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Paris Dreaming
An Australian beauty journalist shares her obsession with Paris - a city which has been her guide through a lifelong journey of self-discovery. Katrina Lawrence first fell in love with Paris at the age of five, and since then her roads have continually led her back to this most beautiful city, the City of Lights.
Telling us the story of why Paris continually fascinates her, Katrina also gives us a mesmerising journey around Paris's most spectacular sights and most beguiling nooks and crannies, as well as a profound musing on Paris and its people - from feminism to femininity, politics to perfume, and of course, those stylish Parisiennes who captivate us, from Catherine de Medici and Coco Chanel to Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve, making Paris Dreaming the ultimate chic, personal and charming memoir.
Studded with fascinating anecdotes and intriguing tidbits of trivia, Katrina shares the lessons Paris has taught her: everything from her favourites cafes and how to pick the perfect red lipstick to how to eat for pleasure. Written with warmth, gaiety, elegance and very real insight, Paris Dreaming is a book not just for women who love Paris, but for anyone in search of that elusive good life.
Telling us the story of why Paris continually fascinates her, Katrina also gives us a mesmerising journey around Paris's most spectacular sights and most beguiling nooks and crannies, as well as a profound musing on Paris and its people - from feminism to femininity, politics to perfume, and of course, those stylish Parisiennes who captivate us, from Catherine de Medici and Coco Chanel to Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve, making Paris Dreaming the ultimate chic, personal and charming memoir.
Studded with fascinating anecdotes and intriguing tidbits of trivia, Katrina shares the lessons Paris has taught her: everything from her favourites cafes and how to pick the perfect red lipstick to how to eat for pleasure. Written with warmth, gaiety, elegance and very real insight, Paris Dreaming is a book not just for women who love Paris, but for anyone in search of that elusive good life.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2017
46 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 5, 2018
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Paris Dreaming is a book you will easily fall in love with on first sight. When I first opened my parcel from the publisher which contained this book from Harper Collins Books Australia, I was taken aback by just how beautiful this book is on the outside. It features the silhouette of a fashion model, adorned in a stunning blush pink dress. The title of the novel and the outline of the Paris skyline are embossed in gold. I will admit to spending a lot of time before opening the book to read fawning over the cover!
Inside the book Paris Dreaming, written by beauty journalist Katrina Lawrence, is the story of a young girl who fell in love with the city of lights, Paris, at just five years old. Since this life changing family trip, Katrina has made many return visits to the most beautiful city in the world, often at pivotal turning points in her life. These include visits that coincided with her high school graduation, the beginning of her career in journalism, to falling in love and taking a vacation as a mother of two. In this unique travel memoir and testament to Paris, Lawrence shares her thoughts on the way of life in Paris. Lawrence includes vignettes on feminism, politics and includes some interesting historical events, as well as information on key Parisian figureheads. Tied together with these influences are Katrina Lawrence’s offerings on the not to be missed sights of Paris, the food, fashion and cultural aspects of this rich locale. Most of all, after Lawrence shares a few special moments about Paris and she guides the reader to a ‘good life’, which she believes can be taken directly from the experiences in Paris Dreaming.
As a self confessed Francophile since I made my maiden voyage to the city of lights in 2009, I have read a lot and I stress a lot of literature on Paris. This has ranged from fiction, to non fiction, historicals, travel guides and biographies. I loved the fact that Paris Dreaming, by Katrina Lawrence, offered a fresh take on a city of thought I knew so much about. Boy was I mistaken! Through Katrina Lawrence and her delightful genre hybrid Paris Dreaming, I was able to glean much more about a city I have loved for many years.
Katrina Lawrence is the ultimate tour guide, her approach to selling the sights and sounds of Paris is touching, insightful and original. Throughout your time with Paris Dreaming, expect to be hit with plenty of historical fact, told in an engaging way. Expect plenty of beauty tips and fashion, plus fashion icons and trends of the Parisians. Expect anecdotes on feminism, politics, art and culture. Expect to taste and drink in the wonderful food and culinary delights Paris has to offer. Most all, expect to come away from Paris Dreaming learning a thing or two, or thinking a little differently on what the good life constitutes.
Paris Dreaming is an exquisite book inside and out. I adored the structure of this book very much. Each chapter in the book correlates to a stage in the author, Katrina Lawrence’s life. Readers will be astounded by the stunning black and white illustrations that open each chapter. I desperately wanted to hang these images on my walls as I loved them so very much! The extra special touches added to this book are clearly a reflection of the thought and care that has gone into the production of Paris Dreaming. A beautiful map of Paris at the front, personal photographs and a note on use of font in the book (adobe garamond – an elegant font inspired by the work of a 16th century Parisian punch cutter) demonstrates Lawrence’s devotion to getting the finer details of this book just right. Combined with an impressive bibliography at the close, Lawrence’s depth of research cannot be faulted.
Paris Dreaming is the ultimate coffee table accessory and it is a beautiful book to add to your personal library. It would make the perfect gift, especially for someone who has a passion for Paris, is about to embark on a trip to the city or simply dreams of visiting one day.
*Please note that a free copy of this book was provided to me for review purposes through Beauty and Lace and Harper Collins Books Australia. To read the original review on the Beauty and Lace website please visit: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo....
Paris Dreaming is a book you will easily fall in love with on first sight. When I first opened my parcel from the publisher which contained this book from Harper Collins Books Australia, I was taken aback by just how beautiful this book is on the outside. It features the silhouette of a fashion model, adorned in a stunning blush pink dress. The title of the novel and the outline of the Paris skyline are embossed in gold. I will admit to spending a lot of time before opening the book to read fawning over the cover!
Inside the book Paris Dreaming, written by beauty journalist Katrina Lawrence, is the story of a young girl who fell in love with the city of lights, Paris, at just five years old. Since this life changing family trip, Katrina has made many return visits to the most beautiful city in the world, often at pivotal turning points in her life. These include visits that coincided with her high school graduation, the beginning of her career in journalism, to falling in love and taking a vacation as a mother of two. In this unique travel memoir and testament to Paris, Lawrence shares her thoughts on the way of life in Paris. Lawrence includes vignettes on feminism, politics and includes some interesting historical events, as well as information on key Parisian figureheads. Tied together with these influences are Katrina Lawrence’s offerings on the not to be missed sights of Paris, the food, fashion and cultural aspects of this rich locale. Most of all, after Lawrence shares a few special moments about Paris and she guides the reader to a ‘good life’, which she believes can be taken directly from the experiences in Paris Dreaming.
As a self confessed Francophile since I made my maiden voyage to the city of lights in 2009, I have read a lot and I stress a lot of literature on Paris. This has ranged from fiction, to non fiction, historicals, travel guides and biographies. I loved the fact that Paris Dreaming, by Katrina Lawrence, offered a fresh take on a city of thought I knew so much about. Boy was I mistaken! Through Katrina Lawrence and her delightful genre hybrid Paris Dreaming, I was able to glean much more about a city I have loved for many years.
Katrina Lawrence is the ultimate tour guide, her approach to selling the sights and sounds of Paris is touching, insightful and original. Throughout your time with Paris Dreaming, expect to be hit with plenty of historical fact, told in an engaging way. Expect plenty of beauty tips and fashion, plus fashion icons and trends of the Parisians. Expect anecdotes on feminism, politics, art and culture. Expect to taste and drink in the wonderful food and culinary delights Paris has to offer. Most all, expect to come away from Paris Dreaming learning a thing or two, or thinking a little differently on what the good life constitutes.
Paris Dreaming is an exquisite book inside and out. I adored the structure of this book very much. Each chapter in the book correlates to a stage in the author, Katrina Lawrence’s life. Readers will be astounded by the stunning black and white illustrations that open each chapter. I desperately wanted to hang these images on my walls as I loved them so very much! The extra special touches added to this book are clearly a reflection of the thought and care that has gone into the production of Paris Dreaming. A beautiful map of Paris at the front, personal photographs and a note on use of font in the book (adobe garamond – an elegant font inspired by the work of a 16th century Parisian punch cutter) demonstrates Lawrence’s devotion to getting the finer details of this book just right. Combined with an impressive bibliography at the close, Lawrence’s depth of research cannot be faulted.
Paris Dreaming is the ultimate coffee table accessory and it is a beautiful book to add to your personal library. It would make the perfect gift, especially for someone who has a passion for Paris, is about to embark on a trip to the city or simply dreams of visiting one day.
*Please note that a free copy of this book was provided to me for review purposes through Beauty and Lace and Harper Collins Books Australia. To read the original review on the Beauty and Lace website please visit: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo....
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January 26, 2018An unusual choice of book for somebody who rarely wears make-up, doesn't 'do' beauty, or has never been to Paris. But I have dreamed of it. All my life, it has been an integral part of who I am. Katrina Lawrence's memoir weaves her frequent visits to Paris since childhood with aspects of Parisian history, culture, politics, architecture, and the fascinating personalities who made it their spiritual home. It is the personal aspects that resonated with me. Katrina's maternal family is of French descent, and she rues her lack of French upbringing, where she wasn't socialised into a French cadre, told how to act Parisian, steeped in the rules of etiquette, or guided in how to live her life. This memoir reflects her attempts to live 'well', and the lessons from the Parisians that we can take or leave, to ensure we are living our best version.
My first language was French. My mother was French, born in Paris, and I always equated 'doing' beauty with vanity and selfishness. I see now she was simply an extreme version of a Parisian mother, taking care of herself first before the children, who are expected to simply behave. While we languished at home, my mother would take off with various suitors to dances, wearing fancy frocks, and fully made-up. Always wearing make-up. And buying the full range of $500 pots of La Prairie creams made from caviar and gold dust, like she was some kind of modern-day Diane de Poitiers, while we ate microwave lasagne. Katrina Lawrence has a close relationship with her mother, but they have contrasting outlooks on career, beauty and fashion, and Katrina had to find her own style, which resulted in a meandering sort of life.
A bit like mine. The first half of this memoir was more interesting for me, but others will find many hidden treasures, like at a flea market on the banks of the Seine. I have already made some changes to my 'regime', determined to enjoy food more, look after my ageing skin.
Both my husbands promised to take me to Paris, and never did. I have sworn to myself that I will take myself there one day, before I become a grande dame/crone. The true romance of Paris is self-care, living in the moment, grace, and balance.
My first language was French. My mother was French, born in Paris, and I always equated 'doing' beauty with vanity and selfishness. I see now she was simply an extreme version of a Parisian mother, taking care of herself first before the children, who are expected to simply behave. While we languished at home, my mother would take off with various suitors to dances, wearing fancy frocks, and fully made-up. Always wearing make-up. And buying the full range of $500 pots of La Prairie creams made from caviar and gold dust, like she was some kind of modern-day Diane de Poitiers, while we ate microwave lasagne. Katrina Lawrence has a close relationship with her mother, but they have contrasting outlooks on career, beauty and fashion, and Katrina had to find her own style, which resulted in a meandering sort of life.
A bit like mine. The first half of this memoir was more interesting for me, but others will find many hidden treasures, like at a flea market on the banks of the Seine. I have already made some changes to my 'regime', determined to enjoy food more, look after my ageing skin.
Both my husbands promised to take me to Paris, and never did. I have sworn to myself that I will take myself there one day, before I become a grande dame/crone. The true romance of Paris is self-care, living in the moment, grace, and balance.
December 13, 2017
Part memoir, part history book, parts feminist and political soundboards, it feels like this book couldn’t decide what to be and it has suffered for it.
January 28, 2020
I wasn’t looking for a coming of age story or a trip through the author’s life, but I was looking for any locations I might not have visited in my favorite city in the world. Mostly, I enjoyed walking with her through the arrondissements and being reminded of places we’ve been in our own six visits to Paris. It makes me all the more yearn for Spring when we hope to return. I could have foregone some of her experiences but delighted in Paris herself. One quote I absolutely love because I, too, feel it—“I never feel old in Paris. Perhaps that’s one reason Paris never gets old for me.”
August 4, 2018
Some people dream of New York. Others find London calling. For Australian beauty editor and journalist Katrina Lawrence, Paris is all that, as she writes in a book that is part memoir, travelogue, beauty manifesto and history lesson. The result, Paris Dreaming, is a good idea in theory but it’s one that overreaches in terms of its content because some parts of this book are overlong and frivolous while others will certainly resonate with a certain readership of Francophiles and optimists.
To read the rest of this review please visit: https://100percentrock.com/book-revie...
To read the rest of this review please visit: https://100percentrock.com/book-revie...
February 5, 2024
Pas mal. In French the phrase, "pas mal," is actually a compliment. Words like "excellent" and "bravo" are reserved for true works of art. Katrina Lawrence’s book is not a piece of work that will appeal to everyone. It is a reflection on her relationship with Paris, with bits of history woven throughout. However, as someone who has called the City of Lights home for almost half a decade, I thoroughly enjoyed her commentary on French culture, cuisine and couture. Many of her stories mirror my own. Though I did skim several paragraphs, overall I’d say, "pas mal." Not bad.
March 14, 2021
I’ll just keep it simple - I started reading the book really attentively, word by word. However as it’s so filled with cliches and it’s so predictable, I started skipping words, then skipping lines, finally skipping and just scrolling through the rest of the pages. It’s really mainly recollection of the author’s memories connected to Paris, but probably it might be interesting for someone living outside of Europe, never having been to France. For me it’s like “meh”...
February 13, 2018
This book is absolutely gorgeous! The writer just brings Paris - and all its many charms - just so vividly alive - if you love Paris, you'll love this book. It's so much more than just a memoir though - it's just full of so many fascinating snippets of Parisian history, culture, fashion and beauty. Beautifully written, and a beautiful book - just lovely.
March 5, 2018
This is not my usual choice of author - a beauty editor, but I heard her interviewed and was impressed enough to order the book and am so glad I read it. Part memoir and part history of a place which I found absolutely worked. I thought the research and reading was really thorough and well presented.
August 8, 2020
I loved this memoir and often wished I had a pen and paper to write down some of the wonderful places she describes. This is part memoir, part travel book. Katrina weaves her personal story into the history of Paris, particularly its women. This was a great read and I recommend it to anyone who loves Paris or would love to go to Paris - even if it’s in an armchair!
October 25, 2020
I had to satisfy my longing for travel somehow in the midst of the COVID craziness and I was so happy to find this book.
With each turn of a page I wandered down Paris’s pretty streets and boulevards. I sipped champagne at La Procope and a coffee at Cafe Flore. I explored once more the Louvre and learnt lots about Parisienne style and beauty.
A wonderful read.
With each turn of a page I wandered down Paris’s pretty streets and boulevards. I sipped champagne at La Procope and a coffee at Cafe Flore. I explored once more the Louvre and learnt lots about Parisienne style and beauty.
A wonderful read.
August 24, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was such a lovely light and entertaining read. I wish I had read it before spending a couple of months a few years ago. It integrates history and modern day perspectives so well. Really loved my time reading and the perfect length. Really met me. Can’t recommend enough ❤️🥰💋
December 13, 2023
No other book got me more excited for my solo trip to Paris than this one. Inspirational, honest and open. A wonderful memoir and ode to the most beautiful city in the world. Full of life-lessons and insights, this book helped me to recalibrate my own life and realize that the joie de vivre I felt was missing can be cultivated anywhere. After all, "Parisian is a state of mind as much as place."
July 7, 2020
Ms Lawrence made Paris come alive. When we are dreaming of traveling and especially to Paris it was such fun to follow her footsteps. Many of her favorite spots are my favorites spots. The history was wonderful and her story was light hearted and enjoyable to read.
May 4, 2021
The author's account of her love affair with Paris from her childhhod, until her first visit and then subsequent visits as a fashion writer and lover of all things French. Based not only on her own stories, but research as well. An interesting read.
February 11, 2022
The author has a great love of France, specifically Paris and shares a lot of information about the French culture and history. My favorite parts of her novel where the times she was with family and friends and was experiencing the city, specifically through the eyes of her children!
December 27, 2017
Loved it! See my review @ http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
March 14, 2018
Read this for Book Club.Wasn't a real fan of this book.
May 31, 2018
This book was, for the most part, mesmerising but did dwell largely in the historical. At times, the number of facts swirling across the page was a lot to take in, but still a wonderful read!
February 24, 2019
At times interesting but overall overwrought. Many adjectives were tortured in the making of this book.
January 16, 2020
The history and day-to-day descriptions of Paris and France were very interesting, but Lawrence writes of the French as though they are super-human.
September 3, 2023
I score 3.75 🌟
July 16, 2025
Did I pick this up because I thought the cover was beautiful? Yes. So, I guess I too am a sucker for aesthetics.
Paris Dreaming is a strange combination of things. Somehow a memoir, travel guide, philosophy overview and history all rolled into one. It is a love affair with a city and its trapping that spans decades, sometimes critically considered or challenged but still steadfast in a borderline obsession with what it is to be a Parisienne. The novel is musings on the topic with discussions of it often contextualised with the period of Lawrence's life when she was visiting Paris that particular time.
It touches on terrorism and France's prejudice against Islam.
The author's privilege is so blatantly obvious and often unchecked. It feels like jet-setting across the world from Australia to France and fine dining in expensive restaurants, buying Chanel coats is pretty normal but it felt to me, a bit out of touch.
Unfortunately I found the mismatch of topics and themes to feel confusing and more like a crisis of identity.
Paris Dreaming is a strange combination of things. Somehow a memoir, travel guide, philosophy overview and history all rolled into one. It is a love affair with a city and its trapping that spans decades, sometimes critically considered or challenged but still steadfast in a borderline obsession with what it is to be a Parisienne. The novel is musings on the topic with discussions of it often contextualised with the period of Lawrence's life when she was visiting Paris that particular time.
It touches on terrorism and France's prejudice against Islam.
The author's privilege is so blatantly obvious and often unchecked. It feels like jet-setting across the world from Australia to France and fine dining in expensive restaurants, buying Chanel coats is pretty normal but it felt to me, a bit out of touch.
Unfortunately I found the mismatch of topics and themes to feel confusing and more like a crisis of identity.
April 10, 2021
My usual reading material tends to the 'heavy'. Recognising that I needed a break, I went to Paris - or at least dreamt of Paris - with Katrina Lawrence. It is a meandering book of little diversions, observations, and snips of history: a tour where we take in the building on our left and some of its history before turning to the pretty park on our right and doing the same. I might have preferred a deeper dive into history than Lawrence provides, but writers cannot please everybody. Overall the book was what I was hoping for - a stroll through Paris, with a knowledgeable guide who is both grounded and yet irrepressibly fond of the City of Light, her heart's home.
May 24, 2019
Edit: I would be really interested to see if my opinion on this has changed nearly two years later as my politics has radicalised greatly. (24-05-19)
I found this book most alluring from it's pretty cover, but it was so much more than that.
Funny, highly educational (in a historical, societal and political aspect) and charming; this book was the perfect read for a girl at university - but I believe it would be a perfect read for any woman as the it discusses everything from coming of age to managing adulthood.
I found this book most alluring from it's pretty cover, but it was so much more than that.
Funny, highly educational (in a historical, societal and political aspect) and charming; this book was the perfect read for a girl at university - but I believe it would be a perfect read for any woman as the it discusses everything from coming of age to managing adulthood.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews