her vacation and learned the art of spontaneity. Paris is the first time she really felt a part of something. The people she met in Paris had become friends and some had become found family.

My thoughts: The book goes by fast. I love Paris and am always excited to read both non-fiction and f fiction of Americans in Paris. I enjoyed reading about she occupied her time in New York growing up as well as vacation. The descriptions of the food were beyond descriptive, and I wondered if she was going to eat at Chez George, one of my favorite restaurants. All I can say is Stella meeting Jules was a blessing. For anyone that feels alone, it is never to find your own found family.

This book is pure pleasure. Reichl writes so vividly and sensually about food, and she captures Paris so wonderfully. This book made me want to eat and to shop and to travel, and I can give it no higher compliment.

SO many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to read The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl.

I have been a Ruth Reichl fan and follower forever. Love Ruth, Love Paris, Love Food - this will be your dream book.

Parfait!