Paris in books

Paris has long captured the hearts and imaginations of writers, artists, and dreamers from all corners of the globe. With its rich history, architectural wonders, and vibrant culture, it is no wonder that this enchanting city has become the backdrop for countless stories and literary works. As we embark on a literary journey through the streets of Paris, we find ourselves exploring not only the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden corners, but also the depths of human emotion, desire, and the indomitable spirit of its inhabitants. From the grandeur of Notre-Dame Cathedral to the artistic fervor of the Left Bank, each tale transports us into the lives of characters who experience love, loss, and triumph against the backdrop of this unforgettable city. So, let us turn the pages and lose ourselves in the magic and allure of Paris, as we wander through its streets, guided by the words of the authors who have immortalized its essence in their timeless works.

“The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” by Victor Hugo

This classic novel, set in 15th-century Paris, follows the story of Quasimodo, a deformed bell-ringer who lives in the famed Notre-Dame Cathedral. Through the various characters, including the beautiful Esmeralda and the villainous Archdeacon Claude Frollo, the novel explores themes of love, obsession, and fate against the backdrop of Parisian society and the Gothic architecture of the cathedral.

“A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens

Set in both London and Paris during the French Revolution, this novel contrasts the political turmoil in France with the relative peace in England. At the heart of the story are the intertwined lives of the Manette family and the enigmatic Sydney Carton, who becomes embroiled in a love triangle, espionage, and sacrifice for the sake of love and redemption.

“Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo

This epic novel centers on the life of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who strives to redeem himself in the eyes of society. Set in the early 19th-century Paris, the novel delves into the lives of various characters, including the relentless Inspector Javert and the spirited street urchin Gavroche. The novel examines themes of justice, poverty, and the human spirit amidst the backdrop of revolutionary France.

“The Paris Wife” by Paula McLain

This novel is a fictional account of the life of Hadley Richardson, the first wife of renowned writer Ernest Hemingway. Set in 1920s Paris, the story follows their passionate relationship amidst the backdrop of the vibrant and artistic ex-pat community. As their marriage begins to unravel, Hadley faces the challenges of love, loss, and self-discovery in the City of Light.

“The Elegance of the Hedgehog” by Muriel Barbery

This thought-provoking novel tells the story of two residents of a luxurious Parisian apartment building: Renée, the concierge who hides her intelligence and love for philosophy behind a façade of mediocrity, and Paloma, a 12-year-old girl who plans to commit suicide on her 13th birthday. Their lives intersect when a wealthy Japanese man moves into the building, leading to unexpected friendships and the discovery of the beauty in life’s small moments.

“The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown

This fast-paced thriller follows symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu as they race through Paris to solve a murder and unravel an ancient secret. Clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci and mysterious religious symbols lead them on a quest to uncover a powerful secret that could rock the foundations of Christianity.

“Sarah’s Key” by Tatiana de Rosnay

In this poignant novel, American journalist Julia Jarmond investigates the infamous Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup of Jews in Nazi-occupied Paris. As she uncovers the story of a young girl named Sarah, who was forced to leave her brother locked in a secret hiding place during the roundup, Julia’s own life becomes entwined with Sarah’s tragic past, leading her to question her own identity and the choices she has made.

“A Moveable Feast” by Ernest Hemingway

This memoir chronicles Hemingway’s early years as an aspiring writer in 1920s Paris. Through vivid descriptions of the city’s cafes, bars, and streets, Hemingway paints a picture of the Lost Generation, a group of expatriate artists and writers who sought inspiration in the bohemian atmosphere of Paris. The book is a nostalgic and introspective look at a pivotal time in the author’s life

“All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr

This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German orphan with a talent for radio engineering, whose lives intersect during World War II. Set in Paris and the coastal town of Saint-Malo, the novel explores the courage and resilience of its characters amidst the horrors of war, and their shared love for science, art, and the natural world.

“The Parisian” by Isabella Hammad

This historical fiction follows the life of Midhat Kamal, a young Palestinian who arrives in Paris during World War I to study medicine. As he navigates the complexities of French society and culture, Midhat falls in love with a French woman, only to be caught in the crossfire of political turmoil and familial expectations. The novel examines themes of identity, love, and the consequences of colonialism against the backdrop of early 20th-century Paris and the Middle East.

–

Check our Paris Travel Guide