Yesterday I received a signed copy of the amazing book Paris Tango as a gift from Vicki over at French Essence, one of my favorite new blogs. Vicki’s posting on “Which Parisian Are You?” instantly drew me in as it recalled the time when I lived in Paris as a student- one of the most memorable and fabulous times of my life. So you can imagine the joy and sheer glee when I came home from lunch yesterday to find this gorgeous book on my doorstep.
Paris Tango is a book of staggering beauty with photography and writings by Carla Coulson, an Australian in Paris. It is the sort of book that draws you in instantly- Coulson divides the book into ten chapters: Photography, The Marais, Moulin Rouge, Artists, Gardens, Perfume, Haute Couture, Dogs, The Parisians and Dance. Each chapter is filled with her artistic photography and well written anecdotes about life in Paris.
I spent hours yesterday, perusing through the images and reading about her experience. As I did so, one word kept reverberating in my mind, passion. Yes, that is, perhaps, the reason why so many of us love Paris and why those of us who have been lucky enough to live there or visit are so enthralled by all things French. There is a passion that vibrates through this city. It moves through your pulse and is on the tip of your tongue. It is on your mind and in what you eat. Passion. Carla Coulson’s book is so brilliant because she managed to capture this feeling and put it to the page.
Merci beaucoup Vicki for this wonderful present- I am forever grateful.
For more information on the author, please visit: www.carlacoulson.com
Jennifer, I am so happy you are enjoying 'Paris Tango' - me too. xv
ReplyDeleteOn a completely unrelated note: Daily my name is Jennifer too! Bizarre. Okay not so much considering that apparently everyone's parents in the 80's thought naming their daughters Jennifer was a good idea.
ReplyDeleteNow on to the book, okay I am so requesting this at the library.
Thanks Vicki! Safe Travels back home...
ReplyDeleteJena... I had a feeling we shared the same name! There is something so wonderful about being anonymous though isn't there? We should probably continue to call each other "Jenavira" and "Daily" otherwise it might get confusing! lol
ReplyDeletetrust me I know the confusion of calling someone else Jen (I also work with a Jennifer), so we shall remain Daily and Jena.
ReplyDeleteHow nice! You will like "Two lipsticks and a Lover" by another Anglo-speaking author (the name of whom escapes me right now). Recommended light reading ;-)
ReplyDeleteHi Helg- Acutally I have heard of that book- I will look into it. Thanks for the referral!
ReplyDeleteI think Two lipsticks and a Lover is by Helena Frith Powell. She also has a very interesting Blog. Carla Coulson is such a talented artist! This book is definitely one I am going to purchase. I get so much joy and inspiration from her lovely books x
ReplyDeletePrimrose- Ah yes, I knew Two Lipsticks and a lover sounded so familiar... I've read Helena Firth Powell's other book "How to be Impossibly French"... very funny...
ReplyDeleteOkay, I've got to put on my mom hat and ask: Just how much Paris in each of these books?
ReplyDeleteI have a voracious reader precocious teen who will no doubt someday go to one of his favorite cities...he is starting to speak the language fairly well...but I'm trying to figure out if either of these books are the kind of book a guy who doesn't yet drive can get from his mom, or it's the kind of thing the cool uncle or knowing grandfather passes his way?
Would that I just had time to read everything...
Hi Scentscelf- Hmmm... I don't know how appropriate this one would be for your teenage son as there is a lot of nudity going on in the Moulin Rouge chapter... It's not gratuitous by any means but it might make him want to visit France sooner rather than later lol!
ReplyDeleteI think you would love Two Lipsticks and a Lover as she discusses beauty and style secrets with many Frenchwomen. It's a lovely book. Here is the link to Helena's Blog if you get a chance to have a read:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.helenafrithpowell.com/
I love Carla Coulson! I'm picking up my copy of Paris Tango tomorrow! :)
ReplyDeleteMy friend sent me her book "Italian Joy" for my birthday and I was instantly hooked! Her words and photography are just so beautiful :)
Hi Cheray- Isn't Carla great? I'm so glad I was introduced to her work... I hope you enjoy your book when it comes.
ReplyDeleteI just checked out your profile- your blog looks great!
She is amazing - her words and photos just provoke so much emotion! :) I absolutely LOVE Paris Tango - I just want more time to go through it all now...
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the kind words
xxx