48 Thrill Packed Hours in the City of Love (Weekend in Paris - Robyn Sisman)

Member Name: dkm1981

Product:	Weekend in Paris - Robyn Sisman
Date:	22/06/09 (55 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fun, likeable characters, great descriptions of Paris

Disadvantages: None

Yet again, I've been enticed by a mention of the city of Paris in the title of a book. I've never heard of Robyn Sisman before, despite a fondness for 'chick-lit' novels, but the promise of Paris and the 'top ten bestseller' claim, drew me in.

-The Author-

Robyn Sisman, according to an interview on publisher Penguin Books' website, has led a somewhat colourful and well-travelled life. She was born in Los Angeles, where her grandparents lead the Hollywood high life as an actress and playwright, respectively. Her early memories include heading to the premier of 'Gone With The Wind' clinging on to Charlie Chaplin's arm (the actual Charlie Chaplin and not some stuffed animal that she named after him, I hasten to add!)

After a childhood spent moving from country to country and school to school, she finally settled in England and became the Managing Director of Random House. However this security was soon thrown into disarray, as she was made redundant when she was seven months pregnant. In her own words, 'desperation was the mother of invention, and in between nappy-changing and clocking in at the Job Centre I began to draft the story that became Special Relationship.'

The book was a huge success and Sisman has since gone on to write three more Sunday Times top ten bestsellers, the third of which I am reviewing here.

-The Book-

Weekend in Paris is the story of a 21 year old secretary, Molly Clearwater, from a small town in rural England, who heads to London to make her mark on the world. AS is generally the case in these kind of stories, the dream is far better than the reality and in Molly's case, this is no exception. She settles into a job as a secretary for the boss from hell and continually wonders whether or not she's made the right decision in leaving home.

Things start to look up though when her boss tells her he is going to take her on a business trip to Paris. Molly is understandably excited and can't wait to go, until she finds out that the reason her boss wants to take her is so that he can have his wicked way with her. They have an argument and Molly resigns, but not before her boss offers the stinging accusation that she is just a secretary.

It's this accusation that leads Molly to head to Paris alone, the first time she has ever left the British Isles. As the title suggests, a 'weekend in Paris' ensues, with Molly getting up to all kinds of mischief and meeting people who change her entire outlook on life in just a few short hours.

-My Opinion-

Sisman paints a picture of Paris that you can't help falling in love with. Her ability to set the scene and describe the people has you almost believing you are right there in the city of romance, being able to smell the croissants being made in the bakery and hearing the rushing waters of the Seine as the heroine of the tale walks along its banks.

I found that the characters are well written as well - you warm to Molly immediately, almost as immediately as you dislike her boss. Whilst some of the characters are somewhat exaggerated, I didn't feel as though any of them were unbelievable. Take Molly's first acquaintance in a Paris youth hostel for instance, a young, larger than life and very stereotypical Australian girl. Rather than cringe at the stereotyping, you are able to smile at the familiarity and warmth of the character.

Sisman's writing style is easy to read and flowing, pretty much what you'd expect from this kind of book. It's never going to win any serious literary awards, but it is fun to read and is enjoyable piece of escapism. If the chick-lit genre is your cup of tea, then I would definitely recommend this book, as it has it all - handsome French men, quirky friendships and the all important happy ending (that was reached despite all manner of obstacles, of course!). I think it'd be a great holiday read and especially good to read if you are thinking of going to Paris!


Format : Paperback
ISBN: 9780140280968
Size : 129 x 198mm
Pages : 400
Published : 30 Dec 2004
Publisher : Penguin

Summary: .