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La Vie, According to Rose
A heartfelt novel about self-discovery, grief, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to start over.
Rose Zadeh pleases everyone, except herself. Memories of her late Iranian-immigrant father, who valued hard work and family, keep Rose in a dead-end job as a Silicon Valley copywriter, and tethered to her guilt-trippy mom and needy sisters. As much as it would disappoint her father, Rose needs an escape. Voilà! A mandated vacation gives her the chance. Three weeks on a long-dreamed-of trip to the City of Light.
Instead of landing in a Parisian fairy tale, Rose falls under the spell of a charming and possibly dangerous expat and encounters an old family friend keeping a surprising secret. With the aid of a French self-help guru, Rose really believes she’s blossoming. Until an unwelcome reminder of home proves that finding herself will require more than a change of scenery.
From Paris’s cobblestone streets to Provence’s sun-soaked hills, Rose embarks on a journey of adventure, betrayals, and even amour. For the first time, the directions she follows are up to her.
Rose Zadeh pleases everyone, except herself. Memories of her late Iranian-immigrant father, who valued hard work and family, keep Rose in a dead-end job as a Silicon Valley copywriter, and tethered to her guilt-trippy mom and needy sisters. As much as it would disappoint her father, Rose needs an escape. Voilà! A mandated vacation gives her the chance. Three weeks on a long-dreamed-of trip to the City of Light.
Instead of landing in a Parisian fairy tale, Rose falls under the spell of a charming and possibly dangerous expat and encounters an old family friend keeping a surprising secret. With the aid of a French self-help guru, Rose really believes she’s blossoming. Until an unwelcome reminder of home proves that finding herself will require more than a change of scenery.
From Paris’s cobblestone streets to Provence’s sun-soaked hills, Rose embarks on a journey of adventure, betrayals, and even amour. For the first time, the directions she follows are up to her.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2023
1611 people are currently reading
5316 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Parvizi
2 books111 followersLauren Parvizi is the author of Trust Me on This and La Vie, According to Rose, winner of the 2024 Women’s Fiction Writers Association STAR Award in the Debut category. She worked for more than a decade as a digital editor and content writer, and earned an MFA from San Francisco State University. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 354 reviews
July 26, 2023
Off to Paris we go!!
Rose is being forced… yes forced to take vacation. Her employer warns her to use it or lose it. 😳 Rose decides to escape it all… She packs her bags 💼 and off to Paris she goes!! For three weeks!! I was lucky enough to hitch a ride with Rose and see all the sticky situations she got herself into. 😉
Rose secretly hoped she might have a bit of fun and meet a charming man in Paris… and indeed she does!! Not one.. but two!! 🫢 I know right!! Rose!! 🤫🫢
A charming dude… with a mysterious side…. and a bit of a grumpy dude with a not so mysterious side… 😉….Who will Rose connect with?? I can tell you who my favorite was!!
I loved traveling 🧳 to Paris … I adored Rose… she was relatable..funny and we could totally be BFF’s!! I wanted to grab Rose and scream… PLEASE Rose…. make the right decision!! 😂
You definitely need to meet Rose and her family!! I loved how this wrapped up!! Adorable… fun… fantastic characters!!! Highly recommend!! ❤️ I received a gifted copy.
Rose is being forced… yes forced to take vacation. Her employer warns her to use it or lose it. 😳 Rose decides to escape it all… She packs her bags 💼 and off to Paris she goes!! For three weeks!! I was lucky enough to hitch a ride with Rose and see all the sticky situations she got herself into. 😉
Rose secretly hoped she might have a bit of fun and meet a charming man in Paris… and indeed she does!! Not one.. but two!! 🫢 I know right!! Rose!! 🤫🫢
A charming dude… with a mysterious side…. and a bit of a grumpy dude with a not so mysterious side… 😉….Who will Rose connect with?? I can tell you who my favorite was!!
I loved traveling 🧳 to Paris … I adored Rose… she was relatable..funny and we could totally be BFF’s!! I wanted to grab Rose and scream… PLEASE Rose…. make the right decision!! 😂
You definitely need to meet Rose and her family!! I loved how this wrapped up!! Adorable… fun… fantastic characters!!! Highly recommend!! ❤️ I received a gifted copy.
June 13, 2023
This was one of my monthly reads from Amazon. I struggled with how to rate this. There were times when I really enjoyed the book but there were moments when Rose's insecurities and family issues (and family) got on my nerves. I enjoyed the overall story/plot, but the drama got a bit too much.
June 12, 2023
EXCELLENT debut novel!!!! I think there are certain books that come to you when you need them the most and this was certainly true for me and this story. I resonated with many elements of this story and it was so easy to feel for Rose, even if exact details of our circumstances didn’t match. This book was soothing and so enjoyable to read. It is stories like this that remind me of the magic of reading and finding connection across pages, characters, real lives, and all around the world! 10/10 would recommend!
June 27, 2023
This was an Amazon first pick and it was not good. Rose was so easy to dislike. She’s written as the older wiser reliable sister, but once her feet touch French soil she turns into a simpering, naive, dolt.
How many times can a person loose keys or phones in a three week period, according to this once a week on average. How many times will a woman not use her good sense to figure a way out of said predicament but rather phone it in, again three times on average. And for good measure most of those phone calls will be to a smarmy con man named KID. And Rose is too stupid to notice he’s a con. But the signs were slapping her in the face constantly.
I had so many things about this I disliked that I resorted to reading dialogue and skipping entire pages just to get to the very predictable end. I don’t need to read pages and pages about shopping at a street vendor for the most delicious ingredients know to man, to then see said ingredients used to make toast and tea. Please skip this book it was so so bad.
How many times can a person loose keys or phones in a three week period, according to this once a week on average. How many times will a woman not use her good sense to figure a way out of said predicament but rather phone it in, again three times on average. And for good measure most of those phone calls will be to a smarmy con man named KID. And Rose is too stupid to notice he’s a con. But the signs were slapping her in the face constantly.
I had so many things about this I disliked that I resorted to reading dialogue and skipping entire pages just to get to the very predictable end. I don’t need to read pages and pages about shopping at a street vendor for the most delicious ingredients know to man, to then see said ingredients used to make toast and tea. Please skip this book it was so so bad.
June 15, 2023
La Vie , according to Rose
I liked the main character and her family. However, Rose talked way too much about her father, which bored me to tears. I will not re
commend this book was very mediocre. It would have been a better story if the writer had written more about the characters involved instead of her page after page about her father.
More story, less pages dedicated to a person who was not involved into the actual happenings.
I liked the main character and her family. However, Rose talked way too much about her father, which bored me to tears. I will not re
commend this book was very mediocre. It would have been a better story if the writer had written more about the characters involved instead of her page after page about her father.
More story, less pages dedicated to a person who was not involved into the actual happenings.
July 23, 2023
Extremely predictable in a bad way, it made the whole book drag on and on. Rose acted so dumb and naïve while in Paris, yet in America is this extremely responsible and heavily relied upon person. The only redeeming parts of this were when Paris was actually talked about. I was hoping this would be a “getaway” book but it just felt like a chore the entire time. 2.5 stars
March 6, 2023
4.25. I loved this book! I couldn’t stop reading it. It is a compelling story about a young woman in need of some time alone to figure out what she wants from her life. The main character, Rose, is likeable and quite endearing. Whilst her personality is very different to mine, I found parts of her journey to be very relatable and realistic. If you’re looking to read something about cultural and personal identity, the importance of relationships (familial, platonic, romantic), as well as the importance of discovery and change, then you’ll enjoy this one.
As an aside, I enjoyed how Paris was presented in this book. Many books romanticise Paris and this version showed the good and the bad parts.
The only reason why I didn’t give it 5 stars is because one of the main plot lines was very predictable. It wasn’t bad, by any means, just very obvious as to where it was going.
Very solid and I’m excited to see what this author does next.
PS: thank you, NetGalley for an e-arc.
As an aside, I enjoyed how Paris was presented in this book. Many books romanticise Paris and this version showed the good and the bad parts.
The only reason why I didn’t give it 5 stars is because one of the main plot lines was very predictable. It wasn’t bad, by any means, just very obvious as to where it was going.
Very solid and I’m excited to see what this author does next.
PS: thank you, NetGalley for an e-arc.
November 24, 2022
A charming and wise novel about what we do because we want to and what we do because we feel like we have to, and how easy it can be to confuse those two things. The book follows Rose, an over-obedient daughter, sister, and employee who, when her acquiescence in all three areas combusts at once, takes an impulsive opportunity to reinvent herself in Paris. What follows is an engaging, relatable, and heartfelt examination of what “reinventing yourself” really looks like: of how much of yourself it’s really possible to change, and what you both lose and gain when you do. A wonderful story about family, love, and losing — and finding — yourself.
June 15, 2023
Rose is just the type of character I don’t want to spend my free time reading about.
June 5, 2023
This is one of the cutest reads I've done so far this year! It was easy to relate to Rose. And there's something about this book that will instantly lift up your spirits! I read this when I was particularly down one day and I found myself giggling despite feeling super blue.
The characters were all lovable, even the grumpy one! Everyone was funny in their own way! The writing was beautiful! The only con? Just reading the food descriptions made me gain at least 10lbs! Yes, it was THAT good. Reading this book was like talking to your goofy best friend who always puts a smile on your face. This was a very delightful read indeed!
The characters were all lovable, even the grumpy one! Everyone was funny in their own way! The writing was beautiful! The only con? Just reading the food descriptions made me gain at least 10lbs! Yes, it was THAT good. Reading this book was like talking to your goofy best friend who always puts a smile on your face. This was a very delightful read indeed!
June 4, 2023
Lauren Parvizi, the author of “La Vie, According to Rose,” has written a provocative, memorable, and heartfelt novel. The genres for this book are fiction, women’s fiction, and contemporary. I love how the author vividly describes her dramatically flawed characters as complex and complicated. Emotionally, my reaction was screaming and shaking some selfish characters. In life, there are givers and takers. In this book, the author discusses the importance of self-worth, finding and accepting oneself, second chances, finding a balance, and the importance of family and friends.
Is it possible to move to another country to escape unhappiness and defeat? The protagonist, Rose Zadeh, is a people pleaser. Rose puts the demands of her family, job, and anyone who asks for anything before her own needs. “NO” is not in her vocabulary, and when she is disappointed and not rewarded for her efforts and help, Rose decides to use her three-week vacation to go to Paris to find her dreams.
I accompany Rose to Paris, where she meets new people and has to differentiate between healthy and toxic relationships. The author uses a sensory approach to describe the characters, events, places, and scenery. I can taste, smell, feel, touch, and hear the foods, the sights, and the music. Rose has many new adventures, unexpected visitors, and memories from back home. One thing is for sure: Rose must advocate for herself. Rose has to discover where home is and if running away can solve one’s problems. I highly recommend this thought-provoking novel.
Is it possible to move to another country to escape unhappiness and defeat? The protagonist, Rose Zadeh, is a people pleaser. Rose puts the demands of her family, job, and anyone who asks for anything before her own needs. “NO” is not in her vocabulary, and when she is disappointed and not rewarded for her efforts and help, Rose decides to use her three-week vacation to go to Paris to find her dreams.
I accompany Rose to Paris, where she meets new people and has to differentiate between healthy and toxic relationships. The author uses a sensory approach to describe the characters, events, places, and scenery. I can taste, smell, feel, touch, and hear the foods, the sights, and the music. Rose has many new adventures, unexpected visitors, and memories from back home. One thing is for sure: Rose must advocate for herself. Rose has to discover where home is and if running away can solve one’s problems. I highly recommend this thought-provoking novel.
July 15, 2023
La Vie, According to Rose, Lauren Parvizi’s debut novel, is a compelling tale of grief, self-discovery, and new beginnings.
Let me tell you, as a younger sister, this one is most definitely a story for the eldest sisters. Although this wasn’t the experience in my family, I can acknowledge that there are others with different dynamics that will resonate with this story’s theme and characters.
I got about 100 pages in before I decided to listen to the rest as an audiobook and let me tell you, I enjoyed it so much more than I anticipated. I get distracted very easily and I’ve never been able to sit through an audiobook in its entirety… until now. The narration wasn’t anything outstanding, but I was able to visualize the setting and characters even more so than I was with the physical book. Long story short, I understand the audiobook hype now.
I loved the plot of this book, although it did feel a little long when listening to it. Again, that could just be because of my dwindling attention span, but while I did enjoy the art heist aspect, it didn’t seem necessary. The story would’ve been better rounded out if our protagonist’s relationship with Marco, a childhood acquaintance, was the core plot point. Kid, Rose’s Paris fling, could’ve still been included in the story, but rather as another American turned Parisian simply guiding her throughout the city. It would’ve kept the jealousy trope that I, as an angst lover, always root for, relevant and balanced. In the grand scheme of it all, even when we learn about the details behind the great Parisian art heist, it seemed very anticlimactic. The consequence of it all just seemed very unrealistic.
That being said, I wish we saw more of Marco and Rose from the beginning. I just love a good uptight, reserved MMC. Bonus points because he’s an art history professor. There wasn’t much chemistry nor tension between the two of them, but if the plot were indeed changed so that their relationship was a centric narrative, there would’ve been plenty.
As for Rose’s character, I’m a little conflicted. As the oldest Zadeh sister, she’s a pathological people pleaser. I empathized with her, but there were many times when enough was enough. She didn’t stand up for herself until the very end of the novel and it made the pacing drag out too long only to feel rushed at the end. She let everyone walk all over her, and yes, I say let because, from her inner dialogue, it’s clear that this is a conscious decision. She believes that defending herself will ruffle too many feathers.
Don’t get me started on her sisters, especially Lily. Actually, let me rephrase that. Don’t get me started on her Mom. Goodness gracious, they were all unbearable and Rose definitely should’ve cut all ties. It’s an unhealthy dynamic all around that clearly is serving nobody.
Overall though, I rated this story 3.5 gleaming Parisian stars.
Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Lauren Parvizi for providing me with this ARC. As always, all opinions are my own and were not influenced by early access to this title.
Let me tell you, as a younger sister, this one is most definitely a story for the eldest sisters. Although this wasn’t the experience in my family, I can acknowledge that there are others with different dynamics that will resonate with this story’s theme and characters.
I got about 100 pages in before I decided to listen to the rest as an audiobook and let me tell you, I enjoyed it so much more than I anticipated. I get distracted very easily and I’ve never been able to sit through an audiobook in its entirety… until now. The narration wasn’t anything outstanding, but I was able to visualize the setting and characters even more so than I was with the physical book. Long story short, I understand the audiobook hype now.
I loved the plot of this book, although it did feel a little long when listening to it. Again, that could just be because of my dwindling attention span, but while I did enjoy the art heist aspect, it didn’t seem necessary. The story would’ve been better rounded out if our protagonist’s relationship with Marco, a childhood acquaintance, was the core plot point. Kid, Rose’s Paris fling, could’ve still been included in the story, but rather as another American turned Parisian simply guiding her throughout the city. It would’ve kept the jealousy trope that I, as an angst lover, always root for, relevant and balanced. In the grand scheme of it all, even when we learn about the details behind the great Parisian art heist, it seemed very anticlimactic. The consequence of it all just seemed very unrealistic.
That being said, I wish we saw more of Marco and Rose from the beginning. I just love a good uptight, reserved MMC. Bonus points because he’s an art history professor. There wasn’t much chemistry nor tension between the two of them, but if the plot were indeed changed so that their relationship was a centric narrative, there would’ve been plenty.
As for Rose’s character, I’m a little conflicted. As the oldest Zadeh sister, she’s a pathological people pleaser. I empathized with her, but there were many times when enough was enough. She didn’t stand up for herself until the very end of the novel and it made the pacing drag out too long only to feel rushed at the end. She let everyone walk all over her, and yes, I say let because, from her inner dialogue, it’s clear that this is a conscious decision. She believes that defending herself will ruffle too many feathers.
Don’t get me started on her sisters, especially Lily. Actually, let me rephrase that. Don’t get me started on her Mom. Goodness gracious, they were all unbearable and Rose definitely should’ve cut all ties. It’s an unhealthy dynamic all around that clearly is serving nobody.
Overall though, I rated this story 3.5 gleaming Parisian stars.
Thank you to TLC Book Tours and Lauren Parvizi for providing me with this ARC. As always, all opinions are my own and were not influenced by early access to this title.
July 31, 2025
Rose is taken advantage of at her job, and denied a deserved promotion. She takes off on a three-week trip to Paris and she slowly learns to stand up for herself at work and in her family life.
October 7, 2025
A heartfelt and reflective story, featuring slow-burn self-discovery, grief, and the reminder that finding oneself requires more than simply a change of scenery.
July 9, 2023
TITLE: La Vie, According to Rose: A Novel
AUTHOR: Lauren Parvizi
PUB DATE: 07.01.2023 Now Available
I love reading about the effects on the children of immigrant families - living in two worlds with the highest of expectations to succeed, take care of the family, and the selflessness and sacrifice that is required. What happens when these ideals have been so ingrained that even the shadows and whispers of your long lost father haunts your every day life? Enter Rose Zadeh, a young woman given that chance of a life time to escape, to self care, to have a life, and in the incredible city of Paris.
Lauren Parvizi writes a powerful and poignant story, that is so lovely to read that follows a young woman’s journey going through grief and the loss of her father and finding herself. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it as a perfect summer read that will immerse and transport you to Paris and beyond.
AUTHOR: Lauren Parvizi
PUB DATE: 07.01.2023 Now Available
I love reading about the effects on the children of immigrant families - living in two worlds with the highest of expectations to succeed, take care of the family, and the selflessness and sacrifice that is required. What happens when these ideals have been so ingrained that even the shadows and whispers of your long lost father haunts your every day life? Enter Rose Zadeh, a young woman given that chance of a life time to escape, to self care, to have a life, and in the incredible city of Paris.
Lauren Parvizi writes a powerful and poignant story, that is so lovely to read that follows a young woman’s journey going through grief and the loss of her father and finding herself. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it as a perfect summer read that will immerse and transport you to Paris and beyond.
June 5, 2023
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this eARC!! La Vie, According to Rose is described as “A heartfelt novel about self-discovery, grief, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to start over.”
Rose Zadeh pleases everyone, except herself. Oh man…I felt so much of myself in this book. I don’t have immigrant parents, but I do have 2 younger sisters. I connected so much with her feelings and internal conflict between what she wants and what is “expected” of her. This story is a journey of learning to listen to your own heart, standing up for yourself, and caring less about what others think.
Rose Zadeh pleases everyone, except herself. Oh man…I felt so much of myself in this book. I don’t have immigrant parents, but I do have 2 younger sisters. I connected so much with her feelings and internal conflict between what she wants and what is “expected” of her. This story is a journey of learning to listen to your own heart, standing up for yourself, and caring less about what others think.
July 10, 2023
La Vie, According To Rose is the debut novel by Lauren Parvizi. Rose is a classic oldest child. After a lifetime of trying to be everything to everyone in her family and at her job, Rose finds herself passed over for a promotion and feeling passed over by life. On a whim, she books a three week trip to Paris where she discovers that you can escape your surroundings and you can escape your family (temporarily), but you can't escape yourself. As she adventures, she meets several characters who help to move her closer to who she is meant to be as a woman, a daughter, and a sister while also managing her difficult family relationships and a new "friendship" with a classic con man. La Vie was at times heavy handed and tiresome. I found myself skimming at times. The art heist story line could probably have been left aside in favor of more time with Marine and Marco, but overall this was an enjoyable read about becoming who you want to be and laying aside insecurities and the expectations of others so you can reach for your own happiness. The ending made the book worth it! Well done on a great first novel! I will definitely pick up any future endeavors by Ms. Parvizi.
August 17, 2023
This was one of my free Amazon monthly reads, so it may not have otherwise come across my radar, but I thought it was a delightful and charming. A young-ish woman, the eldest daughter of an Iranian immigrant, is the go to for her mother and sisters and seems to have been so busy taking responsibility for them that after her father's untimely passing, she failed to make an identity for herself.
Forced by her job to take a use it or lose it three week break, she decides to fulfill a lifelong dream of going to Paris, even though she's hardly ever left the area she grew up in LA. Rose finds herself both lost in Paris, overwhelmed with the adventure she's bit off, but with an ensemble cast to force her out of her comfort zone, maybe she will find herself in Paris as so many of us dream of doing.
Forced by her job to take a use it or lose it three week break, she decides to fulfill a lifelong dream of going to Paris, even though she's hardly ever left the area she grew up in LA. Rose finds herself both lost in Paris, overwhelmed with the adventure she's bit off, but with an ensemble cast to force her out of her comfort zone, maybe she will find herself in Paris as so many of us dream of doing.
July 4, 2023
Wow. It's been awhile since a book spoke to me in such a profound way. Though my life is quite a bit different from Rose's life, we are the same age and share the same feelings on family. As the oldest child, there are certain expectations, whether these are placed upon us by our parents or ourselves - that line is blurry. Breaking free of those expectations is no easy feat, but finding your true self and not letting fear stop you from living is so worth it. Definitely recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2024
4/5 stars!
Super cute, easy, light. Great descriptions; made me miss Paris so much!
Great story of being an individual despite family and society's pressures.
Listened via Kindle; read on Kindle.
Super cute, easy, light. Great descriptions; made me miss Paris so much!
Great story of being an individual despite family and society's pressures.
Listened via Kindle; read on Kindle.
June 26, 2023
The journey Rose took resonated with me. I struggle with giving voice to my thoughts if it's too true to avoid conflict. I struggle to say the right thing or anything at all sometimes. Its a book about finding yourself & overcoming your fears and i very much enjoyed it. Also, Paris was a childhood dream and the imagery was lovely.
July 2, 2023
This is a story of a doormat
A 32 year old woman who's a doormat to her family her dead father, and it goes further to her work and every one around her. Like she has no will of her own. It's sad. Not in a heart warming way but in a disgusting way. No sympathy because she knows she's a doormat and allows it. She finally has the courage to take her dream trip to Paris where she is still a doormat but eventually gains a bit of a spine and learns to do things for herself. It took 95% of the book to get there. A few interesting surprises on the way.
If this hadn't been a kindle first read book I never would have chosen it.
A 32 year old woman who's a doormat to her family her dead father, and it goes further to her work and every one around her. Like she has no will of her own. It's sad. Not in a heart warming way but in a disgusting way. No sympathy because she knows she's a doormat and allows it. She finally has the courage to take her dream trip to Paris where she is still a doormat but eventually gains a bit of a spine and learns to do things for herself. It took 95% of the book to get there. A few interesting surprises on the way.
If this hadn't been a kindle first read book I never would have chosen it.
July 5, 2023
Overall I enjoyed this book. I appreciated how it didn’t necessarily romanticize Paris the way many other books do. I felt that Rose’s inner monologue about her father pulled me away from the story quite a bit and just wish there was less of that and more of the present story. A bit predictable with one of the character’s plot lines but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
July 4, 2023
*Paris
*naive ideas
*vacation
I picked this book up initially because I had just watch Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn in it. And she say "La Vie En Rose" throughout the film. To see life through rose colored glasses!
The book was okay, not my cup of tea. If you are looking for contemporary romance then you will love this book. I did enjoy that she leaves California and goes to Paris for 3 weeks without a plan. She wants a movie experience but get something very different but just as wonderful for her.
*naive ideas
*vacation
I picked this book up initially because I had just watch Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn in it. And she say "La Vie En Rose" throughout the film. To see life through rose colored glasses!
The book was okay, not my cup of tea. If you are looking for contemporary romance then you will love this book. I did enjoy that she leaves California and goes to Paris for 3 weeks without a plan. She wants a movie experience but get something very different but just as wonderful for her.
August 1, 2023
Although a story set in Paris is always enjoyable to me, the main character, Rose, frustrated me. Naive, sheltered, she is a doormat for everyone to walk over. For me, the book dragged until she finally stood up for herself near the end of the book. I also felt there were some plot holes.
August 6, 2023
I loved Rose’s back story about her family and upbringing (Iranian father and fair skinned blond mother). And her sisters and mother… just wow. They walked all over her and depended on her far too much. Being the oldest is hard. Too much responsibility.
The relationships she had with others (especially men)and the way she communicated with them was just painful to read about though.
I loved the story though. I really liked the art discussions and to hear about her touring the city of Paris and the other areas of France. It was fun and I just wish it would have continued for longer.
The relationships she had with others (especially men)and the way she communicated with them was just painful to read about though.
I loved the story though. I really liked the art discussions and to hear about her touring the city of Paris and the other areas of France. It was fun and I just wish it would have continued for longer.
November 1, 2025
I thought this was a good debut novel. It's the story of Rose and her misadventures in Paris. Sometimes, you have to get lost in order to find yourself.
June 2, 2023
I am always in need of some time alone, so this book was right up my alley. I couldn't stop reading it. This might be one to add to your reading list. I think most people will enjoy it.
4 stars from this reader.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
4 stars from this reader.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
February 27, 2023
I loved this book. It is the perfect combination of light and poignant, escapist and relatable, and I found myself craving to return to Rose's world each time I was away from the page. Reading La Vie, According to Rose feels like curling up with your favorite dessert on the comfiest couch, it's cozy and satisfying and just feels good- but then Parvizi hits you with beautiful lines and explores grief and legacy and sacrifice and you realize what you're reading is something else altogether, in the best possible way.
I delighted in the Persian food Parvizi served up throughout, and felt deeply immersed in Rose's culture, as well as her family, and at the same time, felt as though I had been swept off to Paris and escaped into the fun adventure alongside Rose. One of the understated strengths of this novel is the way Parvizi navigates relationships between sisters, birth order, and what is owed and what isn't within a family structure. Plus, of course, there is romance, which I loved, and intrigue! I rooted for Rose the entire way. La Vie walks a tricky tightrope of a heartfelt book that is both a joy to read, and one that leaves you thinking long after you turn the last page, and it's a book I would recommend to anyone in need of their own getaway.
I delighted in the Persian food Parvizi served up throughout, and felt deeply immersed in Rose's culture, as well as her family, and at the same time, felt as though I had been swept off to Paris and escaped into the fun adventure alongside Rose. One of the understated strengths of this novel is the way Parvizi navigates relationships between sisters, birth order, and what is owed and what isn't within a family structure. Plus, of course, there is romance, which I loved, and intrigue! I rooted for Rose the entire way. La Vie walks a tricky tightrope of a heartfelt book that is both a joy to read, and one that leaves you thinking long after you turn the last page, and it's a book I would recommend to anyone in need of their own getaway.
April 15, 2023
“𝘐’𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘍𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭.”
Rose is tired of having to carry all her family’s expectations on her back and no one caring about her at all. Everyone needs something from her and assume, that she will deliver. When her job makes her take a mandatory 3-week vacation instead of her awaited raise, everything around her becomes overwhelming and she impulsively escapes to Paris. She is not only trying to escape her reality but also looking for a new version of herself. One that doesn’t let everyone step on her. But this trip changes everything and the way she sees ‘la vie’.
This book is good. I do feel like the first half is very dense and in some points, it becomes a little repetitive. I think the book could’ve been shorter and at the same time I felt like there were some parts of the book that were incomplete. The second half was really good. The “mystery” was interesting, and I wish it was mentioned or talked about more.
I give this book 3.5/5.
It comes out on July 1st, 2023 and you can preorder it now.✨
Huge thanks to both Netgalley and the author for the ARC.
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