“There is never any ending to Paris and the memory of each person who has lived in it differs from that of any other…” Ernest Hemingway captures Paris beautifully in A Moveable Feast but he’s not the only writer to have lived, loved and explored the City of Light. Here, we divulge five books you need to devour before finding yourself in Paris.
1. A Moveable Feast
The most well known of books about Paris, Hemingway’s relationship with the city was a battle of inspiration, friendship, money-woes and love twists. Set in the 1920s, this memoir is made up of evocative prose that will take you on a journey along cobblestone streets and to sidewalk cafes, some of which still exist like Café de Flore. Worth reading before your trip to Paris and then re-reading again once you’ve left. It will shine in a new light.
2. Almost French
When Australian journalist Sarah Turnbull heads to Paris for a week to meet up with a guy she met whilst backpacking across Europe, the last thing she expects is to fall in love with the man and the city. One for the romantics, Almost French is a true modern-day love story that is easy to knock over in one afternoon sitting.
3. The Sweet Life in Paris
Paris is a world of its own, and this memoir is all about navigating the way through the unfamiliar cultural differences, language blunders and everything in between. Written by American pastry chef David Lebovitz, The Sweet Life in Paris is the perfect page-turner if you’re considering a long visit to the land of wine and cheese.
4. A Year in the Merde
the most hilarious book ever #AYearInTheMerde #StephenClarke #book #comedy #funny #brit in #france #paris #humour #laugh #lol A photo posted by Doina (@doina_c_) on
A Year in the Merde is the hilarious tale of a British man living in Paris for a year and his love-hate relationship with the romantic city’s women, quirks and coffee. If you want to see a fresh side to Paris, let this novel be your un-guidebook to discovering new spots and understanding cultural differences. An ideal light read for the plane.
5. How to Be Parisian Wherever You Are: Love, Style, and Bad Habits
A girl can dream A photo posted by Dorena(@theoctoberroad) on
If you’ve ever looked at a woman in Paris and wondered what it is that makes them so imperfectly perfect, this book could have the answer. Written by four impossibly beautiful French women, this how-to manual is made up of helpful snippets on style, beauty and love. An enjoyable read that will give you a little insight into the mysterious Parisienne.
(Feature image: Artur Staszewski)
