Literature in Paris

Bonsoir,

Just a quick note on some books about Paris that I've read and enjoyed, and am thus recommending to you.

Shakespeare & Co., 37 Rue Bûcherie 75005 Paris

There are some obvious classics:

George Orwell's Down and Out in Paris and London which makes a short but brilliant read on what was apparently Orwell's experience as a poor would-be writer (and sometime homeless person) in the merciless city of Paris. Interesting note: at the time of publication the book was filed under fiction, as it could not be comprehended that an ex-Eton should find himself in such poor circumstances subject to the elitist attitude of the bourgeoisie.

Victor Hugo's Notre-Dame de Paris is a somewhat trying read, although worth it if you want to experience a true French classic. Hugo's obervations of Parisian life and attitudes of the time, as well as the hypocricy of religion, are incredibly amusing and thought-provoking.

Ernest Hemingway's A Moveable Feast is witness to yet another writer's experience of Paris (and another claimed true representation of it). Hemingway's encounters of Parisian cafes and its people are worth the read, as are the frequent mentions of his friendships with fellow well-known writers such as Joyce. It's also great for recognising notorious hotspots in Paris such as Les Deux Magots. The interspersion of Hemingway's far from idyllic private life adds to the book's under-played 'realism'.

I've recently read the books of Stephen Clarke, a modern British writer who satirises (rather successfully it seems, as these books are bestsellers) life in Paris as a Brit. The first of two novels is entitled A Year in the Merde - assuming no translation is needed, you get the gist of the novel. The second is thoughtfully called Merde Actually. These novels follow the life and happenings of Paul West, who due to his decidedely un-French attitude frequently finds himself in sticky situations, both romantically, financially and particularly in his career which is obstructed by a certain Jean-Pierre. There are some laugh-out loud moments (especially if you've experienced the rudeness of French waiters for yourself) and memorable albeit stock characters. I was given these as Christmas presents by my host family, and I find them an easy and enjoyable read - it's good not to feel alone in feeling overwhelmed in living in a foreign city and to be able to relate to many of Clarke's hilarious observations of the French.


In terms of what to read for tips on things to do in Paris, the Time Out Guide is of course rather brilliant, but I was also given the fabulous My Little Paris for my birthday, which is a French book with unusual insights and hotspots to visit and things to do when in Paris. This ranges from how and where to book a luxurious swimming pool for two, dine in a one-table restaurant, and discover secret fashion and underground bars. Je l'aime beaucoup!

More to come at a later date.

Bonne nuit