It’s nearly summer. Just the right time to read a light and fluffy romance. When I picked up Nicolas Barreau’s novel One Evening in Paris at my local Goodwill, I knew I had to read it.
Meet Alain Bonnard. After working a high-paying yet dreary corporate job in Lyon, he moves back to Paris to take over his late uncle’s movie theater Cinema Paradis. Alain was pretty much raised at Cinema Paradis. It’s a part of his DNA.
Cinema Paradis is not like your neighborhood multiplex. It doesn’t show Hollywood blockbusters and it doesn’t serve massive servings of popcorn.
Despite not offering those amenities, Cinema Paradis does have its share of devotees, including a lovely young women in a red coat who comes every Wednesday and sits in row 17.
Alain is smitten by this mystery lady. And it isn’t long before he gets the courage to ask her out. He and Melanie (that’s her name) spend one magical evening together. Alas, Melanie is about to go on holiday to visit her aunt. But, yes the lovebirds will reunite once Melanie comes back to Paris.
Alain has other things in his life other than l’amour. American film director Allen Wood wants to film some scenes at the Cinema Paradis for a movie, a movie that will star the French Cinematic sensation Solene Avril.
Alan’s life is upended as he gets caught up in the craziness of Hollywood and the paparazzi. But will this excitement put a damper on Alain’s relationship with Melanie just as it’s beginning?
I really wanted to like One Evening in Paris. But sadly, it was a disappointment.
Of the characters, only Alain was somewhat multifaceted. Melanie, his alleged soulmate, was a bit lacking. In fact, I thought Solene had more potential to be a much more interesting character.
But what really offended me was the barely veiled racism. Black people, Asians, and the Romani are portrayed in very negative and stereotypical manner.
Do I want to spend one evening in Paris? Yes, but not in this book.
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