Customer Reviews

True Pleasures: A Memoir of Women in Paris

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I loved this book. It is part biography, part philosophy, part social analysis. I found insight and inspiration in every chapter, and historical figures about whom I knew little or nothing came vividly to life. Holdforth goes to Paris to shake up her system and determine a direction for her life, and by studying the lives of many famous Parisian women (born there or elsewhere), she does just that. If you love Paris, want to read about some fascinating women, or think there is more to womanhood than work, marriage or children, you'll enjoy this book a lot. (She also makes an excellent case for aging gracefully in Paris, and if I ever win the Lotto, that's exactly what I plan to do!)

This book was a disappointment. I bought it because I wanted to read about all the interesting women it claims to be about: Nancy Mitford, Ninon, many others. But it is not about them. It is about the author. Once in awhile she thinks about one of these women, and gives you her thoughts. But she doesn't tell you much about the women. You are left still wanting to know the lives and loves of the famous women of Paris. This book is for people who really want to know what the author thinks about Paris, but I don't know her and I'm not interested in what she thinks, nor when she feels tired, when she wants to lie down, what she eats, when she travels on the Metro, what she says to her friends. I wanted to read about what the charming and fascinating women of Paris said and thought.`

I have a feeling the author and I would get along just fine! I too enjoy researching a historic figure (Catherine de Medici, Josephine, and Camille Claudel have all been recent obsessions) and then walking in her footsteps in Paris. Not only did this book reconnect me with some of my favorite femmes but it introduced me to more fascinating women and their neighborhoods. That thrill of discovery - when you look up at a particular balcony or past a small park that you may have passed countless times before - and suddenly realize its significance to the woman who once lived there - this is what the author captures perfectly. A wonderful gift for your fellow Francophiles and strong women!

I read this book when I needed inspiration - and I found it here. Not only does the author provide insight into the lives of fabulous and famous women, she provides insight into her own life and how experiences in Paris influenced and shaped her. The book provides the perfect balance between historical facts, personal insight and the joys of life in Paris today. It also encourages you to read more books on each of these topics - ie. it starts a journey which goes way beyond this one book.

What a delightful book. If you love Paris you will love this book. And if you haven't been yet, you will go. Informative, romantic, delicious in every way.