The Streets of Paris: A Guide to the City of Light Following in the Footsteps of Famous Parisians Throughout History by Susan Cahill

The Streets of Paris: A Guide to the City of Light Following in the Footsteps of Famous Parisians Throughout History Reviews

• 
  Kalliope

  
  
  Silly me. I first got this in Audio format with the notion that it would be an easy and entertaining listen when going for walks in the park. But when I realized that a good section involves addresses, with the names of the streets, numbers and metro stops, I realized I got just wrong format for this kind of book. I then got the electronic version.
  
  The author, who has written similar books on the Gardens of Paris, has selected twenty two people who have left a mark in the City of Lights. The range goes from Abelard and Héloïse to Patrick Modiano. Cahill does not follow a chronological order, but a topographical one. With each chapter we get a narration of who the person was, then a section titled “For the Traveler” with indications of where to go and, and a final part, called “Nearby”, with specific sites – mostly restaurants and cafés.
  
  Overall, I found the narrations of unequal quality. Cahill has a tendency to judge people from the past with current outlook and ethics. Her discussion of St Louis is predictable – medieval men who are both saintly and military don’t fit very well in our times. And whenever she tries to redeem someone from the reputation which posterity has imposed on him/her, she elaborates so much on the prejudices so that, at the end, those remain. A case is Reine Margot.
  
  But I enjoyed many of her presentations. Daumier comes across as a much more interesting personality than I had thought and in my next visit to Paris I will search where he lived and look at the commemorative place. I also enjoyed her chapter on Camus. Recently I visited an exhibition on the photography by Tomoko Yoneda, and several of her pieces were taken in Algeria where she had gone trying to trace Camus’s steps. Similarly, her discussion of Modiano was for me timely, since I was finishing also his
  Dans le café de la jeunesse perdue; I found several of her comments on his writings very enlightening. Welcome were also her sections on Poulenc and on the Carmelite nuns who were executed during the Terror, episode which Poulenc turned into an opera with which I am not yet familiar, but hope to explore soon.
  
  Laudable is her decision to include Jean Molins and to help us understand more of the how the Résistance worked, and this discussion is very well linked with the one on Modiano, since she concentrates on the author’s earlier novels that deal with the German occupation. I wonder if I will have the stomach to go to 93, Rue Lauriston and read the plate there and look at the windows on the semibasement.
  
  I was sorry, though, that she has passed over dear Marcel Proust. Last time I was in Paris I was precisely there to follow his footsteps, although we didn’t go into the “Salon Proust” in the Ritz.
  
  Anyway, this is a good read (not a good listen) if one is hoping to go to Paris soonish. Great for me were the topographical tips. For even if it is not a problem to find a nice café or restaurant or square in Paris, I always favour those with the ghosts of those personalities who were great writers, or composers or painters or singers or courtesans or fighters for freedom. I have prepared a Google map with pins for many of the sites suggested by Cahill.
  
• 
  Marguerite Kaye

  My big problem with this book is that it made me want to go to Paris and walk all the walks, even though I've done quite a few of them already over the years.
  
  This isn't a travel book. It's not a coffee table book either. It's the sort of book that you take with you to Paris (see above!). And even if you're not interested in some of the subjects (really surprisingly few in my case) or haven't heard of any of them (quite a few) then it opens your eyes to bits of Paris and Parisian history that intrigues, that can lead you to new places, make you look at familiar ones differently. What's more, there are some lovely cafes and bistros highlighted during your wanderings so that you can sit back, read a bit more and soak in the ambiance - did I say that it made me want to go?
  
  Familiar highlights - Colette, Jean Moulin, Montaigne, Voltaire. New to me highlights - Giacometti, Chopin and especially Truffaut.
  
  This isn't a book for people who don't love Paris. It's not a book that will make you fall in love with Paris. But if you do love the city (and why wouldn't you!) then it's a great read.
• 
  Laura Braden

  A book of Parisian notables. Collette. Montaigne. Ninon. Curie. Margot Reine. Henri 4. Truffaut’s faire les quatre cents coups. Voltaire’s nickname was Zozo. George Sand’s real name was Aurora. My childhood nickname was Aurora. I would had preferred Zozo—and to write as either, but mostly Voltaire, but to be the cause of Chopin’s raindrops and his legendarily death all alone.
• 
  Kami Francis

  I was looking for a book to guide me around Paris and stumbled upon this gem in Shakespeare & Co.
  
  It would be absolutely enchanting to carry this book around as you complete the walking tours the author recommends. But honestly, I feel like I walked the streets of Paris just by reading it! Cahill’s writing style is engaging and practical, incorporating directions into narrative history seamlessly.
  
  This book makes me believe I could be a travel writer. And I learned more about French history than ever before: Heloise & Abelard, Olympe de Gouges, Henri IV, Edith Piaf, and those faithful nuns stole my heart.
• 
  BAM doesn’t answer to her real name

  I know I would have enjoyed this book much more had I a stronger exposure to France. Either I would need a paper baby copy or maybe more books like I have about England. Believe it or not I know very little in comparison and I blame that on the multitudinous revolutions this great country (or region I suppose) suffered. So please do not take my star rating as one that should gauge your attention.but I do suggest maybe not an audiobook.
• 
  Andrea at Reading Lark

  Review Posted on Reading Lark 11/8/17:
  https://readinglark.blogspot.com/2017...
  
  Paris is a city that captures the imagination of many. I have read about it, studied its history, and seen its streets captured in films, but I have yet to see the beautiful city for myself. Traveling abroad isn't in the cards for me at this point in my life, but I hope in a few years I will be able to see some of the famous and historical places that have haunted my imagination. Paris is certainly on that list.
  
  I am not typically one to read nonfiction travel guides for fun, but I was lured into this one by the promise of historical figures. I wanted to imagine the streets of Paris as they were when people like Marie Curie walked them and to think of how things were when famous events like the French Revolution were occurring. This lovely little tome allowed me to plan my ideal Paris itinerary through a historical sense.
  
  Each chapter focuses on a specific area of the famed city and sheds light on some of its illustrious residents. After learning more about the people who have called Paris home, each chapter provides specific advice for travelers to make the most of their experience in the location. I know these tidbits will be immensely helpful when I do finally make my way to France.
  
  The Streets of Paris is a well researched and intriguing travel guide full of advice and pictures to help you make the most of your Paris trip. It will certainly be in my carry on bag when I board a flight to the city of light.
  
  One Last Gripe: The pictures, while a nice addition, are modern. I would have liked some historical photographs to accompany the historical segments that would allow me to make comparisons between the past and present.
  
  Favorite Thing About This Book: Learning about historical figures - both those new to me and those who felt like old friends
  
  First Sentence: "Beauty is in the streets," they say in Paris.
• 
  Romy

  This book has a very nice and concept, with each chapter focusing on a prominent resident of Paris - from the Middle Ages to today - and highlighting a different part of the city connected to each historical figure. Each chapter introduces us to the person and explains their story and their significance, followed by a walk they may have taken in "their" part of the city, and mentions places to eat, shop, or discover noteworthy things of interest. I enjoyed the author's voice and the photographs which I think are taken by her Parisian daughter-in-law. This is not a guidebook, it's more an inspiration to discover or re-discover Paris by seeing it through others' eyes. For us lovers of French culture it's a real treat. I know Paris quite well, but I look forward next time I'm there and have time to meander in someone else's footsteps, someone who lived there and contributed important things to the city.
• 
  Jen

  Liked it pretty well. I feel like the author had a morbid sort of fun with the writing about death, like she didn't take it too seriously - which made it less dark. The reading about Nazi's would have felt different, I think reading this pre-2016 and (it being published in 2017) she doesn't shy away from detailing the ways in which her chosen Parisian figures (who were alive during the time) resisted (to whatever degree) the consequences of WWII in Paris. The deliberateness of that felt good to read. I liked the writing, too. In particular, with Frederic Chopin and George Sand's chapter (pg 191), she stuck to a motif of absence and used the metaphors and language in that chapter to draw close to the feeling of missing warmth. The research for the book was extensive, I'm sure, and I learned a whole lot! Would read again, if I ever go to Paris.
• 
  Lauren Hancock

  The writing is meh, and the formatting/publishing/photography makes it kind of feel like this is a book your neighbor wrote and gave everyone for Christmas, but the stories were actually really, really fun and interesting. I'd definitely recommend it for anyone going to Paris and interested in learning a little more about Parisian history to enjoy while you're there. The chapters are short and don't go super in-depth, which I think would be nice for most travelers but left me wanting more information all the time. Each chapter is organized into a specific walk, and I didn't really do those (since we were living in Paris, not visiting), but it was easy enough to incorporate bits and pieces of them into my daily errands and outings. More maps would have been nice.
• 
  Joseph

  I’m not really sure what this book is for. It lacks the kind of detail that would make it effective as a travel book (seriously, the lack of any maps seems like an appalling oversight), and it’s really too light to be an effective history. Honestly, more than anything, it seems like an overlong introduction to some other book.
  
  But it’s not bad. It’s breadth of material provides a decent birds-eye view of Parisian history that could easily inspire further investigation of any of its subjects. I was particularly surprised by the brutality — the Revolution, the Resistance, Abelard’s castration, Piaf’s impoverished and abusive childhood, to name but a few examples. And the pictures are pretty, even if they seem to focus more on shots of the river than the streets!
• 
  Donni

  The amount of research that went into this book boggles my mind.
  
  The author tells stories of different streets and neighborhoods in Paris from the perspectives of famous people who have lived there, including Edith Piaf, Chopin, Madame Curie, Kings and Queens and yes, guillotines. This book is part history book, and part travel guide. Cahill tells us what paths to take to retrace famous foot steps, and even restaurants and bars to try.
  
  I read most of it while in Paris (tried to read about a neighborhood the night before I visited it). Finished while back home, and it made me want to go back again. It's cool picturing exactly what she is referencing.
• 
  Katie

  I loved this book’s concept, I loved the author’s voice, I loved how much I learned about Paris and its history. But I’ll never understand why there weren’t maps in this book. They would’ve added so much to the reader’s understanding and orientation. Also much of the editing and formatting was perplexing such as unnecessary italics and indents. With that said, I plan to seek out Secret Gardens of Paris by the same author. And my fingers are crossed for maps. Q
• 
  Hilary

  5⭐ but with a caveat...
  
  I opted to download this from Kindle Unlimited ahead of my first trip to Paris. I had planned to finish before my trip, but such was not the case. I made it approx. 40% of the way through, and finished it a few weeks after I got home. My perspective on what I was reading changed dramatically when I read the remaining 60% after visiting Paris! Before, reading about the people and places was just informational for a place I dreamed of visiting, and it was hard finding a connection and following along. But reading it afterwards? The pages came alive and I could truly picture what and where I was reading about. So, having said that, this book may be best for those who have visited Paris at least once; otherwise, you may find yourself a tad lost while reading it.
  
  
  The Streets of Paris: A Guide to the City of Light Following in the Footsteps of Famous Parisians Throughout History
• 
  Justin Tan

  Read this in preparation for my Paris trip and its short stories illuminated and enhanced my understanding and enjoyment as I walked down the streets. Looking at the stained glass of st chapelle or going by Sorbonne and knowing the rich history behind the characters where lived or lies there now made such a difference. Stories are bite sized and easy to read with references on what to look out for. Highly recommended!
• 
  Bre

  I would have rated this book 5 stars if it weren't for the numerous typographic errors, complete lack of maps, and sometimes unclear/strange syntax. Otherwise, this book was a lovely escape into the rich history of Paris. Kudos to the author for blending her extensive research with interactive walks in the City of Light. This book made it enjoyable to learn more about Paris and its famous Parisians.
• 
  Jessica-sim

  Very nice book to take with you if you’re gonna visit Paris. With some previous knowledge of the streets and different parts of the city you can still really enjoy the descriptions. Cities may sometimes feel anonymous but they are made up of people and their individual histories. It’s fun to get a glimpse of some of these.
• 
  Lulu

  Really enjoyed this read. Cahill has intimate knowledge of Paris and presents the city to us via the stories of famous residents of different neighborhoods. It's a neat approach and it makes you want to follow in their footsteps as well. I especially enjoyed the chapter on Jean Moulin.
• 
  Jennifer

  Lovely, lovely book. The interesting streets of Paris told through historic characters who have lived on them/in them. The Curies, Colette, Marguerite and Henri 4 +++ with modern tips for the traveler - where to eat, metro stop closest, etc.
• 
  Manda

  This is a book I would take with me if I was to go on holiday in Paris: it covers sites off the touristy beaten path as well as recommendations for local cafés in the area and the correct Métro stops to take to reach these places.
• 
  Aleksandra

  I absolutely loved that book! I learned so much, I started reading it as a substitute of travelling (ehhh pandemic and lockdowns...), I will re-read it once I can go to Paris and see all those places. Great book, I wish there were more books like that.
• 
  J. Jacqueline

  J'adore, j'adore! What an unexpected delight. I felt like I was walking through history strolling the streets of Paris. This goes on my book shelf for keeps and will be packed in my bags on all future visits to Paris.
• 
  Ruth Feathers

  A little tour of Paris following in the footsteps of some famous and not-as-famous residents of Paris. Metro connections, sights and activities. Nice pictures.
• 
  Jos

  An enjoyable read and wander around Paris. Short history lessons in palatable formats that made the book and Paris come alive.
  
• 
  Rose

  A guide book of Paris organized around the famous people who once lived there. Interesting to read. I'd love to try it out in action.
• 
  Lisa Myers

  Each chapter was very interesting and informative, but unfortunately, the entire book desperately needed a better editor.
• 
  Mark Savannah

  Needs maps badly. I'd pay more for maps
• 
  Niniane

  Stories about Marie Curie, Niñon, Queen Margot, and various strong characters.
  
  It profiled a number of powerful historical women who are often underappreciated.
• 
  Chris Linehan

  Nine days to go. How many more of these can I cram in before then?