I am usually reading a book. My last one was so good; I could hardly put it down! Reading about 75 pages in a sitting, the story would keep me up late, into the next day. It only lasted two days, last Sunday night through Tuesday night, in fact. I highly recommend A Paris Apartment: A Novel by Michelle Gable.
It’s about an Art Historian named April who specializes in furniture for an auction house. She is assigned to describe the treasures in an apartment in Paris that has been sealed for 70 years, since the middle of World War II. It turns out the items are from an even earlier era, the Belle Epoque (1890s). In order to give greater value to the pieces, she reads the journals of its original owner, Marthe, for background. This is truly salacious! The two narratives are intertwined in this novel. April also runs away from her troubled marriage and there is a love interest in Paris.
When my mom sees a movie that is not from her favorite genre, I feel like she’ll determine if it’s good or not if it kept her interest throughout. This novel certainly enraptured me from beginning to end. There are twists, not every twist and turn will the reader be pleased with! The characters are well-developed, so you root for many different people. It brings up a lot of issues about love and life. I also love April’s passion for this fascinating work project.
It is based upon a true story, such an apartment was actually discovered in 2010.
This book was released last April and I had heard of it from a couple different sources, but I wonder why I didn’t seek it out sooner. It’s right up my alley! Art History. Passion. Life. Love. Paris. Anyway, I am happy to have read it now and own it on my Kindle for possible re-reading.
Oh la la more books on Paris! I might have to skip reading on your book lists:P Have a good night!
As long as you indulge in the simple pleasure of reading a good book, i'm good. Thanks! You too.
I adore this book too Michelle, and still remember it vividly even though I read it at Christmas time!
It's been a few months now and I remember it well too. I may have to keep it in mind for easy breezy (re)reading this summer…