Paris Requiem

by Lisa Appignanesi

Book Overview

Paris, 1899. The city is electric with excitement. Preparations for the universal exhibition and the dawn of a new century have hit fever pitch. But the sensual spectacle of the belle epoque is... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1552782506
• ISBN13: 9781552782507
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: McArthur
• Length: 429 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.4" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Beautifully written

Paris Requiem is a superbly well-written psychological mystery set in Paris in 1899. The author uses the politics and social ills of the time period as a backdrop for her story. James Norton is sent from Boston to Paris by his mother to bring home his wayward brother Raphael and sister Ellie. When he arrives however, Raphael's lover, a Jewish actress has died under mysteriosu circumstances and the sister, Ellie, is ill, unable to leave her room. James helps his brother investigate what really happened to his lover Olympe and tries to nurse his sister back to health. The writing itself is graceful and lyric, creating a vivid picture of the Paris underbelly the brothers are investigating. You also delve deeply into Jame's mind and how he feels about his family and their past and into some of Ellie's troubles. You don't get too much insight into Raphael. He seems to be charming, but not necessarily likable. There is a lot going on and many characters to keep track of. In fact, the mystery seems to go round and round at times and part of the resolution is not completely satisfying. The other part is not a surprise when revealed. The book could have been shortened and certain parts cut out to make it a tighter story, but in the end, Paris Requiem will keep you reading and wondering about the Norton family.

Paris Requiem

Beautifully written, suspensful, colorfully describes Paris in 1899, its political climate and the treatment of different classes of people, especially women and immigrants. Surprising ending! Highly recommended. (One her other novels "The Dead of Winter" is also excllent, the writing style being somewhat different.) The author knows how to cleverly reel you into a world of intrigue surrounding the lives of fascinating people.