Into a Paris Quartier

I ordered Into a Paris Quartier on abe.com, thinking it was another light and funny Diane Johnson novel.

Instead, it turned out to be a non-fiction detailed tour of the Quartier St.-Germain, including the building
that Johnson and her husband live in for most of the year. Though too much time is spent on the wall outside
their kitchen and the bricked in arch, there are many intriguing descriptions which travelers to Paris will enjoy,
as well as contrasts between American and French perceptions of life, possessions, and history.

For the rest of us, it would be good to expand the book with many, many more photographs.

I've been a fan of the author since Le Divorce and enjoyed this one as well. However, seeing some of the negative comments, I would mainly recommend it to hardcore Francophiles (or Paris-ophiles, more specifically). It's not a guide book, but a well-written exploration of one area of Paris, so probably only once you've exhausted all of the other Paris books and want to get a more in-depth view.

I bought this for a trip to Paris next month ~ mostly to learn about the fascinating Sixth Arrondissement (or district) called St. Germain Des Pres. The books was fascinating, especially regarding the history of people in the area, both historically and "fictionally" - from The Musketeer D'Artagnan to Queen Margot and even Hemmingway (who are obviously real people, but much is folklore and fiction at this point). Johnson also focuses much on the artitecture of the area and things that at first glance, are hidden from view. The reviews on this little book are really mediocre and I'm not sure why. I suppose the privileged (name dropping?) life of the author might be off-putting to some. That said, I rather liked it for a precursor to show more travel to the area. What I like is the author doesn't spoon feed you specific areas to go, restaurants or shop, although she mentions a few. She gives you some basic information to start your own "American in Paris" journey. Recommended if you are travelling to Paris, or just like to read about it. show less

A nice light travel book. The author concentrates on the ambiance of the neighborhood and the architecture and history of some of the buildings. it did make me want to walk around in this district and do some exploring on my own.