The Paris Key

I have a confession. Even if I didn't already know I enjoyed Juliet Blackwell's work, I would have picked up this book just for the cover. Then reading the synopsis, I would have been intrigued by the unusualness of the locksmith. I am kind of a geek for arcane stuff and, well, old keys are just cool. Thus prepared to enjoy the novel, I settled in. The story does not disappoint. I like the time-hopping between the mother's story and Genevieve's. I had a fair chunk of it figured out (no spoilers) but I don't think it was supposed to be a huge secret--lots of clues along the way. But that isn't the point. The point is the charm of the city and it's influence on residents across the years. (Paris is itself a main character here..n'est-ce pas?) Veterans of several wars are invoked, reminding us of the atrocities endured by Parisians. The only thing missing for me, and I will admit to being a greedy reader, is I wanted more. More tidbits on lock and keymaking, more about the Pieds-Noir, more about being an Algerian in Paris--perhaps from Pasquale but more likely from Catherine. Genevieve made her peace a little swiftly for me. Like I said, I'm greedy. This is a departure from the mysteries, but a good one. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and have recommended it to many friends.

I ended up enjoying this book & appreciated the glimpse into life in Paris. The author truly developed the characters & you begin to really feel for all of them. Some things I did not enjoy: a few grammatical errors, a few slow points & having to keep track of the time/character shifting (the plot is told from the perspective of Genevieve, but sometimes shifts to that of other characters & also constantly went back & forth between present day & the 80s & 90s). But overall the story unfolds in a fascinating chain of events that are not at all predictable. There is a little romance, a little heartbreak, a little espionage & some loosely placed historical fiction. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quick escape to Paris.

A modern fairytale set in Paris. It is well told and describes a piece of Paris we would all like to have. It covered places in Paris and things to do well and if you haven't done all of these yet, then put them on your list. I've been to Paris many times and enjoyed and agree with what she chose to cover. I am also familiar with Oakland, California and the Bay Area so it was an added treat. Discovering aspects of yourself in relation to your family of origin and then taking those insights and discovering yourself in the world is our purpose and this story does it well and you feel good about this endeavor at the end. I can see Genevieve as a locksmith opening doors to many other stories, secrets and truths so I hope the author continues to write and show more parts of Paris and Paris life. I liked the historical touchpoints too so keep that part going.

I enjoyed this book just fine. It’s nothing terribly special or unique but enjoyable nonetheless. It did occasionally read as though the author was given the prompt “write a book that includes every single Parisian cliche that Americans love to believe”. And a personal pet peeve of mine in any book is whenever an author feels the need to over explain things, which this book did in several spots. But, overall, s perfectly pleasant, unchallenging read.

Armchair travelers who long to return to Paris will enjoy this summer-reading trifle. It seems a little fluffy at first, but the story deepens & the reader becomes more invested in the characters. If you don't like stories that alternate chapters between two time periods & heroines, don't read this. But if you'd like to explore old, antique-filled Village St. Paul, catacombs & decaying mansions, while savoring the heroine's multiple trips to cafes & bistros for croissants, chocolat & wine, sometimes with a handsome Irish neighbor, you'll become enthralled. Warning: also deals with dead mother-issues, kind of a downer. But if you've ever heard the siren song of Notre Dame, Montmartre, Versailles & other French treasures, you'll want to call your travel agent after you've finished this. Bon voyage!

Genevieve, recently divorcing her husband, decides to move from California to Paris to take over her uncle’s locksmith business. In the process of this new venture, Genevieve starts unlocking the true past of her late mother. This was such a good story. I found Genevieve to be such a strong character (I’m always fascinated when someone moves to another country, especially without knowing the language). She didn’t let little blips get in her way of seeing the big picture, and in the process creates an amazing life for herself. I absolutely loved the setting; Paris is such a dream for me! Everything about it just screams 𝒞ℋℐ𝒞. The supporting characters, whom Genevieve meets during her move to Paris, are the perfect companions to have on your side when starting an unknown adventure. The book is told from Genevieve, Pasquale (Genevieve’s aunt), and Angela’s (Genevieve’s mother) POV. Genevieve’s story is split from the first time she visits Paris, after her mother passes away, and present day. Pasquale’s story is present day, as she is fighting dementia. And Angela’s story is told from when she visited Paris in 1983. By choosing these three perspectives, Blackwell is showing the strength and connection of women. This book will make you feel happy, touched, sad, and motivated. I highly recommend this novel, especially to all my Paris lovers, oui?

I find it extremely bizarre that, for someone who has never been to Paris, I have been gravitating towards novels that take place there. The Paris Key captures that particular side of the City of Lights that I am yearning to experience for myself - not the fast-paced, American tourist aspect, but the simple, unhurried perspective that only true Parisians would know about and understand. Mostly taking place in the Village Saint-Paul, Blackwell depicts a charming backdrop that reminds me more of small town life, rather than a European metropolis. It takes place mostly from the point of view of Genevieve Martin who decides to leave her boring life and cheating husband in Oakland, California in order to take over her deceased uncle's locksmith shop in Paris. Having only been to Paris once when she was 14 to visit her aunt and uncle, she soon realizes how drastic and irrational she was to move to a new country where she knows almost no one and barely speaks the language. The novel is written not only from Genevieve's point of view in the present day, but also from her first trip to Paris when she was 14 - right after her mother dies. You see how much her uncle Dave helps distract her from grieving for her mother by teaching her all about locks and the locksmith trade, and by showing her around the enchanting City of Lights. These distractions, combined with the undeniable love her aunt and uncle show her, is how Genevieve falls in love with Paris as a child and moves there, impulsively, as an adult. The other point of view is from her mother, Angela, who travels to Paris in 1983 - the year before Genevieve is born. You learn that her mother was also trying to escape a boring life at the time but, instead, gets so caught up in the magic of Paris that you wonder if she will choose to abandon her family back in California. Having these three perspectives sheds light on family secrets that are hard to miss. Although it's easy to see early on what those secrets are, the point of the story is Paris and how its magic helps shape the lives of two women at different points in their lives. Genevieve's arch is refreshing and lovely because she is able to create a life for herself that has vibrancy and passion - something she never had in California with her ex-husband. While she discovers her mother's secrets - opening fresh wounds and making her doubt who she is - she realizes that the only person responsible for her own happiness is herself. And Paris has made her happier than she has ever been.

I had already read this book, so knew what to expect. I liked it a lot, so wanted to get a hard copy when I could. It's a good journey from a middle class (ok, upper-middle-class) life in California to a more urban middle class life in Paris. In the first life, she goes from being a woman with ties to with-it organic farming and a comfortable life in an exclusive community to a woman in a much smaller, tighter neighborhood, owning and working in a key shop. Which means making keys, repairing locks, fixing all sorts of things. She also discovers things about her family that comfort her and broaden her perspective. Why didn't her uncle want to come back to the United States? What was it about Paris that drew her mother? Why did her uncle leave his business to his niece, not his daughter?

I haven't read it yet, but if it's as good as her other historical 'Paris' novels it will be excellent. The series titles are The Paris Key (2015) Letters from Paris (2016) The Lost Carousel of Provence (2018) The Vineyards of Champagne (2020) Off the Wild Coast of Brittany (2021)

I thought that this was an excellent book, written by a truly great author. I found the story compelling and it held my rapt attention throughout. A journey of discovery and growth in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, spanning two generations and multiple decades. The writing was extremely descriptive and vivid creating a beautiiful atmosphere and deep, solid characters that I found it easy to identify with and care about. The language was beautiful and emotive and a joy to read. This is not some run of the mill novel, but rather something extremely special and one that I would highly recommend to everyone.

Beaucoup de lieux communs gentillets (Paris, les Français). Beaucoup, beaucoup, de détails sur la cuisine ou le vin. Une histoire inintéressante et prévisible. Une héroïne plutôt mièvre. Des personnages convenus. Enfin, bref, ça n'en vaut pas la peine, sauf j'imagine pour un touriste, et encore.

Wonderful story, especially as it is in Paris. Loved the way the mother's past was tied in with the daughter's experiences in Paris. I hope there are more stories of Genevieve's adventures.

Enjoyed this book very much, I felt like I was living in this Paris village. Lovely book. Would recommend reading.