Left Bank Waltz

by Elaine Lewis

At a time in her life when her friends were retiring and dedicating more time to their grandchildren, Elaine Lewis packed her bags and decamped to Paris to open the first Australian bookshop on the Left Bank. With the help of locals and visiting Australians, she created a bookshop in the heart of the St-Germain-des-Prés literary quarter that became a home away from home for Australian writers and artists in Paris.

The vivacious Elaine, in her cherry-red cape with matching cherry-red lipstick, played host to events, readings, and midnight swims in the Seine. But when the Paris police department threatened to close down her shop, Elaine and her many supporters were faced with a bureaucratic battle that quickly became stranger than fiction...

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Books About Books

344 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Catherine Davison]

I only picked this book up on a whim in an op shop because I like the notion of bookshops: browsing in bookshops, reading about bookshops, the appeal is timeless. So I wasn't expecting the shock of seeing that Liam was one of the Australian writers celebrated by this wonderful woman Elaine Lewis, he is mentioned at least three times and his books were translated into French and sold there. He spoke there at one of her 'rencontres' writers' gatherings and all the writers he introduced me to such as Gail Jones and Fiona Capp were also part of this Australian literary community in Paris. I am so glad I picked this book up, I'm so sad I can't just pick up the phone and tell him I've read it.

[Sue]

wonderful, entertaining and a fascinating insight into another lady's love of books. I sympathise with her regarding french bureaucracy and I'm sure she would have remained a profitable busines had the red tape not strangled her efforts. Oh to travel, one day, to Paris...in the meantime Elaine Lewis' writing allowed me to travel the srteets of Paris!

[Ralph Lavelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried reading this but was put off by the affected present-tense throughout. "I go to the boulangerie, the man asks me..." which is best used sparingly. There's also a list of acquaintances and friends who are barely fleshed out and instantly forgettable. I don't like to be negative, but it just didn't grab me quickly enough to make me want to read on.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Left Bank Waltz Elain Lewis Memoir B+ Story of one woman's attempt to set up and run an Aussie Bookshop on the Left Bank in Paris. Interesting insight into dealing with the Paris Beaurcracy. She deserves an A for perseverance.

[Anne Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

The interesting tale of the women who opened the Australian Bookshop in Paris and the trials she went through to establish it. A great pity that some French red tape prevented it from remaining open.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whether you're a francophile or an antipodean, there's something endlessly romantic about the thought of a bookshop to call your own.

[Vivienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

By no means is this book a literary masterpiece . . . but it isn't meant to be! Rather it is a personal account written by Elaine Lewis of her dream to set up an Australian bookshop in Paris. She takes us through the planning and painfully slow establishment of the shop, it's time as a highly successful and atmospheric bricks and mortar shop and gathering place, it's ultimate continuation as an online shop hosting physical gatherings and finally the conclusion.
There are a few overriding themes in this book: central to the story is the comraderie and kindness promoted by the bookshop, the kindness of strangers and the joy of the place; almost equally central to the story is the incredible inefficiency and unfairness of the French bureacracy of the time (let's hope it's improved!)
As a Francophile with a particular love for Paris and also a book lover (and an Australian) I really enjoyed this book; others may not as much! ***

[Rogue Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author lives out a dream of living in Paris and opening a book store that supports Australian authors. She's planned for more than 10 years, every detail. Open for about a year, she goes home, disillusioned with French bureaucracy. A big challenge, many accomplishments in a short time; self-congratulatory.

[Donna R · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fitting outcome that having been thwarted by red tape in keeping her bookstore open Elaine was able to write about it! A wonderful story.

[Allison Clarkson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite a lovely read but you have to feel for the owner with the red tape and frustrations.