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bookdreamer24's review against another edition
5.0
A very charming sweet story. It is a page turner and a light read. First book I've read by this author. Drawn into the characters at once.
mkordziel's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was a warm story about an unlikely group in Paris. Each character developed an intriguing story and it was tied together very nicely. To me, it was about the interconnectedness of the world.
lookpook's review against another edition
not super enthralling as an audiobook, maybe more of a cozy night read
candacesiegle_greedyreader's review
4.0
Jane Smiley has a knack for expressing the feelings of animals, and "Perestroika in Paris" is a magical canter through Paris. It's not just the curious Perestroika, a filly living at a racetrack, but a dog, a raven, two ducks and a couple of handsome black rats who go along for the ride. Did I mention that Peres takes along a groom's purse as she leaves the stable? Her trainer, owner, and groom are all women and the filly has seen how they always carry these bags with them. This one turns out to be full of money, and you'll be delighted to see how animals figure out how to spend it.
The humans in the story are the sweetest kind, and their communication with the critters does not include language, as it wouldn't. The animals can communicate with each other, and what they think about other species is quite fun. The most outspoken of these is the raven, Raoul, who is old and has met a lot of other animals, whom he addresses by their Latin names. Perestroika is a young filly and has only met other horses and a Jack Russell terrier named Assassin. Her innocence makes a delightful foil for the others.
One of the most charming scenes has Perestroika's trainer consulting an animal psychic who says she sees the filly on a dark city street, window shopping. The trainer thinks she's thrown 100 euros away, but guess, what? The psychic is right on.
The story goes on a little long, but it is a charming, lovely tale for these rocky times. Following the animals along the streets of a Paris neighborhood was a delightful vicarious vacation.
The humans in the story are the sweetest kind, and their communication with the critters does not include language, as it wouldn't. The animals can communicate with each other, and what they think about other species is quite fun. The most outspoken of these is the raven, Raoul, who is old and has met a lot of other animals, whom he addresses by their Latin names. Perestroika is a young filly and has only met other horses and a Jack Russell terrier named Assassin. Her innocence makes a delightful foil for the others.
One of the most charming scenes has Perestroika's trainer consulting an animal psychic who says she sees the filly on a dark city street, window shopping. The trainer thinks she's thrown 100 euros away, but guess, what? The psychic is right on.
The story goes on a little long, but it is a charming, lovely tale for these rocky times. Following the animals along the streets of a Paris neighborhood was a delightful vicarious vacation.
librariansrule's review
5.0
I loved this story! It was just what I needed in my 2020 no power, ice storm, candle lit and wine fueled October evening. Thank you, Ms Smiley!
karingoodell's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
whatsthestorywishbone's review
4.0
This is an “adult” book but totally appropriate for kids and might even feel like a kids book to some. It is billed kind of as an adventure book but in my opinion it flows more like a character study/day in the life. It is basically a what if kind of scenario. What if a horse was able to live in Paris on its own and make friends with other animals and humans. All the animals are built out with personalities and the action is their day to day existence and the day to day existence of humans they come into contact with. I thought it could have been edited a bit as it was slow in places (though it might have also been I was listening to most of it in the morning with no coffee yet!) However it is a sweet story, especially if you are an animal lover like my son.
courtknoc's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25