My French Whore (Paperback)

~ (Author) "I USED TO BE A CONDUCTOR ON THE TRAIN THAT ran back and forth from Milwaukee to Chicago..." (more)
Key Phrases: Captain Harrington, Colonel Steinig, Harry Stroller (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A simple, straight-faced love story about a brave coward and a scarlet woman drives actor Wilder's touching debut novel. (His memoir, Kiss Me Like a Stranger, appeared last year.) It's 1918, and Paul Peachy, an unassuming train conductor and amateur actor in Milwaukee, finds his marriage has run out of steam, and decides to enlist as a dough boy. At nearly 30, Paul has seen little of the world, as his naïve and candid dispatches from the French trenches make clear. Paul, who speaks German, is brought in to interrogate notorious German spy Harry Stroller. Soon sent into the front line, Paul deserts and, in an extraordinary sequence, passes himself off as Harry Stroller. Taken to the local schloss and treated like royalty by the German officials, Paul is given a French whore, Annie Breton, for comfort, and he gradually comes to care for her once she reveals herself to him more than physically. Despite some ensuing heroism, the game's soon up for Peachy, and the novel takes the form of the final, eloquent notebook of a man still finding out who he is. (Mar.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

"Gene Wilder has written a remarkable period piece. It’s an elegantly woven story of intrigue, danger, sex and comedy –but for me the big surprise is that it’s a truly moving and eloquent love story.
--Mel Brooks

 

“A…touching debut novel…(it) takes the form of the final, eloquent notebook of a man still finding out who he is.”—Publishers Weekly

“Slender…nimble…satisfying.”—Kirkus Reviews

“It’s unavoidable: the hero of MY FRENCH WHORE simply must be imagined as a young Gene Wilder.  The talented actor who wrote this enjoyable novella…makes an easy transition from stage to page.”—The Seattle Times

“Sweet fluff.  If you loved ‘Young Frankenstein,’ you’ll be awfully fond of this.”—The Washington Post

“Wilder’s delightful fiction debut (is) a novel so witty, dramatic and romantic that the reader is left with an indelible mental movie.”—Los Angeles Times

See all Editorial Reviews

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Product Details Paperback: 192 pages Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; 1st edition (February 5, 2008) Language: English ISBN-10: 0312377991 ISBN-13: 978-0312377991 Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #260,354 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Inside This Book (learn more)

First Sentence:
I USED TO BE A CONDUCTOR ON THE TRAIN THAT ran back and forth from Milwaukee to Chicago. Read the first page

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Captain Harrington, Colonel Steinig, Harry Stroller, Gene Wilder, Colonel Stroller, General von Sieghardt, Pig Head, Sergeant Krodecker, Countess von Oppersdorf, Herr Stroller, General Sieghardt, Milwaukee Players, Annie Breton, Gustav Gruner, New York, Viktor Steinig, Joseph Tausk, Ninth Regiment, Monsieur Harry

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	67% buy the item featured on this page: My French Whore 4.3 out of 5 stars (23) $10.36
	24% buy Kiss Me Like A Stranger: My Search for Love and Art 4.0 out of 5 stars (64) $10.87
	4% buy The Woman Who Wouldn't 4.3 out of 5 stars (10) $11.16
	2% buy Bunny, Bunny: Gilda Radner, A Sort of Romantic Comedy 4.5 out of 5 stars (11) $6.95

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Customer Reviews

23 Reviews 5 star:  (13) 4 star:  (6) 3 star:  (3) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:  (1)           Average Customer Review 4.3 out of 5 stars (23 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 19 of 21 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Gene Wilder Makes a Charming Fiction Debut, March 19, 2007 By  Brian Scott Mednick (New York, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    Amazon Verified Purchase This review is from: My French Whore (Hardcover) Gene Wilder is a man of many talents. Yes, he is a brilliant comic actor (the best this country has ever produced, if you ask me). He also is a gifted watercolor artist, director, and writer. "My French Whore," his first novella, is a charming World War I tale about an American soldier who finds himself in extraordinary circumstances as he fools the Germans into thinking he is a famous spy. This is an idea Wilder had for a screenplay back in the late 1960s, but he abandoned the project. As a first novella, "My French Whore" is suitably entertaining and well-written with an ending that is subtle, moving, and restrained. The book reads like a very good short story, with the central character having a lot of the characteristics we have come to know in the roles Gene Wilder plays - indeed, I kept picturing Paul Peachy as a young Wilder. I think it a crime that Gene Wilder has basically retired from acting. He is just too talented not to be appearing in films anymore. But he enjoys his quiet life writing these days and is already set to publish his second work of fiction entitled "The Woman Who Wouldn't." "My French Whore" is not a great book by any means, but it is a witty, breezy read and good enough to make one look forward to Wilder's next book. 4 of 4 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Ineresting World War I vignette, May 4, 2008 By  Jennifer Ray "Reviewer for Wild on Books (www... (Nashville, TN United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)       Amazon Verified Purchase This review is from: My French Whore (Hardcover) Leaving his uninterested wife, Paul Peachy joins the armed services and is soon deployed to France during World War I. When his camp is decimated by the Germans, he finds himself at the wrong end of a number of rifles, but some quick thinking and a fluency in the German language serve to buy him some time. He assumes the identity of an infamous German spy, Harry Stroller, and is not only accepted into the German camp, but is eagerly welcomed. Indeed, his `host' even introduces him to a lovely young French whore named Annie, who captures the unlikely hero's heart. But how long can Peachy maintain his subterfuge? Surely it is just a matter of time before someone who knows the real Harry Stroller shows up... I am going to come right out and say it - neither the story nor the title of this book much interested me, but when I saw it was written by Gene Wilder, my curiosity got the best of me and I simply had to buy MY FRENCH WHORE. Once I began reading the story, I soon forgot who the author was, finding myself completely immersed in the story Mr. Wilder spins with apparent ease, as if he is relating the facts of something that actually occurred rather than delivering a vignette borne of his own imagination. Gene Wilder shows a decided talent for stringing words together in such a way that the story plays in the readers' minds like a movie or even a memory. I stated previously that neither the story nor the title caught my attention, but I avow the story more than satisfied this reviewer. An unusual piece, MY FRENCH WHORE is a kind of `day-in-the-life' story that encompasses several days in the life of Paul Peachy and the adventures he lived in France during World War I, all the while finding in the most unexpected of places the woman who would forever hold his heart. The ending is surprising, and I won't tell so much as to give it away. Suffice it to say that Paul Peachy is an undeniably noble man, and MY FRENCH WHORE offers an ending befitting his character. **4.5 Bookmarks, courtesy of Wild on Books Reviews** 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars endearing, delightful, deep, May 26, 2007 By  guerilla girly (USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: My French Whore (Hardcover) As a fan of short fiction, I was initially drawn to this book by the charming cover art. That it was written by Gene Wilder was of added appeal. I had several other books going, so this one sat stashed away patiently waiting its turn. I read My French Whore in one sitting and felt an elevation and expansion in my mood immediately. The word delightful kept surfacing in my mind and heart. Now, a book about WWI, trenches, disease, death, prostitution doesn't usually signify delight. But Wilder's pristine gem of a book is also about love, loyalty, grace and clarity. Marvelous--best book I've read in a long time, and I've read many.		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars A great short read This book is short and easy to get through, but you will be sorry it is over so soon! The main character is unknowingly witty and warm. Read more Published 7 months ago by Jessica C. Smith 5.0 out of 5 stars Charming and Delightful Read This was a delighful little read. I couldn't get over how easy it was to fall in love with the characters, and to faithfully and attentively follow the story. Read more Published 10 months ago by A. J. Veneman 5.0 out of 5 stars Easy read by Gene Wilder Gene Wilder has a gift of story-telling in a easy to read way. Characters are enduring and yet flawed as we all are. Enjoyable weekend read. Published 15 months ago by Julianne M. Pringle 5.0 out of 5 stars Touching! It's a wonderful, extremely touching life story. Who knew Gene Wilder had such beauty in him? Published 16 months ago by Gloria Barrack 5.0 out of 5 stars Splendid! Short, Interesting.. got me out of my love for Biographies This book was witty, lovely and it's been a long time coming. Mr Wilder show cases his clever, cunning, nimble mind and I couldn't put down this book! Read more Published 16 months ago by garcon d'antoine 5.0 out of 5 stars Life, My First Time by Skip Donahue There are long novels and short ones. I like both for different reasons. A good novel (long or short) always make me want to lay down my pencil and give up trying. Read more Published 20 months ago by David A. Johnson 3.0 out of 5 stars Where's the book...? Yes, I know this has been mentioned several times, but it's worth repeating -- er, Gene... where's the rest of the bloody book? Read more Published 20 months ago by Offsideher 4.0 out of 5 stars Love this little book While visiting my folks one weekend, I finished the book I was reading at the time, so my dad suggested this one. Read more Published on November 15, 2007 by A. T. Lovell 5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Sensual Nuance!!! Though the novel (length-wise) lacks a certain depth, the sensual interchange between Peachy and Annie is very provocative even in something as simple as a haircut. Read more Published on September 26, 2007 by Jacob C. Norman 3.0 out of 5 stars All's Fair in Love and War. Gene Wilder has written a beautiful book with a simplicity of language that is rare. This is a book you can read quickly but don't let the size fool you. Read more Published on September 22, 2007 by groovymamma Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; 1st edition (February 5, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312377991
• ISBN-13: 978-0312377991
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #260,354 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Gene Wilder Makes a Charming Fiction Debut, March 19, 2007

By	Brian Scott Mednick (New York, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: My French Whore (Hardcover)

Gene Wilder is a man of many talents. Yes, he is a brilliant comic actor (the best this country has ever produced, if you ask me). He also is a gifted watercolor artist, director, and writer. "My French Whore," his first novella, is a charming World War I tale about an American soldier who finds himself in extraordinary circumstances as he fools the Germans into thinking he is a famous spy.

This is an idea Wilder had for a screenplay back in the late 1960s, but he abandoned the project. As a first novella, "My French Whore" is suitably entertaining and well-written with an ending that is subtle, moving, and restrained. The book reads like a very good short story, with the central character having a lot of the characteristics we have come to know in the roles Gene Wilder plays - indeed, I kept picturing Paul Peachy as a young Wilder.

I think it a crime that Gene Wilder has basically retired from acting. He is just too talented not to be appearing in films anymore. But he enjoys his quiet life writing these days and is already set to publish his second work of fiction entitled "The Woman Who Wouldn't." "My French Whore" is not a great book by any means, but it is a witty, breezy read and good enough to make one look forward to Wilder's next book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ineresting World War I vignette, May 4, 2008

By	Jennifer Ray "Reviewer for Wild on Books (www... (Nashville, TN United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: My French Whore (Hardcover)

Leaving his uninterested wife, Paul Peachy joins the armed services and is soon deployed to France during World War I. When his camp is decimated by the Germans, he finds himself at the wrong end of a number of rifles, but some quick thinking and a fluency in the German language serve to buy him some time.

He assumes the identity of an infamous German spy, Harry Stroller, and is not only accepted into the German camp, but is eagerly welcomed. Indeed, his `host' even introduces him to a lovely young French whore named Annie, who captures the unlikely hero's heart.

But how long can Peachy maintain his subterfuge? Surely it is just a matter of time before someone who knows the real Harry Stroller shows up...

I am going to come right out and say it - neither the story nor the title of this book much interested me, but when I saw it was written by Gene Wilder, my curiosity got the best of me and I simply had to buy MY FRENCH WHORE. Once I began reading the story, I soon forgot who the author was, finding myself completely immersed in the story Mr. Wilder spins with apparent ease, as if he is relating the facts of something that actually occurred rather than delivering a vignette borne of his own imagination.

Gene Wilder shows a decided talent for stringing words together in such a way that the story plays in the readers' minds like a movie or even a memory.

I stated previously that neither the story nor the title caught my attention, but I avow the story more than satisfied this reviewer. An unusual piece, MY FRENCH WHORE is a kind of `day-in-the-life' story that encompasses several days in the life of Paul Peachy and the adventures he lived in France during World War I, all the while finding in the most unexpected of places the woman who would forever hold his heart.

The ending is surprising, and I won't tell so much as to give it away. Suffice it to say that Paul Peachy is an undeniably noble man, and MY FRENCH WHORE offers an ending befitting his character.

**4.5 Bookmarks, courtesy of Wild on Books Reviews**

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars endearing, delightful, deep, May 26, 2007

By	guerilla girly (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: My French Whore (Hardcover)

As a fan of short fiction, I was initially drawn to this book by the charming cover art. That it was written by Gene Wilder was of added appeal. I had several other books going, so this one sat stashed away patiently waiting its turn. I read My French Whore in one sitting and felt an elevation and expansion in my mood immediately. The word delightful kept surfacing in my mind and heart. Now, a book about WWI, trenches, disease, death, prostitution doesn't usually signify delight. But Wilder's pristine gem of a book is also about love, loyalty, grace and clarity. Marvelous--best book I've read in a long time, and I've read many.