Robert Dinsdale

'A spellbinding tale of nocturnal life and magic in the streets of Paris tells of the courage it takes to be different and follow your dreams.' WATERSTONES 'Beautifully captures the hazy dissonance of storytelling and invention.' GUARDIAN ______________________________________ Every city has its own magic... Every night on their long journey to Paris from their troubled homeland, Levon's grandmother has read to them from a very special book. Called The Nocturne, it is a book full of fairy stories and the heroic adventures of their people who generations before chose to live by starlight. And with every story that Levon's grandmother tells them in their new home, the desire to live as their ancestors did grows. And that is when the magic begins... Nobody can explain why nocturnal water dogs start appearing at the heels of every citizen of Paris-by-Starlight like the loyal retainers they once were. There are suddenly night finches in the skies and the city is transforming: the Eiffel Tower lit up by strange ethereal flowers that drink in the light of the moon. But not everyone in Paris is won over by the spectacle of Paris-by-Starlight. There are always those that fear the other, the unexplained, the strangers in our midst. How long can the magic of night rub up against the ordinariness of day? How long can two worlds occupy the same streets and squares before there is an outright war?

Paris By Starlight

Paris by Starlight

Suzanne

The writing is stunning and lyrical. I made many annotations in my copy.
The themes in the book were very universal. A magical group of people called "the People" lose their home and find new magic in Paris.
The first half of the book was magical and felt like the People welcomed me with open arms. To the fairy tales that had lessons. How people can learn to support and accept each other.
The book tells the story of different perspectives which is lovely. People that seem good or evil, get balanced out in the grey of it all. 

The fact that Jews or the holocaust weren't or barely mentioned, especially since the former members of "la resistance" encourage young children to act like Nazi's was disheartening. Not only because it flips the meaning upside down. But mostly because of the violence and deep hatred we are seeing now in the world. The stark reality that refugees are treated terribly and we have seen time and time again, slowly but surely people can do horrible things.
I myself have seen families with small children on the streets of Paris in November 2017 and it was heartbreaking. Not only that they were living on the streets, but that the French government wasn't helping them quickly enough. We should not stand idly by to watch people suffer. 

Because 2020 is well... 2020, I wished the book would have continued in the first half of hope and reconciliation. That Levon, a leader who doesn't see himself like one, actually would lead to integrate and carve a piece of Paris for them. Isn't that what we all want. To feel part of a community, but also be accepted by the larger communities?
I think the second half is closer to what the reality is and would be in this instance. 

I hope that everybody finds a their community and acceptance.

Jenny

** spoiler alert **
           Paris by Starlight was amazing. Everything created was beautiful and magnificent. I love how the character's stories mirrored those of the Nocturne. The characters were so... Human. Which is lovely beyond words for someone who reads about characters who are put on a pedestal. The ending was so quaint and perfect and all the villains I could imagine in any war. I love how the magic built to a crescendo and then was scattered to an amount I could imagine in our world. I loved it. It did take me a while to read because the format was different than what I usually read, but I would read more like it.

The imagery in this book is spectacular. I longed to see what my mind's eye designed so thoroughly it hurt. I don't remember any instances where I thought the description had gone on too long. Definitely recommended for lovers of fantasy in the modern world.

"Flocks formed of different colours, and either sailed down to earth, seeking the nectar of the flowers-by-night that would sustain them or returned - perhaps grieving - to the winterlights that had nurtured and cast them out."

Eleanor Luhar

Wow. I had hoped I would love this book and probably had my expectations set quite high, but I was still pleasantly surprised. 
As the title suggests, this book mainly takes place in Paris - but not Paris as we know it. Isabelle, at twenty-three, is travelling around the city in search of her father. She last saw him there seventeen years ago, and with no particular leads or hints as to his whereabouts, Isabelle is left roaming from bar to bar in hopes that someone remembers him. Like her, he's a talented harpist. Hence her list of bars and clubs; places he may have played.
In one of these establishments, Isabelle comes across a young girl, clearly starving and not speaking a word of French. Isabelle takes her for a meal and escorts her back home: an apartment full of women and girls, all equally un-fluent in French. This is where she meets Levon, the only French-speaking member of the household and brother to Arina, the young girl.
Over some time, Isabelle becomes trusted by the family, particularly Arina and her grandmother or Bebia, Maia. She begins teaching them French, and helps care for Maia when she falls ill. In turn, Isabelle learns to read Maia's Nocturne, a book full of stories from their 'old country'. Levon also speaks of his home, eventually explaining how they came to be forced from it. 
Maia clings to her Nocturne and the tales it contains. She believes that the People of her homeland should still be living by night as their ancestors did, back when there was magic in the world. She also frequents the night garden growing on the roof, despite her ill health. Nobody is quite sure how she has grown this garden of plants from their old country; Maia is adamant that it sprouted itself, though nobody believes her. Night flowers that glow in the starlight begin to flourish - a piece of magic restored.
Thus, Paris-by-Starlight is established. The second home of the People, populated by enchanting nightjars and flowers of all different colours. On Christmas - or the Night of Seven Stars, as in the Nocturne - a breathtaking spectacle enthrals the entire city. Everyone rejoices in the beauty of Paris-by-Starlight and all the magic it holds.
But, of course, not everyone is happy. People begin to complain about the People; foreigners taking over their city, their home. A resistance is formed - and things go downhill very fast.
Through all this, Isabelle continues her search for her father, and is shocked when she actually finds him. Levon and Arina's father, believed to be dead, suddenly appears. He is angered by the resistance and demands the People fight back. 
I've probably not done the story justice at all. The plot is really quite intricate and difficult to summarise. But believe me when I say it's emotional, magical, and heartbreaking in equal measure. There's romance, there's loss, and there's prejudice. Despite the fantastical nature of Paris-by-Starlight itself, I found this story to be extremely reflective of the world we know. The attitudes of the resistance, so prejudiced and angry, are sadly very real in our society. Dinsdale's narrative of this issue is just fantastic, in my opinion.
I realise this review is getting a bit rambly. Basically, I really loved this book. I absolutely adored the magic of Paris-by-Starlight, and was truly heartbroken by the negativity and prejudice of some of the characters. As for Isabelle and Levon - they had flaws, but I really liked them. Their relationship is far from perfect, and that's exactly why I liked it. Beneath all the magic, I think there's something in this book for everyone to take away.

A magical new novel from the critically acclaimed bestselling author of THE TOYMAKERS which will appeal to fans of Neil Gaiman and Erin Morgenstern. ______________________________________ Every city has its own magic... Every night on their long journey to Paris from their troubled homeland, Levon's grandmother has read to them from a very special book. Called The Nocturne, it is a book full of fairy stories and the heroic adventures of their people who generations before chose to live by starlight. And with every story that Levon's grandmother tells them in their new home, the desire to live as their ancestors did grows. And that is when the magic begins... Nobody can explain why nocturnal water dogs start appearing at the heels of every citizen of Paris-by-Starlight like the loyal retainers they once were. There are suddenly night finches in the skies and the city is transforming- the Eiffel Tower lit up by strange ethereal flowers that drink in the light of the moon. But not everyone in Paris is won over by the spectacle of Paris-by-Starlight. There are always those that fear the other, the unexplained, the strangers in our midst. How long can the magic of night rub up against the ordinariness of day? How long can two worlds occupy the same streets and squares before there is an outright war?

Imie Kent-Muller

‘The age we live in...is not ours to decide. Our decision is only how to use the few fleeting moments the Universe has given us.’

This book was absolutely magical.✨

The Toyshop was one of the first books I reviewed as a book blogger and it was a five star read for me so I was excited to hear Robert Dinsdale was bringing out another book.

Paris by Starlight brings magic to real, important issues. Focusing on themes of home, identity, and stories - Dinsdale weaves an enrapturing tale. Told mostly at night, a refugee family arrive in Paris after their home was overtaken. They brought with them a book, the nocturne, which holds the stories of their old home. When the stories are read, magic begins to creep into Paris. To begin with the Parisians are overjoyed, but quickly it takes a dark turn. At the centre of the story is a couple, a french musician in search of her father and a man from the old country trying to find a new home for his family.

This story is just so beautiful, powerful, evocative. I lost myself in the pages, needing to know what happens next. His stories always take on a fable feel and this one is no exception. He writes stories within stories with such mastery (think Bridget Collins + Erin Morgenstern style). His characters are always a strength, and again I fell in love with them. Needing them to find happiness. This made the way Dinsdale tackles the refugee crisis is sensitive but impactful. He looks at what makes a home, what makes an identity, and what makes a family. His characters shine through and tell an important thought-provoking story.

Honestly you’ve got to read this book guys, it’s utterly gorgeous

Jennifer

A gorgeous, enchanting, and yet emotionally intimate read that left me thinking about the sense of belonging & appreciating beauty in everyday life. When I first came across the premise of Paris By Starlight, I was immediately intrigued as it mentions that this book is for fans of Neil Gaiman and Erin Morgenstern (two authors that I highly enjoy)! I can see why Robert Dinsdale's sophmore effort is described this way and long story short - I loved reading this before bedtimes <3


  "Let me speak of the star that once shone in the sky, of the kingdoms of moonlight, the flowers-by-night. Let us travel together, through time's lonely mist, to that long ago age where enchantment exists."


Paris by Starlight charms straight from the beginning and its enchantment lasts long after I put down my hardcover. I'll discuss various aspects of the book which I think were executed well.

Writing style: Ahh the writing style & storytelling is bautiful! It's full of dreamy and aesthetically pleasing imageries e.g. the flowers, stars, lights, and sea. I love it when I could visualise the dreamscape painted by a sublime magic realism writing - and Paris by Starlight accomplished this feat!

Characterisation: I found the characters pretty complex and likeable (special shoutout to Isabelle and Levon for their incredible character arc throughout)! With Isabelle, I really enjoyed how she navigated through the world underneath & developed her sense of belonging and what it meant to be at home. With Levon, I found his internal struggle in the conflicting belief systems between his family and his heart quite fascinating. And yet I think their relationship worked pretty well and illustrated the struggles caused by cultural differences. I also quite like diverse backgrounds of the characters!

Central Themes: I really liked how the central themes are developed through the novel and that's one of the main things why the book sticks with me a lot. 

- The notion of belief systems and discovering one's personal values.
- Sense of belonging and the meaning of home
- Determinism vs self-will
- The importance of cherising the little moments in everyday life
- Finding hope and having resilience through hardships

These themes are universal and deeply resonating given the uncertainty I've been facing due to the pandemic.

Quotes I love: These quotes showcased what I really admire about the writing style and the central themes in the book.

"Yet the lives of cities change, just like lives of people. No man or woman who has ever fallen in love would dare to suggest that the world remains the same, not even from morning to the fall of that same night."

"A new star hung in the sky above Paris tonight. Brighter, more vivid than all the rest, its lights shone out in seven striking spires."

"Every night gave birth to some new wonder in the city above. Was it really so incredible to think that the old country was manifesting here, too, in the stones beneath Paris? Memories knew no borders. This magic, whatever it was, just wanted to exist. It just wanted to find a new home. And, in that, it was not so different from him."

"We're writing a new story now, and it has but one line. We are the People, and the People look after each other."

"Each family is a world of their own. Eacg household. A garden fence becomes a border between countries. The markings on every road, a new frontier. You don't need mountains and rivers to put up borders, not in this Modern World."

What to be aware of: While these aren't an issue & didn't compromise my reading experience, I think there are a few things to take into consideration if you have specific reading preferences.

Content warnings: While this is a pretty pleasant read and is likely to be suitable for under 18's there are a few potential triggers (which are mentioned sporadically) to be aware of. These are: loss of loved ones, childbirth, accidents, weapons, hospital visits, and violence.

Pacing: This is a pretty slow-paced book, consisting of long chapters and relatively dense writing with lush magic realism. So this is much more introspective than adrenaline-inducing. Which is why I took my time reading the book to let things sink in and have time to reflect upon what I've read. 

Multiple POV's: There's a number of additional POV's and inserted subplots in Paris by Starlight. So the progression of the novel isn't entirely linear and does took me some time to wrap my head around. I do think these narratives converged and made much more sense in the latter half. 

Paris by Starlight is a magical and atmospheric magic realism read. A perfect bedtime novel which whizzed me to the enchanting Parisian landscape and digs way into the psychological intrigue beyond the surface. It's definitely one of those books which I'll probably come back to in the future!

Bonus: My unofficial playlist for Paris by Starlight!

P.S. I'm currently hovering between 4.5 and a 5 star rating at the time of writing. My final rating will be settled once I give myself more time to let things sink in!

(4.5 stars out of 5)

Isabella Stocka

To my shame, I have not read Dinsdale's Toymaker. However, was immediately drawn to Paris by Starlight, because of the gorgeous cover and the plot. Magic in Paris. How can you not be hooked by that?
To compare it with the work of Gaiman or Morgenstern describes perfectly what awaits you in this book. You have the one and the other side, which mirrors today's society for me. Paris by Starlight is a book of courage, acceptance, and love. I really have not read a book before this, in which reality slights into another in which hope is present. A magnificent work!

** spoiler alert **
           The writing is stunning and lyrical. I made many annotations in my copy.
The themes in the book were very universal. A magical group of people called "the People" lose their home and find new magic in Paris.
The first half of the book was magical and felt like the People welcomed me with open arms. To the fairy tales that had lessons. How people can learn to support and accept each other.
The book tells the story of different perspectives which is lovely. People that seem good or evil, get balanced out in the grey of it all. 

The fact that Jews or the holocaust weren't or barely mentioned, especially since the former members of "la resistance" encourage young children to act like Nazi's was disheartening. Not only because it flips the meaning upside down. But mostly because of the violence and deep hatred we are seeing now in the world. The stark reality that refugees are treated terribly and we have seen time and time again, slowly but surely people can do horrible things.
I myself have seen families with small children on the streets of Paris in November 2017 and it was heartbreaking. Not only that they were living on the streets, but that the French government wasn't helping them quickly enough. We should not stand idly by to watch people suffer. 

Because 2020 is well... 2020, I wished the book would have continued in the first half of hope and reconciliation. That Levon, a leader who doesn't see himself like one, actually would lead to integrate and carve a piece of Paris for them. Isn't that what we all want. To feel part of a community, but also be accepted by the larger communities?
I think the second half is closer to what the reality is and would be in this instance. 

I hope that everybody finds a their community and acceptance.

Paris By Starlight

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