As the name suggests, it is about walking; walking in the city of Paris. But if you are looking for recommendations on routes or for detailed maps of the walks, you will be disappointed as this is not the subject of this book. This book is a quasi-autobiographical narrative of the author, John Baxter. John conducts walking tours in Paris. He had no intention of doing it when he moved into the city. The responsibility was thrust upon him by accident. Now he enjoys it.
The book narrates various incidents in his life while poking fun at himself and also at Parisians. So if you moved into the city like John, then you will be able to not only enjoy the humor wholeheartedly but also connect with the events immediately. If you are bored in this city, the book helps to give you a different perspective on how to enjoy the city. The book also points out many places you can explore. Paris has been the home of many literary figures, renowned worldwide and who were not born in France. If you have lived long enough in the city, you pretty well know who these literary figures are. Most of them are featured in the anecdotes.
Like I mentioned earlier, if you are looking for guide with maps, this is not the book. But if you want to know about the life and mind of an expatriate in Paris, this is a good book.
Tags: Books,John Baxter,Paris,Walks
Great review once again. Such anecdotal and personal books often bring a place more alive than drab factual ones. There is another great book that I read that completely immersed me in the place, 'Istanbul' by Orhan Pamuk.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the recommendation. I have never been to the city. So I am skeptical if I will be able to connect with the proceedings. However, I will keep my eyes open when I look for this while I'm searching for the next book.
DeleteI have also never been to Istanbul but Pamuk's writing did make me connect to the places. The writing is more of a memoir and is very nostalgic to some extent.
DeleteI have also never been to Istanbul but Pamuk's writing makes me connect to the place. It is more of a memoir and is very nostalgic as well.
DeleteI also have never been to Istanbul but Pamuk's writing style immerses me in that place. It is also more of a memoir and a little bit nostalgic as well.
DeleteI also have never been to Istanbul but Pamuk's writing style immerses me in that place. It is also more of a memoir and a little bit nostalgic as well.
DeleteThe comments in here is moderated. I guess you didn't notice. That is why you entered the comments many times. :)
DeleteI am really sorry. The page wasn't even showing that so I thought that something was wrong! Sorry for all this! :(
DeleteNot to worry. It is sometimes confusing. Sometimes Google put the warning about "comment moderation" at places we do not normally look for. :)
DeleteNice review....
ReplyDeletehttp://debnature.blogspot.in
Thank you. :)
DeleteA view from outside is usually more appreciated. Will definitely check out this book if I visit Paris.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post as always :)
Cheers,
Thank you.
DeleteIf you visit Paris, you can note down the places mentioned in the book. Then you can self-designed walking tour. :)