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patchworkbunny's review against another edition
3.0
Jojo Moyes' story collection contains two novellas and a selection of short stories focused on relationships, particularly wives and girlfriends dissatisfied with their other halves. They don't have the emotional punch of Jojo's novels and there would appear to be a lot of unfaithful partners in the short stories.
The title story, Paris for One, is a perfectly enjoyable novella, previously published as part of the Quick Reads initiative. It is a bit predictable but sometimes that's what you want in a light read. Nell is the opposite of impulsive but she takes a leap of faith when she books a short break for her and her boyfriend, a romantic weekend in Paris.
But her boyfriend makes excuses and Nell is left alone on a train to Paris. It’s not a story about how exploring a city by yourself isn’t so bad, instead Nell meets a man. For a character described as getting anxious about everything, her anxiety doesn't really come through in the writing. She makes lists but overall, she seems to cope fine with a crappy situation.
The other novella is a prequel to The Girl You Left Behind. This is worth reading if you've read the novel but loses some of its significance without knowing the circumstances. Liv's disappointing honeymoon is heart-breaking knowing David's life was so short. As in the novel, the perspectives switch between past and present, giving the story of how the painting came to be.
Despite numerous people having a rubbish time in Paris, these stories still romanticise the place. I'm not sure I see the appeal of such a busy city, which has its fair share of problems. Not all the stories are set in Paris but the shorter ones didn’t work so well for me. Jojo’s stories are best when you have time to really connect with her characters and care what happens with their relationships.
Review copy provided by publisher.
The title story, Paris for One, is a perfectly enjoyable novella, previously published as part of the Quick Reads initiative. It is a bit predictable but sometimes that's what you want in a light read. Nell is the opposite of impulsive but she takes a leap of faith when she books a short break for her and her boyfriend, a romantic weekend in Paris.
But her boyfriend makes excuses and Nell is left alone on a train to Paris. It’s not a story about how exploring a city by yourself isn’t so bad, instead Nell meets a man. For a character described as getting anxious about everything, her anxiety doesn't really come through in the writing. She makes lists but overall, she seems to cope fine with a crappy situation.
The other novella is a prequel to The Girl You Left Behind. This is worth reading if you've read the novel but loses some of its significance without knowing the circumstances. Liv's disappointing honeymoon is heart-breaking knowing David's life was so short. As in the novel, the perspectives switch between past and present, giving the story of how the painting came to be.
Despite numerous people having a rubbish time in Paris, these stories still romanticise the place. I'm not sure I see the appeal of such a busy city, which has its fair share of problems. Not all the stories are set in Paris but the shorter ones didn’t work so well for me. Jojo’s stories are best when you have time to really connect with her characters and care what happens with their relationships.
Review copy provided by publisher.
sweetpeajoelle's review against another edition
1.0
I dont know why I try, these books are not for me
ashleysilver7's review against another edition
3.0
Very predictable...but not altogether un-enjoyable. It's a cliched romance about a British girl, aged 27, who has never colored outside the lines her whole life. She bought her "boyfriend" a ticket for a weekend getaway in Paris, to find herself in Paris by herself. She finds herself, so to speak, and love ensues.
leyla1411's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
sonjaaaa8's review against another edition
lighthearted
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? No
3.0
littleroseygirl's review against another edition
4.0
A lovely little collection of short stories. Will try to have a full review up on the blog soon!
1/11/19: Full review came be found here: https://findinglandblog.com/2019/01/09/book-review-paris-for-one-and-other-stories/
1/11/19: Full review came be found here: https://findinglandblog.com/2019/01/09/book-review-paris-for-one-and-other-stories/
aliciakaye's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0