Elaine Sciolino

Excellent. Well written, interesting cultural study of France through the prism of seduction, which seems to be a national pastime, at least among the better off classes and the intellectuals. Made me realize that I would never fit in if I moved to France. I'm just too blunt and don't have the gift of a good conversationalist. Plus I will never again wear high heels. But I have at least returned to wearing perfume. My Chanel #5 is no longer tucked away waiting for a special occasion. As show more Sciolino says, you never know who you might meet out there! show less

Exploring galleries, basements, rooftops, and gardens, Sciolino demystifies the Louvre, introducing us to her favorite artworks, both legendary and overlooked, and to the people who are the museum's lifeblood: the curators, the artisans producing frames and engravings, the builders overseeing restorations, the firefighters protecting the aging structure.
I was pleasantly surprised by Sciolino's lively & upbeat tone, helping the reader enjoy learning all about the most famous art museum in the show more world. "Blending investigative journalism, travelogue, history, and memoir, Sciolino walks her readers through the museum's front gates and immerses them in its irresistible, engrossing world of beauty and culture. Adventures in the Louvre reveals the secrets of this grand monument of Paris and basks in its timeless, seductive power." (Richland Library, book description) My only disappointment was having to read the eBook (not the print version) if nothing else to gaze in better detail the illustrations and etchings provided! Now I've got to go investigate online all the incredible works she mentions throughout her chapters - and oh please, someday, go there myself - not to get swept up in the 5 masterworks and move on, but to truly explore its many, many treasures of art and history. show less

This book was part travel story, part sociology, part cultural studies, and part gossip and a thorough delight to read. It reminded me of the apartment we had rented in Paris for a brief stay just a couple of blocks from the rue de Martyrs which the book discussed. It made me want to go back, to stay longer, to learn French and to once again be in love with being in a foreign country, with unfamiliar people and a culture that I envy.

Loved, loved. loved this book! From my first visit to the Louvre, I fell completely fascinated by the museum. Just to be in the area of so much history and art and dreams was enthralling. Sciolino does a fantastic job of describing the museum, the art, the hidden areas, the famous areas, and the history. The Louvre is truly one of the world's most special places, a true wonder of the world. There is so much to digest in this book, I found myself going back and forth to reread sections over show more again. It has helped my wife and I to commit to going to Paris again soon, only this time spending a week or two or three at the Louvre.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for a fair review. show less