Mille-feuilles

 

Here's a novel that's a lovely bright and breezy read. Clio, the main character of Susie Vereker's Paris Imperfect is described by someone as having 'bounce', and that quality typifies both her and the book.

    Clio is an Englishwoman living in Paris, a twice-divorced tour guide who is anxious to create a secure future with her French lover, Philippe, chiefly for the sake of her young son, Alex. But Philippe is endlessly critical and demanding, his family difficult, and Clio's not as smitten as she thought she was. Enter Joe, "large and classic and lived in", just the thoroughly nice type to sweep the susceptible Clio off her feet, except that she does what she thinks is the right thing and resists temptation.
    What happens then I can't reveal, but it all adds up to a feel-good love story, the sort of book you sink back into like a comfy cushion whenever you pick it up. Susie's portrait of Paris and the Parisians is a recognisable one, and she clearly knows the city well; add that to her good mix of characters and her sure way with the story and you have a book which is light and crisp and very enjoyable.

Comments

[Susie Vereker]

Thank you, Cornflower. Absolutely delighted you enjoyed it.

[Susie Vereker]

PS Re Amazon, I forgot to add that it's cheaper at the Book Depository. Book prices seem to vary a lot.