Plum Blossoms in Paris

by Sarah Hina

Post-grad neuroscience student Daisy Lockhart has never been short on brains, but after her longtime boyfriend, Andy Templeton, dumps her through e-mail, she is short on dreams. Alone for the first time in six years, Daisy allows herself to finally be an individual instead of half of a couple.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, France, Ebooks, Contemporary Romance

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Sarah Hina writes fiction and poetry from her home in Athens Ohio, where she lives with her husband and two children. Her debut novel, PLUM BLOSSOMS IN PARIS (Medallion Press), was hailed by Booklist as "a terrific literary love letter to the City of Light." Her follow-up novel, SARABANDE, won an honorable mention in the North Street Book Prize. 22 LIGHT YEARS TO YOU is now available. For fun, Sarah loves nothing more than photographing the southeastern Ohio landscapes and wildlife which are a daily inspiration to her life and work. You can connect with Sarah on Twitter at https://twitter.com/sarahhina or read more of her work on her blog: https://sarahhina.com.

Reviews

[C JM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although well written and beautifully presented, I personally found this story very difficult to get into and took me a while to finish the story. I understand Daisy wanting to find herself after a stagnant failed relationship and taking off to Paris, I do not understand why she chooses to continue her relationship with Mathieu. Mathieu I didn't understand his moodiness towards Daisy to the point of being possessive. I was glad to see Daisy leave him in the end.
When I read this story I had just returned from a 3 week trip from France and could not relate to the authors perception of French people in general. My own father is from France and I can say that what I have experienced through my French relations I was at time frustrated with the authors interpetation which would explain my difficulty in finishing the story in a timely manner. I am sure that there are people as she describes as there are in any culture but if I can't relate then what?

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've just finished this book, dried my eyes and gave a long sigh. I don't usually go for books of this type, Deep books, but I enjoyed it none the less. It tells of being young, making mistakes, falling in love, having your heart torn to shreds, and of growing up. There was so much sadness under the light coat of love. I was touched by this book and I very much enjoyed it.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah Hina makes music on paper with her tale of Daisy's trip to Paris, of falling in love, of learning about herself. The writing is full of depth and poetry, the story is multi-layered and served like a four-course meal, with delightful attention to detail. It's a story that appeals to the mind and to the heart and if you've ever been a woman in love you will see immediately that Sarah Hina keenly understands the knife's edge of love and the many ways it can cut. I took in every morsel of this book with the meticulous care of one savoring a fine meal, because that's what it is. It's not fast food, it's not cliched, it's not a "summer beach read". It's truth and beauty. It's the music of life.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certainly not a quick easy read and, to be honest, a rather dull storyline. I would have given up on it had it not been for the beautiful style of writing, reminiscent of D H Lawrence in places. Some of the descriptive passages are so compelling I actually read them twice.
Unfortunately the story lacks credibility throughout and I really didn't care what happened to Daisy or her French lover. At the end of the book I felt relieved - not because of the outcome of the story - just relieved I'd finished it.

[E.D. Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn't get into this. Maybe it's because I'm past the college years and couldn't connect? For whatever reason, the main character irritated me. The clincher, however, was the scene on the plane between the MC and the Canadian guy. It was a lot of politics and unnecessary stereotypes, and I didn't see how it fit into the story. I don't want to read about politics that directly in a novel, so I stopped.

[Katy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, but it was just too confusing. i felt like I was constantly being lectured about Bush's presidency and whatever else the author thought was wrong about America, when I expected more of a love story. Half the time I would need to go back and reread to try to figure out what I missed, because the author felt the need to ramble on with some overly descriptive inconsequential piece of randomness.

[Adrianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the book was beautifully written, the way Daisy and Mathieu spoke to each other at times was annoying. I was really annoyed by Daisy's constant references to the politics of George W in 2005. Maybe it's just me, but if I was 23 and had ran off to Paris to deal with a broken heart and was then swept off my feet by a french poet/writer, the last thing I would constantly be bringing up was George W.

[Rue ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plum Blossoms made me want to go to Paris. To have an adventure like Daisy and meet someone like Mathieu. Everything in the book is detailed and deep. This is a great book made by Sarah Hina.

Favorite Quote:
"How could you afford to buy me those shoes today?"
Flushed, he groans into my ear, "You made me."
"I did not."
"You made me love you."

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

About 168 pages into this book, it finally dawned on me that I don’t have to keep reading purple prose just because the author also provides an excellent street side view of Paris. This novel suffers from a lack of restraint and nuance. Tant pis.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reader not knowing the homage to Matisse that is the cover might find it does not suit the book, thinking this to be a light read. It's thought-provoking and makes me stop to consider many things--love, existentialism, Paris, being a stranger in a strange land.

[Miae · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected the book to be a good read but was disappointed. I had a difficult time connecting with the story and forced myself to finish. I was confused with the storyline at times and many typos throughout the book.

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave it 30 pages, & then gave up. Some lyrical writing, but it was very...let's just say I kept waiting for Ethan Hawke to show up during the endless intellectual conversations to add some Gen X pedigree. A little painful.

[Teodora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did like it, good light reading with a few good points, like: "sometime a book could be more authentic than real life"

[April yedinak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story even though it made me sad and mad at times.

The imagery is splendid and I felt like I could really see and smell Paris.

I am also deeply in love with Mathieu.

[Cyndi · Rating 1 out of 5]

it started out well & just went downhill and became too heavy and lost focus & the reader.

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished it, so it wasn't horrible. Definitely would not recommend. I liked that it was in Paris.

[Sherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

although the plot was good, I found this book tough to read. It was slow and bogged down easily.

[Diana Mcadams · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't get into this book, I couldn't even finish it :(

[Lisa Carta · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lots of typos. I did not care for the style of writing or the story itself. It may appeal to others however.

[Venise · Rating 2 out of 5]

The lack of support and rejections made the disarray that was expressed in the story. Yuck, I sympathize.

[Martha · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ewwww. Don't know why I wasted my time with this one. Parts, I guess, were interesting. Parts were very skimmable. I didn't get whole premise. Don't know...

[JoAnne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took awhile to hold my attention and during the story at various times it was let go. There was a lot of angst and sorrow along with secrets, different beliefs, nationalities and loving - not necessarily love or romance. There are family and friends and lots of distant behaviors.

This is a debut novel with some depth to it but hard to like characters for me. Some of the material was hard to wrap around. I loved the sites of Paris and descriptions that made me feel like I was there even though it's a place I've never been interested in visiting mainly due to their dislike of Americans and all things American and the author brought that out more than once. Mathieu and Daisy clicked when they shouldn't have. Daisy seems like a lost soul. There were loose ends and some closure but there seemed to be more story to tell and a more extensive epilogue might have been nice. I liked the book cover.

Ms. Hina does have a second novel out and I might give it a try.

[Rachel Hodges · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book that moves along at a quick clip, this probably is not for you. If you're looking for shimmering sentences you would sell your kneecaps to be able to write, you must read this! Several times, I was about to set it down because of the slow pace, when I was hit over the head with a jaw-dropping good description. Those perfect paragraphs are worth reading the whole book for. The tempo also picks up about halfway through, so hang in there.

Did I agree with everything the two main characters said or did? No, but I thought the author did a good job capturing the way many new adults think. I had a completely different worldview at that age than Daisy, but I was just as sure I knew much more than I did. Matthieu irritates the fire out of me at 41, but his inscrutable moodiness would have made me swoon at 23.

It was interesting to read the descriptions of paintings. Do yourself a favor and look up the artwork while reading the magnificent descriptions.

[Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of a young woman who goes to Paris, has an affair with a French man and through it all finds herself.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Addison · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Though the premise—a heartbroken neuroscience student finding herself in Paris—offers promise, the execution falters. Daisy's voice is inconsistent, and the emotional beats lack depth. While the Paris setting adds charm, it’s not quite enough to carry a story that meanders more than it moves. A lighter pick for those drawn to introspective women’s fiction, but not especially memorable.

[Courtney Robichaux · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Good: I agree with the other reviewers on a few points. This novel is so beautifully written. I also loved the way she described Paris and the various artworks viewed throughout the novel. She made me feel like I was there, either walking the streets with Matthieu and Daisy or looking at a beautiful, vivid Matisse.

Spoilers*
The Not So Good: I find their relationship a little unbelievable. After spending just one full day together, they are completely in love. Daisy gives up her life in the US and becomes Matthieu's muse. He's a writer and part-time tour guide when he needs to make money but she does nothing. She just explores Paris until she's given him enough time to write before she goes back home. I can't imagine many people satisfied with their lives revolving around one person and not trying to reach out for friends or a hobby.

I was just completely out of my element reading this. Several parts in this novel are insulting to Republicans (I'm paraphrasing: self-absorbed, filthy rich neanderthals) and Christians. I'm also a typical American who works 9-5 and feels accomplished after working. I cannot relate to loafing and after a while, I couldn't stand Matthieu's hatred for all things American.

I can see how someone who appreciates art and prose will love this novel. Writers, Artists, and Liberals will especially relate. It's a nice book, but it just wasn't for me.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I suppose this would be classified as a literary romance, although I'm not sure that's actually a category. It's not the normal kind of thing I read, but I know the author and have been impressed with her writing skills before. The writing is very fine, very rich, and expressive. The author really knows how to turn a phrase. The characters are interesting and the main female character, who is American, felt very real to me. I don't know about the primary male character, who was a Frenchman, since I don't really know any Frenchmen in real life. He was interesting, however.

The story is about the relationship between Daisy, the American, and Mathieu, The Frenchman. It illustrates both the excitement of two strangers meeting and falling in love, and the difficulty of crossing those international barriers of politics and life style and history.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a debut novel. For me the book was uneven. It is clear the author has talent. Hina's writing is described as exquisite by some readers, and it surely is gem-like. It seemed to me to be a bit over done in places, maybe a little too precious. A poet's precision does not always translate as well to a novel. I agree that the plot thread running through the story of the George W. Bush presidency was heavy handed at times, but the story ends up turning on that. There were times I didn't care about the characters, but then the story would pick up again and I am glad I stayed with it to the conclusion. I will look forward to seeing more work from the author as she comes into her own, just as Daisy does.

[Jo Notary]

338pgs, Post-grad neuroscience student Daisy Lockhart has never been short on brains, but after her longtime boyfriend, Andy Templeton, dumps her through e-mail, she is short on dreams. Alone for the first time in six years, Daisy allows herself to finally be an individual instead of half of a couple. On a mission towards self-discovery, new adventures, and healing her wounded soul, Daisy travels to Paris. Upon her arrival, she meets Mathieu, a mysterious intellectual with a carefree spirit, and Daisy begins to experience the passion and the fulfillment she craves. Daisy's tense battle between possible love and her newly found freedom forces her to decide what she really wants.