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I Remember Paris: the perfect escapist summer read set in Paris
Back to the city of dreams . . .
Paris has always held a piece of Jess's heart, ever since she spent a magical summer there over twenty years ago. So when a writing job offers her the chance to return, she's delighted, especially as her subject is iconic artist Adelaide Fox. Now approaching eighty, Adelaide wants to tell her life story - and what a life it has been, full of scandal, success, betrayal and passion.
But Adelaide is keeping secrets from her, Jess is sure. And she soon realises she will have to confront her own past in the city. Can Jess find out the truth - even if it means changing both of their lives for ever?
Paris has always held a piece of Jess's heart, ever since she spent a magical summer there over twenty years ago. So when a writing job offers her the chance to return, she's delighted, especially as her subject is iconic artist Adelaide Fox. Now approaching eighty, Adelaide wants to tell her life story - and what a life it has been, full of scandal, success, betrayal and passion.
But Adelaide is keeping secrets from her, Jess is sure. And she soon realises she will have to confront her own past in the city. Can Jess find out the truth - even if it means changing both of their lives for ever?
432 pages, Paperback
Published July 22, 2025
174 people are currently reading
969 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Diamond
82 books1,429 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
First of all, a confession. My name isn’t really Lucy Diamond at all, it’s Sue Mongredien. I’ve used a pen name because ‘Diamond’ is a lot easier to spell and pronounce than ‘Mongredien’ and also because I’ve written lots of children’s books too and wanted to keep the genres separate. (There is actually another Lucy Diamond on Amazon who writes religious children’s books. That isn’t me, though.)
I was born in 1970 and grew up in Nottingham. I read English at Leeds University then moved to London and worked for various publishers before I packed it all in to go travelling around the world for a year and a half. When I came back to the UK, I worked in publishing again, then moved to the BBC. I now live in Bath with my husband and three young children and divide my time between writing and looking after them. You can have a look at my children’s books here.
Favourite things: beaches, holidays, chocolate, wine, reading, Green Wing, bubble baths, sunshine, hearing my children laugh, babysitters
Favourite books: The Magus (John Fowles), The Edible Woman (Margaret Atwood), The Secret History (Donna Tartt), The Colour of Memory (Geoff Dyer)
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
First of all, a confession. My name isn’t really Lucy Diamond at all, it’s Sue Mongredien. I’ve used a pen name because ‘Diamond’ is a lot easier to spell and pronounce than ‘Mongredien’ and also because I’ve written lots of children’s books too and wanted to keep the genres separate. (There is actually another Lucy Diamond on Amazon who writes religious children’s books. That isn’t me, though.)
I was born in 1970 and grew up in Nottingham. I read English at Leeds University then moved to London and worked for various publishers before I packed it all in to go travelling around the world for a year and a half. When I came back to the UK, I worked in publishing again, then moved to the BBC. I now live in Bath with my husband and three young children and divide my time between writing and looking after them. You can have a look at my children’s books here.
Favourite things: beaches, holidays, chocolate, wine, reading, Green Wing, bubble baths, sunshine, hearing my children laugh, babysitters
Favourite books: The Magus (John Fowles), The Edible Woman (Margaret Atwood), The Secret History (Donna Tartt), The Colour of Memory (Geoff Dyer)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
July 22, 2024
I absolutely adored this book! ☀️💖
I Remember Paris is like a magical summer getaway to the City of Light. Jess Bright, a single mum and journalist, feels like her life is stuck in a rut. So when she gets the chance to spend a summer writing in Paris, she jumps at it. Paris has always held a special place in her heart, and you truly feel that enchantment alongside her.
The book sweeps you through Paris’s charming streets, overflowing with gorgeous cafés and mouth-watering food. Jess explores delightful spots that will have you dreaming of sipping a café au lait and nibbling on pastries. 🥐🍷
The heart of the story revolves around Jess’s assignment covering the iconic, scandalous artist Adelaide Fox. Now in her late 70s and living in Paris with her Staffordshire bull terrier, Jean-Paul, Adelaide is ready to share her story and serve up some juicy revenge. Jess and Adelaide’s dynamic is electric and full of secrets, making for a captivating read. As Jess digs into Adelaide’s past, both women confront their own histories and uncover surprising truths.
This book is a warm, heartwarming journey about fresh starts, new friendships, and rediscovering yourself. I loved every moment, and plan to read it every summer from now on. It’s like having a little piece of Paris to escape to whenever I need it! 🗼✨️
A cosy, enchanting read perfect for sunny days. If you’re into feel-good stories with a dash of Parisian charm, this one’s a must-add to your list! ☀️❤️
4.5 ⭐
I Remember Paris is like a magical summer getaway to the City of Light. Jess Bright, a single mum and journalist, feels like her life is stuck in a rut. So when she gets the chance to spend a summer writing in Paris, she jumps at it. Paris has always held a special place in her heart, and you truly feel that enchantment alongside her.
The book sweeps you through Paris’s charming streets, overflowing with gorgeous cafés and mouth-watering food. Jess explores delightful spots that will have you dreaming of sipping a café au lait and nibbling on pastries. 🥐🍷
The heart of the story revolves around Jess’s assignment covering the iconic, scandalous artist Adelaide Fox. Now in her late 70s and living in Paris with her Staffordshire bull terrier, Jean-Paul, Adelaide is ready to share her story and serve up some juicy revenge. Jess and Adelaide’s dynamic is electric and full of secrets, making for a captivating read. As Jess digs into Adelaide’s past, both women confront their own histories and uncover surprising truths.
This book is a warm, heartwarming journey about fresh starts, new friendships, and rediscovering yourself. I loved every moment, and plan to read it every summer from now on. It’s like having a little piece of Paris to escape to whenever I need it! 🗼✨️
A cosy, enchanting read perfect for sunny days. If you’re into feel-good stories with a dash of Parisian charm, this one’s a must-add to your list! ☀️❤️
4.5 ⭐
November 16, 2023
Adelaide Fox is approaching 80, she is a very well-known artist, a creator of impactful works. She lives in Paris with her Staffordshire bull terrier, Jean-Paul. She’s enigmatic, mysterious, definitely tempestuous and secretive as she’s lived a life that has involved scandal. The world is craving her memoir, but will she?? Journalist, Jess Bright, a single mother of three girls certainly hopes so as she is currently on Eurostar which is whisking her to Paris to meet Adelaide for discussions. Jess is a grafter and absolutely determined to make the most of the opportunity she seems to have been offered. However, it’s fair to say the first meeting is not a huge success and it’s equally fair to say that they’re working relationship has it’s stormy episodes. Jess and Adelaide narrate and their two evolving stories work well side-by-side.
Well, hello Paris, so great to be there
and Lucy Diamond treats us to a terrific tour of the sights, sounds and tastes. It’s absolutely chock full of atmosphere (merci beaucoup) and is used extremely effectively in the emerging storylines. Adelaide’s memories, issues and experiences are absolutely fascinating, her life has been rich but full of ups and downs. She has suppressed many secrets which come to the surface with Jess’s honesty seeking journalistic probing. I absolutely love the art element, and this is used to highlight key events and people in Adelaide’s life. There are some quite dark parts to her story but that is often an alleviated in some way, often by Jean-Paul!
Jess also has things that she needs to settle as there is a Parisian angle to her past too. She hasn’t had things easy of late, but the deeper you go into the novel, the more likeable she becomes. She’s brutally honest at times and she has the guts to be so with Adelaide, which makes for some entertaining scenes as unsurprisingly Adelaide is not always receptive nor used to it!
This is an engaging and easy read, but it does have substance to it via the key characters. It takes you through a whole range of emotions to a satisfying and enjoyable end. It’s an uplifting read with a good message of acceptance and moving on but also of taking second chances.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Quercus Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Well, hello Paris, so great to be there
and Lucy Diamond treats us to a terrific tour of the sights, sounds and tastes. It’s absolutely chock full of atmosphere (merci beaucoup) and is used extremely effectively in the emerging storylines. Adelaide’s memories, issues and experiences are absolutely fascinating, her life has been rich but full of ups and downs. She has suppressed many secrets which come to the surface with Jess’s honesty seeking journalistic probing. I absolutely love the art element, and this is used to highlight key events and people in Adelaide’s life. There are some quite dark parts to her story but that is often an alleviated in some way, often by Jean-Paul!
Jess also has things that she needs to settle as there is a Parisian angle to her past too. She hasn’t had things easy of late, but the deeper you go into the novel, the more likeable she becomes. She’s brutally honest at times and she has the guts to be so with Adelaide, which makes for some entertaining scenes as unsurprisingly Adelaide is not always receptive nor used to it!
This is an engaging and easy read, but it does have substance to it via the key characters. It takes you through a whole range of emotions to a satisfying and enjoyable end. It’s an uplifting read with a good message of acceptance and moving on but also of taking second chances.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Quercus Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
June 22, 2024
Good story just found it so dull it was painful to read
August 18, 2024
This was a nice story although it took me some time to get into (mainly because my reading bursts were very short). Decent plot and characters.
February 20, 2025
I loved it. 💕 so easy to read, with interesting characters that made me smile.
July 23, 2024
A really lovely story with really charming characters. There was just enough mystery and suspense to ensure the book was fast paced and interesting throughout, and a really nice ending to top it off
July 26, 2024
My bookclub's choice. Although not my usual genre of book I did enjoy it. It's an easy read and well written.
November 16, 2023
This is a wonderful story which will transport you back to many different times. It is basically the story of Jess, middle aged, recently separated mum of three delving back into her career and agreeing to write a memoir for Adelaide Fox. Adelaide is an artist in her late 70’s who decides to take revenge on everyone who has ever crossed her by telling her story in her words.
The story that follows is a wonderful step back in time and a delving into Adelaide’s life and past loves and misdemeanours. Will this memoir satiate Adelaide’s lust for revenge or will it quell her desires.
Jess has her own trip down memory lane revisiting the city of Paris where she spent time when she was younger and also a fledgling romance may be on the cards
The book is a wonderful look at a life lived in Paris and is dripping with atmosphere and tension throughout.
The story that follows is a wonderful step back in time and a delving into Adelaide’s life and past loves and misdemeanours. Will this memoir satiate Adelaide’s lust for revenge or will it quell her desires.
Jess has her own trip down memory lane revisiting the city of Paris where she spent time when she was younger and also a fledgling romance may be on the cards
The book is a wonderful look at a life lived in Paris and is dripping with atmosphere and tension throughout.
September 8, 2024
I feel terrible that I didn’t like this book but it took me a whole 39 days for read so it’s fair to say it wasn’t my bag. I hate DNF’ing books so I pushed through. I think I’m in the minority but I just couldn’t connect with any of the characters and there was such little dynamic between Adeline and Jess that I almost forgot one was writing a memoir about the other. They were both pretty damn annoying too despite having completely different personalities. The book only really picked up pace or got interesting after about 70% in and well.. that’s where I managed to finally read it in a few days. Not my bag but I know a lot of people will enjoy and find this a pretty wholesome story.
November 15, 2023
Lucy’s books are always such a treat and I was thrilled to receive I remember Paris to read and enjoy!
Jess is a middle aged single parent to three teenage girls trapped in a mundane life of domesticity, teenage angst and being newly single when she is asked to write the memoirs of the esteemed artist Adelaide!
This new role entails visiting Adelaide at her Paris home for several weeks, Jess had previously lived and worked in Paris so this is a dream come true!
Adelaide is a formidable character with a questionable past, and the role of ghost writer is fraught with difficulties,
Throughout the book we follow the tempestuous life of Adelaide, the characters that made up her life and the decisions that were made, however Jess has her own story that runs parallel to this making for such an interesting, diverse and entertaining read that I absolutely loved!
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
Jess is a middle aged single parent to three teenage girls trapped in a mundane life of domesticity, teenage angst and being newly single when she is asked to write the memoirs of the esteemed artist Adelaide!
This new role entails visiting Adelaide at her Paris home for several weeks, Jess had previously lived and worked in Paris so this is a dream come true!
Adelaide is a formidable character with a questionable past, and the role of ghost writer is fraught with difficulties,
Throughout the book we follow the tempestuous life of Adelaide, the characters that made up her life and the decisions that were made, however Jess has her own story that runs parallel to this making for such an interesting, diverse and entertaining read that I absolutely loved!
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
November 23, 2023
Jess Bright, single mum and journalist, feels her life has stalled. So when she's offered a writing job in Paris for the summer, she leaps at the chance to go back to a city full of old memories and the promise of new opportunities. Her subject is the iconic artist Adelaide Fox, whose personal life has always been steeped in scandal and intrigue. Now approaching eighty, she's ready to tell her side of the story - and serve up some scalding-hot revenge in the process.Amidst a stormy working relationship, Jess and Adelaide must face up to their pasts. As passionate affairs, terrible betrayals and life-changing secrets surface, there may be more surprises in store than either of them dared imagine . .
Lucy Diamond gives us a real tour of Paris. The Paris that is more than you would see and experience as just another tourist. The sights, foods and atmosphere are so effective. The descriptions were such that I could almost smell the patisseries and the delicious pastries that were on sale.
This is an easy read but there are some real tough subject matters that are touched on. You'll experience all of the emotions right up to the very end.
Lucy Diamond gives us a real tour of Paris. The Paris that is more than you would see and experience as just another tourist. The sights, foods and atmosphere are so effective. The descriptions were such that I could almost smell the patisseries and the delicious pastries that were on sale.
This is an easy read but there are some real tough subject matters that are touched on. You'll experience all of the emotions right up to the very end.
November 10, 2024
4/5 ⭐️
Paris has always held a special place in Jess's heart, ever since she spent a magical summer there two decades ago. So when a writing assignment offers her the chance to return, she jumps at the opportunity, especially since her subject is Adelaide Fox, a legendary artist approaching eighty, ready to share her scandalous, successful, and wild life story. But when Jess finally meets Adelaide, she quickly discovers that she's not the same journalist Adelaide had been expecting.
I Remember Paris is a heartwarming, funny, and charming escape that pairs two very different women against the enchanting backdrop of Paris. Jess is the ever-optimistic sunshine, while Adelaide is the tempestuous storm. Despite their differences, both women are equally lovable and relatable. The premise is delightful, and I especially admire the author’s skill in crafting each woman’s individual story with distinctiveness while weaving their character arcs together in a way that feels both complementary and cohesive.
Paris has always held a special place in Jess's heart, ever since she spent a magical summer there two decades ago. So when a writing assignment offers her the chance to return, she jumps at the opportunity, especially since her subject is Adelaide Fox, a legendary artist approaching eighty, ready to share her scandalous, successful, and wild life story. But when Jess finally meets Adelaide, she quickly discovers that she's not the same journalist Adelaide had been expecting.
I Remember Paris is a heartwarming, funny, and charming escape that pairs two very different women against the enchanting backdrop of Paris. Jess is the ever-optimistic sunshine, while Adelaide is the tempestuous storm. Despite their differences, both women are equally lovable and relatable. The premise is delightful, and I especially admire the author’s skill in crafting each woman’s individual story with distinctiveness while weaving their character arcs together in a way that feels both complementary and cohesive.
July 13, 2024
Really HB 9781529432930
It was an OK book and it was a nice change for the author not to rely so much on romance to drive the story.
It was an OK book and it was a nice change for the author not to rely so much on romance to drive the story.
July 6, 2024
A charming read set in Paris , a place I was always love reading about
It's a story that has the most interesting character in Adelaide , her story was mammoth and enjoyable to read. Jess was such a fresh , lovely and full of energy character , who returns to Paris and takes on a writing job that is a dream to do .
It's a story that has the most interesting character in Adelaide , her story was mammoth and enjoyable to read. Jess was such a fresh , lovely and full of energy character , who returns to Paris and takes on a writing job that is a dream to do .
January 24, 2025
This was bought as a gift and isn’t my normal sort of read, but I really enjoyed it. Paris is one of my favourite cities so bought back some personal memories. A nice easy read and a great storyline.
January 13, 2024
3.5⭐️
October 11, 2024
3.5 - so close to a 4!
November 2, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed it!
It's very well written and there's a bit of mystery too. It keeps you hanging till the end.
It's very well written and there's a bit of mystery too. It keeps you hanging till the end.
August 27, 2025
The synopsis sounds like Evelyn Hugo. This book was extremely boring.
Didn’t cry.
Didn’t cry.
June 24, 2024
Perfect holiday or lightheaded read
November 6, 2023
An uplifting read from Lucy Diamond. I have read all of Lucy’s books and was delighted to be offered her latest book to review, especially after meeting her at a recent author event in Ledbury where she mentioned that her new book was set in Paris!
The novel revolves around Jess, a newly divorced 40 something, who is offered the opportunity to ghost write the memoir of famous artist Adelaide Fox in Paris. The characters are well rounded and the story weaves through Adelaide’s past as she recounts her life, adding other characters to the story as she goes. A beautiful read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The novel revolves around Jess, a newly divorced 40 something, who is offered the opportunity to ghost write the memoir of famous artist Adelaide Fox in Paris. The characters are well rounded and the story weaves through Adelaide’s past as she recounts her life, adding other characters to the story as she goes. A beautiful read! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 12, 2025
I enjoyed most of it, but the ending was too cheesy for my liking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2025
a little hard to get into, but then couldn't put it down,
November 12, 2023
Lucy Diamond's novels are always a reliably good read, and this was no exception (though I couldn't help feeling it really should have been called The Wrong Jessica!). It centres around Jess, hired to ghost write the autobiography of controversial, now elderly and reclusive, British artist Adelaide Fox, who lives in Paris with her dog, Jean-Paul. Adelaide's life has certainly been eventful, but she isn't the easiest person to get along with, and she's hell bent on using her book to settle old scores. Recently divorced Jess, meanwhile, has her own history with Paris, specifically an old flame (the one who got away?) and the mysterious disappearance of a friend, Pascale, many years earlier. Can she find answers?
I liked the Paris setting, though I couldn't really engage with Jess's family life back in the UK, mainly her teenage daughters - there were too many of them (three) and they didn't play a big enough role for me to be able to remember which was which. A "topical" side plot with the eldest (?) daughter didn't really seem as if it was needed.
An enjoyable read, particularly around Adelaide's life and her art. Jess was a relatable character, and I was rooting for things to work out for her. It's all tied up a bit neatly in the end, but sometimes that's what you want.
I liked the Paris setting, though I couldn't really engage with Jess's family life back in the UK, mainly her teenage daughters - there were too many of them (three) and they didn't play a big enough role for me to be able to remember which was which. A "topical" side plot with the eldest (?) daughter didn't really seem as if it was needed.
An enjoyable read, particularly around Adelaide's life and her art. Jess was a relatable character, and I was rooting for things to work out for her. It's all tied up a bit neatly in the end, but sometimes that's what you want.
February 7, 2024
So OK. This book. I had a love - hate relationship with it. I adored Lucy Diamond's writing, it's rich, accessible, with lively dialogues and she's a great story - teller. But even this couldn't save this story for me.
I didn't warm to the characters. Jess was absolutely irritating and annoying, always wanting to please everybody, stirring things, "helping" where help was not needed and I totally understand why Adelaide had such a problem with her. She was too soft, too weak. Adelaide, on the other hand, was fierce and was absolutely THE leading character in this book, though I still can't catch what was so special about her that Lucy Diamond wrote a story about her. Really.
And then those two characters and their backgrounds and histories, mixing but not mixing. For me, when the subplots intertwine, they must have something common, there must be this middle where they meet, where I learn why it is those two people whose paths met. But not here and I didn't got into the heart of this story.
It felt as if there was no right idea behind this story. No clear structure. Two random characters, their stories, thrown together, let's glue them together. Somehow. But this "somehow" didn't work for me.
There were some heavier issues in the story, some dark memories and mysteries to be revealed, but the most important things was the characters' growth into leaving the past behind and starting to enjoy themselves and their lives in the present. A bit too heavy for Lucy Diamond, a bit too bity and incoherently for me. Shame, but am looking forward towards next novel from this author.
I didn't warm to the characters. Jess was absolutely irritating and annoying, always wanting to please everybody, stirring things, "helping" where help was not needed and I totally understand why Adelaide had such a problem with her. She was too soft, too weak. Adelaide, on the other hand, was fierce and was absolutely THE leading character in this book, though I still can't catch what was so special about her that Lucy Diamond wrote a story about her. Really.
And then those two characters and their backgrounds and histories, mixing but not mixing. For me, when the subplots intertwine, they must have something common, there must be this middle where they meet, where I learn why it is those two people whose paths met. But not here and I didn't got into the heart of this story.
It felt as if there was no right idea behind this story. No clear structure. Two random characters, their stories, thrown together, let's glue them together. Somehow. But this "somehow" didn't work for me.
There were some heavier issues in the story, some dark memories and mysteries to be revealed, but the most important things was the characters' growth into leaving the past behind and starting to enjoy themselves and their lives in the present. A bit too heavy for Lucy Diamond, a bit too bity and incoherently for me. Shame, but am looking forward towards next novel from this author.
June 14, 2024
Lucy is one of my favourite authors and I’ve read all of her other books and loved them. I’m gutted to say though I just didn’t gel with this one. I can’t even put my finger on it but the story just didn’t entice me. I struggled to concentrate when reading it as I was just not in love with it. The characters were okay, Jess maybe slightly annoying with her interfering, in parts I was cringing wondering why she was doing what she was doing. The worst thing is I love Paris and all things Parisian so really gutted I just didn’t enjoy this book.
Worth a read but this took me a week to read when normally I devour a book in 2 days maximum.
Worth a read but this took me a week to read when normally I devour a book in 2 days maximum.
March 5, 2024
Another enjoyable read from Lucy, I always like her books and this was no different.
I liked the format of this story - set between the past and present of the two main characters. It was easy to follow and lovely descriptions of Paris.
I listened to the audiobook and it was nice to hear the French pronunciations sprinkled throughout the book.
I liked the format of this story - set between the past and present of the two main characters. It was easy to follow and lovely descriptions of Paris.
I listened to the audiobook and it was nice to hear the French pronunciations sprinkled throughout the book.
December 11, 2023
Three and a half stars.
This is kind of two stories in one.
Jess Bright is a recently divorced mother of three teenage girls. A journalist, her writing tends to be of the agony aunt/humorous blog about her family life which was always dismissed by her ex-husband (a sports' writer) as frivolous. So when she gets approached to write the biography of famous artist Adelaide Fox, who now lives in Paris, she jumps at the chance, she briefly lived and worked in Paris before she was married and has fond memories of the city.
Adelaide Fox was a ground-breaker, a rebel, an enfant terrible. Now old, her former husband dead for over twenty years and what appears to be impending Parkinson's disease, her life has become smaller and she has become less tolerant.
There are mysteries in both Jess and Adelaide's pasts. Did Adelaide's stalker really commit suicide, and in such a bizarre fashion, or was there something more sinister? Why did Adelaide fall out with her best friend and why have never spoken again? What happened to Jess' best friend in Paris, Pascale who disappeared one day and was never heard from again?
At first Jess and Adelaide have quite an antagonistic relationship, Adelaide wants to use the biography to settle old scores with everyone who has ever wronged her and doesn't appreciate Jess' questions about other things, or her suggestions that Adelaide should talk about happier events in her life as well. Nevertheless, as they work together Adelaide finds she sees the past with new eyes.
Although there is a romance, this is very much women's' fiction, two women revisiting their pasts and learning things about each other. I did enjoy it, and Lucy Diamond's writing is always excellent, but in some ways I felt having both Adelaide and Jess' stories somewhat diluted events. There were lots of little side episodes which didn't really go anywhere (like Jess' extremely irritating daughter who seemed to be a plot device), I wanted Jess to be an almost invisible presence, teasing Adelaide's life story out of her, and I just didn't feel we got enough of Adelaide's life.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
This is kind of two stories in one.
Jess Bright is a recently divorced mother of three teenage girls. A journalist, her writing tends to be of the agony aunt/humorous blog about her family life which was always dismissed by her ex-husband (a sports' writer) as frivolous. So when she gets approached to write the biography of famous artist Adelaide Fox, who now lives in Paris, she jumps at the chance, she briefly lived and worked in Paris before she was married and has fond memories of the city.
Adelaide Fox was a ground-breaker, a rebel, an enfant terrible. Now old, her former husband dead for over twenty years and what appears to be impending Parkinson's disease, her life has become smaller and she has become less tolerant.
There are mysteries in both Jess and Adelaide's pasts. Did Adelaide's stalker really commit suicide, and in such a bizarre fashion, or was there something more sinister? Why did Adelaide fall out with her best friend and why have never spoken again? What happened to Jess' best friend in Paris, Pascale who disappeared one day and was never heard from again?
At first Jess and Adelaide have quite an antagonistic relationship, Adelaide wants to use the biography to settle old scores with everyone who has ever wronged her and doesn't appreciate Jess' questions about other things, or her suggestions that Adelaide should talk about happier events in her life as well. Nevertheless, as they work together Adelaide finds she sees the past with new eyes.
Although there is a romance, this is very much women's' fiction, two women revisiting their pasts and learning things about each other. I did enjoy it, and Lucy Diamond's writing is always excellent, but in some ways I felt having both Adelaide and Jess' stories somewhat diluted events. There were lots of little side episodes which didn't really go anywhere (like Jess' extremely irritating daughter who seemed to be a plot device), I wanted Jess to be an almost invisible presence, teasing Adelaide's life story out of her, and I just didn't feel we got enough of Adelaide's life.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
December 27, 2023
Jess is a freelance journalist who receives the job offer of a lifetime – the chance to ghost write the memoirs of Adelaide Fox, a famous artist now retired and living in Paris.
Initially things don’t go well and Jess is sacked before her trial week is over. However, Adelaide gives her another chance and so Jess leaves her three daughters with her estranged husband and travels to Paris.
Both Jess and Adelaide have secrets and mysteries in their lives. Jess is haunted by the disappearance of her best friend when they were both chambermaids together years ago and Adelaide had a stalker who was found dead in very mysterious circumstances.
I loved both the main characters. Jess is impulsive and constantly tries to help other people. She is also pulled in different directions by the needs of her daughters as well as a possibly romance with an ex boyfriend. Adelaide has almost become a recluse and spends her time in her apartment watching Art series on TV. Reliving her memories is painful at times but she also begins to realise that she is missing out on life. The secondary characters are brilliantly written too especially Lucas and Frieda.
Paris is the real star of this book. The characters spend a fair amount of time in the cafes and restaurants that fill Paris and we see that beautiful city through their eyes. I loved it when Jess’s eldest daughter insists that they visit all of the spots featured in Emily in Paris.
This was a brilliant read. I loved the gradual telling of Adelaide’s life as she recounted it to Jess as well as seeing Jess get rid of the ghosts from her own past. The growth of the characters through the novel and the way that they began to understand themselves better was a high light for me.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers, Quercus Books, for allowing me to read this ARC. All the opinions in this review are my own.
Initially things don’t go well and Jess is sacked before her trial week is over. However, Adelaide gives her another chance and so Jess leaves her three daughters with her estranged husband and travels to Paris.
Both Jess and Adelaide have secrets and mysteries in their lives. Jess is haunted by the disappearance of her best friend when they were both chambermaids together years ago and Adelaide had a stalker who was found dead in very mysterious circumstances.
I loved both the main characters. Jess is impulsive and constantly tries to help other people. She is also pulled in different directions by the needs of her daughters as well as a possibly romance with an ex boyfriend. Adelaide has almost become a recluse and spends her time in her apartment watching Art series on TV. Reliving her memories is painful at times but she also begins to realise that she is missing out on life. The secondary characters are brilliantly written too especially Lucas and Frieda.
Paris is the real star of this book. The characters spend a fair amount of time in the cafes and restaurants that fill Paris and we see that beautiful city through their eyes. I loved it when Jess’s eldest daughter insists that they visit all of the spots featured in Emily in Paris.
This was a brilliant read. I loved the gradual telling of Adelaide’s life as she recounted it to Jess as well as seeing Jess get rid of the ghosts from her own past. The growth of the characters through the novel and the way that they began to understand themselves better was a high light for me.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers, Quercus Books, for allowing me to read this ARC. All the opinions in this review are my own.
February 25, 2024
Discover the locations in the novel here
We’re off to Paris on a writing job! Turns out Jess gets to go in order to ghost write the autobiography of the very controversial artist Adelaide Fox. She is British but now lives in Paris and so Jess heads off to speak to her and find out more. She’s old and very reclusive however.
There is a bit of back story in Kent before we head off, but the real story for me was Paris. Oh the streets and the food! The descriptions were all so nicely done. Paris certainly is important to Jess as it holds memories for Jess and it certainly plays a key role in setting the scene, expectations and atmosphere for the entire story.
Adelaide was a fine character to meet. She’s an old recluse and has been used to spending time on her own so is a bit of a loner. She wants to write this book but is going to settle some scores along the way. Turns out this writing journey is interesting and emotional for Jess too as her memories and feelings come to the fore.
Adelaide fascinated me. Her art, her life and her character in general were worth an entire book on their own. Kudos to Jess to try and tell her story. Quite an eye opener to see what her life was like in 1960s London. From that location to Paris, where I really enjoyed getting to know Jess and wander around the streets in Paris with her as her memories came back and mingled with new ones. Not to mention the mystery that unfolds in Paris at the same time!
A Diamond of a read.
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