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The Paris Chronicles #1
City of Dreams
After a whirlwind courtship and marriage to dashing Frenchman Emile Daubigny, Anna, the teenage daughter of a Russian furrier, moves to Paris with her new husband, looking forward to a life of gaiety, love and comfortable affluence.
Married life and the social scene in the most fashionable city on earth is everything Anna hoped it would be, but when Emile vanishes without trace and she is evicted, Anna is forced to discover the city’s poverty-stricken dark side of harsh streets and squalid tenements, where the temptation for a penniless young lady to become a kept woman is overwhelming.
To make matters worse, war with Prussia looms and Anna and the city she loves will both struggle to survive.
Married life and the social scene in the most fashionable city on earth is everything Anna hoped it would be, but when Emile vanishes without trace and she is evicted, Anna is forced to discover the city’s poverty-stricken dark side of harsh streets and squalid tenements, where the temptation for a penniless young lady to become a kept woman is overwhelming.
To make matters worse, war with Prussia looms and Anna and the city she loves will both struggle to survive.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 16, 2014
409 people are currently reading
761 people want to read
About the author
Harriet Steel
25 books164 followersHarriet Steel wrote several historical novels before turning to crime with the Inspector de Silva mysteries, inspired by time spent in Sri Lanka (the former Ceylon)). Her work has also appeared in national newspapers and magazines. Visit her website, https://harrietsteel.com/ to sign up to her monthly newsletter for information on new releases and offers.
Harriet is married with two daughters and lives in Surrey. When she’s not writing, she likes reading, long walks and visiting art galleries and museums.
Harriet is married with two daughters and lives in Surrey. When she’s not writing, she likes reading, long walks and visiting art galleries and museums.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
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June 16, 2014I ticked romance, but this book does not follow the expected guidelines that many readers expect in romances. However, it is definitely about relationships, sexual and non, friendship as well.
Anna is a romantic eighteen year old when Emile shows up in Russia to partner with Anna's dad in his lucrative fur business. Anna easily falls in love, and is impatient for her wedding. Emile takes his new wife to Paris, where she is dazzled by her wealthy life. That doesn't last.
There are really two protagonists in this novel, Anna and the city of Paris. It begins at the height of the Second Empire, and ends in the smoke and destruction following the Commune period. Though I absolutely could not put the book down, at times I felt that the two protagonists were struggling for dominance: there was Anna's personal story with the men she encountered, then there was Paris's story, which sometimes Anna witnessed (and participated in some compelling scenes) and other times she sat passively by, waiting for news, while the narrative voice shifted away from her to describe the horrors of the Prussian siege and the aftermath.
I felt that the last quarter of the book was somewhat rushed, that being when the narrative voice pretty much abandoned Anna sitting by in order to get in every political shift, and the horrific fallout, leaving the reader . . .
EDITED TO ADD: I have subsequently discovered that this is actually the first book in a saga. Perhaps the next edition will clue readers to be expecting more. (And I am so very glad to find that out!)
I was reading bits of the Journal of the Marquise de la Rochejaquelein the other day, which is a real life memoir of a woman caught in the hell of the Vendee. The Marquise focused on how women survived while men were busy killing each other (and everyone else); some of that echoed in my mind as I read this novel set a century after, which shows how women survived when men fight each other economically as well as politically and finally on the streets of Paris. In those days there was no social security, no fallback at all.
What did women do? Steel shows us, vividly.
Anna is a romantic eighteen year old when Emile shows up in Russia to partner with Anna's dad in his lucrative fur business. Anna easily falls in love, and is impatient for her wedding. Emile takes his new wife to Paris, where she is dazzled by her wealthy life. That doesn't last.
There are really two protagonists in this novel, Anna and the city of Paris. It begins at the height of the Second Empire, and ends in the smoke and destruction following the Commune period. Though I absolutely could not put the book down, at times I felt that the two protagonists were struggling for dominance: there was Anna's personal story with the men she encountered, then there was Paris's story, which sometimes Anna witnessed (and participated in some compelling scenes) and other times she sat passively by, waiting for news, while the narrative voice shifted away from her to describe the horrors of the Prussian siege and the aftermath.
I felt that the last quarter of the book was somewhat rushed, that being when the narrative voice pretty much abandoned Anna sitting by in order to get in every political shift, and the horrific fallout, leaving the reader . . .
EDITED TO ADD: I have subsequently discovered that this is actually the first book in a saga. Perhaps the next edition will clue readers to be expecting more. (And I am so very glad to find that out!)
I was reading bits of the Journal of the Marquise de la Rochejaquelein the other day, which is a real life memoir of a woman caught in the hell of the Vendee. The Marquise focused on how women survived while men were busy killing each other (and everyone else); some of that echoed in my mind as I read this novel set a century after, which shows how women survived when men fight each other economically as well as politically and finally on the streets of Paris. In those days there was no social security, no fallback at all.
What did women do? Steel shows us, vividly.
August 10, 2014
As a person who has always been interested in history, I found this book very easy to read in about two sittings. The author's writing grabbed my attention from the beginning and I just couldn't wait to finish the story.
We meet Anna as a young lady and follow her life as she blossoms into a woman who is brave, smart and humble. I enjoyed her outlook on life and how she tackled challenges. The story did slow down a bit near the end, but by then I honestly couldn't get enough of the characters.
I won this book through the " first reads" giveaway on Goodreads.
We meet Anna as a young lady and follow her life as she blossoms into a woman who is brave, smart and humble. I enjoyed her outlook on life and how she tackled challenges. The story did slow down a bit near the end, but by then I honestly couldn't get enough of the characters.
I won this book through the " first reads" giveaway on Goodreads.
July 17, 2018
I learned quite a few facts on the Franco-Prussian war most of which were new to me. I enjoyed the historical part of the book (from middle to end) more than the main character’s drama storyline.
December 2, 2021
AIBA Book of the Day: 2 December, 2021: 090/41530
Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include CITY OF DREAMS by HARRIET STEEL in the library of Awesome Indies' Badge of Approval recipients.
Original Awesome Indies' Assessment (4 stars):
‘City of Dreams’ by Harriet Steel is a fine work of historical fiction. The book is impeccably written and edited and brings us right into the world of Paris in the 1860s at the time of the Franco Prussian war. Our heroine, Anna, begins her life in a well-off family, marries a very rich man and then, when he goes bankrupt, enters a very different life where she struggles to survive. Life is difficult, and then war comes.
Though there is romance in this, it is not a historical romance as we would normally think of it because there is no one man, rather a series of men. Nevertheless, we do get the feeling that one of these passing beaus is the man for Anna, and since this is the beginning of a series of books, we are left with potential for the future.
Anna comes across as a very real character and I soon found myself caring deeply for her. Secondary characters were also well rounded and well rendered.
I’m not sure if the author has this in mind or not, but it has the feeling of the first in an epic series. It is fairly slow moving and spends its time on character development and historical detail, but I never once wanted to put the book down. It reads like the story of a real woman’s life, not a fictional one embellished with lots of action for modern readers. If you want to immerse yourself in Paris during this time period then this is the book for you. If you want heart pounding romance or high action, you won’t find it here.
Anna just wants to survive in as comfortable a way as possible, and she uses whatever opportunities come her way to achieve her goals. The book would satisfy a wider range of people if this goal and the thing(s) that hindered her achieving her goals had been given more emphasis. That said, any embellishment on what we have may seem somewhat contrived in comparison. The strength of this book is in its apparent reality. We get a very real sense of what it must have been like for women such as Anna, and it reminded me of how far the western world has come in breaking down women’s dependence on men for their livelihood.
The war scenes near the end of the book are quietly powerful. There is no heart-pounding excesses here, just a very real account of the way it was for the people in a city under siege both politically and militarily, and though Anna is not personally, threatened she comes close enough to create a sense of threat.
I received this book free of charge from the author in return for an honest review.
dropped-on-hold
May 18, 2019I'm not too far into this book, but so far, it's too contrived and corny for me. It's hard to imagine a pampered child like this woman was raised not writing home to beg her parents to save her by bringing her back to her own country. I seriously doubt pride would stand in her way to that extent.
April 15, 2018
SPOILERS------Historical fiction, Long and drawn out
Anna is smitten with a well-to-do gentleman visiting her father. In her late teens she finds herself married, wondering where her husband is after not hearing from him for days. She eventually realizes it was a loveless marriage in his part, and she is left alone to fend for herself. Ending up pregnant, living in the slums, she is befriended by an older couple. Eventually she decides to become a mistress to an older affluent gentleman who promises to take care of her always. She manages to survive his death, a controlling lover, and even a major war between France and Prussia. As war torn Paris is being rebuilt, she learns that her estranged husband is indeed dead. She now faces yet another new beginning, this time with freedom on her side.
While this story is indeed very well written, for me it was much too tedious and drawn out. With all of the interested suitors and friends she gains along the way, I just can't believe it took several years before anyone looked into her husband's whereabouts. The story is just her overcoming one hardship after another. I actually got depressed reading this book. I do realize it takes place at a time when life was handled differently, and women were to manage household affairs and not much else, however it seems that disaster followed Anna wherever she went. I kept reading thinking there's be a break in the room and gloom and sadly there just wasn't. If you're looking for historical fiction give this story a try. If you're looking for a fast-food historical romance, skip this one. She starts out married, goes through 2 relationships after her husband deserts her, and at the end winds up alone finding out her husband died.
Anna is smitten with a well-to-do gentleman visiting her father. In her late teens she finds herself married, wondering where her husband is after not hearing from him for days. She eventually realizes it was a loveless marriage in his part, and she is left alone to fend for herself. Ending up pregnant, living in the slums, she is befriended by an older couple. Eventually she decides to become a mistress to an older affluent gentleman who promises to take care of her always. She manages to survive his death, a controlling lover, and even a major war between France and Prussia. As war torn Paris is being rebuilt, she learns that her estranged husband is indeed dead. She now faces yet another new beginning, this time with freedom on her side.
While this story is indeed very well written, for me it was much too tedious and drawn out. With all of the interested suitors and friends she gains along the way, I just can't believe it took several years before anyone looked into her husband's whereabouts. The story is just her overcoming one hardship after another. I actually got depressed reading this book. I do realize it takes place at a time when life was handled differently, and women were to manage household affairs and not much else, however it seems that disaster followed Anna wherever she went. I kept reading thinking there's be a break in the room and gloom and sadly there just wasn't. If you're looking for historical fiction give this story a try. If you're looking for a fast-food historical romance, skip this one. She starts out married, goes through 2 relationships after her husband deserts her, and at the end winds up alone finding out her husband died.
May 17, 2021
This novel is set in Paris during the Franco-Prussian War and the Communard Revolution. Anna, the main character, is a rather naive Russian girl who marries a wealthy French industrialist ... or so she thinks.
The two move to Paris, and she discovers that the man she loves is cruel and despotic ... and in need of her family's money. Soon enough, he disappears and she's turned out of their fancy apartments, which owned by Emile's creditor.
Anna takes work in a laundry at first, but eventually becomes the mistress of a wealthy man. He's kind to her, and ensures she's well cared for ... but then he dies. She next becomes the mistress of a Prussian man.
Needless to say this, makes her life even more complicated, as she has fallen in love with a poor artist ... who is conscripted into the French army. She can't marry anyone, because she's still married to Emile; this is the source of the conflict through most of the book.
The book ends on something of a cliffhanger, as it's part of a series. I'm undecided about reading the next book, to be honest. Anna is a sympathetic character, and the book is filled with people who feel real and believable. It's clear the author has done her homework in terms of research; the characters are in the midst of real places and events. It's just that I wasn't so crazy about Anna's story that I necessarily wanted to find another book to learn more, and that's what cost this book a star at the end of the day.
The two move to Paris, and she discovers that the man she loves is cruel and despotic ... and in need of her family's money. Soon enough, he disappears and she's turned out of their fancy apartments, which owned by Emile's creditor.
Anna takes work in a laundry at first, but eventually becomes the mistress of a wealthy man. He's kind to her, and ensures she's well cared for ... but then he dies. She next becomes the mistress of a Prussian man.
Needless to say this, makes her life even more complicated, as she has fallen in love with a poor artist ... who is conscripted into the French army. She can't marry anyone, because she's still married to Emile; this is the source of the conflict through most of the book.
The book ends on something of a cliffhanger, as it's part of a series. I'm undecided about reading the next book, to be honest. Anna is a sympathetic character, and the book is filled with people who feel real and believable. It's clear the author has done her homework in terms of research; the characters are in the midst of real places and events. It's just that I wasn't so crazy about Anna's story that I necessarily wanted to find another book to learn more, and that's what cost this book a star at the end of the day.
April 18, 2018
Paris troubles
A young Russian girl marries a Frenchman, leaves her family and homeland for Paris. Life is not as expected. The husband leaves without any word. The girl is left with nothing, but goes through many changes to survive. She becomes a mistress. Life is somewhat better. The book is set during war with Prussia. I was fascinated by the events that took place in this young lady's life. This was a part of France history I knew little about. A horrific time for Paris and the character of the book. A wonderful read. It held my attention throughout it's pages. I found it fascinating. A must read for all Francofiles. Kudos to the writer for a great book.
A young Russian girl marries a Frenchman, leaves her family and homeland for Paris. Life is not as expected. The husband leaves without any word. The girl is left with nothing, but goes through many changes to survive. She becomes a mistress. Life is somewhat better. The book is set during war with Prussia. I was fascinated by the events that took place in this young lady's life. This was a part of France history I knew little about. A horrific time for Paris and the character of the book. A wonderful read. It held my attention throughout it's pages. I found it fascinating. A must read for all Francofiles. Kudos to the writer for a great book.
May 26, 2020
A Winding but Enjoyable Journey
While I devoured the first half of this book in one night, I wasn't as taken with the second part. After the midpoint, the storyline became a bit meandering which felt unnecessary. The ending seemed abrupt as well, though I realize the author was planning for a sequel. Still, I enjoyed learning about a part of history that I don't know much about and the glittering (and often ugly) picture she paints of Paris at that time is both believable and intriguing.
While I devoured the first half of this book in one night, I wasn't as taken with the second part. After the midpoint, the storyline became a bit meandering which felt unnecessary. The ending seemed abrupt as well, though I realize the author was planning for a sequel. Still, I enjoyed learning about a part of history that I don't know much about and the glittering (and often ugly) picture she paints of Paris at that time is both believable and intriguing.
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October 13, 2020Art and War
This novel was about the life of one young woman who found herself in the middle of the Prussian and French Revolution in Paris. This account is terrifying to me personally, because I live in Oregon and we are in the middle of the BLM Antifa Riots in Portland. I am experiencing statues, art, buildings, businesses and the economy being demolished right before my eyes, just like the story. My story hasn't ended yet, but there is a sequel to this novel. I wonder if it will parallel?
This novel was about the life of one young woman who found herself in the middle of the Prussian and French Revolution in Paris. This account is terrifying to me personally, because I live in Oregon and we are in the middle of the BLM Antifa Riots in Portland. I am experiencing statues, art, buildings, businesses and the economy being demolished right before my eyes, just like the story. My story hasn't ended yet, but there is a sequel to this novel. I wonder if it will parallel?
October 4, 2019
Excellent Goodread
Paris, ‘The City of Lights’ becomes the ‘City of Dreams’ for Anna, young naive Russian. Author Harriet Steel’s beautiful writing begins Anna’s Paris life in blissful, extravagant times until a nightmare brings tragedy. The story in between took me on an emotional roller coaster, I couldn’t let go and when it was over, I held on wanting more. A compelling story and an excellent goodread.
Paris, ‘The City of Lights’ becomes the ‘City of Dreams’ for Anna, young naive Russian. Author Harriet Steel’s beautiful writing begins Anna’s Paris life in blissful, extravagant times until a nightmare brings tragedy. The story in between took me on an emotional roller coaster, I couldn’t let go and when it was over, I held on wanting more. A compelling story and an excellent goodread.
November 21, 2019
Not a romance so much as a history - a story of a woman who ties her future initially to the wrong person and then learns the meanings of friendship, interdependence, and love.
Though I got this volume for free by following one of the free e-book services, I immediately ordered the second volume after I finished it.
Though I got this volume for free by following one of the free e-book services, I immediately ordered the second volume after I finished it.
June 9, 2020
A solid good read from start to finish! I enjoyed the French history and look into the Franco-Prussian War. I loved seeing the main characters journey through life, her ups and downs and such. It did start to drag towards the end with so much talk of war and politics but I still enjoyed it. Most of the side characters were well written as well. Overall, an enjoyable read!
September 7, 2020
Anna is a young woman of extreme privilege in Russia. She falls head over heels in love with a wealthy young man named Emile, who marries her and whisks her off to Paris. After a few months, he deserts her and she finds he is bankrupt, but she is a strong young woman and makes a new life for herself.
December 14, 2018
Too much repetitive detail
I,m enjoying the Nuala series,but find this too detailed about the political upheaval in Paris and not enough depth of character. Anna is very one dimensional and I found myself as bored as she often was.
I,m enjoying the Nuala series,but find this too detailed about the political upheaval in Paris and not enough depth of character. Anna is very one dimensional and I found myself as bored as she often was.
June 19, 2020
I like history and found this detailed on describing life and some choices people make to get through times of war. Interesting facts about the War in France. But not from a soldiers perspective. A woman’s story of trying to get by and living with her decisions.
July 21, 2020
Very enjoyable!
I love historical fiction and this book taught me a lot about the siege of Paris and the Franco Prussian war. I really enjoyed the characters and I cared about what happened to them. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to the second book in the series!
I love historical fiction and this book taught me a lot about the siege of Paris and the Franco Prussian war. I really enjoyed the characters and I cared about what happened to them. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to the second book in the series!
April 16, 2021
Liked it, didn't love it. Our heroine Anna keeps being saved and rescued and being looked after by pretty much everyone she meets. Good for her, but my suspense of disbelief apparently has it's limits.
March 18, 2024
This is a period novel. It tells how Anna's story starts in Russia and continues in Paris with ups and downs. At the same time, we learn about the political events and social structure during the reign of Napoleon III, and how society was in turmoil during and after the Franco-Prussian war. It is a very fluent, skillfully written, informative book.
September 28, 2019
Dreams
Never read anything by this author. A very good description of life in Paris. Will read the next one to see happens
Never read anything by this author. A very good description of life in Paris. Will read the next one to see happens
January 21, 2020
This was set at the beginning of the Franco/Prussian war, which was a precursor to WWI, so that was interesting. The thought that pride would have you make these kind of choices though......
June 2, 2021
A slow burn
The story moves so slowly, but is full of interesting characters and a doable plot. Misery loves company...or so they say.
The story moves so slowly, but is full of interesting characters and a doable plot. Misery loves company...or so they say.
June 12, 2020
This is a wonderful book to read. It would make a great travel read. I highly recommend it to all.
July 29, 2014
The story opens in St Petersburg in 1864 as seventeen year old Anna, the daughter of a prosperous Russian furrier, is swept off her feet in a whirlwind romance with the attractive and elegant Frenchman, Emile Daubigny. In joyful anticipation, Anna leaves her family in St Petersburg and enters married life in the glorious city of Paris, where she expects to have a comfortable and affluent lifestyle amongst the great and the good of this enchanting city. However, Anna’s circumstances change dramatically when her husband Emile mysteriously disappears leaving her both homeless and penniless. As a woman alone, in a man’s world, Anna soon discovers that she has limited choices, and as the Franco-Prussian war looms, Anna must do whatever she can to survive. In a skilful blending of fact and fiction, Anna’s story is told against the back drop of a city in turmoil, the Franco-Prussian war encroaches, not just on the way in which the city of Paris went about its daily business, but it also demonstrated the fact that lone women would be always be considered to be at the mercy of powerful men.
The narrative is nicely written with a fine eye for detail and the author’s obvious love of history and skill at historical research shines throughout the story, so much so, the era really does come alive. The majestic splendour of sharing company with the Emperor Napoleon III during a rendition of La Belle Hélène at the opera house, and of chance encounters with Alexandre Dumas during intimate suppers at the Moulin Rouge, sit quite comfortably against the more colourful and lively description of washday in one of the city’s more salubrious washing sheds. The juxtaposition of vast wealth is counteracted against the descriptions of lives which are affected just as deeply by poverty and squalor. The rich array of characters who flit into and out of the story add an undeniable charm, and yet what shines throughout is Anna’s strength of character and the way in which she was able to keep her dreams alive.
Overall, the story adds a lovely touch of authenticity to a thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of a tumultuous period in French history. The ending of the book lends itself quite nicely to a continuation of the story, as there are still avenues to explore and loose ends which need some clarification. However, I am sure that this feisty heroine will find much to occupy her in her city of dreams.
The narrative is nicely written with a fine eye for detail and the author’s obvious love of history and skill at historical research shines throughout the story, so much so, the era really does come alive. The majestic splendour of sharing company with the Emperor Napoleon III during a rendition of La Belle Hélène at the opera house, and of chance encounters with Alexandre Dumas during intimate suppers at the Moulin Rouge, sit quite comfortably against the more colourful and lively description of washday in one of the city’s more salubrious washing sheds. The juxtaposition of vast wealth is counteracted against the descriptions of lives which are affected just as deeply by poverty and squalor. The rich array of characters who flit into and out of the story add an undeniable charm, and yet what shines throughout is Anna’s strength of character and the way in which she was able to keep her dreams alive.
Overall, the story adds a lovely touch of authenticity to a thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of a tumultuous period in French history. The ending of the book lends itself quite nicely to a continuation of the story, as there are still avenues to explore and loose ends which need some clarification. However, I am sure that this feisty heroine will find much to occupy her in her city of dreams.
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July 16, 2014City of Dreams is the first in a planned series following the life and adventures of Anna, who starts off as the young daughter of a Russian furrier, and by the end of this book has changed cities, married a scoundrel, fallen from grace, become a mistress-for-hire, and slowly rebuilt her life in Paris.
Set in the lead up to and during the Franco-Prussian war, it's a fast-paced and enjoyable read. The writing is invisible (a type that's surprisingly hard to master), with little in the way of metaphorical ornamentation, but it works well with the first person narrative of Anna herself, and I found that I'd finished the book within a few hours in a single sitting.
I can't speak to the accuracy of the history, but we do see the horror of living through a war, and again through the internal unrest in Paris during the rise and defeat of the Communards.
Anna makes connections and friends in Paris (sometimes a little too easily for my taste, though) that see her through the terrible things she must endure. She might start off the story aa a naive little child-bride, with seemingly barely a thought in her head, but she is quickly thrown into unexpected circumstances that give us her true mettle, and by the end she has matured and taken on something of a grave and quiet responsibility to those who have helped her.
There is romance, but it is not the impetus and is far from cloying. The real focus is not on Anna's romantic entanglements, but on how she develops, and on the network of people she gathers around her. It's a novel more of friendships than love affairs.
I will be looking forward to reading more of Steel's work.
Set in the lead up to and during the Franco-Prussian war, it's a fast-paced and enjoyable read. The writing is invisible (a type that's surprisingly hard to master), with little in the way of metaphorical ornamentation, but it works well with the first person narrative of Anna herself, and I found that I'd finished the book within a few hours in a single sitting.
I can't speak to the accuracy of the history, but we do see the horror of living through a war, and again through the internal unrest in Paris during the rise and defeat of the Communards.
Anna makes connections and friends in Paris (sometimes a little too easily for my taste, though) that see her through the terrible things she must endure. She might start off the story aa a naive little child-bride, with seemingly barely a thought in her head, but she is quickly thrown into unexpected circumstances that give us her true mettle, and by the end she has matured and taken on something of a grave and quiet responsibility to those who have helped her.
There is romance, but it is not the impetus and is far from cloying. The real focus is not on Anna's romantic entanglements, but on how she develops, and on the network of people she gathers around her. It's a novel more of friendships than love affairs.
I will be looking forward to reading more of Steel's work.
September 3, 2014
City of Dreams follows Anna, a Russian who moves to Paris on the verge of the 1865 Franco-Prussian war. Early in the story she falls from riches to rags, in a way reminiscent of Fantine from Les Miserables, though Anna’s starting point is higher and her decline not so disastrous. After a brief period in comparative poverty, Anna finds a comfortable career as mistress to a selection of wealthy men. The war ushers in a troubled period for the city and occupants.
The recounting of the history was more compelling than the personal drama. Harriet comments that the Franco-Prussian war is somewhat overlooked, I certainly knew little about it, and the only familiar event was the eating of zoo animals during the siege. The description of the progress of the war was illuminating.
The author invites us to draw parallels between Anna and émigré brides of today, with all the potential for social dislocation and dismissal. She also enables us to share an outsider’s view of France. However, I found it difficult to engage with Anna, and the city at large was the more vivid character.
Readers looking for nineteenth-century stories away from the obvious Napoleonic or British Empire settings might enjoy City of Dreams. It is, however, hard to classify. Although touching on battles, it is not a war book. There are sexual elements, but it is not a romance. It is, I think, best read as a reflection of Paris herself.
Technically the book was well turned out; proofreading was thorough. A few chapters ended with a couple of lines slipping onto a new page; a final edit would easily correct these.
The recounting of the history was more compelling than the personal drama. Harriet comments that the Franco-Prussian war is somewhat overlooked, I certainly knew little about it, and the only familiar event was the eating of zoo animals during the siege. The description of the progress of the war was illuminating.
The author invites us to draw parallels between Anna and émigré brides of today, with all the potential for social dislocation and dismissal. She also enables us to share an outsider’s view of France. However, I found it difficult to engage with Anna, and the city at large was the more vivid character.
Readers looking for nineteenth-century stories away from the obvious Napoleonic or British Empire settings might enjoy City of Dreams. It is, however, hard to classify. Although touching on battles, it is not a war book. There are sexual elements, but it is not a romance. It is, I think, best read as a reflection of Paris herself.
Technically the book was well turned out; proofreading was thorough. A few chapters ended with a couple of lines slipping onto a new page; a final edit would easily correct these.
February 18, 2016
CITY OF DREAMS is the first in a series of wonderfully written novels. It vividly shows how dreams can be shattered as it illustrates life in Paris during the end of an Empire. It brings us right into the world of Paris in the 1860s at the time of the Franco Prussian war. It is told in first person by the heroine herself.
The story opens in St Petersburg in 1864 as seventeen year old Anna, the daughter of a successful Russian furrier, is swept off her feet in a hasty but short-lived romance with an attractive and elegant Frenchman, Emile Daubigny. In joyful eagerness, Anna leaves her family in St. Petersburg and enters married life just shy of her 18th birthday, in the lovely city of Paris. She expects to have a comfortable and upscale lifestyle amongst the great and the powerful of this enchanting city. However, Anna’s circumstances change drastically when her husband, Emile, mysteriously disappears leaving her both homeless and penniless. As a woman alone in a man’s world, Anna soon discovers that she has very limited choices. As the Franco-Prussian war looms, Anna must do whatever she can to survive.
In a skillful blending of fact and fiction, Anna’s story is told against the back drop of a city in turmoil. As the Franco-Prussian war encroaches, we see not just the way in which the city of Paris went about its daily business, but it also vividly shows the fact that a lone women would always be considered to be at the mercy of powerful men. A GREAT READ!!!
The story opens in St Petersburg in 1864 as seventeen year old Anna, the daughter of a successful Russian furrier, is swept off her feet in a hasty but short-lived romance with an attractive and elegant Frenchman, Emile Daubigny. In joyful eagerness, Anna leaves her family in St. Petersburg and enters married life just shy of her 18th birthday, in the lovely city of Paris. She expects to have a comfortable and upscale lifestyle amongst the great and the powerful of this enchanting city. However, Anna’s circumstances change drastically when her husband, Emile, mysteriously disappears leaving her both homeless and penniless. As a woman alone in a man’s world, Anna soon discovers that she has very limited choices. As the Franco-Prussian war looms, Anna must do whatever she can to survive.
In a skillful blending of fact and fiction, Anna’s story is told against the back drop of a city in turmoil. As the Franco-Prussian war encroaches, we see not just the way in which the city of Paris went about its daily business, but it also vividly shows the fact that a lone women would always be considered to be at the mercy of powerful men. A GREAT READ!!!
September 28, 2015
This novel tells the story of a young Russian woman who is abandoned in Paris and left to go it alone.
This novel was ok, the author certainly did not make it easy for Anna - she struggled for everything she got and had to make some very hard choices which eventually led her to separate herself from her family.
There are also some very interesting stories told in the sub-plots of the novel. One of these is the Franco-Prussian war which the author has re-dated so that it fits in better with the novel. This is a nice historical addition as it gives the novel some depth and allows it to tell another story about this City of Dreams. I am inspired to find out more about this Franco Prussian War now.
Coming to the end of the novel I was very worried that the author would leave the reader hanging by not resolving the story of Emile. It was eventually reolved but someone the way that it was done seemed very rushed and almost a second thought at the nd.
An easy engaging read.
This novel was ok, the author certainly did not make it easy for Anna - she struggled for everything she got and had to make some very hard choices which eventually led her to separate herself from her family.
There are also some very interesting stories told in the sub-plots of the novel. One of these is the Franco-Prussian war which the author has re-dated so that it fits in better with the novel. This is a nice historical addition as it gives the novel some depth and allows it to tell another story about this City of Dreams. I am inspired to find out more about this Franco Prussian War now.
Coming to the end of the novel I was very worried that the author would leave the reader hanging by not resolving the story of Emile. It was eventually reolved but someone the way that it was done seemed very rushed and almost a second thought at the nd.
An easy engaging read.
November 8, 2014
I won a paperback copy of this book in a giveaway and was immediately glad that I did. The cover and finish are professional and eye catching and, though this is not my usual kind of read, the premise intrigued me.
Anna moves to Paris with new husband Emile and settles into a life of genteel comfort. She has everything she needs and more though she is far away from her family and her former life.
Soon things go wrong and Anna finds herself alone in a city that is not so hospitable to the poor and homeless. However, she finds kindness and a way to survive.
The story is set against a turbulent period of history that felt authentic to me and well researched though I know very little about it myself.
This is an enjoyable and absorbing read with plenty of substance for those looking for more than a simple romance.
Anna moves to Paris with new husband Emile and settles into a life of genteel comfort. She has everything she needs and more though she is far away from her family and her former life.
Soon things go wrong and Anna finds herself alone in a city that is not so hospitable to the poor and homeless. However, she finds kindness and a way to survive.
The story is set against a turbulent period of history that felt authentic to me and well researched though I know very little about it myself.
This is an enjoyable and absorbing read with plenty of substance for those looking for more than a simple romance.
August 17, 2016
The story advances a bit slowly in the beginning, with a predictable romance that takes the reader from Russia to Parisian high society during the middle 1800s. Once CITY OF DREAMS began its rollercoaster descent, however, the author's assiduous research and knowledge shine through.
Harriet Steel's historical novel unfolds at a leisurely pace, meandering through equally tragic and pleasant scenes with characters that feel authentic in their environment. The pain and sacrifices of war bleed onto the page. My impression is that the protagonist has more than a touch of Scarlett O'Hara in her, suffering and then moving along to the next shoulder to lean on.
Harriet Steel's historical novel unfolds at a leisurely pace, meandering through equally tragic and pleasant scenes with characters that feel authentic in their environment. The pain and sacrifices of war bleed onto the page. My impression is that the protagonist has more than a touch of Scarlett O'Hara in her, suffering and then moving along to the next shoulder to lean on.
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