French Lessons
Ellen Sussman. Ballantine, $24 (236p) ISBN 978-0-345-52277-1
Three Americans explore Paris alongside their attractive French tutors and find themselves caught up in a delightful day of desire in Sussman's second novel (after On a Night Like This), beginning with an emotionally fraught coffee date shared by the tutors that reveals a love-triangle that must be set aside for the workday. Nico, who has just slept with his fellow tutor, Chantal, is assigned to a pregnant, grieving San Franciscan woman; Philippe continues his lessons with a lonely ex-pat with no French skills, two children, and a workaholic husband; and Chantal, in love with Philippe, has her last session with the insecure husband of an actress in town for a shoot. They visit gardens, the Louvre, and several beds. Granted, it's not exactly trailblazing material, but Sussman keeps things fresh with a strong supporting cast and some unexpected insights into the characters' pasts, embracing a soup%C3%A7on of mystery to go with the scenic strolls and flights of passion. (July)
Details
Reviewed on: 05/30/2011
Genre: Fiction
Compact Disc - 978-0-307-93227-3
Downloadable Audio - 978-0-307-93230-3
Hardcover - 143 pages - 978-0-345-52279-5
Open Ebook - 127 pages - 978-1-78033-477-6
Paperback - 256 pages - 978-1-78033-384-7
Paperback - 256 pages - 978-1-78033-303-8