The Paris Novel
The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl, published by Random House Publishing Group on April 23, 2024, is a captivating exploration of life in 1980s Paris. This edition spans 288 pages and is presented in English. The story follows Stella, who, after her estranged mother’s death, inherits a one-way ticket to Paris and a note urging her to embark on an adventure. Initially hesitant and bound by her past, Stella’s journey begins when she impulsively buys a vintage Dior dress, leading her into the vibrant worlds of food, art, and fashion.
Readers will find that Stella’s experiences unfold as she navigates the Parisian landscape, meeting an octogenarian art collector who introduces her to influential figures in the literary and culinary scenes. As she immerses herself in this new life, Stella uncovers a hidden passion for food and a connection to her family’s history. The Paris Novel presents a rich tapestry of themes including self-discovery and the joy of living fully, making it a sensory feast that invites readers to reflect on their own journeys.
Official synopsis Publisher
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A “mouthwatering” (The New York Times) adventure through the food, art, and fashion scenes of 1980s Paris—from the bestselling author of Save Me the Plums and Delicious!
“An enchanting and irresistible feast . . . As with a perfect meal in the world’s most magical city, I never wanted this sublime novel to end.”—Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney, author of Good Company
A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: Saveur, Food & Wine, Bookreporter, The Charlotte Observer
Stella reached for an oyster, tipped her head, and tossed it back. It was cool and slippery, the flavor so briny it was like diving into the ocean. Oysters, she thought. Where have they been all my life?
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 falls into old habits, living cautiously and frugally. Then she stumbles across a vintage store, where she tries on a fabulous Dior dress. The shopkeeper insists that this dress was meant for Stella and for the first time in her life Stella does something impulsive. She buys the dress—and 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 Jules introduces Stella to a veritable who’s who of the Paris literary, art, and culinary worlds, she begins to understand what it might mean to live a larger life.
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. A feast for the senses, this novel is a testament to living deliciously, taking chances, and finding your true home.
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