Sarah Turnbull’s memoir, “Almost French: Love and a New Life in Paris”, is a captivating tale of her experience as an Australian woman living in Paris. The memoir chronicles her journey from a tourist to a local in the city of love. Turnbull writes with honesty and humor about the challenges of adapting to a new culture, navigating the complexities of a new language, and ultimately, falling in love with both the city and her French partner, Frédéric.The memoir begins with Turnbull arriving in Paris for a holiday, but quickly becomes enamored with the city’s charm and decides to extend her stay. She soon meets Frédéric, who becomes her guide to the city and introduces her to the intricacies of French culture. Turnbull’s writing is descriptive and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the city, its people, and their way of life. She captures the essence of the city, its beauty, and its quirks, with a keen eye for detail.One of the strengths of the memoir is Turnbull’s exploration of cultural differences between France and Australia. She reflects on the various cultural misunderstandings and faux pas that she encounters, including the importance of the right wine for each dish, the art of dressing appropriately, and the difficulty of navigating the bureaucracy. Turnbull’s observations offer insights into the differences between French and Australian cultures and make for compelling reading.The memoir is also a love story, as Turnbull’s relationship with Frédéric blossoms against the backdrop of the city. She writes with tenderness about their courtship and the challenges they face as an intercultural couple. Turnbull’s descriptions of their experiences together, from exploring the city’s hidden gems to dealing with the disapproval of Frédéric’s family, are heartfelt and touching.Throughout the memoir, Turnbull’s prose is infused with humor, making it an entertaining read. She has a keen sense of the absurd and is not afraid to poke fun at herself or the idiosyncrasies of French culture. Her humor lightens the more serious aspects of her story and makes the memoir a joy to read.One of the most striking features of Turnbull’s memoir is her transformation from a tourist to a Parisian. She moves from being a detached observer of the city to an active participant in its life. She learns the language, makes friends, and becomes immersed in the city’s rhythms. Turnbull’s memoir is a testament to the power of travel to transform us and open our minds to new ways of living.Despite the many challenges that Turnbull faces, she ultimately falls in love with Paris and decides to make it her home. Her memoir is a celebration of the city and its people, and an exploration of the joys and difficulties of adapting to a new culture. Turnbull’s writing is engaging and insightful, and her memoir is a must-read for anyone who has ever dreamed of living in the city of love.In conclusion, Sarah Turnbull’s memoir, “Almost French: Love and a New Life in Paris,” is a beautifully written exploration of culture, love, and identity. It is a testament to the transformative power of travel and a celebration of the beauty and quirks of French culture. Turnbull’s vivid prose and insightful observations make for a captivating read that will transport readers to the streets of Paris and leave them longing for more.
