A review by cherylanntownsend
Time Was Soft There: A Paris Sojourn at Shakespeare & Co. by Jeremy Mercer

4.0

When crime journalist, Jeremy Mercer, outs a long time thief in his recently published book, the ensuing threats have him soon on a plane out of the country and landing in Paris. It’s 1999, the world is in chaos and Y2K is adding to the fray. Not the best of time for new beginnings. Not exactly the worst of times either.

With minimal finances, he stumbles about the streets, reading, touring, partaking. Near the last cent, drunk-sleeping on a bus, his hair sizzling from the cruelty of fellow riders, he realizes the time has come.

Rain pours down as he dodges into the as yet ventured tourist attraction of Shakespeare & Co. Fate. In tradition, he is invited to tea after the purchase of a 25cent book. All great adventures should start with a spot of tea.

In step with his trade, he gives us the backstory to the bookstore since it’s opening in 1919 by Sylvia Beach. A sampling of the great authors that frequented the aisles and the transitions of years since.

George Whitman, a man whose biography I now am eager to read, took the helm, initially under a different name at a different location. More political, more expansive, and with free sleeping accommodations for anyone in need. Oh, and soup.

This is whom. The vagabonds that called the bookstore home, their biographies, their survival, their love, their admiration. Their need of a shower.

There are purported 40thousand travelers that have slept at Shakespeare & Co. and each was required to write their story for entry. Should be good reading when.. Our author gives us that of those during his months there.

It was interesting, but got a bit annoying as to the moochiness of the brood. I liked that George required his guests read a book a day while staying there and help with menial tasks. I also liked the visual tidbits about Paris and the shop, which I realize must be the template for numerous other books I have read.

It’s a good bibliographic read. Someday, I hope to venture through those doors... and buy a book.