novel philosophy

Author: Lauren Parvizi
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary

Stuck in her job and desperate to escape the expectations of her family, Rose takes a chance on that Paris vacation she’s dreamed about for years. While on her own in the city of love, she struggles to connect to the magic of Paris until a handsome stranger offers to help. This handsome stranger, though, isn’t what he seems, and the arrival of her sister forces Rose to face the family she’s been avoiding.

In one word, Rose is stuck. The constant expectations from her family keep her from pursuing her deepest desires. Her deceased father’s voice actively lives in her head pushing her towards a quiet and comfortable life. Her mother and sisters, on the other hand, expect Rose’s support whenever and wherever needed. She comforts her younger sister in the midst of her break-up while housing the middle sister’s wedding decor. When Rose finally pursues her own path, her family struggles to understand her decision and fill the whole she leaves behind.

When not supporting her family, Rose works hard hoping for that upcoming promotion to a managerial position on the content team. She spent every extra effort on their latest project. Oh, and she maintains perfect attendance without a single day of vacation or sick time used in her entire time with the company. One brief conversation with her boss about her unused PTO, though, and Rose learns she has no chance at the promotion.

As her life falls apart, Rose decides to take that trip to Paris. It’s better than moving in with her mother and watching someone else take the promotion. Rose struggles to connect with the city of love until a chance encounter with a handsome stranger named Kit offers a new perspective. He promises to show her the city and Rose agrees while avoiding the numerous texts and calls from her family.

The adventure takes them to the south of France, but Rose wonders if Kid is not everything he seems. When her youngest sister shows up, Rose finally decides to end the people pleasing and chase after what she wants, not what others want for her or expect from her.

Quotes

“It was safer in the shadows, where no one could see you. Because if I found my voice, I would have to speak.”

“Go—as slowly as you have to, but go.”

“Embrace the body language you want. If you are sad, smile. Scared? Open yourself up. The real emotions often follow, and the world responds in kind.”

Analysis

This was a sweet, although frustrating, read. Watching Rose constantly give in to her mother, her sisters, and her employer, drove me crazy. I found myself ready to shout at my Kindle each time she pushed aside her own choices to make someone else happy. Yet, this story is all about Rose finding her voice. By sticking with the book, I got to witness her use it.

Rose deals with challenging family dynamics. While her father passed away years ago, he remains a constant presence in Rose’s life. She hears his thoughts and opinions in her own head as tries to make him proud with each step that she takes. I understand the weight she gives to his words, but I’m grateful she finds the strength to listen to her own.

Rose’s mother and sisters are a different story. I have little patience for them, and I honestly struggle to understand the way they treat her. Her mother often offers backhanded compliments and remains critical of their life including their appearance. When Rose finally takes a chance to head to Paris, she’s met with family guilt. The roles begin to make more sense as their family history unfolds, but it left me feeling so sorry for Rose as she remains caught in these hurtful dynamics.

Rose’s love life is a different story. While she spends time with Kid, she recognizes the immaturity there and finds a way to still live her own life, and perhaps the appearance of a childhood friend helps. This love story kept me reading through the frustrating pages of people pleasing. It’s a sweet addition to the story of a young woman finally coming into her own.

The best part of this story comes when Rose finally stands her ground. She finds her voice and in doing so finds a new future worth fighting for. As a reader, it became a powerful moment. I walked away from the book feeling empowered and challenged to ensure I use my voice.

Final Thoughts

I originally gave this book a 3 out of 5 rating. The book wanders a little, and I struggled to know which plot I needed to follow. The ending, though, makes this book worth reading. I cheered along as Rose finally set that first boundary with her friends and family. I loved the empowered woman that developed over the next pages, and I smiled as Rose worked towards the future she wanted. With that final conclusion, I found that deep connection with the story I hoped for.

You should read this book if:

• You need some courage to chase your dreams.
• You enjoy a good love story.
• You dream of Paris.