Name: Olivera Mitić's review of The Art of Sleeping Alone by Sophie Fontanel
Item: The Art of Sleeping Alone
Rating: 4
Author: Olivera Mitić

Sophie Fontanel

Sophie Fontanel, bestselling novelist and iconic editor of French Elle, tells the provocative story of her decision to stop having sex—a choice that profoundly changed her view of herself and her place in the world. At the age of twenty-seven, after many years of having (and, for the most part, enjoying) an active sex life, beloved French author, journalist, editor, and fashion blogger Sophie Fontanel decided she wanted to take a break. Despite having it all—a glamorous job, plenty of dates and boyfriends, stylish clothes, and endless parties to attend—she still wasn’t happy, and found herself wanting more. She chose to give up her sex life, and in so doing shocked all of her friends and colleagues. What she discovers about herself is truly liberating and raises a number of questions about the expectations of the society in which we live. As she experiences being the only non-coupled one at dinner parties, weekend getaways, and summer vacations, she muses inspiringly on what it means to find hap­piness and fulfillment alone. Provocative and illuminating, The Art of Sleeping Alone, which spent eight weeks on the bestseller list in France, offers advice on love and sex while challenging modern-day conven­tions of marriage and motherhood, making this an ideal read for anyone who has chosen to do things a little differently.

Why One French Woman Suddenly Gave Up Sex

The Art of Sleeping Alone

Olivera Mitić

Filipa Carvalho

This is one of those where I think that I need to give it a reread just so I can appreciate the language properly. Fontanel writes in a very sophisticated way and I have to admit that her use of words challenged my English at times. But, the reading experience was a pleasure anyways and all the praise goes to the translator as well. 

Content wise, I liked what I read. While not everything the author said was something I could agree on, I enjoyed a lot of points she brings to the table. 

When it comes to recommendations, I think this memoir requires a specific kind of audience in order to be enjoyed, and I'm not sure I can judge who fits into that category. I found it to be refreshing, and if you, judging by the blurb, think that this is something you would be interested in, you should give it a shot. 

 I'm counting this for the Around the World in 80 Books challenge as a book set in France.

Olivera Mitić &
The Art of Sleeping Alone by Sophie Fontanel

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Olivera Mitić &The Art of Sleeping Alone by Sophie Fontanel

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Olivera Mitić &
The Art of Sleeping Alone by Sophie Fontanel