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

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.

An unexpected disappointment

Wow, I so much wanted to love this one as much as Rutherford's "New York" and "London"; in both of those, I learned so much history while being intrigued by the storylines of families through time. I love a LONG Audible listen, and these certainly fit that requirement! So I was excited to start "Paris", only to be quickly disappointed. (I still made it to 6 hrs and 40 min left before I allowed myself to give up and listen to something entertaining).

From the beginning I could not relate to the narrator; while her diction was perfect and she did a decent job with most characters, I never related to her as the narrator and was distracted by that. I particularly winced everytime she spoke with an "American accent" (really?) Her voice was so flat, but I guess it's hard to speak in different dialects....this narrator just didn't do it for me, and I will watch for her.

The story was uber-confusing! I replayed sections over and over, trying to figure out where I lost the thread...jumping around in time was unclear much of the time (to me), and there were few characters I cared about, as I was always trying to remember who they were and what part of the story they were in.

I'm sorry to leave a negative review, but I just found very little entertainment value in this recording. It wa more like being in a dull history class and striving to hang in there! By the way, I noticed much of the "history or story" was told this time through someone literally teaching the history to a younger character, rather than being told through story and action.

I will definitely try another Rutherfurd, after reading plenty of reviews and listening to a sample of the audio....this one just wasn't for me.

Excellent history of Paris and it’s soul

I found the story captivating, regularly looking at the family tree available at the author’s website. Very enjoyable to listen to while taking long walks in Mexico, dreaming of Paris. The narrator did an excellent job of capturing my attention and really drawing the listener in. This certainly will not be the last Rutherford novel I listen to. Very well done, sir!

Wonderful

A captivating saga involving six Parisian families from 1261 to 1968. Great family drama with the history of Paris as the backdrop. I loved all the connections between the people, some only the reader knew!
If you loved Ken Follett‘s Pillars of the Earth you’ll love this.

Captivating

The story of a great city and some of the families to make it unforgettable. Like his novel New York,The author gives us a great long story. This book is highly recommended.