Jim Kane

Easy Recommendation for Travelers to Paris

Revisado: 04-27-25

This is not an exhaustive history of the Louvre like James Gardner's book, nor a book of art criticism: it's a beautifully balanced and easily flowing mix of personal reflections, interviews with professionals, and well researched passages. Elaine Sciolino's acumen for a well composed article is on display and I really appreciated how accessible the book was. The narrator Lynn Bradford is also a treat, fitting with the material and providing a relatable personality.

If you want to learn more about the great Louvre museum, or if you've been there before, this book will certainly hold your attention and provide inspiration. I'd include among the best books related to Paris and it makes a great audiobook.

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Deep Dive into Romanticism, Less Travel Focus

Revisado: 04-27-25

The cover of the book makes it appear that this is like a sequel to 'Paris, Paris', Downie's most well known book, but it's not, and while it has some similarities (themed chapters and interweaving of locations) it's very much its own thing. The word Romanticism in the title should be underlined, because the book goes very deep into the world of the great french authors of the 19th century like Hugo, Dumas, Balzac, and Baudelaire. This might be a little obscure for Paris beginners (like me) and if you expected a guide book, you'll be amiss.

That being said, Downie's actual writing talent shines throughout, and you are shown he didn't just gain notoriety by moving to Paris, it's his ardent attraction to the world of the romantic creatives and their history. As for the narration, at first I found it a little theatrical (Jean Brassard is French) but it grew on me and really compliments the subject matter.

All in all, this is a great production, and it drew me into the world of the romantics which was mostly new to me.

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Recommended with Caveats

Revisado: 02-21-25

This book represents a massive undertaking by Ina Caro to document and organize a lot of information about sites and the history of France. Though certain sections were really interesting, by the end of the book I felt like the author wasn't very good at making history come alive. She does connect the places to personal anecdotes, but in a very detached way that may diffuse the reader's excitement. The narrator Christa Lewis is great, I don't fault her at all for some mispronunciations, in fact it fits well with the character the author portrays.

The problem is that some first time travelers to France will pick this up thinking it's a travel guide for Paris. It is not, it's a dense history book, and Paris isn't really the focus until part 4. Furthermore, it reinforces some old school stereotypes that the only people who visit France are wealthy, fussy, and pretentious white people. A Paris newbie or maybe someone not interested in this quantity of french history would be much better off with a book like 'Paris, Paris' by David Downie.

That being said it's the product of a massive amount of meticulous research, it's just rendered pretty dry. It's similar to 'The Discovery of France' by Graham Robb, which I also had reservations about.

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Very entertaining and well narrated

Revisado: 08-11-24

I also listened to the Julius Meier-Graefe biography of Van Gogh which is a historic work in itself - this one is so much more enjoyable. The narrator really does a good job and the author included everything I was curious about with references to the letters and specific paintings. It answers so many questions and really puts you in the Van Gogh brothers' heads. I'd say this is one of the best biographies I've listened to.

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Very Enjoyable, Scholarly

Revisado: 06-08-24

Excellent subject, well organized and beautifully narrated. Take note that this is a detailed archeological text. I found new things which interested me, like the European poetry about Palmyra. All in all a really great book, lucky that it's available as an audiobook.

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Amazing Book

Revisado: 02-10-24

Jack Chekijian is fantastic narrator - I enjoyed this as much as Martin Dugard's other book 'into Africa'. These are the kinds of books that get you hooked on history!

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Wow, I loved it

Revisado: 11-29-23

I listened first to 'The Impudent Ones', and then this. I was surprised to find that both of these books were recently translated into english for the first time and I am pleased that they are available here. These are the first two books by Marguerite Duras whom I've been interested in for a long time.
'The Impudent Ones' is told from a 3rd person perspective and I'd give it 3 stars - really interesting for the insight you get into Dura's craft and the afterword was really nice, but the story itself is a little boring. It wasn't even published at the time.
Now this one, 'The Easy Life' is completely different - it's told from a 1st person perspective and it contains some incredibly lucid passages starting in part 2. The introduction reveals what was happening to Duras at the time - miscarriage, her brother died, France was under Nazi occupation. This one was her first published book, and it's obvious why.
Parts of the book read like a confession of self reckoning. It rings of 'The Stranger' by Albert Camus and because it sparks philosophical analysis. It has an extremely personal feel that the first book didn't have at all.
The narrator is amazing - Caroline Hewitt has a beautiful voice and her performance was outstanding.
This is a quality audiobook, definitely recommended.

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Rich and Enveloping

Revisado: 10-22-22

the content is so rich and captivating - great narration, excellently written and the subject matter is incredible. Very detailed which could deter some who might wish for a shorter book - but if you enjoy well researched historical books about early explorers, this is a real treat!

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Very Approchable Natural Science Overview

Revisado: 03-28-22

I was a little uncertain if I could "handle" this type of book as I usually listen to autobiography or fiction - this is certainly different material as you generally feel like you could jump in at any chapter and enjoy it just as much as listening beginning to end.
The language is quite scientific but the material is not dry - very colorful and richly descriptive it challenges the mind but does not lose you. Narrator being very good and the book's quality makes an impact. There is a building crescendo in the last third.
I'd highly recommend this to people who are interested in natural science and the history of our world - very educational. It does have advanced terminology but the great writing keeps you engaged.
I feel like getting the print copy and looking for images to go with the text but I'm really glad I heard the audiobook.

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