Paris Revealed: The Secret Life of a City by Stephen Clarke - Book Review

Title: Paris Revealed: The Secret Life of a City

Author: Stephen Clarke

Publisher: Open Road

Publication Date: 20th March 2012

Pages: 257

Format: E-Book - EPUB

Genre: Non-Fiction

Source: ARC via NetGalley

A guide to Paris for those who are mystified by the city, those who are in love with it, and those who feel a little of both

Stephen Clarke may have adopted Paris as his home, but he still has an Englishman’s eye for the people, cafés, art, sidewalks, food, fashion, and romance that make Paris a one-of-a-kind city. This irreverent outsider-turned-insider guide shares local savoir faire, from how to separate the good restaurants from the bad to navigating the baffling Métro system. It also provides invaluable insights into the etiquette of public urination and the best ways to experience Parisian life without annoying the Parisians (a truly delicate art). Clarke’s witty and expert tour of the city leaves no boulevard unexplored—even those that might be better left alone. (Goodreads Synopsis)

 
This is a delightful, witty book that will help even the most muddled tourist survive Paris. This is not a standard travel guide by any means, but if you are looking for some more insight into the wonderful world of Paris this may be the book for you.

The author has divided this text into section, considering such things as the metro lines, romance and buying an apartment. There are plenty of amusing anecdotes and I frequently felt compelled to read sections aloud to my husband.

I adore Paris and this is a book that manages to poke fun at the city and its people while also showing reverence and love for them and their little ways. It's been a few years since I last had chance to visit France and this book made me deeply nostalgic and longing to revisit my own favourite Parisian haunts.

If you are looking for a guide book to tell you what to see, what times museums open etc. this is not what you are looking for. But if you already know and love Paris, this is a great read to learn a few new facts and reminisce.

I actually saw Clarke's A Year in the Merde in a bookshop once. I was interested, but wasn't looking to buy anything at the time. Now I've read this book, I will definitely be keen to add his other books to my wish list.