Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Review: Every Frenchman Has One

Every Frenchman Has One

Every Frenchman Has One
Olivia de Havilland

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 a 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 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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