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

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

**I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Sciolino writes a love letter to the river Seine. Part travelogue, part history, and with a dash of memoir, Sciolino brings to life the Seine in all of its facets. From its beginning to its end, she travels and visits with historians and locals who explain the importance of the Seine to French society and to French history. Most of her book focuses on the Seine’s show more impact with Paris and the multitude of experiences one can have on the Seine in Paris. Sciolino writes in a journalistic style – she is a trained journalist – so passages have a journalistic flare.

I was captivated by this book. I’ve yet to visit France, let alone the Seine, but just reading Sciolino’s words made me feel a part of the journey. She captures the spirit of the river, with its good points and its bad points. She conveys a sense of urgency in conservation of the river and its resources, as well as the importance of knowing its history. So much was lost during World War II; yet, in areas that received bombing and devastation, there is hope and a remembrance of the past. She makes everything sound so picturesque – truly a love letter, full of enchantment and longing.

This is a perfect book for anyone who enjoys French culture, French history, or even someone who likes to read about nature. Highly recommended. show less