Title: A Paris Year
Author: Janice MacLeod
Publication Date: 10th July 2017
Synopsis: "On her first day in Paris, Janice MacLeod, the author of the bestselling book Paris Letters, began a journal, recording in illustrations and words nearly every sight, smell, taste, and thought she experienced in the City of Light. More than a diary, it's a detailed and colourful love letter to one of the most romantic and historically rich cities on earth. Combining personal observations and anecdotes with stories and facts about famous figures in Parisian history, this visual tale of discovery, through the eyes of an artist, is sure to delight, inspire, and charm."
My thoughts: This book is a lovely one to sit down to. Beautiful watercolour artworks by the author are interspersed with photographs she has taken, particularly of street art. I particularly loved the section where she was looking for a specific colour - photographs blended with little swatches of watercolour paint as she tried to find the right shade.
The written anecdotes are sometimes nostalgic, sometimes adoring (particularly of the changes in the season), and sometimes deliver straight facts or insights into how the author thinks. I mostly enjoyed these, but some parts I found myself getting a little... well, bored. I think that was because I wasn't personally interested in the topic of some of the sections, and as they tended to spread over a couple of days, I found I had to stop myself from skipping large sections. Otherwise, though, I find this a delightful, restful read, with absolutely gorgeous artwork to match. A lovely one to pick up and peruse.
[I received a review copy of this book from Hachette in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!]
A favourite line from the book: 'You truly notice the genius of the arborists in Paris once spring begins to bloom. Boulevards burst with blooms for miles, and monuments seem framed by petals.'
You would like this book if: You enjoy beautiful watercolour artwork; you love reading about Paris and all the small moments of each day within the city.
Tea to drink while reading this book: I am pretty sure you ought to go with coffee for this one, as that seems more like the beverage of choice for Parisians.
Rating: 6.5/10
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