Reviews

Perestroika in Paris by Jane Smiley

bunrab's review

4.0

This is a sweet little story; since part of it takes place in winter and involves gifts, it could be considered a Christmas story. Nothing in here that wouldn't be safe for kids, even though it's not exactly a kids story. Would make a nice gift for anyone fond of animals (and ok with animals kept by humans)

jmclincoln's review

5.0

Yes, you want to read this book. I am a literalist so for me this story is about a horse and her friends in Paris. It’s also about relationships and what we may contribute to each other and receive in turn. I’m sure I missed lots of metaphors and philosophies being a literalist, but I greatly enjoyed it all the same.

Put aside your need for a mystery, or a thriller, for chases and the latest scientific discovery. Relax in the wonder of Paras, her friends, and the welcoming gardens that surround the Eiffel Tower.

ja3m3's review

4.0

A horse, a dog, a raven, a pair of mallards, and a couple of rats walk into a bar... No they don't. They hang around the Champs du Mars in Paris and show us mere humans what friendship, love and loyalty is all about in this delightful and whimsical story.

kellerko's review

4.0

This was a surprisingly good book. Written from the perspective of an escapee race horse, a raven, a dog who’s owner was no longer with him, plus a few mallards and rats. All about their perception of an interaction with humans when they intersect with a young boy.

aholland5's review

emotional hopeful lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.25

nlwisz's review

5.0

You should read this book if you like: Heartwarming stories, anthropomorphic characters, love, loss, friendship, Paris

* * *

Humorous and remarkably imaginative, Smiley's Perestroika in Paris was a delight to read!

This fun story brings together a group of unlikely animal companions, including a sweetly innocent racehorse; a posh raven (excuse me, a Corvus corax, thank you very much); a pair of ducks prone to hysterics; a hormonal rat and protective dog who sometimes just can't shake their animal predispositions. The motley crew befriends a young boy in the City of Lights, and readers are brought along for a fantastical tale that you'll just have to read.

All of the characters are quirky, unique, and well-developed, and the story was a witty and heartwarming one that I won't soon forget.

eleanorrosecugal's review

adventurous emotional funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

4.25

colorfulleo92's review

4.0

I don't have much to say more than it's was a cozy story for adults that felt sometimes for kids

hproctor01's review

5.0

An absolutely delightful palate cleanser. A quick, light read but beautifully written with gorgeous imagery. I really enjoyed the whimsical world of Paris through the eyes of the animal characters and the lovely Etienne. Initially I had doubts of “what is this even about?” but quickly got lost in the world Smiley has created. The descriptions of Paras’ mannerisms and unique worldview were the icing on the cake as a self-identifying “horse person”.

kelly_may's review

4.0

Exactly the gentle read I needed! I’ve never been much of an animal fiction lover, but the quirks of the characters animal and human rang true.