Olivia de Havilland (1916–2020)

An extremely entertaining book written by one of Hollywood's most treasured stars. This book was reprinted in 2016 in honor of the author's one hundredth birthday, and it includes a short interview at the end of the book. The book itself is a lighthearted, fast paced read. Miss de Havilland gives you the scoop on what it was like to move to France without knowing the language, laws, or customs. It's told with great wit and it was a pleasure to read.

This was a delightful little book, originally published in 1961 by the Hollywood legend Olivia de Havilland. While she appeared in numerous films, I remember mostly her role as Melanie in Gone with the Wind. After a divorce in 1953, she met and married an Frenchman and moved to Paris. This book follows her attempts to come to terms with life in another country. Its humorous, well observed and rather insightful. She covers topics such as fashion, health, education, housekeeping, renovations show more and more.

I think my favorite chapter was “La Place de la Discorde”, the descriptions were keenly observed and seemed remarkably modern. I found myself laughing in practically every chapter. And I'm actually surprised that with her ability to write with such style and humor she didn't publish more works about her experiences. The interview at the end of the book done in May 2016 on the occasion of her 100th birthday was also a nice inclusion.

Overall, I completely enjoyed this charming book, both for its nostalgic feel and it's warm wit and humor.

Thanks to Blogging for Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Ehh, a little too breezy. Some people have real problems! Enjoyed the dig at hollywood's "exploitation schedule".

Contemporary author sighting: "I remember that during my first weeks as a newly engaged, new resident of Paris, I received from a malevolent Irishman a copy of Nancy Mitford's [b:The Blessing|9464990|The Blessing|Nancy Mitford|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1312820937s/9464990.jpg|148207], which concerns an Englishwoman who marries a Frenchman and discovers that, although he show more obliges her beautifully in the evenings, he spends his afternoons with his mistress. The book shook me....With Pierre that evening I did a little careful checking. The family fortune had been thoroughly wiped out in 1946. He must have been bewildered by my expression of pure delight. He was puzzled but pleased when I myself took The Blessing and threw it out of the window." show less

So, it’s definitely been awhile since I’ve actually written a review for a book. With school in session and commuting to college, I have practically no drive to write for class, let alone for pleasure.

Alas, the book I chose for this was Every Frenchman has One by Olivia de Havilland. I’ll be perfectly honest, I had a hard time getting interested in the book as I was reading it. It’s not that it’s poorly written. In fact Havilland’s narrative is witty and charming enough, but the show more context is extremely irrelevant. I’m not familiar with who she is, and the time this has taken place, considered it was written for the contemporary audience. Anyone who takes interest in older Hollywood socialites and Gone With the Wind should enjoy this little book. show less