Category Archives: Literature

Le Montespan

Posted on January 21, 2019 by Patricia Gilbert

I just finished a book that I procrastinated in so long that it moved with us twice, Le Montespan, by Jean Teulé. It was a fascinating and disturbing story in equal measures. It’s the true story of the Marquis and Marquise … Continue reading →

Posted in Literature | Tagged Jean Teulé, Le Montespan, marquis de Montespan, Marquise de Montespan | Leave a comment

Le Luxe

Posted on December 31, 2018 by Patricia Gilbert

My latest francophile read is The Hotel on Place Vendôme, by Tilar J. Mazzeo. It’s the historical account of life at the Ritz and the people who lived there before the war, during the occupation, and the liberation of Paris. … Continue reading →

Posted in Literature | Tagged le luxe, Ritz Carlton Hotel, The Hotel on Place Vendôme, Tilar J. Mazzeo | Leave a comment

Malgracieux

Posted on December 24, 2018 by Patricia Gilbert

Lately I’ve been reading a police detective novel written by Georges Simenon, the Belgian writer of the Commissaire Maigret series. I’ve always enjoyed mysteries and they are generally accessible reading for the high intermediate foreign-language reader. Simenon was incredibly prolific … Continue reading →

Posted in Literature | Tagged Georges Simenon, Maigret et l’inspecteur malgracieux | 2 Comments

Ce n’est pas la peine

Posted on November 26, 2018 by Patricia Gilbert

Usually, I like to recommend francophile resources that I think you may enjoy. Recently, however, I read two books that aren’t worth the time I gave to them, so I wanted to warn you before you might be tempted to … Continue reading →

Posted in Literature | Tagged Catherine Malandrino, Ce n’est pas la peine, French Exit, Patrick deWitt, une femme française | 1 Comment

Ce que j’ai lu

Posted on November 5, 2018 by Patricia Gilbert

I’ve enjoyed some good reads lately that were either in French or that had a francophile angle. Each was a book that I’ve owned for a while. I’m commited to finishing all my backlog of books before I buy any … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Fashion, History, Literature, People | Tagged Élisabeth-Louise Vigée Le Brun, Empty Mansions, Fashion Victims, Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, Minette Walters | Leave a comment

Le défi

Posted on July 13, 2018 by Patricia Gilbert

I have barely been posting over the past year largely because I have been working on a certificate in educational leadership through Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. It’s almost done now (woo hoo!), so I am planning to post more … Continue reading →

Posted in Literature | Tagged Reading | 5 Comments

Trois livres pour Noël

Posted on December 16, 2017 by Patricia Gilbert

With just a week to go before Christmas, I have three book recommendations for you. One is a new release, one is a little older, and one is a classic. Trois livres pour Noël (twa leev-ruh poor no-ell) means “Three books … Continue reading →