Review : Paris Letters by Janice MacLeod
Paris Letters by Janice MacLeod
Pages : 272
Genre : Non-Fiction, Travel
Stand alone
My Rating : 4/5
About the Book :
How much money does it take to quit your job? Disillusioned with corporate life and on the verge of burnout, Janice MacLeod is surprised when the answer isn’t as daunting as she expected. With a little maths and a lot of determination, Janice cuts back, saves up and buys herself two years of freedom in Europe.
After a few weeks in Paris, Janice meets Christophe, a cute butcher who doesn’t speak English. Through a combination of sign language and ‘franglais’, they embark on a whirlwind romance, before wanderlust pushes her to continue her travels. But his Daniel Craig good looks and big heart draw her back to Paris. Making the decision to stay, Janice finally has an opportunity to embrace her desire to become an artist, establishing a painted letter subscription service. Now, she sends out hundreds of letters every year to others who crave something personal and beautiful.
My Thoughts :
I want to give this book 5 stars only because it so easily brought me back to Paris – and you guys know how much I love the French city!
Paris Letters is a very sweet memoir. I know, memoirs usually aren’t described as sweet, but this one was. Janice MacLeod writes about her journey with an honest yet drama-free voice, which makes her easy to relate to but also extremely enjoyable to read. From the moment she put her foot in Paris, I felt like I was taken back there – and really, that’s all I could have asked for.
When in Paris, the author creates a whole new life for herself : she explores new places, tastes new foods, falls in love and finds a way to make money with her talents. Quite suitably, Paris Letters is titled after the author’s etsy business, where she sells illustrated letters about her parisian life (and oh, it is still alive and well – you guys should have a look!) The book itself is quietly decorated with some letters, and it made the whole reading even more enchanting.
I really don’t have much to say about my reading. I wish the author could have gone a little more into the surprising or difficult aspects of her parisian life, other than her relationship; but all in all, Paris Letters left me happy and dreamy and hopeful. Closing the book, I wanted to clear up my space and save money and leave for Paris right away.
Maybe one day?
🙂
P.S. : If anything, the travelers and curious explorers should take a loot at Janice MacLeod’s charming blog!
Wow, I want that book and one of the letters out of her shop!
I love memoirs! Of course, anything about Paris is just going to make it even better to read. It definitely sounds like something I’d like to check out, thanks!