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beccamariejo's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
mjmbecky's review against another edition
2.0
Definitely not what I was expecting and a bit moody of a read for me. The close up look at these individual's lives in Paris is interesting, but the focus on their complex relationships kind of made me sad. I know life isn't all roses and rainbows, but the search for intimacy--not sex--felt really heavy and sad. Paris makes a nice backdrop for the story, but it wasn't totally for me.
I don't want to devalue the book at all. It has good characterization and really well woven story lines. If you want a introspective tale of love, loss, and longing, then this would be the right fit.
I don't want to devalue the book at all. It has good characterization and really well woven story lines. If you want a introspective tale of love, loss, and longing, then this would be the right fit.
unabridgedchick's review against another edition
4.0
This delightful book is my kind of beach read: fabulous urban location (Paris!), seemingly uncomplicated characters who actually have great depth, lovely language, and heady discussions of love and loss written in an accessible and deft way.
Initially, I thought I wasn't going to dig this book since infidelity was clearly going to be a theme of the novel but I found Sussman's writing and characters had depth and complicated back stories (presented in a clear, light, moving way). Even if my puritanical self was initially resistant to feeling sympathy for Josie, the American teacher mourning in Paris after losing her married lover, Sussman provoked me into caring for her as her lovelorn language tutor, Nico, found things to empathize and admire in her. Every character in this novel felt immediately familiar and yet did something to surprise me, and I literally inhaled this novel in hours.
Based on Sussman's previous books, it's obvious she likes sex and the frisson of desire, and she's unabashed about that in these three stories. It might be a little too graphic for some readers, but I didn't mind: it moved the plot, felt appropriate to the story and characters, and was sexy and sad in equal part which made it all the more poignant (to me).
I went to sleep thinking of this book and woke up wanting to read it, and that's the sign of a totally great read. I was apprehensive that the three couples and their vignettes wouldn't come together for a satisfying conclusion but Sussman pulled one together that was just what I wanted. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a summertime armchair escape.
Initially, I thought I wasn't going to dig this book since infidelity was clearly going to be a theme of the novel but I found Sussman's writing and characters had depth and complicated back stories (presented in a clear, light, moving way). Even if my puritanical self was initially resistant to feeling sympathy for Josie, the American teacher mourning in Paris after losing her married lover, Sussman provoked me into caring for her as her lovelorn language tutor, Nico, found things to empathize and admire in her. Every character in this novel felt immediately familiar and yet did something to surprise me, and I literally inhaled this novel in hours.
Based on Sussman's previous books, it's obvious she likes sex and the frisson of desire, and she's unabashed about that in these three stories. It might be a little too graphic for some readers, but I didn't mind: it moved the plot, felt appropriate to the story and characters, and was sexy and sad in equal part which made it all the more poignant (to me).
I went to sleep thinking of this book and woke up wanting to read it, and that's the sign of a totally great read. I was apprehensive that the three couples and their vignettes wouldn't come together for a satisfying conclusion but Sussman pulled one together that was just what I wanted. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a summertime armchair escape.
grannycat's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
mkat303's review against another edition
2.0
It was ok. Maybe 3 stars. I mean, I enjoyed it, but I didn't find it very believable.
ocnlvr83's review against another edition
5.0
This is a great novel. I felt like I was in Paris, in the rain, experiencing everything everyone was feeling. I highly recommend this book.
mimii's review against another edition
4.0
Three Americans in Paris and sign up for language lessons with tutors. Each American comes from very different backgrounds and each learns more about him/herself as a result of the time spent with the French tutors. The story of each American is told separately and is very different, with the exception of al of them share one event, but never meet one another. A very interesting, quick read with likable characters.
ellie_a's review against another edition
3.0
The book was about three French tutors who know each other. While each tutor has his own story in the book, they really could have been three separate books. I think each story leaves you hanging for closure.
firstimpressionsreviews's review against another edition
1.0
French Lessons centers around three Americans and their french tutors focusing on a single day with supposed life changing events. The book is broken up into 5 parts the first and last for the tutors and the body for the pupils.
I can say one positive thing for French Lessons, it was a fast read, but that's about all. The back cover proclaimed it as a "page-turner" I do agree with that but not for the same reason, which to be rid of the horrid story! I knew it was a romance but was expecting a little more substance or feel for Paris as the tutors are semi tour guides. Nope, most of the book was on the pairs having some kind of affair or lusting/flirting with one another. I might be acting a little over-dramatic here but I would liken it to a soft "Scruples". To give an example, several men in the book have yet to be circumcised, this might be too much information but there we are. If I had to pick a favorite part it would be fin.
I can say one positive thing for French Lessons, it was a fast read, but that's about all. The back cover proclaimed it as a "page-turner" I do agree with that but not for the same reason, which to be rid of the horrid story! I knew it was a romance but was expecting a little more substance or feel for Paris as the tutors are semi tour guides. Nope, most of the book was on the pairs having some kind of affair or lusting/flirting with one another. I might be acting a little over-dramatic here but I would liken it to a soft "Scruples". To give an example, several men in the book have yet to be circumcised, this might be too much information but there we are. If I had to pick a favorite part it would be fin.
shanbitt's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this book. I feel like the characters spoke to me (except for the one married to the actress-forgot his name). They just seem so lost and confused like what they planned for their lives didn't work out and now they're not sure what to do. I feel like I'm at a similar stage in my life and can relate. Maybe if I wasn't in the same funk a lot of the characters were in then I wouldn't have liked it as well. I liked that at the end some of the characters received some closure while others didn't. At first this bothered me, that their wasn't an end or resolution to some of the characters stories, but then I realized that's life and some of them still have things to figure out.
Aside from the characters, the imagery the author provided was excellant. I could picture the scenes in the book like scenes in a movie. It almost felt like you were there. The downside was there was a little too much talk about sex so if that is a problem for you I wouldn't recommend this novel. I thought it was a great, quick read and I finished it in an evening.
I received this for free through GoodReads First Reads.
Aside from the characters, the imagery the author provided was excellant. I could picture the scenes in the book like scenes in a movie. It almost felt like you were there. The downside was there was a little too much talk about sex so if that is a problem for you I wouldn't recommend this novel. I thought it was a great, quick read and I finished it in an evening.
I received this for free through GoodReads First Reads.