Book Review | A Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl
Written by the former food editor of the New York Times, Ruth Reichl’s ‘The Paris Novel’ is a literary time machine that whisks you away to Paris in the 1980s. It was a glorious and decadent decade before cell phones and social media were introduced to the world. This book is a gorgeous culinary adventure that will turn you into a foodie.
Stella St. Vincent is a thirty-something New Yorker. By day, she works as a copy editor; by night, she lives a simple and somewhat mundane life. Stella’s childhood is marred with trauma, and as a result, she has survived by following strict routines and having very few social interactions aside from her job. When her estranged mother dies suddenly, Stella discovers that she is to receive a small inheritance, with one caveat: she must use the money to book a plane ticket to Paris. Despite her tenuous relationship with her mother and her reluctance to follow her mother’s instructions, she’s urged on by her boss to take a well-needed vacation, and so Paris it is.
When Stella arrives in Paris, she decides she will not enjoy herself. She will eat the cheapest steak frites and drink vinegary table wine. Determinedly, Stella will bide her time until she has adhered to her mother’s wishes, and then she can continue on to her safe life back in New York.
Then, one day, she spots a beautiful vintage crinoline dress in a storefront window. With a sparkle in her eye, the mysterious shop owner tries to persuade Stella to buy the $6,000 vintage Christian Dior dress. Ever the rule follower, Stella realizes what an irresponsible purchase this would be, but she cannot help but think of who she could become in such a beautiful dress. She is finally convinced to make the splurge when the shop owner promises Stella that she can return the dress the next day with a full refund if she has any regrets about the purchase. While wearing the dress, Stella’s world suddenly seems to blossom, and this is when her adventure begins. She spends time with French nobility, travelling the French countryside in a jewel of an antique sports car, camping out with aspiring authors at Shakespeare and Company, and dining at cafes like Les Deux Magots.
This book is a Cinderella story and a love letter to Paris. It is as delicious and exquisite as the food she describes. Paris, the author explains, is a place that renders one capable of savouring the present while appreciating the past. After reading this book, you will no doubt run to the closest French bistro to enjoy some oysters and a cold glass of Chablis. Who knows, you might even book a one-way ticket to Paris! After all, we only live once, and life is short!
Get the book here.