Once again, I have signed up to participate in the annual Paris in July blogging event. If you haven't heard about it, it's hosted by Karen and Tamara, and every year, bloggers post about all things French -- books, movies, food, trips, and so on. Here's a link for more information.
This year, I'm planning on reading as many French books as I can. I definitely want to read Sentimental Education by Gustave Flaubert, which is on my TBR Pile Challenge 2014 list; also, I have several unread novels on my shelves by Emile Zola, and maybe even Bel Ami by Guy de Maupassant. I also want to read some more books by Irene Nemirovsky -- I read Suite Francaise a few months ago and loved it. Who knows, I might even take a crack at Victor Hugo!
I also want to watch some French movies and, as always, eat French food! My youngest daughter is starting French in the fall. I haven't studied the language since I was in high school and I've forgotten nearly everything (except ordering off a menu and asking for the bathroom) but I'm going to try and study along with her. I'm already registered for the 2014 Jane Austen Society meeting which takes place in French-speaking Montreal in October, so it would be helpful to refresh my memory -- and who knows, maybe my daughter and I will reward ourselves with a trip to France someday!
Anyone else planning on a virtual visit to La Belle Paris this July? What will you be reading? Which French films do you recommend? And who are your favorite French authors?
Man I wish I was going to both of these events! Maybe I will just transport my mind there and read a French book this summer.
ReplyDeletehttp://finefantasies.blogspot.com/
I didn't even know about this event and I read French lit all the time. If you take on Hugo, I will take him on too. :)
ReplyDeleteAs for French films, I recommend Le Ballon Rouge. It is available streaming on Netflix I believe. It is delightful and you don't need to know French to appreciate it because there is hardly any speaking in the film.
My favourite French films are:
ReplyDeleteLe Petit Nicolas (hilarious!)
Paris, je t'aime! (very appropriate for this post!)
Être et Avoir (a documentary about a teacher in a one-room school in France. It is just excellent!)
Enjoy your French journey!
I'm planning to participate! I loved reading Francoise Sagan two years ago for the event so I might try her again. Beyond that I'm not sure what I'll read. I'll have to see what my library has available. See you in Paris!
ReplyDeleteI think you'll enjoy Bel-Ami, I loved it when I read it a few years ago. I've been meaning to read more Maupassant ever since & I have a Folio Society edition of his short stories but I just haven't got to it. Bon voyage!
ReplyDeleteI second Cleopatra's choice of "Etre et avoir". Can also recommend "En haut' and "La tendresse'.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great event! I'm reading a book set in Paris at the moment.. may have to hold off on my review for a week or two!
ReplyDeleteThis looks great! Sentimental Education is awesome, I hope you like that. And I'll be interested to see what you make of Bel Ami :)
ReplyDeleteEvery year I think I ought to do this challenge, but every year I feel stressed by my reading lists and what I am still committed to reading.
ReplyDeleteI would think you might consider reading Maria Chapdelaine as part of your challenge and as a prequel to your visit to Montreal.
Lucky you, getting registered for the JASNA AGM--I heard it sold out in 24 hours. I wasn't planning to go this year, but I have Louisville on my calendar for next year :)