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

Epic saga over the centuries that gives historical insights about Paris that I didn’t know

While a very long saga...I found I was drawn to the fictional characters interwoven with the history. Having visited the City of Light and having lunched at the Jules Verne inside the Eiffel Tower, I was particularly struck by the story of the building of the tower itself! I enjoyed the way Rutherford wove it all together. A daunting task indeed. Well done! I think my grandfather (born in Tulle, but an emigre to America) would be gratified that I was reading about his homeland’s history!

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.

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.

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!

Paris: The Novel (is that helpful?)

[Why not ignore that awesome stalker just waiting, finger poised over the *no* help button?]

After this enjoyable experience, I intend to look up other books by this author. Rutherfurd did an admirable job condensing 700 plus years of history, from several different class perspectives, in Paris: The Novel--although "condensing" may seem an odd word to use when referring to an almost 39 hour book. But the information is as significant and as impressive as the book's girth.The tangled machinations of politics, religion, social position, etc., was intriguing, given added color by the personalities entwined in the years of rich history. The timelines that crossed America's progression with where Paris was at a particular place in it's historic march fascinated me, reminding me that we are a young country in comparison. The embellished dialogue sometimes seemed staged to facilitate passages of information, as is often the case with this kind of historical fiction (an great-aunt takes her very young children on a Sunday afternoon stroll, giving quite a lengthy discourse on the history of the Louvre, or Notre Dame) but so much information is given that I enjoyed these episodes (that reminded me a little of following the knowledgeable group-guide with the flag). With such an abundance of information, I'm sure that even the most erudite Francophiles will be enlightened.

*Please allow me: To you who follow certain reviewers just for the sole purpose to vote no after reading their reviews, usually before even reading them at all...just stop reading them; follow someone else; write your own freaking reviews that enlightens us all as to what IS helpful; gut-up. There are reviewers that don't write anymore and now I understand why. Keep some dignity and class in this "community". "Mean people suck." ( I'd give that statement a *yes this was helpful.*)

Good memories!

I lived in Paris for two years in my 20's. This book brought back memories of the many places mentioned. At the same time I learned the history of these same places from as far back as the 1300's. Rutherfurd wonderfully brings together the many different families as we move through the centuries. My only complaint was the narrator's voice that seemed a little monotone but I guess if I am going to listen for 38 hours I would rather have that monotone rather than an overly dramatic version. All in all, a very good book.

odd ordering of chapters

I'm not sure if there was a glitch with audible or not, but on the middle the chairs jumped between was so much that I got confused at times. I enjoyed this book as I have other Rutherfurd books--lots of charming characters with fascinating stories told over historical events.

Paris: The Novel

This book was a little harder for me. I think, it is because of the French & their language. I've read far more books about England, and more familiar with English history. But I thoroughly enjoyed Paris and it's many interesting characters and places.

Great moments in the history of Paris in one novel

What did you like best about Paris? What did you like least?

The novel gave me the entire history of Paris in accessible form. It was easy to listen.However, the plots and characters were clearly contrived to just happen to be in situ at every conceivable historical moment - from the Revolution to Impressionism. The characters were wooden and the writing style clunky.

Would you ever listen to anything by Edward Rutherfurd again?

I might because I like really long novels to listen to while I quilt and knit. But the bad writing turns me off, so not soon.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Jean Gilpin?

Jean Gilpin sounded stilted, although the french pronunciation was excellent. I would have preferred Simon Vance, Malcolm Hillgartner, or Elizabeth Peters for example.

Any additional comments?

Rutherfurd packed it all in, but it sounded like he took a history outline from an encyclopedia and built a novel around it. He is definitely NOT as skilled an historical autor as Patrick O'Brian