Reviews

A Parisian Affair and Other Stories by Guy de Maupassant

vandana's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars. There were some good stories and some okay stories. I'm not sure if short story collections are really my thing, but it was a good read. I liked the title story, Boule de Souf (I think this is the one that will stay with me), and a couple of others. Glad I finished it.

stephersroo's review against another edition

5.0

It is no wonder that Monsieur de Maupassant is regarded as a master of the short story. Each one of the tales in this collection is a marvel of economy, pacing, sensitivity, lyricism, wit, and drama both intimate and astounding. The farther along one reads, the more it becomes impossible to single out one story as more likable than another. The characters, from the perspective of a contemporary American reader, are just a touch larger than life; the situations tender, funny, tragic, often bitterly ironic. In these tales also, we are regaled with a view of Belle Epoque France and its people, their habits, prejudices, circumstances high and low, and their inevitable Achilles' heals--for all of its troubles a world still surrounded by natural beauty, which Maupassant takes great care to describe, his voice assured, deep, and properly distanced from his creations, allowing the reader to take in as much of the view as possible. I wish I could speak with more authority to the quality of the translation, but it must be very high, since the writing provides such great literary pleasure. Every sentence and paragraph is so well-balanced that I often reread whole paragraphs just for the wonder. The introduction, written by the translator, Sian Miles, is an edifying read in itself.

behindthecritic's review against another edition

3.0

Guy De Maupassant is the father of the short story. Honestly every story is a work of art and perfected.
I only give this three stars because the subject matter was pretty repetitive and I'm so bored of reading nineteenth century stories where women are just objects.
Not giving any spoilers, but I recommend reading The Necklace. I thought that story was brilliant.

grodie's review against another edition

Before starting this book I had read a review criticising Maupassant's writing of women. After finishing it I find that thread to be particularly interesting because I actually largely really enjoyed the women in these novels. Female sexuality is often framed as something to be enjoyed by nobody, this book doesn't take that approach at all. Thoroughly enjoyed all of the stories, especially Boule de Suif and Mother of Invention.

marnieluna's review

5.0

Maupassant deserves the title as the master of short stories. While I didn't love every single story, there was something enjoyable within them all. His writing is full of flair and he is brilliant at pulling out twists.
There is an element of almost erotic touches in most of his stories, which brings them to life. His characters are full of flaws and quirks that make them relatable and lovable.
This is one of those books I will heartily recommend and will reread again and again.
As a writer myself, he is brilliant to study and learn from and to anyone who is a writer I suggest to study his stories.

Favourite Stories
Boule De Suif
Femme Fatale
The Jewels
The Christening
Rose
Encounter
A Bit of the Other
The Lull-A-Bye
Mother of Invention
Laid to Rest
The Necklace

sar_p's review against another edition

3.0

Some stories were beautiful, others were incredibly sad (cause people suck), and the rest were just "meh."