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Paris by the Book
A missing person, a grieving family, a curious clue: a half-finished manuscript set in Paris. Heading off in search of its author, a mother and her daughters find themselves in France, rescuing a failing bookstore and drawing closer to unexpected truths.
Once a week, I chase men who are not my husband….
When eccentric novelist Robert Eady abruptly vanishes, he leaves behind his wife, Leah, their daughters, and, hidden in an unexpected spot, plane tickets to Paris.
Hoping to uncover clues—and her husband—Leah sets off for France with her girls. Upon their arrival, she discovers an unfinished manuscript, one Robert had been writing without her knowledge…and that he had set in Paris. The Eady women follow the path of the manuscript to a small, floundering English-language bookstore whose weary proprietor is eager to sell. The whole store? Today? Yes, but Leah’s biggest surprise comes when she hears herself accepting the offer on the spot.
As the family settles into their new Parisian life, they can’t help but trace the literary paths of some beloved Parisian classics, including Madeline and The Red Balloon, hoping more clues arise. But a series of startling discoveries forces Leah to consider that she may not be ready for what solving this mystery might do to her family—and the Paris she thought she knew.
At once haunting and charming, Paris by the Book follows one woman’s journey as her story is being rewritten, exploring the power of family and the magic that hides within the pages of a book.
Once a week, I chase men who are not my husband….
When eccentric novelist Robert Eady abruptly vanishes, he leaves behind his wife, Leah, their daughters, and, hidden in an unexpected spot, plane tickets to Paris.
Hoping to uncover clues—and her husband—Leah sets off for France with her girls. Upon their arrival, she discovers an unfinished manuscript, one Robert had been writing without her knowledge…and that he had set in Paris. The Eady women follow the path of the manuscript to a small, floundering English-language bookstore whose weary proprietor is eager to sell. The whole store? Today? Yes, but Leah’s biggest surprise comes when she hears herself accepting the offer on the spot.
As the family settles into their new Parisian life, they can’t help but trace the literary paths of some beloved Parisian classics, including Madeline and The Red Balloon, hoping more clues arise. But a series of startling discoveries forces Leah to consider that she may not be ready for what solving this mystery might do to her family—and the Paris she thought she knew.
At once haunting and charming, Paris by the Book follows one woman’s journey as her story is being rewritten, exploring the power of family and the magic that hides within the pages of a book.
344 pages, Hardcover
First published April 3, 2018
About the author
Liam Callanan
8 books191 followersLiam is the author of The Cloud Atlas (Delacorte, 2004; Dial, 2005), All Saints (Delacorte, 2007; Dial, 2008), Listen (Four Way, 2015) and the upcoming Paris by the Book (Dutton, 2018). He serves in the English department of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and was previously its chair, as well as coordinator of its Ph.D. program in creative writing. He has regularly contributed to local and national public radio, and is possibly the only person now living (but consult your own Venn diagram) who has written for all of the following: the Wall Street Journal (on zeppelins, jetpacks, and touring Paris and Greece with children's books), The Awl, Medium, Commonweal, Esquire.com (on swimming and flying), Slate, the New York Times Book Review, the Times op-ed page, the Washington Post Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, Forbes FYI, Good Housekeeping, Parents, Milwaukee Magazine and elsewhere.
His short fiction has appeared or is forthcoming in a variety of literary journals, including Gulf Coast, the New Haven Review, Tinge (where his story was named one of the Millions Writers Award Notable Stories of 2011 by storySouth), the Writers Chronicle, Blackbird, Crab Orchard Review, Southern Indiana Review, Caketrain, failbetter and Phoebe. Liam is also the creator and co-executive producer of the Poetry Everywhere animated film series.
And yep, he knows all about the other novel that goes by the name Cloud Atlas. To hear him tell it, it's been a fun ride: http://bit.ly/on-another-cloud
His short fiction has appeared or is forthcoming in a variety of literary journals, including Gulf Coast, the New Haven Review, Tinge (where his story was named one of the Millions Writers Award Notable Stories of 2011 by storySouth), the Writers Chronicle, Blackbird, Crab Orchard Review, Southern Indiana Review, Caketrain, failbetter and Phoebe. Liam is also the creator and co-executive producer of the Poetry Everywhere animated film series.
And yep, he knows all about the other novel that goes by the name Cloud Atlas. To hear him tell it, it's been a fun ride: http://bit.ly/on-another-cloud
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 964 reviews
September 14, 2018
At some point in our lives, we have watched a show, attended a concert or read a book and ultimately said, "we'' there's an evening that I won't get back."
Expectation was high, but the reality of the experience was not even close. Disappointment, some feeling of disbelief, and a little anger of time wasted are the initial feelings. I will usually try and rationalize and reason it out and think about what maybe I missed or what the creators goal was but sometimes you have to accept reality that it wasn't that good.
I wish I could've walked away from Liam Callanan's book, Paris by the Book, but no matter how long, slow and boring the might be, I will prevail to the end. Part is a hope that the tide will turn as I flip the next page and suddenly the book will be the one that I lose sleep over staying up late to finish with that "Oh or Aha" moment.
Unfortunately Callanan's book never gained momentum and was a long hard journey to the finish line.
The fictional story of writer, husband, father, Robert Eady, whose disappearance leads his wife, Leah, and their children, Ellie and Daphne, on a search to find him.
Sounds like the makings of a good book as the family uproots their lives in Wisconsin to the city of lights, Paris, France in hopes of finding him.
Unfortunately, Paris, a mystery and even a beautiful red bookstore couldn't bring this story to life. There is a lack of continuity in regards to the overall plot along with weak and unlikable characters.
Ultimately I found myself disinterested in the characters and the story. I loved the cover of this book with its bright red cover but as the saying goes, "don't judge a book by it's cover."
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley. #netgalley #ParisbytheBook
Expectation was high, but the reality of the experience was not even close. Disappointment, some feeling of disbelief, and a little anger of time wasted are the initial feelings. I will usually try and rationalize and reason it out and think about what maybe I missed or what the creators goal was but sometimes you have to accept reality that it wasn't that good.
I wish I could've walked away from Liam Callanan's book, Paris by the Book, but no matter how long, slow and boring the might be, I will prevail to the end. Part is a hope that the tide will turn as I flip the next page and suddenly the book will be the one that I lose sleep over staying up late to finish with that "Oh or Aha" moment.
Unfortunately Callanan's book never gained momentum and was a long hard journey to the finish line.
The fictional story of writer, husband, father, Robert Eady, whose disappearance leads his wife, Leah, and their children, Ellie and Daphne, on a search to find him.
Sounds like the makings of a good book as the family uproots their lives in Wisconsin to the city of lights, Paris, France in hopes of finding him.
Unfortunately, Paris, a mystery and even a beautiful red bookstore couldn't bring this story to life. There is a lack of continuity in regards to the overall plot along with weak and unlikable characters.
Ultimately I found myself disinterested in the characters and the story. I loved the cover of this book with its bright red cover but as the saying goes, "don't judge a book by it's cover."
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley. #netgalley #ParisbytheBook
March 5, 2019
I guess I'm a sucker for anything about bookstores and Paris. Can I buy a bookstore and live in Paris too? There's a compelling story here about a disappeared writer father and how his family follows clues to Paris to search for him. I see that some other reviewers were disappointed by the ending, but I thought it fit the story just right.
There's a back and forth to the first part of the book, where the action flashes between Milwaukee family life before the writer's disappearance and then their life in Paris searching for him. The mystery of what happened to the writer and where did he go was enough to keep me hooked, but mostly I just wanted things to be in Paris because I thought the very-American descriptions of Paris and of learning to join Parisian life were great and usually very funny too.
Also, I've had to read way too much Madeline to my kid in the last year, and I loved how this book constantly engages Madeline and the Red Balloon to think through the effects of those books and the places that we imagine from classic kid literature.
And please let me know if you have any favorite novels you'd recommend about Paris because apparently I can't get enough Paris! :)
There's a back and forth to the first part of the book, where the action flashes between Milwaukee family life before the writer's disappearance and then their life in Paris searching for him. The mystery of what happened to the writer and where did he go was enough to keep me hooked, but mostly I just wanted things to be in Paris because I thought the very-American descriptions of Paris and of learning to join Parisian life were great and usually very funny too.
Also, I've had to read way too much Madeline to my kid in the last year, and I loved how this book constantly engages Madeline and the Red Balloon to think through the effects of those books and the places that we imagine from classic kid literature.
And please let me know if you have any favorite novels you'd recommend about Paris because apparently I can't get enough Paris! :)
April 2, 2018
DNF When writer Robert Eady disappears, his wife, Leah, and daughters, Ellie and Daphne, don’t know if he’s alive or dead. I did want to find out the mystery of what happened to him, but unfortunately, the writing style made me not care enough to actually finish this book.
Leah’s narration is incredibly odd. She’ll skim over months and months. Events will abruptly happen. There is just no continuity in the narrative, and it bugged the heck out of me. Leah and her daughters go to Paris to find clues about what happened to Robert, and Paris is a city I love. Still, even the wonderful setting wasn’t enough for me to get passed the 30 percent mark in this novel.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel.
For more of my reviews, please visit http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
Leah’s narration is incredibly odd. She’ll skim over months and months. Events will abruptly happen. There is just no continuity in the narrative, and it bugged the heck out of me. Leah and her daughters go to Paris to find clues about what happened to Robert, and Paris is a city I love. Still, even the wonderful setting wasn’t enough for me to get passed the 30 percent mark in this novel.
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel.
For more of my reviews, please visit http://www.theresaalan.net/blog
June 3, 2018
3 Stars.
Leah and Robert were College sweethearts, always wanting to go to Paris, France, settling for trips to Paris, Wisconsin, and other cities and towns named Paris thinking, maybe one day.
Robert is a writer - he craves time alone and often takes off, he and Leah and his kids, Ellie and Daphne, have an understanding. When Robert needs time, he just leaves, always leaving a note, saying “be back soon.” Sometimes he’s gone for hours, sometimes days, never providing an explanation. One morning, Robert leaves and doesn’t come back. At first, Leah and her girls think he simply took a trip and then, as the days go by, they think he abandoned them or worse. When Leah finds a confirmation code in a cereal box for 4 plane tickets to Paris, France, leaving in a few weeks time, Leah knows - she and the girls must go. Maybe, just maybe… Paris is like a dream for all of them, being able to let go, find each other, and get help. Once they receive a half finished a manuscript of Robert’s, however, Leah, Ellie and Daphne have more questions than answers and can’t help wonder if maybe Robert is alive.
“Paris by the Book” is a slow moving domestic drama about a family whose lives have been torn apart. There were times when I was deeply involved in the storyline and enraged at the character of Robert, who took off for days at a time with no explanation and seemed to have little regard for his family and at the character of Leah, who often cared more for her own regard than her daughters. Unfortunately, in my opinion, this novel included a bit more of a tell vs. show style of writing and had a tendency to overuse the phrases “I said” and “Ellie said” etc., which I admittedly grew a little tired of. The characters of Leah, Daphne and Ellie however, all had me fully invested in the storyline which made me eagerly await the outcome.
This was a sister read with Lindsay - thanks for reading this one with me Linds! Sorry it took me a little while to finish!
Thank you to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing Group and Liam Callanan for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Edelweiss and Goodreads on 6.3.18.
Leah and Robert were College sweethearts, always wanting to go to Paris, France, settling for trips to Paris, Wisconsin, and other cities and towns named Paris thinking, maybe one day.
Robert is a writer - he craves time alone and often takes off, he and Leah and his kids, Ellie and Daphne, have an understanding. When Robert needs time, he just leaves, always leaving a note, saying “be back soon.” Sometimes he’s gone for hours, sometimes days, never providing an explanation. One morning, Robert leaves and doesn’t come back. At first, Leah and her girls think he simply took a trip and then, as the days go by, they think he abandoned them or worse. When Leah finds a confirmation code in a cereal box for 4 plane tickets to Paris, France, leaving in a few weeks time, Leah knows - she and the girls must go. Maybe, just maybe… Paris is like a dream for all of them, being able to let go, find each other, and get help. Once they receive a half finished a manuscript of Robert’s, however, Leah, Ellie and Daphne have more questions than answers and can’t help wonder if maybe Robert is alive.
“Paris by the Book” is a slow moving domestic drama about a family whose lives have been torn apart. There were times when I was deeply involved in the storyline and enraged at the character of Robert, who took off for days at a time with no explanation and seemed to have little regard for his family and at the character of Leah, who often cared more for her own regard than her daughters. Unfortunately, in my opinion, this novel included a bit more of a tell vs. show style of writing and had a tendency to overuse the phrases “I said” and “Ellie said” etc., which I admittedly grew a little tired of. The characters of Leah, Daphne and Ellie however, all had me fully invested in the storyline which made me eagerly await the outcome.
This was a sister read with Lindsay - thanks for reading this one with me Linds! Sorry it took me a little while to finish!
Thank you to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing Group and Liam Callanan for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Published on Edelweiss and Goodreads on 6.3.18.
April 9, 2018
I really wanted to love this book, this writer is from my hometown and the Milwaukee bookshop he references is also close to me. I would classify this more as women’s fiction than anything else as the mystery is slow moving and is only part of the story.
Leah and Robert Eady had what started out as a good marriage with bright prospects for the future. They have two daughters, Daphne and Ellie, now young teens, and both parents are quite involved with the girls. Robert is a writer who had one bestseller but has been struggling for years to produce another. He goes on what he calls “write aways” which start to become longer and longer periods of time away from home. Leah is starting to have less and less patience with him and his habit of leaving short notes or clues as to where he is going. It soon becomes apparent that the marriage is headed for trouble and finally Robert disappears for what seems like forever. After the police and others have searched and searched for Robert, Leah finally finds a clue in a cereal box which leads to finding tickets for them all to go to Paris. With the family somewhat in shambles Leah decides to uproot the family, go to Paris and eventually stay. She becomes the owner of a bookstore, not unlike the one described in an unfinished manuscript of Robert’s which comes to surface.
We are witness to the struggles that Leah and the girls have in Paris. At first it is difficult but the girls in particular seem to take to the city, the language, the whole different feeling that they are experiencing from their life in Milwaukee, youth usually acclimate quicker than adults in my experience.
Both Leah and Robert are obsessed with the “Madeline” series of children’s books as well as a film called “The Red Balloon”. I am familiar with the books but not the film.
Problems I had with the book. I found the plot very slow moving and somewhat choppy with references back and force from past to present that did not flow well. The continued references to the Madeline books and The Red Balloon became tiresome and felt overdone. I didn’t really feel a close connection to Leah, I enjoyed the point of views from the girls more interesting and caring.
This is a good story, particularly if you love Paris, which unfortunately I’ve never visited. The writing is good but as I mentioned slow moving, it took me several days to get through it because I kept putting it down. At 70% I started to enjoy the novel more as things finally started happening and the last quarter of the book is probably my favorite.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley, thank you.
Leah and Robert Eady had what started out as a good marriage with bright prospects for the future. They have two daughters, Daphne and Ellie, now young teens, and both parents are quite involved with the girls. Robert is a writer who had one bestseller but has been struggling for years to produce another. He goes on what he calls “write aways” which start to become longer and longer periods of time away from home. Leah is starting to have less and less patience with him and his habit of leaving short notes or clues as to where he is going. It soon becomes apparent that the marriage is headed for trouble and finally Robert disappears for what seems like forever. After the police and others have searched and searched for Robert, Leah finally finds a clue in a cereal box which leads to finding tickets for them all to go to Paris. With the family somewhat in shambles Leah decides to uproot the family, go to Paris and eventually stay. She becomes the owner of a bookstore, not unlike the one described in an unfinished manuscript of Robert’s which comes to surface.
We are witness to the struggles that Leah and the girls have in Paris. At first it is difficult but the girls in particular seem to take to the city, the language, the whole different feeling that they are experiencing from their life in Milwaukee, youth usually acclimate quicker than adults in my experience.
Both Leah and Robert are obsessed with the “Madeline” series of children’s books as well as a film called “The Red Balloon”. I am familiar with the books but not the film.
Problems I had with the book. I found the plot very slow moving and somewhat choppy with references back and force from past to present that did not flow well. The continued references to the Madeline books and The Red Balloon became tiresome and felt overdone. I didn’t really feel a close connection to Leah, I enjoyed the point of views from the girls more interesting and caring.
This is a good story, particularly if you love Paris, which unfortunately I’ve never visited. The writing is good but as I mentioned slow moving, it took me several days to get through it because I kept putting it down. At 70% I started to enjoy the novel more as things finally started happening and the last quarter of the book is probably my favorite.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley, thank you.
June 4, 2018
3.5 stars.
This was a story of family. A broken family searching to piece itself back together.
One day Leah’s husband Robert, an eccentric novelist, vanishes. His absence leaves Leah and their two teenage daughters, Ellie and Daphne, alone and confused. In their search for Robert, mother and daughters, ‘temporarily’ move to Paris to continue exploring the possibilities of where he may be. Through hidden notes, hand written clues in books, a secret manuscript and mysterious ‘sightings’, the three women try to find their way back to becoming a family.
While parts of this novel felt slow and somewhat repetitive, looking back, it seems as though that may have been intentional. These women find themselves in a long, drawn out search to find answers and my journey, as the reader, felt similar (and not in a bad way). Upon finishing this novel, I look back and feel that my experience was a direct reflection of what the characters were going through. Quite simply, I felt a connection to these characters and their search.
The author, Liam Callanan, has a unique writing style. It took me more than a few pages to get into it, but once I did, I really connected with it. There were several sentences that made me stop and reread because the wording was just so good.
A big thank you to Edelweiss, Dutton and Liam Callanan for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a story of family. A broken family searching to piece itself back together.
One day Leah’s husband Robert, an eccentric novelist, vanishes. His absence leaves Leah and their two teenage daughters, Ellie and Daphne, alone and confused. In their search for Robert, mother and daughters, ‘temporarily’ move to Paris to continue exploring the possibilities of where he may be. Through hidden notes, hand written clues in books, a secret manuscript and mysterious ‘sightings’, the three women try to find their way back to becoming a family.
While parts of this novel felt slow and somewhat repetitive, looking back, it seems as though that may have been intentional. These women find themselves in a long, drawn out search to find answers and my journey, as the reader, felt similar (and not in a bad way). Upon finishing this novel, I look back and feel that my experience was a direct reflection of what the characters were going through. Quite simply, I felt a connection to these characters and their search.
The author, Liam Callanan, has a unique writing style. It took me more than a few pages to get into it, but once I did, I really connected with it. There were several sentences that made me stop and reread because the wording was just so good.
A big thank you to Edelweiss, Dutton and Liam Callanan for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 14, 2019
This is a novel is about coping with loss and taking a leap of faith by following a dream.
Leah is devastated after her husband's disappearance. Soon after, Leah takes her daughters for a visit to Paris and ends up staying and managing a bookstore.
The premise sounds wonderful but I did not enjoy this novel as much as I expected. The main character goes on and on about The Red Balloon movie (and the book) and also about the Madeline's children's stories. After extensively describing them she returns again to it several times in the book.
Also, the pace is very slow. I had expectations this novel would have some mystery to it, and it does but I think the novel can be better categorized as women's fiction. After reading over 51% of it I found myself skimming some sections. I finished it expecting the pace would pick up later on but it didn't.
Overall, it was ok. As much as I love reading about Paris and bookstores the story could not hold my interest. 2.5 rounded up.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley
Leah is devastated after her husband's disappearance. Soon after, Leah takes her daughters for a visit to Paris and ends up staying and managing a bookstore.
The premise sounds wonderful but I did not enjoy this novel as much as I expected. The main character goes on and on about The Red Balloon movie (and the book) and also about the Madeline's children's stories. After extensively describing them she returns again to it several times in the book.
Also, the pace is very slow. I had expectations this novel would have some mystery to it, and it does but I think the novel can be better categorized as women's fiction. After reading over 51% of it I found myself skimming some sections. I finished it expecting the pace would pick up later on but it didn't.
Overall, it was ok. As much as I love reading about Paris and bookstores the story could not hold my interest. 2.5 rounded up.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via Netgalley
July 31, 2019
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Paris by the Book starts so well. Liam Callanan is a gifted writer and even though the story was slow paced I didn’t care. I flew through the early chapters in the warm glow of the descriptions of their life as a young couple and then of Leah and the girls as they settled into life in Paris. Callanan has written in the first person from Leah’s perspective and he frequently uses a technique whereby we follow her thoughts for a paragraph or two set in the midst of other action. Instead of interrupting the flow I felt this was a fair reflection of how the human brain operates, especially when it is recalling events.
The principal storyline is the familiar tale of a family left to survive after the husband and father has disappeared with no warning or explanation; a tragic theme that has been reworked on many occasions. Naturally this invokes the expected self-questioning by Leah accompanied by guilt that she has let her husband and children down in some way.
Unfortunately for me the magic of Paris by the Book did not continue. After a few mildly interesting events in Paris, Leah’s introspection started to drag me down. The story, such as it was, took some odd twists and I lost interest in what might have happened to her husband.
Eventually the story closed with a mildly interesting touch but my affection for the main characters could not return. I felt cheated by Callanan in that he had led me to high expectation that he could not fulfil. I was also disappointed in Leah who took me so willingly into her mind yet failed to convince me in those final chapters.
As I said above, Liam Callanan is a skilled writer who uses a soothing style of prose. He describes well and he has a gentle, sensitive turn of phrase. I see that he teaches Creative Writing, skills which he clearly possesses but they alone are insufficient to produce a good novel. The reader also needs a story with a beginning and an end that will entertain.
If Liam Callanan can find a good story he will deserve a five star review but the best I can manage is three and a half stars.
Paris by the Book starts so well. Liam Callanan is a gifted writer and even though the story was slow paced I didn’t care. I flew through the early chapters in the warm glow of the descriptions of their life as a young couple and then of Leah and the girls as they settled into life in Paris. Callanan has written in the first person from Leah’s perspective and he frequently uses a technique whereby we follow her thoughts for a paragraph or two set in the midst of other action. Instead of interrupting the flow I felt this was a fair reflection of how the human brain operates, especially when it is recalling events.
The principal storyline is the familiar tale of a family left to survive after the husband and father has disappeared with no warning or explanation; a tragic theme that has been reworked on many occasions. Naturally this invokes the expected self-questioning by Leah accompanied by guilt that she has let her husband and children down in some way.
Unfortunately for me the magic of Paris by the Book did not continue. After a few mildly interesting events in Paris, Leah’s introspection started to drag me down. The story, such as it was, took some odd twists and I lost interest in what might have happened to her husband.
Eventually the story closed with a mildly interesting touch but my affection for the main characters could not return. I felt cheated by Callanan in that he had led me to high expectation that he could not fulfil. I was also disappointed in Leah who took me so willingly into her mind yet failed to convince me in those final chapters.
As I said above, Liam Callanan is a skilled writer who uses a soothing style of prose. He describes well and he has a gentle, sensitive turn of phrase. I see that he teaches Creative Writing, skills which he clearly possesses but they alone are insufficient to produce a good novel. The reader also needs a story with a beginning and an end that will entertain.
If Liam Callanan can find a good story he will deserve a five star review but the best I can manage is three and a half stars.
March 25, 2018
Paris by the Book
Liam Callanan
MY RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️▫️▫️
PUBLISHER Dutton
PUBLISHED April 3, 2018
A touching story of a family consumed by a mysterious disappearance that launches them on a literary journey in the City of Light.
SUMMARY
They met outside a bookstore in Wisconsin! Leah, a former film student, whose favorite film was The Red Balloon by Albert Lamorisse and Robert, a struggling author, loved the Madeline books by Ludwig Bemelmans. The two continued to debate about which was better, even after they got married and had children of their own, two little girls. Both works are set in Paris, and Leah and Robert’s ultimate dream was to go to Paris, but there was never enough money. And then one day Robert went out for a run and totally disappeared. No one could find any trace of him, or knew whether he was dead or alive. Leah and the girls, Daphne, 14, and Ellie, 12, were devastated, confused and inconsolable. They don’t want to believe that he is dead, but they also can’t believe he would leave them for good. Perhaps it was time to go to Paris, maybe Robert was there. There are clues pointed in that direction, particularly a half finished manuscript about a family in Paris. Once they are there, it’s not long before they are living above and running a failing bookstore...and believe they are seeing Robert everywhere.
REVIEW
Paris by the Book is the story of a woman whose life has been usurped by her husband’s disappearance. Leah’s character is well developed and you can easily understand her struggle of not knowing if he is dead or alive. The mystery of Robert’s disappearance most definitively propels the narrative. Parts of the story are brilliant and fun, while a few parts are confusing and slow. Leah’s thoughts frequently are wandering here and there, pondering the past, struggling with the present and worried about the future. But who can blame her, given the situation. Book People and Paris lovers should appreciate this story. Not being familiar with The Red Balloon film, the book motivated me to watch it one afternoon. Very interesting! Liam Callanan is an American author and professor of English at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, his other novels include Cloud Atlas and All Saints. Thanks to Penguin for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Liam Callanan
MY RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️▫️▫️
PUBLISHER Dutton
PUBLISHED April 3, 2018
A touching story of a family consumed by a mysterious disappearance that launches them on a literary journey in the City of Light.
SUMMARY
They met outside a bookstore in Wisconsin! Leah, a former film student, whose favorite film was The Red Balloon by Albert Lamorisse and Robert, a struggling author, loved the Madeline books by Ludwig Bemelmans. The two continued to debate about which was better, even after they got married and had children of their own, two little girls. Both works are set in Paris, and Leah and Robert’s ultimate dream was to go to Paris, but there was never enough money. And then one day Robert went out for a run and totally disappeared. No one could find any trace of him, or knew whether he was dead or alive. Leah and the girls, Daphne, 14, and Ellie, 12, were devastated, confused and inconsolable. They don’t want to believe that he is dead, but they also can’t believe he would leave them for good. Perhaps it was time to go to Paris, maybe Robert was there. There are clues pointed in that direction, particularly a half finished manuscript about a family in Paris. Once they are there, it’s not long before they are living above and running a failing bookstore...and believe they are seeing Robert everywhere.
REVIEW
Paris by the Book is the story of a woman whose life has been usurped by her husband’s disappearance. Leah’s character is well developed and you can easily understand her struggle of not knowing if he is dead or alive. The mystery of Robert’s disappearance most definitively propels the narrative. Parts of the story are brilliant and fun, while a few parts are confusing and slow. Leah’s thoughts frequently are wandering here and there, pondering the past, struggling with the present and worried about the future. But who can blame her, given the situation. Book People and Paris lovers should appreciate this story. Not being familiar with The Red Balloon film, the book motivated me to watch it one afternoon. Very interesting! Liam Callanan is an American author and professor of English at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, his other novels include Cloud Atlas and All Saints. Thanks to Penguin for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2018
The story could have been condensed by half, because halfway through I no longer cared whether the missing husband/father ever turned up.
March 19, 2018
3.5 stars
Is Leah a widow? For almost a year, she is unsure. Her husband, Robert, vanishes and I don’t say suddenly, because it is like him to take a break from the family from time to time: this time, he doesn’t leave a note and does not return. Is he leaving her clues to his whereabouts? Conflicted with her emotions, Leah and her daughters, Ellie and Daphne, take a trip to Paris in hopes of finding their father; if he is still alive.
The book does have a slow start, but I felt a need to discover what happened to Robert and kept on reading. About midway through the pace picked up a bit more and I felt more connected to Leah, Ellie, and Daphne.
It is a story about grief and how one’s grief journey is never the same as another, and the need for family to understand each other is essential in moving forward (or to stay in one’s preferred place until ready to move forward). The need to listen, and how often listening is avoided in order to protect one’s own emotions. You are experiencing Leah, Ellie, and Daphne’s journey and will find that you silently fight for them: for their protection.
This is not a read that you pick up if you are looking to brighten your mood. But, its a read that makes you think “what would you do in this position?” The concept was unique and I was not left disappointed when I finished. The ending suited the story.
I would rate this book a 3.5 out of 5. I liked it, but its one that you have to be in a certain mood to read, and need a bit of patience to read through the slower first half.
To read my reviews visit: www.saturdaynitereader.com
Is Leah a widow? For almost a year, she is unsure. Her husband, Robert, vanishes and I don’t say suddenly, because it is like him to take a break from the family from time to time: this time, he doesn’t leave a note and does not return. Is he leaving her clues to his whereabouts? Conflicted with her emotions, Leah and her daughters, Ellie and Daphne, take a trip to Paris in hopes of finding their father; if he is still alive.
The book does have a slow start, but I felt a need to discover what happened to Robert and kept on reading. About midway through the pace picked up a bit more and I felt more connected to Leah, Ellie, and Daphne.
It is a story about grief and how one’s grief journey is never the same as another, and the need for family to understand each other is essential in moving forward (or to stay in one’s preferred place until ready to move forward). The need to listen, and how often listening is avoided in order to protect one’s own emotions. You are experiencing Leah, Ellie, and Daphne’s journey and will find that you silently fight for them: for their protection.
This is not a read that you pick up if you are looking to brighten your mood. But, its a read that makes you think “what would you do in this position?” The concept was unique and I was not left disappointed when I finished. The ending suited the story.
I would rate this book a 3.5 out of 5. I liked it, but its one that you have to be in a certain mood to read, and need a bit of patience to read through the slower first half.
To read my reviews visit: www.saturdaynitereader.com
December 18, 2023
یکی از قشنگترین و لذت بخش ترین کتاب هایی بود که امسال خوندم. داستان درمورد یک خانمیه که همسرش ترکش کرده و داره بار زندگی رو به دوش میکشه. اول کتاب با این قضیه شروع میشه که من دنبال مردا تو خیابون راه میفتم تا شوهرم رو پیدا کنم. یکی از قوی ترین آغازهاییه که همیشه تو ذهن من موندگار میشه و به خاطرش کتاب رو خریدم. وقتی میخونی میری جلو متوجه میشی که قضیه چیه. اگر از فضای آروم و هم زمان پر حادثه لذت میبرین این کتاب رو بهتون پیشنهاد میکنم. 50 صفحه آخر کتاب یه ماجرایی پیش م یاد که خیلیییی دوست داشتم ادامه داشته باشه و happy ending باشه ولی خب ماجرا منطقی تر پیش میره و با واقعیت زندگی باید کنار اومد. از اینکه داستان منطقی و واقعیه لذت بردم از اینکه خیلی رویایی نیست. خلاصه که زیبا و دلنشینه.
July 9, 2018
Bailed. Really wanted to jump into this....a bookstore...in Paris....a romantic mystery...what’s not to like? However, the sentence structure is very chopped up and doesn’t flow. After several pages of having to re-read sentence after sentence because they were pointlessly convoluted.....I bailed. 😞
September 18, 2018
The narrator's voice lacked authenticity - it read like a man writing a book trying to sound like a woman - and the writing was at times clunky and annoying. I totally concur with previous reviewers who said they came to this book expecting to be charmed but ended up very disappointed. As with so many of them, I am, obviously, a book lover, an also someone madly in love with Paris.
I'm glad there are readers here on Goodreads who loved this book, but, sadly, I'm not one of them and really don't know anybody I would recommend it to.
I'm glad there are readers here on Goodreads who loved this book, but, sadly, I'm not one of them and really don't know anybody I would recommend it to.
July 19, 2021
کتابی که ۴ روز قشنگِ تابستونی رو باهاش گذروندم
کتابفروشی نویسندگان فقید!
اول اینکه این کتاب رو تو حال و هوای روزایی که تازه زبان فرانسه رو استارت زده بودم ؛ شروع به خوندن کردم و خیلی مچ با حس و حالم بود
یه رمانِ خیلی پاریسی
از برج ایفل تا محله های داغون و جیب بُر
از فرهنگ و طرز طبخ غذاها و دیدشون به ورزش تا انواع بوسه ها
منو یاد شخصیت لوئیزا کلارک تو باز هم من انداخت
لوئیزا یه دختر انگلیسی بود که برای کار مهاجرت کرده بود امریکا
اینجا هم لیا و دختراش ساکنین میلواکی امریکا به پاریس مهاجرت کردن
و از لایف استایل پاریسی تو مسیر داستان استقبال میکنن و با هیجان راجبش صحبت میکنن
بیشتر از اینکه خود داستان پیش روی کنه و شخصیت ها جنب و جوش داشته باشن
این اطلاعات عمومیه که هی داری میخونی
ولی اصلا غیر جذاب و کسل کننده نیست
من خیلی دوسش داشتم
توصیف پاریس
توصیف کتابداری و مدل چینش اونها
بحث خانواده رو نویسنده های مختلف و تعصب شدید روشون ( بعضیاشون رو نمیشناختم سریع سرچ میکردم برام جالب بود )
پایانش رو هم خیلی دوس داشتم
اون پایانی نبود که من براش نقشه کشیده بودم
ولی خیلی به دلم نشست
چرا به دلم نشست ؟
چون رها کردن خیلی مهمه
اینکه یه روز از خواب پاشی ببینی دیگه بهش فکر نمیکنی ، دیگه اون فکر آزارت نمیده ، دیگه بهم نمی ریزت ، دیگه دغدغت نیست ….
میتونه یه آدم باشه
میتونه شغلت باشه
میتونه یه ارزوی نرسیدنی و محال باشه
من زیاد با کارکتر النور حال نمیکردم چون همیشه میخاست بگه حرف من درسته
چه اونوقتی که با حدس و گمان میخاست بگه رابرت زندست
اهای بقیه ی مردم منو باور کنید
چه اونوقتی هم که خودش خواست و میگفت باید قبول کنید اون مرده تا زندگیتون رو روال بیفته
اما زندگیه واقعی همینه
ماهی رو هر وقت از آب بگیری تازست
زندگی پر از رابرت هاست
چه آدماش چه موقعیت هایی که توش قرار میگیری
این تویی که باید قوی باشی و ازش گذر کنی🌱
________________
آنابل گفت : «یه بار یکی کتاب من رو دزدید…»
النور گفت : «آخی عزیزم»
الی گفت : «خب وقتی کتابات رو همین طوری این طرف و اون طرف رها می کنی ، چه انتظاری داری؟»
دافنه گفت : «انتظار داریم مردم درستکار باشند»
کتابفروشی نویسندگان فقید!
اول اینکه این کتاب رو تو حال و هوای روزایی که تازه زبان فرانسه رو استارت زده بودم ؛ شروع به خوندن کردم و خیلی مچ با حس و حالم بود
یه رمانِ خیلی پاریسی
از برج ایفل تا محله های داغون و جیب بُر
از فرهنگ و طرز طبخ غذاها و دیدشون به ورزش تا انواع بوسه ها
منو یاد شخصیت لوئیزا کلارک تو باز هم من انداخت
لوئیزا یه دختر انگلیسی بود که برای کار مهاجرت کرده بود امریکا
اینجا هم لیا و دختراش ساکنین میلواکی امریکا به پاریس مهاجرت کردن
و از لایف استایل پاریسی تو مسیر داستان استقبال میکنن و با هیجان راجبش صحبت میکنن
بیشتر از اینکه خود داستان پیش روی کنه و شخصیت ها جنب و جوش داشته باشن
این اطلاعات عمومیه که هی داری میخونی
ولی اصلا غیر جذاب و کسل کننده نیست
من خیلی دوسش داشتم
توصیف پاریس
توصیف کتابداری و مدل چینش اونها
بحث خانواده رو نویسنده های مختلف و تعصب شدید روشون ( بعضیاشون رو نمیشناختم سریع سرچ میکردم برام جالب بود )
پایانش رو هم خیلی دوس داشتم
اون پایانی نبود که من براش نقشه کشیده بودم
ولی خیلی به دلم نشست
چرا به دلم نشست ؟
چون رها کردن خیلی مهمه
اینکه یه روز از خواب پاشی ببینی دیگه بهش فکر نمیکنی ، دیگه اون فکر آزارت نمیده ، دیگه بهم نمی ریزت ، دیگه دغدغت نیست ….
میتونه یه آدم باشه
میتونه شغلت باشه
میتونه یه ارزوی نرسیدنی و محال باشه
من زیاد با کارکتر النور حال نمیکردم چون همیشه میخاست بگه حرف من درسته
چه اونوقتی که با حدس و گمان میخاست بگه رابرت زندست
اهای بقیه ی مردم منو باور کنید
چه اونوقتی هم که خودش خواست و میگفت باید قبول کنید اون مرده تا زندگیتون رو روال بیفته
اما زندگیه واقعی همینه
ماهی رو هر وقت از آب بگیری تازست
زندگی پر از رابرت هاست
چه آدماش چه موقعیت هایی که توش قرار میگیری
این تویی که باید قوی باشی و ازش گذر کنی🌱
________________
آنابل گفت : «یه بار یکی کتاب من رو دزدید…»
النور گفت : «آخی عزیزم»
الی گفت : «خب وقتی کتابات رو همین طوری این طرف و اون طرف رها می کنی ، چه انتظاری داری؟»
دافنه گفت : «انتظار داریم مردم درستکار باشند»
October 27, 2024
دوستش نداشتم...روند داستان بدون هیچ دلیل خاصی کند هست متاسفانه نویسنده نتونسته داستان رو منسجم نگه داره و خیلی جاها بخاطر کش اومدن داستان خسته کننده میشه،ترجمه هم اصلا تعریفی نداره و یه جا شخصیت داستان مادام و یه جا خانم ترجمه شده که واقعا اشتباه فاحشیه
تنها نکته مثبتی که داستان داره توصیفات نسبتا خوب نویسنده از پاریس و فضاهای شهره همین!
تنها نکته مثبتی که داستان داره توصیفات نسبتا خوب نویسنده از پاریس و فضاهای شهره همین!
August 27, 2018
This should have been a book I adored! And from the blurb I thought I was going to be in for an incredible journey following a family who are beset by a disappearing husband, and their quest to trace him, whereever that may have been.
But for some reason I just found myself not connecting with the wife and daughters, as they moved to Paris where they opened up a bookshop and keep thinking that they spot the missing Robert, and is it him leaving messages in odd places? The story wasn't whimsical or emotional, and at times just felt a bit messy as the story wandered all over the place.
There were the odd moments that were delightful to read, namely their time in Paris and life in the bookshop, but as a family there just wasn't enough of the characters to capture your attention and to keep you caring as to what was going on. It was all just a little too complicated and I wish it had been just that bit shorter!
But for some reason I just found myself not connecting with the wife and daughters, as they moved to Paris where they opened up a bookshop and keep thinking that they spot the missing Robert, and is it him leaving messages in odd places? The story wasn't whimsical or emotional, and at times just felt a bit messy as the story wandered all over the place.
There were the odd moments that were delightful to read, namely their time in Paris and life in the bookshop, but as a family there just wasn't enough of the characters to capture your attention and to keep you caring as to what was going on. It was all just a little too complicated and I wish it had been just that bit shorter!
August 9, 2018
I just loved this novel and the plot was fantastic! I loved it until I got to the ending and felt like I was hit by a truck because there was too many unanswered questions and I didn't like the way it ended at all but everything besides that was great. I really felt Robert and felt I could relate in quite a few ways. I thought the story had wonderful characters and the setting was gorgeous! I mean, a bookstore with an apartment above painted beautiful red(my favorite color) and in beautiful Paris. I didn't like the way mental distress/illness was perceived by one of the characters at some points but with it's flaws, I'm still glad I read this book and enjoyed in the beginning, the tale of a romance with two awkward and unique people that fell in love.
April 15, 2018
2.5 stars. Boy, was I looking forward to this book. Especially with two of my favorite things in the title, Paris and book. The story line was intriguing as well. Robert is a struggling author who needs to take time away from his wife Leah and two daughters, frequently. When he vanishes for a significant time period, the ladies pack up and head to Paris. They find a bookstore, move in to the apartment above and start a new life. They search the city high and low for their father/husband. This searching really wore me out. It became tedious to the point of not caring if he ever came back. What a bummer
February 25, 2018
I found this book enchanting. It draws the reader in and keeps them off balance with the protagonist as she negotiates her new normal. It represents Paris through a variety of literary filters and adds its own spin. I enjoyed the settings, the characters and the way it did not take the easy way out.
March 31, 2021
I usually don’t quit a book so quickly, but I am just so bored! Way too much about The Red Balloon and Madeline books and their authors. Way too much about Robert’s “writeaways” and Leah’s whining.
DNF at page 43.
DNF at page 43.
June 29, 2022
یک رمان تماما زرد.
اسم فارسی و انگلیسی کتاب کاملا بیربط و تبلیغاتی است.
خوشحالم نسخهی فیزیکی ازش ندارم چون آیینهی دق میشد جلوی چشمم.
واقعا بیمحتوا بود،من یک کلمه ازش یاد نگرفتم یا یک لحظه حسی متفاوت از خوندش بهم دست نداد.
فقط چون وسواس دارم که کتاب هایی که شروع میکنم حتما،تمام کنم،تا آخر گوش دادم.😉
اسم فارسی و انگلیسی کتاب کاملا بیربط و تبلیغاتی است.
خوشحالم نسخهی فیزیکی ازش ندارم چون آیینهی دق میشد جلوی چشمم.
واقعا بیمحتوا بود،من یک کلمه ازش یاد نگرفتم یا یک لحظه حسی متفاوت از خوندش بهم دست نداد.
فقط چون وسواس دارم که کتاب هایی که شروع میکنم حتما،تمام کنم،تا آخر گوش دادم.😉
October 22, 2019
I'm a sucker for books about books and bookstores, This is why I bought this book at release. This book is a perfect example of how everyone thinks he could write ( read the author's self description), but not every book is good, or even passable.
Paris is an overrated city. Most Americans have this strange obssession about Paris, or London, or even Venice, without ever setting foot outside of the US. The author knows this. Having both the words "Paris", and "book" in the title is like a double click baits or two fake promises that never got realized, making the disappointment exponential when the book did not live up to expectation- thus the one star even though I usually give 2 stars for bad writing, or a weak plot, or flat characters, or lack of understanding of human nature, or just simply- the author did not write with his heart but for fame/ money.
P.S. The husband disapearing whenever he pleases? It has a word- domestic abuse... only a male writer would think this is normal, or even mysterical, in a book that is not even advertised as a psychological thriller.
The reasons why I took my precious time to write the review? Several:
- I usually do not even waste time on beginning an unworthy book, thus brings us to...
- The double click baits.
- The misrepresentation of women, and it's not because the writer is a man (Wally Lamb, Murakami, anyone?)
- The author is so full of himself, just read his GR page, ugh.
Paris is an overrated city. Most Americans have this strange obssession about Paris, or London, or even Venice, without ever setting foot outside of the US. The author knows this. Having both the words "Paris", and "book" in the title is like a double click baits or two fake promises that never got realized, making the disappointment exponential when the book did not live up to expectation- thus the one star even though I usually give 2 stars for bad writing, or a weak plot, or flat characters, or lack of understanding of human nature, or just simply- the author did not write with his heart but for fame/ money.
P.S. The husband disapearing whenever he pleases? It has a word- domestic abuse... only a male writer would think this is normal, or even mysterical, in a book that is not even advertised as a psychological thriller.
The reasons why I took my precious time to write the review? Several:
- I usually do not even waste time on beginning an unworthy book, thus brings us to...
- The double click baits.
- The misrepresentation of women, and it's not because the writer is a man (Wally Lamb, Murakami, anyone?)
- The author is so full of himself, just read his GR page, ugh.
April 5, 2018
I read this family drama/broken marriage thriller/book-for-book-lovers all nearly all the way through, hoping it would decide what kind of narrative it was so I could connect with it...but no luck.
There are moments of good writing, interesting plot lines, and promising character development, and then it lapses back into jumbled time tables, endless, repetitive descriptions of the narrator’s emotions, and cliff-hanger chapter endings that end up not that interesting.
This book is not what its cover, synopsis, or blurbs would lead you to think it is, a sweet story about Paris and bookstores. I wish I knew what kind of novel Callanan wanted write before his editors/publishers shoved it into a box that it doesn’t fit.
There are moments of good writing, interesting plot lines, and promising character development, and then it lapses back into jumbled time tables, endless, repetitive descriptions of the narrator’s emotions, and cliff-hanger chapter endings that end up not that interesting.
This book is not what its cover, synopsis, or blurbs would lead you to think it is, a sweet story about Paris and bookstores. I wish I knew what kind of novel Callanan wanted write before his editors/publishers shoved it into a box that it doesn’t fit.
Shelved as 'abandoned'
April 9, 2019I'm giving up on Paris By the Book. I can't stand Leah...is that her name?...she complains about her husband not taking her to the real Paris, then complains about going to Paris, complains about being in Paris and then complains about staying in Paris. All this complaining after spending years dreaming of going to Paris. Seriously. I want to slap her.
Even if I hadn't been to Paris recently and just experienced my own dream trip, I think I would still want to slap her. SHE'S IN PARIS. HER DREAM TRIP. QUIT COMPLAINING.
I'm going to go read Sylvia's Bookshop: The Story of Paris's Beloved Bookstore and Its Founder 50 times.
Even if I hadn't been to Paris recently and just experienced my own dream trip, I think I would still want to slap her. SHE'S IN PARIS. HER DREAM TRIP. QUIT COMPLAINING.
I'm going to go read Sylvia's Bookshop: The Story of Paris's Beloved Bookstore and Its Founder 50 times.
January 27, 2023
What a bunch of dislikable characters this book had brewed up. Combined with a disjointed plot, ridiculous moments of ‘logic’ and a meagre attempt at searching for a missing husband, this book was a major let down sadly.
May 2, 2024
ماجرای کتاب در مورد خانومی هست که دوتا دختر داره و شوهرش نویسنده ست، یه روز شوهرش غیبش میزنه و این خانوم هم به امید اینکه شوهرشو پیدا کنه راهی پاریس میشه چون پاریس جایی بوده که همیشه آرزوشون بوده که روزی به اونجا سفر کنند. طی این مهاجرت این خانوم توی این شهر یه کتابفروشی باز میکنه و هرروز توهم اینو داره که شوهر شاید بیاد به این کتابفروشی سر بزنه یا مثلا یه سایه ای ازش میبینه...
December 15, 2021
Digital audiobook read by Kim Bubbs
From the book jacket: When eccentric novelist Robert Eady abruptly vanishes, he leaves behind his wife, Leah, their daughters, and, hidden in an unexpected place, plane tickets to Paris. Hoping to uncover clues – and her husband – Leah sets off for France with her girls. [There] she discovers an unfinished manuscript Robert had been writing without her knowledge … and that he had set it in Paris. Mother and daughters follow the path of the manuscript to a small, floundering English-language bookstore whose weary proprietor is eager to sell. Leah finds herself accepting the offer on the spot.
My reactions
I wanted to love this book. The author is from my home town, the beginning of the book is set in Milwaukee, and then the action moves to a city I love, Paris France. Plus, it’s a book about books. But …
I never really connected with these characters. I didn’t understand this great love between Robert and Leah. He was always given to these “disappearing” acts and it was clear to me (so why not to Leah?) that he had some significant mental and/or emotional health issues. Her continued grief and inability to move on just drove me crazy. On the other hand, I can only imagine how devastating this was for her, especially with two little girls who NEVER STOPPED looking for their Dad.
The twists and turns in the story gave me difficulty as well. It seemed all too convenient that they could suddenly get an extended visa, for example. I won’t mention other twists to avoid any spoilers.
Bottom line, it’s a splendid premise, has some great atmospheric scenes highlighting Paris, includes MANY book references, but didn’t live up to my expectations.
Kim Bubbs does a fine job narrating the audiobook. I could easily tell which character was speaking, and it moved at a satisfying pace.
Update Dec 2021: I re-read (or re-listened) to this for a specific book challenge. I appreciate his writing a bit more. Knowing what was coming, I was less irritated by the various twists and turns, or completely improbable elements. But my rating remains the same.
From the book jacket: When eccentric novelist Robert Eady abruptly vanishes, he leaves behind his wife, Leah, their daughters, and, hidden in an unexpected place, plane tickets to Paris. Hoping to uncover clues – and her husband – Leah sets off for France with her girls. [There] she discovers an unfinished manuscript Robert had been writing without her knowledge … and that he had set it in Paris. Mother and daughters follow the path of the manuscript to a small, floundering English-language bookstore whose weary proprietor is eager to sell. Leah finds herself accepting the offer on the spot.
My reactions
I wanted to love this book. The author is from my home town, the beginning of the book is set in Milwaukee, and then the action moves to a city I love, Paris France. Plus, it’s a book about books. But …
I never really connected with these characters. I didn’t understand this great love between Robert and Leah. He was always given to these “disappearing” acts and it was clear to me (so why not to Leah?) that he had some significant mental and/or emotional health issues. Her continued grief and inability to move on just drove me crazy. On the other hand, I can only imagine how devastating this was for her, especially with two little girls who NEVER STOPPED looking for their Dad.
The twists and turns in the story gave me difficulty as well. It seemed all too convenient that they could suddenly get an extended visa, for example. I won’t mention other twists to avoid any spoilers.
Bottom line, it’s a splendid premise, has some great atmospheric scenes highlighting Paris, includes MANY book references, but didn’t live up to my expectations.
Kim Bubbs does a fine job narrating the audiobook. I could easily tell which character was speaking, and it moved at a satisfying pace.
Update Dec 2021: I re-read (or re-listened) to this for a specific book challenge. I appreciate his writing a bit more. Knowing what was coming, I was less irritated by the various twists and turns, or completely improbable elements. But my rating remains the same.
April 2, 2018
3.5 Stars
I requested Paris by the Book from NetGalley initially because I liked the title and the cover. Then there was that opening line: “Once a week, I chase men who are not my husband...”
Liam Callanan’s novel is a charming yet mysterious story about Leah and Robert Eady. The couple have two daughters, Daphne and Ellie and the family appears to have a relatively happy life until Robert, a novelist, disappears. Leah finds a clue that leads her to Paris in search of Robert. The Eadys have their own little obsessions with Paris. Leah loves the film The Red Balloon and Robert likes the Madeline series of books by Ludwig Bemelman.
Leah and the girls move into an apartment atop a failing bookshop. Callanan’s details of this little corner of France pulled me in: the food, the books, the streets. Paris by the Book is a love story and a mystery. The meeting of Leah and Robert was one of my favorite parts of the novel. Leah and her daughters experience the loss that comes with the disappearance of a loved one.
My issue with the book was the repeated references to the The Red Balloon and Madeline which I thought were a bit overdone. Not having seen the film, I wondered if I was missing something in parts of the book. Overall, the book is a nice read that left me longing to visit a bookshop and Paris.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dutton for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I requested Paris by the Book from NetGalley initially because I liked the title and the cover. Then there was that opening line: “Once a week, I chase men who are not my husband...”
Liam Callanan’s novel is a charming yet mysterious story about Leah and Robert Eady. The couple have two daughters, Daphne and Ellie and the family appears to have a relatively happy life until Robert, a novelist, disappears. Leah finds a clue that leads her to Paris in search of Robert. The Eadys have their own little obsessions with Paris. Leah loves the film The Red Balloon and Robert likes the Madeline series of books by Ludwig Bemelman.
Leah and the girls move into an apartment atop a failing bookshop. Callanan’s details of this little corner of France pulled me in: the food, the books, the streets. Paris by the Book is a love story and a mystery. The meeting of Leah and Robert was one of my favorite parts of the novel. Leah and her daughters experience the loss that comes with the disappearance of a loved one.
My issue with the book was the repeated references to the The Red Balloon and Madeline which I thought were a bit overdone. Not having seen the film, I wondered if I was missing something in parts of the book. Overall, the book is a nice read that left me longing to visit a bookshop and Paris.
Thank you to Netgalley and Dutton for the opportunity to read this ARC.
May 1, 2018
I was worried this was going to be a disappointment after reading a bunch of mediocre reviews, but it was great! I think a lot of people were probably expecting a lighter read from the description, but this is a really a book about grief, & imagination, & uncertainty, & love & loss. It's about the touchstones of our childhood & how they change as we change, about living as creative people in a world that rarely rewards or accommodates that, about making big sudden changes when you're stuck, & sometimes not knowing whether those changes or your imagination are indeed saving you or just keeping you mired where you're stuck. Maybe both. Maybe you won't know until later. Much later. Maybe it depends on what you do with them.
It definitely helped that I loved the Madeline books as a kid & had seen The Red Balloon (too many times, in school assemblies when the weather was too bad to go out for recess. I understand even less now how that was thought a film for children.) But even if I hadn't, I think I would've appreciated those sections and how the narrator kept coming back to both. Each time she revisited them, the changes in her perspective tracked her internal changes and development, which were crucial to the story.
The mystery here for me ended up reading less as a mystery about whether her husband was still alive, in a typical find-out-what-happened kind of way. It was more about the narrator and her daughters -- whether they were seeing potential signs he was alive because they still wanted him to be. Was it magical thinking, as they each lived their grief, separately & together? Or were they picking up on things no one else noticed because they knew him so well & loved him so much?
As another reviewer said, I also appreciated that the author didn't take an easy way out with the end. There were a lot of interwoven threads through this story that were all at least provisionally resolved, but very much not neatly wrapped up. If anything, the book seemed to consciously leave us wondering about another mystery -- was this based on or inspired by episodes in the author's own life?
The love of books & Paris & travel woven throughout the story is a true joy as well, as least for this bibliophile. Hope you enjoy this if you read it. You likely will if you are not expecting just another How Wonderful It Would Be to Move to Paris book or a more straightforward mystery. I enjoy both of those frequently too, but this one goes deeper and offers much more.
It definitely helped that I loved the Madeline books as a kid & had seen The Red Balloon (too many times, in school assemblies when the weather was too bad to go out for recess. I understand even less now how that was thought a film for children.) But even if I hadn't, I think I would've appreciated those sections and how the narrator kept coming back to both. Each time she revisited them, the changes in her perspective tracked her internal changes and development, which were crucial to the story.
The mystery here for me ended up reading less as a mystery about whether her husband was still alive, in a typical find-out-what-happened kind of way. It was more about the narrator and her daughters -- whether they were seeing potential signs he was alive because they still wanted him to be. Was it magical thinking, as they each lived their grief, separately & together? Or were they picking up on things no one else noticed because they knew him so well & loved him so much?
As another reviewer said, I also appreciated that the author didn't take an easy way out with the end. There were a lot of interwoven threads through this story that were all at least provisionally resolved, but very much not neatly wrapped up. If anything, the book seemed to consciously leave us wondering about another mystery -- was this based on or inspired by episodes in the author's own life?
The love of books & Paris & travel woven throughout the story is a true joy as well, as least for this bibliophile. Hope you enjoy this if you read it. You likely will if you are not expecting just another How Wonderful It Would Be to Move to Paris book or a more straightforward mystery. I enjoy both of those frequently too, but this one goes deeper and offers much more.
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