Paris in July, 2025 - a few short reviews

Thank you to Emma @ Words and Peace who is hosting this event this year as well. We are already guided into the various themes of this year. Head over to Emma's website for more information.

I have not read any books about France and Paris in July, except the autobiography by Tamara Talbot Rice, which only partially takes place in Paris. But, for my trip to Paris in May, I managed to read a few books, during my visit and afterwards. Here are some short reviews.

A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

A re-read of Hemingway’s famous memoir about his early years in Paris. I enjoyed it more this time, being more familiar with the era and the places he describes. This was an updated edition of the original, edited by his son (or grandson). A must-read for anyone who loves Paris—especially the 1920s.

The Most Beautiful Walk in the World, a Pedestrian in Paris by John Baxter

A charming and humorous introduction to walking in Paris. We follow John Baxter on his tours, daily routines, and the many small challenges of living in the city. A delightful companion for armchair travelers and Paris lovers alike.

Talk to the Snail, Ten Commandments for Understanding the French by Stephen Clarke

I bought this book at Shakespeare & Company on the recommendation of Marianne @ Let's Read. Clarke, a long-time Paris resident and journalist, shares the joys and frustrations of adapting to Parisian life—including the language. Witty, entertaining, and filled with sharp observations about French culture.

Voltaire in Love by Nancy Mitford - Madame de Pompadour by Nancy Mitford

I’ve wanted to read Nancy Mitford for a while, and these two nonfiction books about iconic French figures were the perfect place to start.

Voltaire in Love explores the scandalous love affair between Voltaire and the brilliant Émilie du Châtelet. Equal in intellect and passion, they shocked the French aristocracy. Voltaire—described on the back cover as a successful financier, famous poet, and troublemaker—certainly didn’t shy from controversy. A fascinating look at two bold spirits ahead of their time.

Madame de Pompadour follows the rise of Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson, who became the most powerful woman in France as Louis XV’s mistress. I knew little about her before, and Mitford’s lively narrative brings her vividly to life. Educated, cultured, and by all accounts genuinely kind, she held her influence amid the ruthless politics of Versailles with remarkable grace.

Le Bal/Snow in Autumn by Irène Némirovsky

Two poignant novellas by an author I’ve long wanted to read.

Le Bal tells the story of a German Jewish family in Paris and the unexpected consequences of hosting a ball—dark, unsettling, and unforgettable.

Snow in Autumn is a moving account of Russian émigrés fleeing to France after the Bolshevik Revolution. I especially loved Le Bal for its sharp emotional impact.

The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein

At first, I didn’t realize Stein herself wrote this book, though in hindsight, its style makes that clear. I had expected it to be difficult, but instead it felt like sitting across from Stein as she talked about their life in Paris—both within and beyond the famous artistic circles she helped shape. Surprisingly engaging and more approachable than I imagined.

Ludvig XIV (Louis XIV) by Andreas Marklund

I listened to this short account of the life of Louis XIV. It was very interesting, and I did learn a few new things about him. The most surprising was the author’s claim that the rigid court rules at Versailles—established by Louis XIV—were passed down to his son and, if I understood correctly, contributed in part to the later French Revolution. Overall, an interesting account on his life and deeds.

Scott Fitzgerald by Andrew Turnbull

I’ve read a few books about the Fitzgeralds, and this turned out to be a rather good one. Turnbull met Scott Fitzgerald as a child when Scott rented a house from Turnbull’s family. The Fitzgeralds’ story seems to drift toward doom early in their lives. One wonders if there was anything they could have done to change their lifestyle. It seems the will—or even the intention—wasn’t really there. A tragic story indeed.

Kvinnan i Paris (A Pregnant Courtesan for the Rake) by Diane Gaston

A romance to mix in with the heavier reading. It was okay, but not much more than that—an easy read, at least.

Before Wisdom: The Early Poems by Paul Verlaine

While walking the streets of Paris searching for Hemingway’s home, I stumbled upon the former residence of Paul Verlaine. I remembered hearing of him—perhaps through Stefan Zweig, who I believe admired him. I bought a copy of his early poems to get a sense of his work. I’m not much of a poetry reader, and I can’t say I completely understood him, though some poems were beautiful, many of them sad.

Tamara, Memoirs of St Petersburg, Paris, Oxford and Byzantium by Tamara Talbot Rice

This book has been on my shelves for 30–40 years, and I finally decided to read it. The title intrigued me, as I’ve visited all the cities she writes about. Unfortunately, I never quite connected with Tamara herself, and I found the memoirs rather dull—mainly anecdotes about famous people she had met. It’s a shame, because she lived through an era of big changes and could have shared so much more. Interestingly, the brief introductions to each chapter—written by her daughter—were the most engaging parts.

Have you read any of the books I talk about here? If so, which one was your favourite? Anyone you would like to read after having read these short reviews?