This book was ALMOST one of my favorite books of the year. Many descriptions and reviewers have called it a coming-of-age story set in Paris. True, but there's much more going on. The lead character, Katie, isn't just coming of age... she's moving beyond childhood trauma and rejection, learning how to not be a people pleaser and really own her power as a human being. In that respect, the book reminded me more of The Language of Flowers or even some of my favorite YA fantasy novels. The author pulls all that off beautifully, with great writing and strong characterization. She does an especially good job of making you love the main character, and creating tension with her flaws without being irritating. I almost couldn't stop reading - rare for me in general fiction.
Where this book fell short for me was in the character's transformation. By page 200, I was wondering where the "lessons" in "Lessons in French" were coming in. When she did change, it was a little abrupt for me, and I didn't fully buy into the reasons why. Likewise, her romantic infatuations seemed a little shallow and plot-device-y, even for her character.
Overall, four stars, with potential for five depending on your patience level and willing to believe in quick personal transformation. A great debut novel.
Where this book fell short for me was in the character's transformation. By page 200, I was wondering where the "lessons" in "Lessons in French" were coming in. When she did change, it was a little abrupt for me, and I didn't fully buy into the reasons why. Likewise, her romantic infatuations seemed a little shallow and plot-device-y, even for her character.
Overall, four stars, with potential for five depending on your patience level and willing to believe in quick personal transformation. A great debut novel.
Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com/2013/03/lessons-in-french.html
Lessons in French is a coming of age story. Kate is a young college graduate, who comes to Paris based on a job offer for photographer Lydia Schell. Once in Paris, she is caught up in the life of Lydia Schell and her family - husband, children, and those who surround them in their world. Kate does a lot of growing up and lessons some life lessons in her time in Paris.
Kate is a young woman seeking her own place in the world apart from the expectations of others. She steps into a world that she does not always understand and that she is not prepared for. Outlooks and values and expectations clash. Love affairs start and end. Friendship that appear real are not. The line between employer and employee is first blurred and then sharply defined.
This book reminded me of The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger. Readers who enjoyed those books will like enjoy this one. A story about growing up and defining yourself in a beautiful setting like Paris - the setting perhaps my favorite part of the book.
*** Reviewed for the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program ***
Lessons in French is a coming of age story. Kate is a young college graduate, who comes to Paris based on a job offer for photographer Lydia Schell. Once in Paris, she is caught up in the life of Lydia Schell and her family - husband, children, and those who surround them in their world. Kate does a lot of growing up and lessons some life lessons in her time in Paris.
Kate is a young woman seeking her own place in the world apart from the expectations of others. She steps into a world that she does not always understand and that she is not prepared for. Outlooks and values and expectations clash. Love affairs start and end. Friendship that appear real are not. The line between employer and employee is first blurred and then sharply defined.
This book reminded me of The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger. Readers who enjoyed those books will like enjoy this one. A story about growing up and defining yourself in a beautiful setting like Paris - the setting perhaps my favorite part of the book.
*** Reviewed for the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program ***
