Paris

The Novel

By: Edward Rutherfurd

Narrated by: Jean Gilpin

Length: 38 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

From the grand master of the historical novel comes a dazzling, epic portrait of the City of Light.

Internationally best-selling author Edward Rutherfurd has enchanted millions of readers with his sweeping, multigenerational dramas that illuminate the great achievements and travails throughout history. In this breathtaking saga of love, war, art, and intrigue, Rutherfurd has set his sights on the most magnificent city in the world: Paris.

Moving back and forth in time across centuries, the story unfolds through intimate and vivid tales of self-discovery, divided loyalties, passion, and long-kept secrets of characters both fictional and real, all set against the backdrop of the glorious city - from the building of Notre Dame to the dangerous machinations of Cardinal Richlieu; from the glittering court of Versailles to the violence of the French Revolution and the Paris Commune; from the hedonism of the Belle Époque, the heyday of the impressionists, to the tragedy of the First World War; from the 1920s when the writers of the Lost Generation could be found drinking at Les Deux Magots to the Nazi occupation, the heroic efforts of the French Resistance, and the 1968 student revolt.

With his unrivaled blend of impeccable research and narrative verve, Rutherfurd weaves an extraordinary narrative tapestry that captures all the glory of Paris. More richly detailed, more thrilling, and more romantic then anything Rutherfurd has written before, Paris: The Novel wonderfully illuminates hundreds of years in the City of Light and Love and brings the sights, scents, and tastes of Paris to sumptuous life.

©2013 Edward Rutherfurd (P)2013 Random House Audio

A True Love Story

A love story about the country Itself.
I have a much better understanding of the French culture and why the French think so highly of themselves and are arrogant because they totally believe that it's the best place in the world. I now have more respect for the French And very happy that Edward Rutherford wrote this book

Wonderful

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learned a good deal about the history of Paris and France while doing so. Highly recommended.

Perfect Pre & Post Trip Paris Primer

If you’re headed to Paris or you’ve been there, this book is a must-read! The many interesting facts and tidbits, as well as detailed descriptions of the different arrondissements, that are seamlessly weaved into the storylines make this the best way to gain a deeper appreciation of the City of Light. This is my first read by the author and I’m already looking forward to reading “New York” next!

Repetitive and tiresome

Nothing as good as Sarum or London. I took a chance on this book and I regret it. I intend to return it.

Aaah, Paris!

I so wish I’d listened to this before I went to Paris last year! I knew a very small amount of Parisian history, but this made so much of it tangible in a really endearing way. I sometimes wish it had been told In a more linear timeline, but I understand the author’s delight in the “gotcha” moments. As with all audiobooks, I sometimes have a hard time remembering what century we’re in (which is why I like the more linear timeline), but I loved it & now want to go back to Paris!!!!

Trois!

Yes--I listened to this three times over two years, and enjoyed many little tidbits I'd missed while racing towards the narratives evolution. Try it sometime when you've really loved a story--listen again! This is worth an again, especially if you have ever been there, or hope to.

plethara of info and entertainment

I chose this to learn more about Paris in an entertaining way. The story provided this more than I hooed. I did take away one star because there were some loose threads in the storyline but still worth he listen. The narrator is entertaining as well and keeps the story flowing.

A great listen!

I love this book. I’ve listened at least two times.
Loved the narrator. It’s long but worth it.

Interesting overview, but moves too slowly

A nice review of what Paris is and was. I have been to every location described. I love them all. It was a pleasant travelogue. Fairly evenhanded in judging the roles the French played in Western history. Long section could have been. Glad I “ read” it.

confusing plot presentation

With the book spanning hundreds of years its hard to know where in history the storyline is. I checked the book out of the library so I could alternate with the audible and have the book to reference. usually an author includes sub headings announcing the date and and principle character when jumping to another period...not in this book. I agree with other comments It is better to read this in print.