The Paris Novel

By: Ruth Reichl

Narrated by: Kiiri Sandy

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A “mouthwatering” (The New York Times) adventure through the food, art, and fashion scenes of 1980s Paris—from the bestselling author of Save Me the Plums and Delicious!

“An enchanting and irresistible feast . . . As with a perfect meal in the world’s most magical city, I never wanted this sublime novel to end.”—Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney, author of Good Company

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: Saveur, Food & Wine, Bookreporter, The Charlotte Observer

Stella reached for an oyster, tipped her head, and tossed it back. It was cool and slippery, the flavor so briny it was like diving into the ocean. Oysters, she thought. Where have they been all my life?

When her estranged mother dies, Stella is left with an unusual inheritance: a one-way plane ticket and a note reading “Go to Paris.” Stella is hardly cut out for adventure; a traumatic childhood has kept her confined to the strict routines of her comfort zone. But when her boss encourages her to take time off, Stella resigns herself to honoring her mother’s last wishes.

Alone in a foreign city, Stella falls into old habits, living cautiously and frugally. Then she stumbles across a vintage store, where she tries on a fabulous Dior dress. The shopkeeper insists that this dress was meant for Stella and for the first time in her life Stella does something impulsive. She buys the dress—and embarks on an adventure.

Her first stop: the iconic brasserie Les Deux Magots, where Stella tastes her first oysters and then meets an octogenarian art collector who decides to take her under his wing. As Jules introduces Stella to a veritable who’s who of the Paris literary, art, and culinary worlds, she begins to understand what it might mean to live a larger life.

As weeks—and many decadent meals—go by, Stella ends up living as a “tumbleweed” at famed bookstore Shakespeare & Company, uncovers a hundred-year-old mystery in a Manet painting, and discovers a passion for food that may be connected to her past. A feast for the senses, this novel is a testament to living deliciously, taking chances, and finding your true home.

Heart & Dreams

Started a bit slow for me, but I love a story with Paris as a background. The movement flowed as soon as the dress entered.

Exquisite

This is only the second book bu Ruth Reichl I have listened to — this was so incredible I listened to it all in one day and am heart broken it is over.

I don't remember why I downloaded this book...

but I am happy I did. I fell in love with the more I listened. It's not in my normal wheelhouse of listening material, I have ranged across the spectrum but there was something about this book. I loved how Stella seemed to blossom as she discovered Paris and it's people, taking her way out of her comfort zone. I loved the fashion, the food, the wine. I'd love a follow up to see how she's doing, how the restaurant is, how the supporting characters are.

Food

Loved food descriptions and restaurant descriptions . Paris is the star. Have been to most. Would have liked Chez Jango

Sumptuous

Tell the story not only of several unusual characters yet all believable in their ways of being and behaving once you know their backstory, but also of dozens of sumptuous flavors Of cooking revolutions in Paris. Loved every minute of it.