Review: Moonlight Over Paris
My book club’s most recent read was Moonlight Over Paris by Jennifer Robson. It’s set after World War I and is the story of Helene, a young woman who leaves her home in England to live with her aunt in Paris to attend art school. She’s happy to leave the scandal of a broken engagement behind and enjoys the freedom her aunt allows her. Helene loves the friends and the life she’s made but is faced with a difficult decision about her future.
Moonlight Over Paris was a little too sweet and predictable for my taste but everyone else really enjoyed it. Someone mentioned that it was refreshing to read because no one died. I think everyone enjoyed the time period and the Paris setting. I will admit that our discussion wasn’t great but we did find a few things to talk about. If you’re looking for a light, quick read this summer, you might want to consider Moonlight Over Paris.
I like an uncomplicated read once in a while. This should do for me.
Ah, but it was great for yielding “ear tuck” quotes! :–)
Sweet and predictable can be OK once in a while if the setting and dialogue is interesting enough, but I had already been thinking I probably would skip this one. I hope you had macarons at your book club discussion!
I agree with Mystica and will keep it in mind.
There are times when sweet and predictable is fine, but those books don’t generally make for good book club discussions for my group either.
Interesting comment about no one dying. I just finished Salt of the Sea, by Ruta Sepetys. Since it takes place during WWII, obviously people die. But sometimes I think you find out how emotionally connected you are to a character if they actually don’t make it. Having said that, I’m definitely not advocating for people to die in order to enjoy a book. It is just one more element to consider.
I really enjoyed this one–but I know what you mean about it being too sweet. There wasn’t much conflict really. It was a nice change of pace from my more intense reads.
I have seen this book around and I have resisted it…I probably will keep on resisting…lol…
Hmm, when I first saw the title, I was reminded of the movie with a similar name (Midnight in Paris), a Woody Allen film. Obviously not the same, as his rendition was anything but sweet. LOL.
Thanks for sharing.
I loved Robson’s 2 previous books a great deal! I’m sure I’ll really like this one.
I can see that it would be difficult to have much to discuss about this book. Still, I loved that comment that it was refreshing no one died. 🙂
Sounds kind of blah so I’ll probably skip it.
My new book group met last night and we too read a book about a woman who went overseas during wartime. I think we liked ours better though 🙂
Kathy, thanks for being honest. I hope your next book is more to your liking.
I have this one in my TBR. I appreciate the honest review!
I have been meaning to read this author in general. Just have to actually get around to her!
I think my tastes are similar to yours in that I’m not fond of “sweet” tidy stories. However, I wonder if this might be a good choice for Paris in July….
Sometimes sweet is nice!