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Book cover for The Paris Years

The Paris Years

by Solène Mercier

4.6(12,030)

From the salons of 1920s Paris to the eve of war, one woman’s reinvention across two decades of upheaval and art.

About this book

Arriving in Paris with a single suitcase and a forged letter of introduction, Margaux remakes herself among the painters and exiles of Montparnasse.

A sweeping, immersive saga about ambition, love, and the cost of becoming someone new.

Ratings & reviews

4.6
12,030 ratings · 1,980 reviews
5
6,144
4
4,930
3
953
2
2
1
2
H

Hannah W.Verified

Jan 18, 2024

Utterly transporting

I read this in two sittings and immediately started again. The world-building is rich without ever slowing the story down, and the ending genuinely surprised me. Easily my favorite read of the year.

214 found this helpful

D

Devon M.Verified

Jan 5, 2024

Beautiful, if a little slow to start

The first hundred pages take their time, but once the story finds its footing it is impossible to put down. The prose is gorgeous throughout.

96 found this helpful

P

Priyanka S.

Dec 22, 2023

A new favorite

The characters feel like people I know. I was thinking about them for days after finishing. Cannot recommend enough.

63 found this helpful

T

Tom R.Verified

Dec 10, 2023

Good, not great

Solid and well written, but it did not quite live up to the hype for me. Still worth reading if the premise appeals to you.

41 found this helpful

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