Reviews

Američanka v Paříži by Kerri Maher

sharimeyer's review against another edition

3.0

I thought this was okay in terms of the writing and characterization. I did not know anything about Sylvia Beach, though I have visited the modern Shakespeare & Company, not realizing it was different from the original place. I'm glad to know more about her but this read almost like a dramatized biography rather than a work of historical fiction driven by a particular conflict.

Reading Challenges
Stronger Spine - 32, A non-fiction book where justice wins [fight to publish Ulysses in the U.S.]

hhwithabook's review against another edition

informative inspiring

3.0

teganpitt47's review against another edition

hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

hiimsera's review against another edition

reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

kbcozy22's review against another edition

informative reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A very interesting historical fiction book about Sylvia Beach, her bookstore, and the artists who hung out there in the 1930s-1930s. The writing was well done. Some parts of sexual Intimacy were a but much for me. But overall definitely interesting for those who love 1920s Paris history. 

helenks's review against another edition

2.0

As I got into this, hoping I would warm to it, I realised I didn’t care about the characters, most of whom were flat name drops. Skimmed the last half as hate not finishing a book.

jana_mxy's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

vsia's review against another edition

hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

sofi0518's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 stars rounded up

The start of this book was shaky for me. I did not enjoy the start of Sylvia and Adrienne's relationship - I don't know how much of this was true or artistic license on the author's part but it just turned me off. However, once Sylvia established her bookstore and the literary characters showed up on the scene, I was hooked. Just imagining all of those amazing people wandering around Paris was fascinating. Sylvia's journey to get Ulysses published was also very interesting, especially for someone like me who lives in a state where MATH books are getting banned - the more things change, the more they stay the same. Her relationship with James Joyce was just so complicated - she was better than he deserved.

Sylvia was a woman way ahead of her time.

Now I am off to read Ulysses!!!

jenna_06's review against another edition

emotional informative inspiring lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0