From the vibrant return of John Irving's extravagant world, to a touching tale of adolescent turmoil, a new Justine Picardie biography dedicated to legendary designer Coco Chanel, and the debut novel by Isabelle Schmidt… Do It In Paris has curated a selection to keep you company during November’s long weekends. So, cozy up under a blanket and dive into these handpicked literary gems!
A Story of a Troubled Abortion
The book: Happée par la mer by Isabelle Schmidt
The pitch: "You forced yourself upon my body the summer I turned twenty-five. My body didn’t want you… I begged you to let me go." This narrative follows a woman’s journey away from motherhood, towards a fresh start on the other side of the country. It tells the story of Gisèle, who, at just 30, leads a simple life in Plougasnou after leaving her hometown in Northern France, marked by the memories of her abortion. Her days as a mail carrier, a nondescript boyfriend, and village life, full of monotony and local stories, eventually come undone, leading to a plunge into her past. Meanwhile, a man across the village converses with the answering machine of his life’s love, who vanished without a trace five years prior.
Why you’ll love it: Isabelle Schmidt, trained in lyric singing and a wordsmith at heart, delivers a sensitive debut novel. Her delicate prose draws a relatable portrait of a woman living a seemingly ordinary life, yet dealing with deeply universal struggles. From joy to melancholy, you’ll move effortlessly between smiles and sorrow, compelled to see what the future holds for these two endearing characters. This feel-good novel almost makes you yearn for life in a quiet Breton village.
A Thriller Exploring Teenage Angst
The book: Ocean State by Stewart O'Nan
The pitch: This is a tale of young love, friendship, sisterhood, jealousy, and most of all… vengeance. "When I was in eighth grade, my sister was involved in the murder of a girl. She was in love, my mother said, as if to excuse her." The story begins in the suburbs of Rhode Island, with Marie recounting the events that led to the tragedy years later. She delves into the fractures in her teenage community: the divide between rich and poor, Black and white, and the unspoken expectations on young women.
Marie idolizes her sister Angel and emotionally recounts her sister’s heartbreak, her quiet investigation for truth, and the teenage romance that spiraled into unimaginable consequences. Years later, Marie still bears the scars of this dark past.
Why you’ll love it: Stewart O’Nan, a prolific but often overlooked author, deserves your attention. With over 10 novels under his belt, he excels at examining human struggles and emotions. While Ocean State reads like a well-crafted thriller, it’s primarily about ordinary people caught in extraordinary pain and secrets, forcing their lives to the edge. O'Nan’s simple and tender prose captures the American teenage psyche with heartfelt depth.
A Completely Whimsical Family Saga
The book: Les fantômes de l’hôtel Jérôme by John Irving
The pitch: Buckle up, readers—this book is for those who love a reading challenge. Spanning from the 1940s to today, Les fantômes de l’hôtel Jérôme chronicles the Brewster family saga from Exeter to New York under Reagan, through Toronto and even into Trump’s era. There’s Adam, the narrator; his mother, Little Ray, a ski instructor; and Mr. Barlow, who transitions genders during the tale. Alongside the uncles, aunts, and banal girlfriends, haunt the family’s many ghosts, some struck by lightning or caught under derailed trains.
Why you’ll love it: After a seven-year hiatus, John Irving returns with Les fantômes de l’hôtel Jérôme, blending his signature touch of non-traditional characters, dysfunctional family dynamics, cinematic discussions, and the championing of freedom and love. Irving’s iconic humor and humanity shine through, with the classic Irving mix of eccentricity and wit.
A Thorough Biography of a Fashion Icon
The book: Coco Chanel: une légende, une vie by Justine Picardie
The pitch: Coco is back in the spotlight! British author Justine Picardie spent years investigating Gabrielle Chanel’s life to deliver an accurate portrayal of the legendary designer. Known for timeless creations like the little black dress and the women’s suit, Chanel reshaped fashion with her bold vision. Yet behind the glamour lay a darker story: a tough childhood, passionate but turbulent relationships, and ties to history’s darkest periods. In her journey, Chanel crossed paths with greats like Jean Cocteau, Serge Diaghilev, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí.
With unseen interviews and rare photos from private archives, Picardie unearths Coco’s life through intimate moments and iconic snapshots. More than a fashion pioneer, Chanel left a model of feminine freedom and endless secrets waiting to be uncovered.
Why you’ll love it: Justine Picardie has a gift for narrating remarkable women’s stories. After exploring the lives of Miss Dior and Daphne du Maurier, Picardie brings her skill to Gabrielle Chanel. Released in English in 2011, it’s taken a decade for this profound biography to reach a French audience. A seasoned journalist, Picardie dives into mystery, ambition, love, and loss, honoring a visionary creator with a beautifully faithful portrait.
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