Reviews

Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris by Paul Gallico, Paul Gallico

oviedorose's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing

5.0

eclecticblossoms's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

triscuit807's review against another edition

4.0

This challenge is good for me. This another book that I wouldn't normally have read, but did on the basis of the other Gallico books that I read for the challenge that I wouldn't have ordinarily picked up. I've been aware of him (Snow Goose), but hadn't read any of his work before this year. I'm glad I have now. This book is seriously charming. The story is mostly narrative with very occasional bits of dialogue. Mrs. Ada Harris is a London char aka cleaner who sees a Dior dress in a client's closet and must have one. It's the story of a woman with an unlikely ambition who has worked very hard, almost hand to mouth, all her life. It's the story of a woman is striving above her station to attain a dream no matter how fanciful and fantastic it is. It's the story of a woman whose dream has unintended consequences for those around her. I was on the verge of giving it 5 stars but there was a thing that happened in the last few pages that I didn't think was necessary although I could almost see it coming. I think that the next time I see Connie Willis I need to ask her if she's read the Mrs. Harris books. I think given her love of romantic comedy that she must have. I read this for my 2016 Reading Challenge "read a book based on or turned into a TV show" (PopSugar 2015); the show was a 1992 TV movie starring Angela Lansbury and Diana Rigg which I have now requested via Interlibrary Loan. My only regret is that the Mrs. Harris books are unavailable on Nook.

dragonflylee's review against another edition

5.0

One of those simple cute stories that make one want to keep reading. Of course, it is full of the impossible becoming reality. Fun to read.

adglass24's review against another edition

1.0

Cute cover, cute title. Blech story.

debnanceatreaderbuzz's review against another edition

5.0

(Some spoilers)

Mrs. Harris is a cleaning woman who sets her sights on a Dior dress, a dress that costs a year's wages, a dress she hasn't a place to wear, a dress that can only be obtained by traveling to Paris. Like a beautiful fairy tale, all her dreams come true. And don't. And do.

You might find the Meaning of Life in this book. It's a new favorite.

melerihaf's review against another edition

5.0

Yes, it is unabashedly sentimental. Yes, it's cheesy. But it's a sweet book that rings true. If sentimentality doesn't offend you, then I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

ejderwood's review against another edition

4.0

This was indeed a very sweet book (albeit one clearly written by a man). Thank you Tabitha for the rec!