C'est La Vie
An American Woman Begins a New Life in Paris and--Voila!--Becomes Almost French
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4.2 • 24 Ratings
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
Bestselling writer Suzy Gershman (dubbed “Super Shopper Suzy” by Oprah) is our answer to Peter Mayle in this heartfelt, breezy, and funny story of starting over in Paris. Suzy had always fantasized about moving to Paris with her husband, but when he dies unexpectedly, she decides to fulfill their dream alone. Here she gives a deliciously conversational chronicle of her first year in Paris and of the dizzying delights and maddening frustrations of learning to be a Parisian. Filled with Gershman’s insider’s tips on everything from cooking the perfect clafoutis to—naturally—shopping, C’est la Vie is delightfully entertaining and captures the exhilarating experience of beginning a new adventure.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In the grand tradition of packing up and moving to Paris in the midst of a major life change, Gershman sets off for the City of Light seeking solace after the death of her husband. The 50-something author of Frommer's Born to Shop series had been to Paris many times and knew a handful of Parisians in the fashion, food and hotel businesses. But she spoke minimal French and was used to having a man handle tasks like changing light bulbs and having furniture delivered. In mini-essays and unadorned prose, Gershman relates her bumbles as she deals with finding an apartment, meeting friends, doing work, dating and, alas, changing light bulbs. The result is a book that's almost as much about learning to live on one's own after the death of a spouse as it is about moving to France. Gershman, who'd previously lived in a quaint southern Connecticut town, marvels over things she deems particularly French although they could really happen anywhere. For example, her apartment's cable TV connection works, even though she didn't sign up for the service. Her French friends counsel her not to mention it to the cable company and to enjoy the extra channels. Gershman finds this "cheat-if-you-can" policy uniquely French. She treats other experiences similarly, e.g., going to different vendors for different culinary needs, or being sucked in to buying innovative products you never thought you might need. Nonetheless, Gershman's love for Paris is infectious, and her memoir sheds light on one version of expatriate living. (On sale Jan. 19)
