Paris

The Novel

By: Edward Rutherfurd

Narrated by: Jean Gilpin

From the grand master of the historical novel comes a dazzling, epic portrait of the City of Light.

Internationally best-selling author Edward Rutherfurd has enchanted millions of readers with his sweeping, multigenerational dramas that illuminate the great achievements and travails throughout history. In this breathtaking saga of love, war, art, and intrigue, Rutherfurd has set his sights on the most magnificent city in the world: Paris.

Moving back and forth in time across centuries, the story unfolds through intimate and vivid tales of self-discovery, divided loyalties, passion, and long-kept secrets of characters both fictional and real, all set against the backdrop of the glorious city - from the building of Notre Dame to the dangerous machinations of Cardinal Richlieu; from the glittering court of Versailles to the violence of the French Revolution and the Paris Commune; from the hedonism of the Belle Époque, the heyday of the impressionists, to the tragedy of the First World War; from the 1920s when the writers of the Lost Generation could be found drinking at Les Deux Magots to the Nazi occupation, the heroic efforts of the French Resistance, and the 1968 student revolt.

With his unrivaled blend of impeccable research and narrative verve, Rutherfurd weaves an extraordinary narrative tapestry that captures all the glory of Paris. More richly detailed, more thrilling, and more romantic then anything Rutherfurd has written before, Paris: The Novel wonderfully illuminates hundreds of years in the City of Light and Love and brings the sights, scents, and tastes of Paris to sumptuous life.

©2013 Edward Rutherfurd (P)2013 Random House Audio

a fabulous book, an incredible narrator

What did you love best about Paris?

I learned so much history from this novel.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters were interesting and engaging.

Have you listened to any of Jean Gilpin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Jean Gilpin's performance was extraordinary. I am now searching for other books she narrated. I honestly cant' imagine why anyone would give her less than five stars. Every character came to life through her voice.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Ha! At 39 hours? I guess if I had no other responsibilities.

not as good as I hoped

couldn't get into it. story drags along. not my favorite narrator. don't reccomend. not on the same level as others you'll get recommended to

Not Rutherford's Best Effort

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No. Too much predictable romance and not enough coherent story. In this one, Rutherford "tells" too much of political and social goings on through a pedantic adults to children in museum visits or verbal arguments between political opposites. Historical fiction should transport you to a time, not tell you about it. That's what textbooks are for.

I would have appreciated the whole thing more if it had been more linear. It jumped back and forth between generations and was thus, confusing. Not familiar with french names, I found it difficult to follow. Therefore, I didn't have a character to love through most of it. I did connect with Tomas and was sad to see Luc become such a sociopath.

Has Paris turned you off from other books in this genre?

I will always enjoy historical fiction. This doesn't even put me off Rutherford...he's written too many other good ones.It just didn't measure up to his usual standard.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Most of the performance was good, but the elderly voices were much too shrill. Characters that the author 'doesn't like' were also too much of a caricature. The reader does however, have quite a range.

Could you see Paris being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Any historical piece lends itself to film, but most of the French actors I know are too old to play most of the parts.

Any additional comments?

Not up to Rutherford's usual standard.

Just Too Long

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Make it shorter

What was most disappointing about Edward Rutherfurd’s story?

It was not nearly as good as London.

Have you listened to any of Jean Gilpin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Jean did fine, no problem on the reading.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No

Read to prepare for Paris trip but then COVID!

An excellent read! Lots of in depth info on Paris. Cool history. Lots of Detail.

Magnificent!

I have never read a book that gave such life to history. It was a struggle a bit as it switched back and forth hundreds of years but the struggle was worth it. I was amazed how the author logically and lovingly brought pieces of lives and events together. Truly a masterful work. Thank you.

Absolutely adore this book!

What did you love best about Paris?

Rutherford's characters will absolutely dazzle you. Thomas Gascon, my personal favourite, his work on the Eiffel Tower and his absolute ability to love. Marie Blanchard and her swoon worthy romances. The heroism of generation after generation of de Cygne's. The strength of Madame Louise.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Paris?

I won't spoil the plot with moments, but every time Rutherford described the beautiful setting I was awestruck.

What does Jean Gilpin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Jean Gilpin's variety of voices bring a new life to this novel that I've never experienced before.

If you could rename Paris, what would you call it?

Perfection? No, Paris suits it just fine.

Exceptional

I LOVED the narrator. Excellent voice work. The story was lovely- did a beautiful job of reminding one of French history while allowing one to learn about works of art, wars, and movements through the eyes of (fictional) Frenchmen of various classes. Fascinating, enjoyable listen!

Does not dissapoint

Where does Paris rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

2nd to New York the Novel and to London both by Rutherford

What was one of the most memorable moments of Paris?

The scenes wrt WW2 near nead of book

Have you listened to any of Jean Gilpin’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No -- she did a fine job and her Frence is par excellance

If you could take any character from Paris out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Louise, and you know why!

Any additional comments?

Cant wait three more years for his next -- will it be Rome, Berlin, Vienna, or somewhere more exotic: Los Angeles?

Historically interesting but over long

Listen to this book as I walked the streets of Paris. Interesting historic perspective, but had to wade through yards of mediocre fictionalized plot to get to the next bit of historical detail. Story in need of editing by about half. Author seems in love with every word he wrote. Unfortunately, the reader will not.