Sunday, March 24, 2013

Lessons in French

Title:  Lessons in French
Author:  Hilary Reyl
Publication Information:  Simon & Schuster. 2013. 339 pages

Book Source:  I received this book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program free of cost in exchange for an honest review. The book came as an advance uncorrected proof.

Favorite Quote:  "So often I was defined by what I could not have."

Lessons in French is a coming of age story. Kate is a young college graduate, who comes to Paris based on a job offer for photographer Lydia Schell. Once in Paris, she is caught up in the life of Lydia Schell and her family - husband, children, and those who surround them in their world. Kate does a lot of growing up and lessons some life lessons in her time in Paris.

Kate is a young woman seeking her own place in the world apart from the expectations of others. She steps into a world that she does not always understand and that she is not prepared for. Outlooks and values and expectations clash. Love affairs start and end. Friendship that appear real are not. The line between employer and employee is first blurred and then sharply defined.

This book reminded me of The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger. Readers who enjoyed those books will like enjoy this one. A story about growing up and defining yourself in a beautiful setting like Paris - the setting perhaps my favorite part of the book.

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