– I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. –
To be published by St. Martin’s Press on 08 Jan 2019
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Eugene and Tatiana had fallen in love that summer ten years ago. But certain events stopped them from getting to truly know each other and they separated never knowing what could have been.
But one busy morning on the Paris metro, Eugene and Tatiana meet again, no longer the same teenagers they once were.
What happened during that summer? Does meeting again now change everything? With their lives ahead of them, can Eugene and Tatiana find a way to be together after everything?
Written in gorgeous verse, In Paris With You celebrates the importance of first love. Funny and sometimes bittersweet this book has universal appeal for anyone who has been in love.
I chose this book because…
There are so many things about this book that make it seem so romantic: Paris, the most romantic city in the world. The title, equating Paris to love. The cover, the wispy hand drawn illustration reminiscent of handwritten love letters. I’m ready to fall into mush with this sweet novel!
Upon reading it…
When the blurb said it was “written in gorgeous verse,” I thought it meant metaphorically, but In Paris with You is actually narrative poetry and it’s translated from French. If it were a plain old novel translated from French to English, I wouldn’t have any doubts, but I feel like poetry often has a special quality that can’t be accurately translated between languages. Of course, I can’t say for sure because I can’t read French, but I think that’s a pretty reasonable guess. I found the English translation I read rhythmic but not quite lyrical, leaving me feeling a little distant and wondering if the whole experience would have felt more musical in the original French.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed this story of two people meant to be but who have had the misfortune of bad timing. After looking at some Goodreads reviews, it seemed that most people didn’t like Eugene, but I actually kinda liked him at the beginning. I identified with his pessimistic attitude and his belief in the insignificance of each of us, though as the story went on, I did find myself becoming more impatient with him. But no matter how I felt about him, I wanted him and Tatiana to work out for Tatiana’s happily ever after. Told in alternating chapters between past and present, we follow their love story of missed chances, and wonder whether they’ll get their happy ending.
★★★☆☆
(more like 3.5)
People always feel too young for responsibility.
Boredom exists everywhere, you know. It’s called different things.
We say ennui, the English spleen,
the Russians khandra.
But changing the name doesn’t alter the feeling. You can’t escape your mind.
Boredom is not a place you can just leave behind.
In this garden, you can’t feel blue.
But trying not to think about something
is a battle lost in advance; your brain will just keep asking you–
what was that thing again?
Eugene wanted all of this: the wordless love in bed
and all the love and words
and wonders in Tatiana’s head.
I suppose some people are so dazzled by the day
that when night comes, they just aren’t ready.
My darling. How could it have taken you so many years
to understand that protecting yourself from your fears
is no protection at all
in the end?