Review

You could say that I grew up reading Ruth Reichl - following her restaurant reviews that featured the newest and trendiest spots in Los Angeles. She later was appointed the editor of Gourmet magazine, and I enjoyed her take on a larger scale of worldwide food trends and delicacies. When her latest book, The Paris Novel came out - I was predisposed - I knew I would love it! The book begins with the difficult relationship of an estranged mother and Stella, her daughter. When Stella's mother dies, she leaves her a plane ticket to Paris and $8000. This wasn't the story I was expecting and I must admit I felt tricked. Was this book going to be about Paris cuisine or the story about a failing mother and daughter? As the story unravels in Paris, we are treated to familiar streets, restaurants and even the famous bookstore, Shakespeare and Company. Stella finds herself falling into one unlikely situation after another, in a city where she knows nobody, but manages to meet the most interesting characters who seduce her into falling in love with the city and them. I particularly enjoyed the seductive way Reichl weaved in the oysters and rose champagne from Le Deux Magots, the shawarma and chewy pita from L'As du Fallafel, and the cote de beouf and roasted potatoes from Robert et Louise. These are all my favorite Paris places and somehow, they fit perfectly into the story. This book is a wonderful page turning read that you will enjoy this summer - and it might even inspire you to book that flight to Paris and join in on the feast and adventure!

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