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Black Girl in Paris
In her critically acclaimed new novel, Shay Youngblood, the Pushcart Prize-winning author of Soul Kiss, chronicles the Parisian odyssey of a young African-American woman retracing the footsteps of the literary legends who inspired her.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2000
55 people are currently reading
2626 people want to read
About the author
Shay Youngblood
30 books105 followersGeorgia born writer Shay Youngblood is author of the novels Black Girl in Paris and Soul Kiss (Riverhead Books) and a collection of short fiction, The Big Mama Stories (Firebrand Books). Her plays Amazing Grace, Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery and Talking Bones, (Dramatic Publishing Company), have been widely produced. Her other plays include Black Power Barbie and Communism Killed My Dog. She completed a radio play, Explain Me the Blues for WBGO Public Radio's Jazz Play Series, featuring Odetta and the music of Olu Dara. The recipient of numerous grants and awards including a Pushcart Prize for fiction, a Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Award, an Edward Albee honoree, several NAACP Theater Awards, an Astraea Writers' Award for fiction and a 2004 New York Foundation for the Arts Sustained Achievement Award.
Ms. Youngblood graduated from Clark-Atlanta University and received her MFA in Creative Writing from Brown University. Her fiction, articles and essays have been published in Oprah magazine, Good Housekeeping, Black Book and Essence magazines among others. She has worked as a Peace Corp Volunteer in the Eastern Caribbean, an Au Pair, Artist's Model, and Poet's Helper in Paris and Creative Writing instructor in a Rhode Island Women's Prison. She is a board member of both Yaddo artists' colony and the Author's Guild. She has taught Creative Writing at NYU and was the 2002-03 John and Renee Grisham Writer in Residence at the University of Mississippi. She is
currently Writer in Residence at Texas A&M University.
Ms. Youngblood graduated from Clark-Atlanta University and received her MFA in Creative Writing from Brown University. Her fiction, articles and essays have been published in Oprah magazine, Good Housekeeping, Black Book and Essence magazines among others. She has worked as a Peace Corp Volunteer in the Eastern Caribbean, an Au Pair, Artist's Model, and Poet's Helper in Paris and Creative Writing instructor in a Rhode Island Women's Prison. She is a board member of both Yaddo artists' colony and the Author's Guild. She has taught Creative Writing at NYU and was the 2002-03 John and Renee Grisham Writer in Residence at the University of Mississippi. She is
currently Writer in Residence at Texas A&M University.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
December 7, 2015
Cross-posted at Outlaw Reviews and at Shelf Inflicted
I love Paris, its grandeur, its palaces, museums, monuments, breathtaking views, restaurants, cafes, its rich culture and history. It is a dynamic, international and happening place.
It’s been about 5 years since I’ve been there last, so I was really looking forward to taking a literary trip to Paris.
Eden, a 26-year-old Black woman from Alabama and an aspiring writer, journeys to Paris with just $200 in her pocket to follow in the footsteps of her literary heroes – James Baldwin, Richard Wright and Langston Hughes.
This could have been a fascinating story, but I found the descriptions of Paris vague, the main character too naïve for her age, and far too much of the story focused on her menial jobs. I wanted a little glimpse of the past, some insight into her heroes who were just names dropped on the pages. I also wanted to know more about France’s troubles – the racism, the struggles of the poor and working class, the problems of immigrants.
I wanted a more serious story and less whimsy. I could have done without the recipes and the silly musings about art and love. There were interesting secondary characters I would have liked to know more about – Eden’s androgynous boyfriend, Ving, and his friend Olu-Christophe, a Haitian living in Paris without papers, and Luce, Eden’s friend/lover who taught her how to take what she needed in order to survive.
The story was pleasant enough reading, but lacked passion and spirit, making my literary trip to Paris rather disappointing.
I love Paris, its grandeur, its palaces, museums, monuments, breathtaking views, restaurants, cafes, its rich culture and history. It is a dynamic, international and happening place.
It’s been about 5 years since I’ve been there last, so I was really looking forward to taking a literary trip to Paris.
Eden, a 26-year-old Black woman from Alabama and an aspiring writer, journeys to Paris with just $200 in her pocket to follow in the footsteps of her literary heroes – James Baldwin, Richard Wright and Langston Hughes.
This could have been a fascinating story, but I found the descriptions of Paris vague, the main character too naïve for her age, and far too much of the story focused on her menial jobs. I wanted a little glimpse of the past, some insight into her heroes who were just names dropped on the pages. I also wanted to know more about France’s troubles – the racism, the struggles of the poor and working class, the problems of immigrants.
I wanted a more serious story and less whimsy. I could have done without the recipes and the silly musings about art and love. There were interesting secondary characters I would have liked to know more about – Eden’s androgynous boyfriend, Ving, and his friend Olu-Christophe, a Haitian living in Paris without papers, and Luce, Eden’s friend/lover who taught her how to take what she needed in order to survive.
The story was pleasant enough reading, but lacked passion and spirit, making my literary trip to Paris rather disappointing.
January 28, 2009
Black Girl in Paris by Shay Youngblood is a colorful literary jazz arrangement where the author's narrative improvisations transport the reader through the streets of Paris, deconstructing in their wake many fixed preconceived ideas about France and its influence on African American artists. The interest these virtuosos show for the city of lights is still undeniable in spite of, or due to, the present tumultuous situation between the United States and France. However, one must confront the image of a haven that is free of racism with other more paradoxical representations in order to gauge the full extent of the French influence for African American artists of the twentieth century.
I really enjoyed this book and some quotes give food for thought.Embraces the Blues and the Jazz in the vein of Jean Toomer, Langston Hughes, James Baldwin or Ishmael Reed. Good stuff.
I really enjoyed this book and some quotes give food for thought.Embraces the Blues and the Jazz in the vein of Jean Toomer, Langston Hughes, James Baldwin or Ishmael Reed. Good stuff.
August 20, 2017
I believe that I read this book after my first trip abroad; I could not put it down. Youngblood uses language like a poet and definitely knows how to write a scene...She captures emotion in characters with the most beautifully crafted detail. There is a warmth in her writing; her language never stagnant. It truly does not surprise me that Youngblood is also a painter. The skill and imagination that she has with a paintbrush and canvas is evident in her storytelling.
March 30, 2015
Before I left home I cut my hair close to my scalp so I could be a free woman with free thoughts, open to all possibilities. I was making a map of the world. In ancient times maps were made to help people find food, water, and the way back home. I needed a map to help me find love and language and since one didn't exist, I'd have to invent one, following the trails and signs left by other travelers. I didn't know what I wanted to be, but I knew I wanted to be the kind of woman who was bold, took chances, and had adventures. I wanted to travel around the world. It was my little-girl dream.
I really enjoyed this novel. I feel like I should rate it in-between a three and a half and a four, but let's not split hairs. I'm guessing (based on the mini-bio) that Black Girl in Paris is semi-autobiographical, it sure did feel that way. For me, it added to the reading experience, and in some ways it didn't read like fiction. Youngblood crafted a novel that felt like little short stories that flowed into each other. Like she was your friend and she was sharing her experience in Paris with you, one story at a time. And of course, the overabundance of Baldwin references pushed it over the top for me. I like the little allusions she made to his work, some obvious, others not so much. I would recommend this book to anyone. It's a quick but satisfying read. And it made me want to be a black girl in Paris, too.
I really enjoyed this novel. I feel like I should rate it in-between a three and a half and a four, but let's not split hairs. I'm guessing (based on the mini-bio) that Black Girl in Paris is semi-autobiographical, it sure did feel that way. For me, it added to the reading experience, and in some ways it didn't read like fiction. Youngblood crafted a novel that felt like little short stories that flowed into each other. Like she was your friend and she was sharing her experience in Paris with you, one story at a time. And of course, the overabundance of Baldwin references pushed it over the top for me. I like the little allusions she made to his work, some obvious, others not so much. I would recommend this book to anyone. It's a quick but satisfying read. And it made me want to be a black girl in Paris, too.
February 1, 2011
One of my favorite works of fiction. Got really mad when the book ended.
February 1, 2015
I liked the premise of this novel, about a young aspiring writer who travels to Paris to attempt to follow in the footsteps of her idols, Langston Hughes and James Baldwin. Some aspects of the book were quite vivid. But the language was too flowery for my taste--I found it alienating rather than intimate.
January 24, 2012
I read this book during my freshman year in college as an English assignment. I couldn't put it down. I loved it so much that when I began writing my essay that was assigned(which I love doing for books anyway), I ended up rereading the book. Choosing quotes was so hard because there was so much about the book that I found beautiful. It is now my all time favorite book. EVER. That could also be due to the fact that for much of my teenage years I dreamed of the possibility of living in Paris one day. Thus I instantly fell in love with the protagonist, a young black woman seeking to find her own true self just as I was doing at that time (I'm sure many of you were, too, at 18). All I can say is read it!
Favorite quotes:
"Paris. September 1986. Early morning. She is lying on her back in a hard little bed with her eyes closed, dreaming in French. Langston was here." 1
Before I left home I cut my hair close to my scalp so I could be a free woman with free thoughts, open to all possibilities. I was making a map of the world. In ancient times maps were made to help people find food, water, and the way back home. I needed a map to help me find love and language, and since one didn't exist, I'd have to invent one, following the trails and signs left by other travelers. I didn't know what I wanted to be, but I knew I wanted to be the kind of woman who was bold, took chances, and had adventures. I wanted to travel around the world. I was my little-girl dream." 3
"My name is Eden, and I'm not afraid of anything anymore. Like my literary godfathers who came to Paris before me, I intend to live a life in which being black won't hold me back." 4
"I carry words around in my pocket, put them behind my eyelids, in my mind. I let words float in my mouth. I roll them around on my tongue, taste them until sounds slowly push out of my mouth. Each word is a poem. Parler... la verite... a minuit... regarde... une etoile... le nuage... fumee." 35
"I began to make maps of my experience. I could feel my inner landscape changing, my edges softening." 43
"...here in another country I am new, I could choose what and who I would be. A writer." 126
"His words were like stones he laid at my feet. I have become wet earth for stories like these, they take root in me and grow wild, nearly choking me." 157
"Our people are a great race of people and though the Europeans raped and plundered, we have kept inner riches. You got a cup of African bood and that mean something, means you gota responsibility to be proud of it and use your talents or suffer self-destruction." 178
"I picked up the gold pen Dr. Bernard had given me, and between my tears words began to bloom on the page, one after the other. Words crowded each other, trying to lead me out of despair. I was exuberant. The maps I'd made were guides to my interior. I remembered all the places I'd been, all the things I'd seen, and caught them in my imagination. Jimmy was with me and Langston too. I wrote to understand where I had been, where I was going, to make sense of the world that had led me to the small room on the edge of the Abyss." 231
"I had discovered something that no one could take away from me. I had found a path on my interior map and learned to follow it. There was power in the pen. I knew this for certain. I didn't need Jimmy to tell me that." 232
Favorite quotes:
"Paris. September 1986. Early morning. She is lying on her back in a hard little bed with her eyes closed, dreaming in French. Langston was here." 1
Before I left home I cut my hair close to my scalp so I could be a free woman with free thoughts, open to all possibilities. I was making a map of the world. In ancient times maps were made to help people find food, water, and the way back home. I needed a map to help me find love and language, and since one didn't exist, I'd have to invent one, following the trails and signs left by other travelers. I didn't know what I wanted to be, but I knew I wanted to be the kind of woman who was bold, took chances, and had adventures. I wanted to travel around the world. I was my little-girl dream." 3
"My name is Eden, and I'm not afraid of anything anymore. Like my literary godfathers who came to Paris before me, I intend to live a life in which being black won't hold me back." 4
"I carry words around in my pocket, put them behind my eyelids, in my mind. I let words float in my mouth. I roll them around on my tongue, taste them until sounds slowly push out of my mouth. Each word is a poem. Parler... la verite... a minuit... regarde... une etoile... le nuage... fumee." 35
"I began to make maps of my experience. I could feel my inner landscape changing, my edges softening." 43
"...here in another country I am new, I could choose what and who I would be. A writer." 126
"His words were like stones he laid at my feet. I have become wet earth for stories like these, they take root in me and grow wild, nearly choking me." 157
"Our people are a great race of people and though the Europeans raped and plundered, we have kept inner riches. You got a cup of African bood and that mean something, means you gota responsibility to be proud of it and use your talents or suffer self-destruction." 178
"I picked up the gold pen Dr. Bernard had given me, and between my tears words began to bloom on the page, one after the other. Words crowded each other, trying to lead me out of despair. I was exuberant. The maps I'd made were guides to my interior. I remembered all the places I'd been, all the things I'd seen, and caught them in my imagination. Jimmy was with me and Langston too. I wrote to understand where I had been, where I was going, to make sense of the world that had led me to the small room on the edge of the Abyss." 231
"I had discovered something that no one could take away from me. I had found a path on my interior map and learned to follow it. There was power in the pen. I knew this for certain. I didn't need Jimmy to tell me that." 232
September 26, 2010
Hmmm… I had much higher expectations of this novel. These expectations were partly based upon the fact that this book was my first ever ‘group-read’. Perhaps my indifference to this fictional memoir is underpinned by my current temperament; perhaps I simply could not endure the idealism of the impassioned and inspired protagonist Eden, as she chased her literary dream around Paris.
“The words were crowded together carefully as if they had been written in a small, dark place by someone with plenty of time, lots to say, and no one to listen”.
In the first instance, the lacklustre title really bothered me as it utterly undermines the sensuousness of the young black female protagonist and of the French capital itself (however upon reading this book and connecting the title to the narrative I do now understand and appreciate that reason for this simplicity). Secondly and much to my disappointment, Shay Youngblood’s greatly-esteemed prose style only managed to glimpse a few opportunities to seduce me, as such and thirdly, this book failed to wholly captivate and reach inside of me, churn my emotions and enliven my senses in the way I had so hoped, and was under the impression that it would. I figure this might be because I am not so naïve to the charm, rhythms and colours which infuse a bohemian European lifestyle. Even so, I felt that something was definitely lacking in this piece of writing. And whilst it is clear that and how Shay Youngblood successfully explored the inner mysteries and developing spirit of her protagonist and gorgeously captured the unique essence of France, as I was working my way through this novel I began to wonder whether or not the aspiring writer Eden might have accomplished this to much greater effect, with even more intuition and grace. I would like to experience the exuberance of Eden’s book; Shay Youngblood’s attempt felt too considered, clichéd, constrained, less free.
“I have become wet earth for stories like these, they take root in me and grow wild, nearly choking me.”
I think that, most likely, this review has too much subjectivity in it to be fair. Yes, some Europeans drink deliciously dark and rich coffee from bowls - pick your jaw up from the ground, get over it and on with your Self.
From my perspective, this book was good, but not good-enough.
“The words were crowded together carefully as if they had been written in a small, dark place by someone with plenty of time, lots to say, and no one to listen”.
In the first instance, the lacklustre title really bothered me as it utterly undermines the sensuousness of the young black female protagonist and of the French capital itself (however upon reading this book and connecting the title to the narrative I do now understand and appreciate that reason for this simplicity). Secondly and much to my disappointment, Shay Youngblood’s greatly-esteemed prose style only managed to glimpse a few opportunities to seduce me, as such and thirdly, this book failed to wholly captivate and reach inside of me, churn my emotions and enliven my senses in the way I had so hoped, and was under the impression that it would. I figure this might be because I am not so naïve to the charm, rhythms and colours which infuse a bohemian European lifestyle. Even so, I felt that something was definitely lacking in this piece of writing. And whilst it is clear that and how Shay Youngblood successfully explored the inner mysteries and developing spirit of her protagonist and gorgeously captured the unique essence of France, as I was working my way through this novel I began to wonder whether or not the aspiring writer Eden might have accomplished this to much greater effect, with even more intuition and grace. I would like to experience the exuberance of Eden’s book; Shay Youngblood’s attempt felt too considered, clichéd, constrained, less free.
“I have become wet earth for stories like these, they take root in me and grow wild, nearly choking me.”
I think that, most likely, this review has too much subjectivity in it to be fair. Yes, some Europeans drink deliciously dark and rich coffee from bowls - pick your jaw up from the ground, get over it and on with your Self.
From my perspective, this book was good, but not good-enough.
January 16, 2014
More like 2.8 stars. Hits and misses. Very disjointed. Sometimes the writing was great. Other times I couldn't care less about what was going on with the protagonist, which made me really want to put it down and never pick it up again. I think Youngblood is an ok writer. Just not my cup of tea, though I might have enjoyed this had I read it in high school or college. I also can see this being much better as a movie. I'll definitely check it out if it finally makes it to the big screen.
November 10, 2007
It's not too often that I read a book that I can't put down. In reference to this book, that was exactly the case.Although this is the author's first work, I found myself unable to stop reading because of the way in which she writes.I feel that this book is great because it allows the reader to be exposed to various personalities of the main character.
When I first saw the title of this book, I'll admit, I was somewhat offended.I didn't know why I felt that way, it just seemed like the term "black" was somewhat degrading to say the least.However, once I began reading the book, I realized that this was not so, and that the title was based on not her own view of herself but how others saw her.
Throughout the course of the book, the main character Eden takes on various different roles and we as the reader are given an opportunity to see how she deals with each role with dignity.Even when she is a thief, she still makes the reader feel for her as well as her situation.
I believe that this is a great book for anyone to read, whether they are black, white, or any other color.Not only will people be able to relate with the experience of being a stranger in a strange land, but also, they will get a glimpse into the soul of a person.
When I first saw the title of this book, I'll admit, I was somewhat offended.I didn't know why I felt that way, it just seemed like the term "black" was somewhat degrading to say the least.However, once I began reading the book, I realized that this was not so, and that the title was based on not her own view of herself but how others saw her.
Throughout the course of the book, the main character Eden takes on various different roles and we as the reader are given an opportunity to see how she deals with each role with dignity.Even when she is a thief, she still makes the reader feel for her as well as her situation.
I believe that this is a great book for anyone to read, whether they are black, white, or any other color.Not only will people be able to relate with the experience of being a stranger in a strange land, but also, they will get a glimpse into the soul of a person.
February 14, 2018
I thought I would love this....I wanted to love this. This cover is beautiful. However I did not care for this book at all unfortunately. This is a character driven book. I am not a fan of books like this. I need plot. Plot. And more plot. If you are someone that loves Paris, lives in Paris, aspires to go to Paris this is for you. There are a lot of references to places that could be of interest if you cared. One thing I liked was the referencing of different writers, and music. The main character Eden did so many things in this book that just didn't even make sense and there was no explanation for why. Characters literally popped in and out of the chapters randomly. I don't know or understand why Eden did half of the things she did which left me feeling no compassion for her. She was just there.
May 21, 2019
This is a poetic story about a black Southern girl following her dreams on a wish, a pray and odd jobs in 1987. She hopes to find her literary heroes and become a writer in Paris.
The magic of this book is that it captures the romance of Paris as well as the honest brutality for non-nationals in very even prose.
This book is more about revealing characters than about a plot and storyline. It is about finding yourself and your calling in your 20s.
The magic of this book is that it captures the romance of Paris as well as the honest brutality for non-nationals in very even prose.
This book is more about revealing characters than about a plot and storyline. It is about finding yourself and your calling in your 20s.
January 15, 2019
Granted, I read this
years
ago, but I loved the imagery and the prose. I'm also a big fan of Youngblood's Soul Kiss.
September 6, 2018
This was a great read and a story that I will definitely revisit. I love the bravery of Eden and found myself envying her (oh responsibility, why are you so heavy?). Shay has hit the nail on the head with the racial tensions witnessed by the characters. Whether it's interracial dating or immigration, the views expressed are relevant today which makes me sad especially when expressed by the President of the United States of America. I've definitely recommended this book to friends and hope they decide to pick it up.
March 2, 2017
I wanted to love this book entirely but I have to admit that closer towards the end, I felt like I was waiting on something big to happen, but when that moment came, it felt so small. I did enjoy the journey through Paris and it does make me want to visit there more than ever. I just wish that this book could've given me something more. It's kind of hard to put into words. However, I don't regret reading this and I hope to read other works by Youngblood soon enough.
February 5, 2018
This book was a joy to read. It helps that I’d recently visited Paris and Versailles at the beginning of winter. Thus, I was transported to several of the locales with the protagonist. Standing on the street, outside of a restaurant. The cold nipping at my nose. One day, I’ll have to visit again, using the map laid out between the pages of this book as my guide.
February 15, 2019
This was a book club selection and the title sounded interesting enough...and so direct- it’s nice to know what you’re reading just by the title. I love the idea of this book. I personally have dreamed of moving to another country alone and starting a new life...sounds so exciting and I looked forward to how this story would unfold.
However, I found myself pretty bored throughout most of this book. It didn’t help that I read a James Baldwin book right before this that I also didn’t love, and this author has a similar style (and the main character has an obsession with Baldwin). It was pretty good writing and had some fun chapters (a growing relationship, an intriguing woman she meets) but most of the chapters didn’t move me.
It was a quick read so I stuck to it but could have passed.
However, I found myself pretty bored throughout most of this book. It didn’t help that I read a James Baldwin book right before this that I also didn’t love, and this author has a similar style (and the main character has an obsession with Baldwin). It was pretty good writing and had some fun chapters (a growing relationship, an intriguing woman she meets) but most of the chapters didn’t move me.
It was a quick read so I stuck to it but could have passed.
January 21, 2019
Read all of my reviews at: bit.ly/PageBedtime
The theme for the Mocha Girls Read book of the month in January was Paris. As a group, we voted to read Black Girl in Paris by Shay Youngblood. This relatively short and extremely beautiful book was essentially a coming of age story for its protagonist, Eden, and a lovely way to kick off 2019.
Black Girl in Paris is the story of a young lady and budding writer who picks up from her home in the United States with a little money and travels to Europe in search of the greatness that author James Baldwin wrote about. While there she encounters many people while trying to make a living and find creative inspiration in Paris.
One thing I found it interesting about this book is that Youngblood set it in the 80s while writing it in the millennium. It could have just as easily been set in the time in which it was written. I suspect the author may have done this to demonstrate just how far way from home Eden traveled. With the technology today (and in the early part of the turn of the century), it's so much easier to be close even when there's great physical distance.
Black Girl in Paris reads like a collection of chronological essays. Youngblood's prose is excellent and you want to follow her as a writer and Eden as the main character on this journey of self discovery. This book definitely kept me interested. This is not something I would have read but for book club. And that is one of the greater purposes of book club. I am glad I was able to partake and participate.
My ultimate takeaway from this story is that we cannot escape racism no matter the time nor location.
Recommendation: If you love Paris and the pursuit of one's dreams, this quick read might pique your interest.
Until next time ... Read on!
Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.
Read all of my reviews at: bit.ly/PageBedtime
The theme for the Mocha Girls Read book of the month in January was Paris. As a group, we voted to read Black Girl in Paris by Shay Youngblood. This relatively short and extremely beautiful book was essentially a coming of age story for its protagonist, Eden, and a lovely way to kick off 2019.
Black Girl in Paris is the story of a young lady and budding writer who picks up from her home in the United States with a little money and travels to Europe in search of the greatness that author James Baldwin wrote about. While there she encounters many people while trying to make a living and find creative inspiration in Paris.
One thing I found it interesting about this book is that Youngblood set it in the 80s while writing it in the millennium. It could have just as easily been set in the time in which it was written. I suspect the author may have done this to demonstrate just how far way from home Eden traveled. With the technology today (and in the early part of the turn of the century), it's so much easier to be close even when there's great physical distance.
Black Girl in Paris reads like a collection of chronological essays. Youngblood's prose is excellent and you want to follow her as a writer and Eden as the main character on this journey of self discovery. This book definitely kept me interested. This is not something I would have read but for book club. And that is one of the greater purposes of book club. I am glad I was able to partake and participate.
My ultimate takeaway from this story is that we cannot escape racism no matter the time nor location.
Recommendation: If you love Paris and the pursuit of one's dreams, this quick read might pique your interest.
Until next time ... Read on!
Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.
Read all of my reviews at: bit.ly/PageBedtime
December 28, 2021
Towards the latter part of the book, I found myself skimming through paragraphs which I never do; in addition to the end being underwhelming.
However, I must say I do understand why Youngblood had this ending, it's a coming of age story and it alludes to Eden realising that she must unfold on her own writing journey instead of chasing Baldwin for answers.
Youngblood had great description throughout this book and I was able to visualise all the scenes with ease, considering I have never been to France.
I doubt I would recommend this book to all, but I would definitely recommend this book to budding young writers and to those in their youth.
However, I must say I do understand why Youngblood had this ending, it's a coming of age story and it alludes to Eden realising that she must unfold on her own writing journey instead of chasing Baldwin for answers.
Youngblood had great description throughout this book and I was able to visualise all the scenes with ease, considering I have never been to France.
I doubt I would recommend this book to all, but I would definitely recommend this book to budding young writers and to those in their youth.
January 23, 2019
Okay Read
I liked the content it was actually perfect. But the turns were too sharp for the plot twist and other settings.... I found myself having to read the paragraph over and over just to catch on. Overall though the story was well. I understood the message. But if it were a pillow, more swan feathers would be needed in order to fulfill.
I liked the content it was actually perfect. But the turns were too sharp for the plot twist and other settings.... I found myself having to read the paragraph over and over just to catch on. Overall though the story was well. I understood the message. But if it were a pillow, more swan feathers would be needed in order to fulfill.
August 23, 2007
Wonderfully nuanced book, though again, I probably took too long to read it. I might go back and reread during the winter when a plaee like Paris will fuel my depression based wanderlust and self imposed isolation.
July 31, 2011
I really enjoyed this book, it was really different from the books i've read in the past. I really enjoyed Eden the main character of the story, she was so curageous to go to Paris with almost nothing. Great Read!
January 13, 2019
I could not put this book down. Disappointed by the ending.
November 1, 2017
Been reading this book since about August, when I fell across it randomly at my university's library. I had heard of the title 'black girl in paris' before and vaguely understood as a risque-y novel not for kids despite its seemingly childlike title. since i am older now, i picked it up and started reading even though i don't have much time for fiction anymore unfortunately. even still, i got caught up in it and over the past few months kept returning to it despite all the work i have to do and each time i returned it never disappointed. right up to the very end.
i really enjoyed this work. i am not one who ever needs plots and even though it may seem like the protagonist is just wandering around the whole book, the plot is there and is simple: the black american girl in paris, wants to be a writer, in search of james baldwin but finds a lot more than him along the way. it was a glorious book with glorious writing. i've been to paris twice myself but the author made me feel like i was actually there - through the good and the bad. the protagonist is quite likable, even though there is a certain distance the author keeps us from her. it's like you kind of get a vision of what she looks like, but through her eyes you understand her companions more than you understand her which i actually understand and appreciate. the protagonist is sometimes almost a fly on the wall, although she is quite active too because the whole book is centered on her movements. i guess what i'm trying to say is that i liked the protagonist and empathized with her and maybe this is because she was in some ways distant even though the book was in first person.
the themes in this book are wide ranging but one of the things i liked best was how the obvious lesson from the book was not obvious to me until the very end. the book is also not preachy. the book is set in mid 1980s paris where terrorism is spiking and the author is living within the waves of increased immigration and movement in and out of paris. the author is not hopelessly a-racial and i was very impressed by the way the protagonist delineated her feelings on colonialism, racism and capitalism while also maintaining the fictional quality of the book. she even discussed the role paris has in pan-african artistry, which can be seen in her feelings of kinship for black people from haiti and barbados. i enjoyed above all else the descriptions which, while this might irritate some, was a real treat for my mind overdosed as it is by plain nonfiction at this point. i could smell some of the places the protagonist led us to, could feel the nausea she described or the warmth, could feel the endless cigarettes smoked burning my lungs too - it was really amazing story telling. i also appreciated the incorporation of lgbt themes, which up to this point is hard to find in black literature.
i didn't initially think i would give this 5 stars as it is rather slow. but the last 50 pages flew by and i really did love the characterization and writing style. it is flowery and as i've stated before, that's what i like .
i really enjoyed this work. i am not one who ever needs plots and even though it may seem like the protagonist is just wandering around the whole book, the plot is there and is simple: the black american girl in paris, wants to be a writer, in search of james baldwin but finds a lot more than him along the way. it was a glorious book with glorious writing. i've been to paris twice myself but the author made me feel like i was actually there - through the good and the bad. the protagonist is quite likable, even though there is a certain distance the author keeps us from her. it's like you kind of get a vision of what she looks like, but through her eyes you understand her companions more than you understand her which i actually understand and appreciate. the protagonist is sometimes almost a fly on the wall, although she is quite active too because the whole book is centered on her movements. i guess what i'm trying to say is that i liked the protagonist and empathized with her and maybe this is because she was in some ways distant even though the book was in first person.
the themes in this book are wide ranging but one of the things i liked best was how the obvious lesson from the book was not obvious to me until the very end. the book is also not preachy. the book is set in mid 1980s paris where terrorism is spiking and the author is living within the waves of increased immigration and movement in and out of paris. the author is not hopelessly a-racial and i was very impressed by the way the protagonist delineated her feelings on colonialism, racism and capitalism while also maintaining the fictional quality of the book. she even discussed the role paris has in pan-african artistry, which can be seen in her feelings of kinship for black people from haiti and barbados. i enjoyed above all else the descriptions which, while this might irritate some, was a real treat for my mind overdosed as it is by plain nonfiction at this point. i could smell some of the places the protagonist led us to, could feel the nausea she described or the warmth, could feel the endless cigarettes smoked burning my lungs too - it was really amazing story telling. i also appreciated the incorporation of lgbt themes, which up to this point is hard to find in black literature.
i didn't initially think i would give this 5 stars as it is rather slow. but the last 50 pages flew by and i really did love the characterization and writing style. it is flowery and as i've stated before, that's what i like .
July 31, 2009
This was one of those novels where, as I was reading, I thought two things. 1. This is a pretty good book, and 2. This book probably isn't for me. A young African-American woman decides to leave her job and set out for France, based on the long and rich tradition of black artists finding inspiration and sanctuary in Paris. Once there, she meets a series of people from all walks of life, each of whom give her some insight into an aspect of Paris. Naturally, as these things go, some of these encounters include romantic entanglements. In the fine tradition of young people going to Europe on a shoestring budget, another primary concern is finding ways to bring in some cash. This was one of the aspects of the book that was a bit distant to me -- I am one of those people who traveled once on a tight budget when I was right out of college, and I was probably out of the house for about 10 minutes when I realized that absolutely sucked and resolved never again to partake in any kind of trip without an enormous expense fund. Hence, I don't travel that much, but when I do, watch out. And, like every other American who visited Paris in the 1980s, I had a burning question on my mind, and wondered whether or not Youngblood would address it in this novel, and that is: Why don't people clean up after their dogs? And she did! It's a little freaky to me how satisfied I was when this came up in the book, because she did such a thorough job of making me remember when I was a young American on my first trip to Paris, and she evoked all those images of the "first times" that one encounters on one's Paris sojourn, and so the dog poo thing was legitimately part of all those memories. Overall, it was nicely written and creative and successful at capturing many of the things that are unique to Paris. There was possibly too much "young person experimenting sexually while abroad" for my taste, but then again, I am old and cranky.
Grade: B+
Recommended: People who love Paris, especially the "student/young person on a budget" Paris experience.
2008/21
Grade: B+
Recommended: People who love Paris, especially the "student/young person on a budget" Paris experience.
2008/21
March 6, 2020
I believe my anticipation to read this book based on the title and beautiful cover ruined my expectations. I could not connect with the main girl for most of the book. Sometimes she appeared brave and adventurous, other times she made careless moves that I believed to be thoughtless and reckless (with no regard for her safety).
This book was published almost two decades ago and is played out during the era of James Baldwin (her favorite writer). Keeping that in mind and the girl's age (early 20s?), I was more forgiving as the story evolved and she was continuously hustling for room and board, while finding resources and time to eat, love and literally pray with the university students and locals.
Many of the (mis)adventures detailed in the book is exactly what a black girl like me would have loved at that age...temporary "love affairs", eating French cuisine, being on the scene of local and even famous musicians and artists of the time, and hours and hours to explore, people-watch and sight-see on a whim. [Compare this to my first visit to Paris on a high school trip and a PG-13 curated itinerary. The chaperones taped our hotel doors shut each night (though several boys got out and only got caught during luggage check upon departure. They had bottles and bottles of wine in their suitcases.] So I loved that she got to experience Paris beyond the veil of tourism. The fact that she worked at various employers during her stay was the fearlessness I loved about her.
Book Quote: Art is just as important as food, 'cause if your soul ain't nourished, you one empty [MF].
This book was published almost two decades ago and is played out during the era of James Baldwin (her favorite writer). Keeping that in mind and the girl's age (early 20s?), I was more forgiving as the story evolved and she was continuously hustling for room and board, while finding resources and time to eat, love and literally pray with the university students and locals.
Many of the (mis)adventures detailed in the book is exactly what a black girl like me would have loved at that age...temporary "love affairs", eating French cuisine, being on the scene of local and even famous musicians and artists of the time, and hours and hours to explore, people-watch and sight-see on a whim. [Compare this to my first visit to Paris on a high school trip and a PG-13 curated itinerary. The chaperones taped our hotel doors shut each night (though several boys got out and only got caught during luggage check upon departure. They had bottles and bottles of wine in their suitcases.] So I loved that she got to experience Paris beyond the veil of tourism. The fact that she worked at various employers during her stay was the fearlessness I loved about her.
Book Quote: Art is just as important as food, 'cause if your soul ain't nourished, you one empty [MF].
August 8, 2013
I'd never heard of this book when I got it out of the library. I simply picked it up because I liked the cover art. I didn't even read the blurb on the back to find out what it was about. Black Girl in Paris was a pleasant surprise. This book is about a young black woman who moves to Paris to follow in the footsteps of her literary heroes, mainly James Baldwin.
The story describes her struggle to survive in a foreign city with no work papers and no money. During her time there she has a variety of odd jobs including artist model, nanny, and poet's helper. At one point she even ends up befriending a thief and learning how to steal what she needs.
I liked reading about an account of living in Paris that looked beyond the romantic setting at the hard cold realities of living in the city. I loved reading about the eclectic cast of characters she meets during her stay.
The writing is straight forward and beautiful. I didn't feel compelled to skim any of it. That's something I'm guilty of doing when I think an author is getting a bit too carried away explaining the details.
I'd definitely recommend this book.
The story describes her struggle to survive in a foreign city with no work papers and no money. During her time there she has a variety of odd jobs including artist model, nanny, and poet's helper. At one point she even ends up befriending a thief and learning how to steal what she needs.
I liked reading about an account of living in Paris that looked beyond the romantic setting at the hard cold realities of living in the city. I loved reading about the eclectic cast of characters she meets during her stay.
The writing is straight forward and beautiful. I didn't feel compelled to skim any of it. That's something I'm guilty of doing when I think an author is getting a bit too carried away explaining the details.
I'd definitely recommend this book.
January 26, 2010
I read most of this in two sittings. I still find myself picturing some scenes in my head, her language is descriptive and poetic.Though it's a quick read, it's compelling in that it brings a different perspective to a city that is so generally romanticized. It brings in the serious uprisings that were happening in the 80's all over Europe: bombings, hostage crises, mixed with the quintessential coming of age book. She was honest about the racism she felt, but I wish that the author could have been more self-reflective of her privilege as an American in comparison to the undocumented Haitians, Northern Africans, and West Indian people that she encounters while in Paris. She brings up their problems, but I almost sense that she feels "one of them," when this really isn't the case.
March 13, 2017
I am not african American but some parts of this book I could identify with, In 2011, I borrowed money and fulfilled a "little girl " dream of going to Paris. Ever since at the age of four I have been fascinated with Paris. First of all the beautiful cover attracted me to this book. Eden is a 26 African American. Whilst at her curator job she reads works of James Baldwin. She also researches the travels of Langston Hughes and the great Josephine Baker's experiences in Paris. Eden wants to be a writer so she decides ( with 200 dollars) to go to the "City of Lights" and live the bohemian lifestyle. From being an au pair , an artist model, Eden soaks in the Paris culture. Lyrical and poetic ,the description of the sights, sounds and smells of Paris are wonderful!
January 9, 2009
I LOVE this book. It is full of snippets that still follow me everyday. Here are a few of my faves....
"I am not afraid to die, because I am living, really living, not wondering what living would be like."
"No teacher can teach as well as the careful study of one great poem."
"You got a cup of African blood and that mean something, means you got a responsibility to be proud of it and use your talents or suffer self-destruction."
"You have to be willing to make mistakes to learn."
"Don't take only what life give you. Reach out and take what you want."
THANK YOU FOR THIS BOOK, TRU!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!
"I am not afraid to die, because I am living, really living, not wondering what living would be like."
"No teacher can teach as well as the careful study of one great poem."
"You got a cup of African blood and that mean something, means you got a responsibility to be proud of it and use your talents or suffer self-destruction."
"You have to be willing to make mistakes to learn."
"Don't take only what life give you. Reach out and take what you want."
THANK YOU FOR THIS BOOK, TRU!!!! I LOVE YOU!!!
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