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The Paris Apartment (2014)

by Michelle Gable(Favorite Author)

3.7 of 5 Votes: 5

languge

English

genre

Romance

publisher

Thomas Dunne Books

review 1: A fun and very interesting novel, embracing romance across centuries, families, and based on more than a grain of truth. Michelle Gable has elaborated on and fictionalized the true story of an apartment in Paris which had been closed for seventy years, having belonged to and containing a painting of a former French enchantress who worked hard for the money, and her wealth of antiques. The highlight of the collection is the painting, created by Belle Epoch painter, Giovanni Boldini. It is the job of the furniture assessor to value the collection. However, after she discovers the journals of the former occupant, it becomes a battle for provenance. For a Francophile who enjoys art, antiques, Belle Epoch France as well as modern France, this book is a romp oblige. However... more, there are some harsh realities and insights woven into the mix. With both an historical love story in Paris and a modern love story extending stateside and back, this book is an excellent opportunity to grab the champagne and bon-bons (or, better yet, fromage), as well as a French phrase book, and while away a few afternoons.
review 2: I liked the French historical part about a young woman from an orphanage, Marthe, who makes her way in Paris by becoming a demimondiane - a fancy prostitute. Interwoven with a contemporary story about the main character, April, who is researching the woman's possessions for an auction. Some parts I loved, some not so much. The modern day love story was too predictable. Still good, and I learned about an artist I'd never heard of Giovanni Boldini, who supposedly (in this story) painted Marthe. I liked the real characters mixed with the fictional. less

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