Title: Paris Letters
Author: Janice MacLeod
First published January 1, 2014
272 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781402288791 (ISBN10: 1402288794)
Rating: 3.84
Overview
In search of a change, Janice MacLeod found herself asking, “What does it take to make a life worth living?” After feeling unfulfilled at work and unlucky in love, she decided to take matters into her own hands. With a bit of math and a lot of determination, Janice saved up enough money to buy herself two years of freedom in Europe.
Upon arriving in Paris, she met a man who stole her heart and she never looked back. Paris Letters (February 4) is a charming love story that takes you on a journey through the City of Light, while also showing what’s possible when we dare to create the life we want.
Janice’s love for Paris inspired her to start her own business, creating beautifully illustrated letters for subscribers all around the world. With her passion for art and writing, she’s bringing back the lost art of letter-writing and spreading joy everywhere she goes.
About the Author
Janice MacLeod is a talented author and artist who has made a name for herself through her work on Paris. Her best-selling memoir, Paris Letters, tells the story of how she became an artist in the City of Light.
Along with her writing, MacLeod also runs a unique letter subscription service, also named Paris Letters, that delivers beautifully illustrated letters through the mail.
Her latest book, A Paris Year, is an illustrated journal that gives readers an intimate look into the life of an artist living in Paris. It has been widely praised, even earning the distinction of being named One of the Most Beautiful Books by USA Today.
In addition to these works, MacLeod has also compiled an anthology of her Paris Letters spanning a decade, titled Dear Paris. Forbes has called it One of the Most Romantic Gift Books, making it a perfect choice for anyone who loves the City of Love.
Despite her deep connection to Paris, MacLeod splits her time between Canada and the French capital, where she lives with her family.
Editoral Review
Paris Letters by Janice MacLeod is a charming and uplifting memoir that will transport readers to the streets of Paris and inspire them to pursue their dreams. MacLeod, an artist and writer, left her corporate job in California to embark on a journey of self-discovery and creativity in the City of Light.
Through a series of witty and insightful letters, she shares her experiences, observations, and life lessons with her family and friends back home.
The book falls under the genre of creative nonfiction or memoir, and it is written in a conversational and humorous style that reflects MacLeod’s personality. The themes of the book include self-discovery, creativity, travel, romance, and personal growth, which are universal and relatable to readers of all ages and backgrounds.
The book also has cultural significance as it portrays Paris as a hub of art, culture, and history, and highlights the beauty and diversity of the city.
The plot of the book follows MacLeod’s journey from a dissatisfied corporate employee to a successful artist and writer, who finds love and happiness in Paris. The main characters are MacLeod herself, her French love interest, Christophe, and her supportive family and friends.
The setting is primarily in Paris, but there are also scenes in other parts of France and Europe. The conflicts in the book are mostly internal, as MacLeod struggles to overcome her fears, doubts, and insecurities, and to pursue her creative passion.
However, there are also some external obstacles, such as her visa issues, financial constraints, and cultural differences.
The strengths of the book are its vivid descriptions of Parisian life, its humorous and insightful writing style, and its relatable and inspiring message. MacLeod’s artwork and photographs also add to the visual appeal of the book.
The weaknesses of the book are its occasional clichés and predictable plot twists. Some readers may also find MacLeod’s privileged background and romanticized portrayal of Paris to be unrealistic or naive.
Overall, Paris Letters is a delightful and heartwarming memoir that will appeal to anyone who loves Paris, art, or a good love story. It is a feel-good book that will inspire readers to follow their dreams and to appreciate the simple pleasures of life.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a light and uplifting read, especially those who are interested in travel, creativity, and personal growth. On a scale of 1 to 5, I would give this book a rating of 4, based on its engaging style, relatable themes, and cultural significance.
