Ann Mah

A Novel

Jacqueline in Paris

         This is one of those prime examples of why I should sit down and write a review the minute I finish a book.  Unfortunately, I frequently finish a book while laying in bed at night NOT sleeping, so getting up to head to the kitchen and write a review isn’t optimal.  I sat on this one for a while because I wasn’t entirely sure how I felt about it.  I can usually polish off any book (with some exceptions) within a 24-36 hour period, but I struggled with this one. 

            This book starts with a generous cast of characters, almost all of them women, going to Paris for a year-long scholarly adventure.  The girls were all spending a year of college abroad, and they were introduced on their ship prior to disembarking.  Jacqueline and the others are spread out across Paris with suitable rooming accommodations.  I found that entire scenario fascinating, and likely provided a measure of success students in the twenty-first century aren’t allowed because now they’re subjected to impersonal dorm rooms (and they don’t have the “family” atmosphere).  When the book starts, the assumption is made that this is going to follow Jacqueline and her school experience, but that is not at all the case.  The school played only a small part of this book. 

            Throughout this book, Jacqueline meets and interacts with a wide variety of characters, many of them quite intriguing.  The problem was, there were SO MANY of them.  It got to the point it was hard to keep track and I almost busted out a notepad. That is not how I, personally, want to enjoy the books I read.  Yes, I do read for more than entertainment purposes, but this book wasn’t necessarily on the list of non-entertainment novels.  I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated with the number of characters and each of their individual storylines, along with what felt like unnecessary droning on about things that weren’t building blocks to the story.  I became bored and uninterested in the whole thing. 

            I did become curious about the real Jacqueline’s year in Paris, so this book wasn’t a total waste of three days, so there’s that. 

Kristen Claiborn

         This is one of those prime examples of why I should sit down and write a review the minute I finish a book.  Unfortunately, I frequently finish a book while laying in bed at night NOT sleeping, so getting up to head to the kitchen and write a review isn’t optimal.  I sat on this one for a while because I wasn’t entirely sure how I felt about it.  I can usually polish off any book (with some exceptions) within a 24-36 hour period, but I struggled with this one. 

            This book starts with a generous cast of characters, almost all of them women, going to Paris for a year-long scholarly adventure.  The girls were all spending a year of college abroad, and they were introduced on their ship prior to disembarking.  Jacqueline and the others are spread out across Paris with suitable rooming accommodations.  I found that entire scenario fascinating, and likely provided a measure of success students in the twenty-first century aren’t allowed because now they’re subjected to impersonal dorm rooms (and they don’t have the “family” atmosphere).  When the book starts, the assumption is made that this is going to follow Jacqueline and her school experience, but that is not at all the case.  The school played only a small part of this book. 

            Throughout this book, Jacqueline meets and interacts with a wide variety of characters, many of them quite intriguing.  The problem was, there were SO MANY of them.  It got to the point it was hard to keep track and I almost busted out a notepad. That is not how I, personally, want to enjoy the books I read.  Yes, I do read for more than entertainment purposes, but this book wasn’t necessarily on the list of non-entertainment novels.  I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated with the number of characters and each of their individual storylines, along with what felt like unnecessary droning on about things that weren’t building blocks to the story.  I became bored and uninterested in the whole thing. 

            I did become curious about the real Jacqueline’s year in Paris, so this book wasn’t a total waste of three days, so there’s that. 

Jacqueline in Paris A Novel

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