Book Review: Audrey by Sean-Paul Thomas

In the novel Audrey by Sean-Paul Thomas, Joe seems like an ordinary bloke. He lives in Edinburgh, Scotland and earns a wage working as a plumber. He spends a lot of time with his best mate, Colm, and they frequent karaoke bars.

But scratch the surface, and Joe has quite the tale to tell. As the story commences, Joe has just been released from prison for a crime we learn about later in the book. Joe also has a very bitter ex-wife who won’t let him see their little girl. This is devastating to Joe.

But Joe does have one bright spot in his life-the movies. And he isn’t just content to watch the latest flicks at his local cinema. He wants to be part of motion picture glory. An aspiring writer since childhood, Joe writes movie scripts in his spare time. He desires to be a screenwriter and see his work emoted on the silver screen.

One evening Joe drags Colm to the Edinburgh Film Festival where they view a French film. One of the film stars is Audrey Beart, a woman of a certain age. Joe finds him smitten by Audrey, and is thrilled when after a Q & A session once the film is over, Audrey agrees to go home with him. They spend one very passionate night together, and Joe is over the moon.

However, this isn’t a typical one night stand. Joe soon ends up in Paris where he tries to fit into Audrey’s crazy world. Being in Paris and having Audrey as a muse inspires Joe to become more devoted to his writing. He spends many days pounding away at scripts, hoping one will become a movie on the silver screen.

Being with Audrey is never dull. She’s a woman who has experienced a few things. She drinks and smokes too much, and at times is way over the top. But Joe is in love so he can’t help but get wrapped in all the craziness. But no matter what, Joe is determined to make their relationship work. But is Audrey?

Through Audrey, Joe meets all movie people. Some are willing to give Joe a chance and some just dismiss Joe as a “mere plumber.” And in one horrific situation, Joe has to save Audrey from the evil clutches of one of Audrey’s former lovers.

Will Joe and Audrey’s love stand the test of time? Well, that’s to be found out. But no matter what, Joe has found an inner confidence to express himself as a writer. Perhaps he also has the confidence to make amends with his ex-wife and rekindle his relationship with his daughter.

Despite his faults, Joe is a guy you can’t help but root for. And though Audrey can be a Manic Pixie Dream Girl gone to seed, you understand how she has emboldened Joe. The book Audrey is a delightful look at two very different people and the worlds they inhabit.

Book Review: One Evening in Paris by Nicolas Barreau

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.

Book Review: Paris by the Book by Liam Callanan

When I came across Paris by the Book by Milwaukee writer Liam Callanan, I was immediately charmed. What could be more delightful than a bookstore in Paris and the people in involved especially when the main protagonists are from Milwaukee like me?

Well, it’s true you can’t judge a book by its cover, and Paris by the Book is a bit of disappointment.

This is a story of Leah Eady and her daughters Ellie and Daphne, who are trying to get over the disappearance of their husband and father Robert. Robert was always an odd duck, an eccentric novelist with one best selling book. At first, Leah and the girls weren’t too upset. Robert was known to leave the household on his various “writer-aways.” But this time it was different. Leah knew she had to find him. And when she discovers plane tickets to Paris for her and the girls left by Robert, she knew they had to fly off to the city of light. Perhaps they’d find more clues on Robert’s disappearance and perhaps, Robert himself.

Paris had a special place in Leah’s heart. She and Robert bonded for their love of French culture. Leah, a budding filmmaker when the couple meet in Milwaukee, had a serious love for the film and book The Red Balloon. And Robert was quite fond of the Madeline books. They often talk of going to Paris, but had to settle for traveling to Paris, Wisconsin.

Once in Paris, Leah comes across an English language bookstore and promptly buys it. Ellie and Daphne attend school in Paris, and go on all kinds of adventures. And with their mom, meet new people and make new friends.

Yet, Robert is never far from their hearts and minds. They keep thinking they seem him while in France, but is it all an illusion. Are they seeing him because they are hoping he’s still alive? And what will happen if they find him…or don’t.

This all should have been quite interesting for me. I truly wanted to root for Leah. Yet, I couldn’t. For some reason I couldn’t connect with Leah. She just wasn’t written in a relatable way. I did like the kids, so perhaps a book about these two interesting and resilient kids would have meant more to me.

As for Robert. He was jerk. I despised what he did to his family. And after awhile, I questioned Leah’s devotion to him.

The story is written in a choppy, yet meandering way that made it difficult to follow and get engrossed in. Paris by the Book should have been a book that j’adore. Too bad j’don’t.