When Ruth Reichl writes about food it’s difficult to keep from drooling; this is intensified in her most recent book: The Paris Novel.
At first, however, the storyline drags. Stella St. Vincent is an unhappy child. Her mother, Celia a New York City bon vivant has little interest in her daughter. Celia refused to tell Stella the identity of her father; consequently, she has no interest in learning anything about him. In short, Stella is boring, prone to maintaining schedules and keeping to herself – having been told throughout her childhood that she should be more open to life.
When Celia dies she leaves Stella an airline ticket to Paris. After a month of living cautiously in the City of Lights she wanders into a second-hand clothing ship. This is where the action picks up thanks to a vintage Dior dress. As slow as the early chapters are, Stella’s transformation to someone willing to embrace the unknown happens too fast. Yes, there are still moments when her reticence surfaces, but suddenly she has a keen, impressive palate and makes friends.
Stella is befriended by Jules, a wealthy octogenarian art collector. She is initially suspicious of his attention, but he has no ulterior motives other than to enjoy her company. He recognizes her appreciation of art, literature and fine cuisine – only the latter was not something she had previously cultivated.
This is a story of finding oneself and not just accepting but embracing the surprises –good and bad – that are part of life.
The Paris Novel
Four Bookmarks
Random House, 2024
272 pages
The Blue Page Special 
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