1.31k reviews for:

The Paris Novel

Ruth Reichl

3.73 AVERAGE

ellebeelv's profile picture

ellebeelv's review

4.0
emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

cherireadsall's review

4.0
hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
aurora9's profile picture

aurora9's review

5.0
adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This reminds me of some of my absolute favorite YA novels in the best way. A combination of someone finding who they truly are, writing that makes me feel like I’m in these places and eating these meals, a little mystery and travel? Reading this made me feel the most myself I’ve felt in ages.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous lighthearted reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
emotional lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Love Ruth Reichl but this one did not work for me. There was too much going on for the story to be cohesive. I did like the art plot though

kmobookworm's review

1.0

DNF - so many inconsistencies it was driving me nuts. I kept wondering if my book just downloaded in the wrong order? But I don’t think that was the case. Otherwise loved the description of the food!

nlicea's review

4.0
adventurous mysterious reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Beautiful descriptions of food

am_pierce's review

2.75
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Manic pixie dream girl trope.

julianneuva's review

4.25
hopeful lighthearted relaxing
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No

I loved this book, it was a cozy read especially for those who love food, reading and clothes. It was a warm hug.

meg5345's review

3.0

I just finished The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl, and the one thing I must say right away: do not read this book on an empty stomach. Seriously. The descriptions of food are so vivid, rich, and mouthwatering that I found myself constantly craving something — anything buttery, flaky, or delicately sauced. Reichl’s background as a food writer truly shines here.

This novel made me believe — or maybe want to believe — that Paris is still as aspirational, romantic, and impossibly stylish as we’ve imagined it for generations. Her portrayal of the city is lush and evocative, like walking through a dream where every cobblestone is storied and every café meal could change your life.

That said, while I adored the atmosphere and the sensory details, the story itself didn’t fully pull me in. The characters felt a bit distant, and the plot meandered more than I would have liked. It read almost like a love letter to Paris and its culinary and fashion culture, more than a tightly woven narrative.

Still, it was a pleasant and dreamy experience — one that made me want to book a trip, buy a baguette, and wander through vintage boutiques.

Perfect if you’re looking for something gentle, stylish, and full of aesthetic charm. Just make sure you have snacks ready.