Paris in Love: A Memoir by Eloisa James

Mary Eloisa James, Memoir, Random House

Title:  Paris In Love: A Memoir

Author:  Eloisa James

Genre:  Memoir

Published:  April 2012 – Random House

My take:  Two weeks after her mother died of cancer Eloisa James was diagnosed with cancer. After coming through successful treatment the author and her husband decided to make some changes that involved getting rid of stuff and taking sabbaticals from their jobs. They sold their house and moved the family to Paris for a year.

While working on an academic book (EJ is Mary Bly in her academic/real life) and a historical romance novel James tweeted about daily life in Paris. Topics included French food, clothes, diet and exercise to offset the food, children’s school issues, and many other aspects of living in Paris.

James also included a few essays. One particularly touching essay titled Rose explained the motivation for the Paris adventure. I was caught off guard by the emotion it evoked.

At the end James compiled a list of recommended museums, places to eat, stores to buy food or clothing, etc. It would be helpful to anyone planning their own trip to Paris. I really enjoyed Paris In Love. The unusual style of short entries and essays worked for me and I think fans of memoirs will enjoy it. It’s going on my travel book shelf because Paris is on my bucket list!

Source:  Giveaway win from the publisher.

Disclosure:  See sidebar. I was not compensated for my review.

22 thoughts on “Paris in Love: A Memoir by Eloisa James”

    • It would be a great bedtime book, Diane. I read most of it on planes to and from vacation – which worked great for me since I tend to be easily distracted on planes. It made the flights go quickly.

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  4. This one sounds like a winner! Lately I’m attracted to books about Europe because I’m heading there this summer. I hope you get to Paris too someday soon.

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  5. I think I would like this book, and have read several postive reviews of it already. I like the fact that everything is broken down into bite sized essays and I think I should probably pick this one up. Great review today!

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    • I loved the style of short posts and essays – very different from any memoir I’ve read. It’s an upbeat memoir too – not always the case with this genre!

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  8. This sounds like an inspiring read. Although my destination would be Italy, getting rid of ‘stuff’ and traveling to a new place sounds inticing.

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  11. I’d love to say Paris is on my list, but I don’t think I’ll ever get there, but a book about Paris could be on my shelf.

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  12. This year I want to branch out from my comfort zone. I normally do not read memoirs and have read 2 so far. I’m slowly making a list of other memoirs to read. I saw Paris in Love while book browsing at B&N and thought it sounded like a good read. I’m on the wait list for it at my library. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.

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