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mat_tobin's review against another edition
4.0
A story within a story, this tale is a ‘love letter to Paris’ as seen through the eyes (or glasses depending on her mood) of Catherine. Living with her father in the great city, Catherine’s world seems as ambiguous and mystifying as it would to any young child. Her father’s work remains indistinct and unusual with Catherine having more questions than answers as is the reason for her mother living in New York as a ballet dancer while her and her father remain in Paris.
Catherine only finds peace with the world when, like her father, she takes off her glasses and her surroundings become ‘soft and fuzzy’. For the more observant reader, there are questions around the people who Catherine meets and rubs shoulders with but none are more interesting than her own father whose own story slowly unravels as the tale comes to a close.
Sempé’s illustrations are beautiful and light and I especially loved the city scenes of both Paris and New York.
Catherine only finds peace with the world when, like her father, she takes off her glasses and her surroundings become ‘soft and fuzzy’. For the more observant reader, there are questions around the people who Catherine meets and rubs shoulders with but none are more interesting than her own father whose own story slowly unravels as the tale comes to a close.
Sempé’s illustrations are beautiful and light and I especially loved the city scenes of both Paris and New York.
anamaria427's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Un ratico delicioso. La escritura está llena de nostalgia y de gentileza. Las ilustraciones son preciosas.
veelaughtland's review against another edition
2.0
This was just okay. The plot wasn't what I thought it would be - I thought there would be more of a dance element, but it ended up being more about Catherine's father and his strange seemingly illicit business. The pictures were pretty though.
kfrench1008's review against another edition
5.0
My first taste of the Nobel laureate's work (though I plan to read more soon). A very realistic and somewhat melancholic look at life, especially for a book aimed at children.
luroher03's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
4.0
liagatha's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.25
philosopiscis's review against another edition
4.0
"Sometimes Papa would say, "Come here, Catherine," and I would join him on the scale. We would stand there, the two of us, Papa's hand on my shoulders, without moving. We looked as if we were posing for a photograph. I took off my glasses, and Papa took off his. Everything around us became soft and fuzzy. Time stopped. We felt fine."
Patrick Modiano and his hazy writing once again astonish me. The nostalgia, the regret and those uncertain relationships. Wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket, this book opening on your knees and daydreaming about Paris - I can not think of a better day to waste.
anelisa's review against another edition
3.0
De meeste auteurs voor volwassenen die een kinderboek schrijven, gaan op hun knieën zitten en vertellen een sprookje. Modiano niet. Hij laat een vrouw terugblikken op de tijd dat ze als meisje met haar vader in Parijs woonde. Mooi.