C'est La Vie: An American Woman Begins a New Life in Paris and--Voila!--Becomes Almost French
by Suzy Gershman
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Book Summary Information
Author: Suzy GershmanEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2005-05-31
ISBN: 0143035509
Number of pages: 288
Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Book Reviews of C'est La Vie: An American Woman Begins a New Life in Paris and--Voila!--Becomes Almost French
Book Review: Definitely not the best book about experiences in Paris
Summary: 1 Stars
I love reading books about Paris, whether it be fiction or non-fiction, so Suzy Gershman's book caught my eye. Unfortunately, the book did not live up to my expectations. Suzy really just does not come across as likeable. First of all, she seems quite self-centered. Her husband dies and just after, she picks up her life and basically moves to Paris (she claims that it was only for a year, even though she knows it's not even before she leaves the States). She seems to ignore the fact that her son may need her. Yes, she lost her husband but he also just lost his father and maybe he needs the comfort. There's a rant of pages 210 and 211 about it. "I felt guilty but also hurt...I was the one who had inherited the life insurance,the house and the problems that went with a falling market and the failure of my husband's business. I was the one who chose to put aside a hunk of money to pay for the rest of my son's education...I didn't know what the right thing to do or whose feelings I needed to cater to-his or mine". Well, obviously she chose hers because she made the move to France.
There's really nothing in the book that shows the charm about living in Paris and day to day living in Paris. It's all about buying stuff in France. Suzy is the author of Born to Shop books and apparently she felt that endless writing about what sheets to buy for a French bed was interesting to readers who thought this book was a memoir about living in Paris. Also, there are countless plugs in the book for various things. She mentions drinking Coca-Cola a lot and I couldn't figure out why it was important for me to know. That is unless, she wants some free Coke for plugging their brand so much.
Also it's obvious that Ms. Gershman is rich because she has a tailor in Hong Kong, jets back and forth to the US a number of times, goes to London just to get her hair done, buys designer clothes from Armani, and thinks nothing of buying expensive items for her apartment that she doesn't even need. Therefore, her "tips" for living in Paris are kind of useless to the average American.
Ms. Gershman shows a disdain for America, even though she will forever be American and never will be completely French. All thoughout the book, she makes comparisons that living in the US is like living in a slum compared to Paris. Now, I don't doubt Paris is very sophiscated and lovely to live in, the US isn't that terrible to live in either. However, Suzy doesn't really make the effort to learn more French-other than watching French television and she still clings to her American food. How does one become "Almost French" like that?
Overall, I was really disappointed with this book. The writing was not the best. It never flowed evenly like a book should. There was nothing about Paris that I was expecting to be there. Nothing about the hidden charms of Paris. Just some desperate American wannabe talking about buying sheets and furniture. I'm just glad that I bought it at a bargain price and didn't have to waste much money on it.
More C'est La Vie: An American Woman Begins a New Life in Paris and--Voila!--Becomes Almost French reviews:
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Summary of C'est La Vie: An American Woman Begins a New Life in Paris and--Voila!--Becomes Almost French
Bestselling writer Suzy Gershman (dubbed ?Super Shopper Suzy? by Oprah) is our answer to Peter Mayle in this heartfelt, breezy, and funny story of starting over in Paris. Suzy had always fantasized about moving to Paris with her husband, but when he dies unexpectedly, she decides to fulfill their dream alone. Here she gives a deliciously conversational chronicle of her first year in Paris and of the dizzying delights and maddening frustrations of learning to be a Parisian. Filled with Gershman?s insider?s tips on everything from cooking the perfect clafoutis to?naturally? shopping, C?est la Vie is delightfully entertaining and captures the exhilarating experience of beginning a new adventure. ?Anyone who has dreamed of going to live in Paris, or who has faced a devastating loss, or wonders about sex with a Frenchman, will love Suzy Gershman?s inspiring story.?
?Diane Johnson, author of Le Divorce
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