Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
305th out of 439 books
—
514 voters
My French Whore
by
Gene Wilder
The beloved actor and screenwriter's first novel, set during World War I, delicately and elegantly explores a most unusual romance. It's almost the end of the war and Paul Peachy, a young railway employee and amateur actor in Milwaukee, realizes his marriage is one-sided. He enlists, and ships off to France. Peachy instantly realizes how out of his depth he is--and never m...more
Hardcover, 178 pages
Published
March 6th 2007
by St. Martin's Press
(first published 2007)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
1,267)
Gene Wilder, we loved your wild-eyed fervor as Dr. Franken-steen in Young Frankenstein. We snickered at your sadistic glee as you dispatched spoiled brats in Willy Wonka... We loved your naive bumbling in the original version of The Producers. We shook our heads and laughed in spite of ourselves as you tried to pass for black while carrying a ghetto blaster alongside Richard Pryor in Silver Streak. We cringed at what you might do to that sheep in Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex......more
Em primeiro lugar fiquei admirada ao ver a fotografia do autor na capa, o que só aconteceu quando peguei neste livro para o ler. Nunca pensei que o actor do filme "Uma mulher de vermelho" ou "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" fosse o autor deste livro!
A simplicidade e a ironia são os principais ingredientes deste maravilhoso romance. Não é, de todo, um livro muito bem escrito e uma obra imprescendível, mas quem o ler ficará com toda a certeza rendido(a). Em cerca de 190 páginas estão presen...more
A simplicidade e a ironia são os principais ingredientes deste maravilhoso romance. Não é, de todo, um livro muito bem escrito e uma obra imprescendível, mas quem o ler ficará com toda a certeza rendido(a). Em cerca de 190 páginas estão presen...more
I will preface this and say I did not read this book, I listened to it on tape on my way across the PA turnpike.
The book takes place in Germany mid-WWI. The main character is an Paul, a German-speaking American soldier who leaves his wife and up and joins the war. He is fighting overseas when they capture the German spy, Harry Stroller. Mr. Stroller is a German spy, although Great Britain thinks he is a spy for them. After interrogating Mr. Stroller, Paul is captured by Germany during a battle....more
The book takes place in Germany mid-WWI. The main character is an Paul, a German-speaking American soldier who leaves his wife and up and joins the war. He is fighting overseas when they capture the German spy, Harry Stroller. Mr. Stroller is a German spy, although Great Britain thinks he is a spy for them. After interrogating Mr. Stroller, Paul is captured by Germany during a battle....more
When this book came my way, I read the title, and was about to dismiss it, then I saw who the author was, and thought, really? I had no idea that Gene Wilder was also an author!! So at that point, my original dismissal wavered, so I read the blurb, and my interest was piqued!
My French Whore takes us into the life of Private Paul Peachy, who, bored with life in Milwaukee, enlists in the army and heads to France to fight in WW1. Shocked by the death of his friends within minutes of entering the f...more
My French Whore takes us into the life of Private Paul Peachy, who, bored with life in Milwaukee, enlists in the army and heads to France to fight in WW1. Shocked by the death of his friends within minutes of entering the f...more
Apr 28, 2009
Stephanie
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
adults looking for a short, pleasant read
I have to contradict myself for a moment. one thing I enjoyed about this book was that it was a short read, only two hours. however, I also wished it was longer! I really enjoyed the characters and would have loved to learn more about them but I know that would have taken away from it being "short and sweet". In any case it is a touching story and I really enjoyed it.
It is a love story but not overwhelmingly so. The characters are honest everyday folk and not perfect. This was a nice break from...more
It is a love story but not overwhelmingly so. The characters are honest everyday folk and not perfect. This was a nice break from...more
Jan 11, 2008
Dantastic
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Dantastic by:
just picked it up at the library
this book was the quickest read i've ever had. it was amazing, but don't let the title put you off. the story is actually so good, you'll shit yourself. but seriously, i read it at work one day. yeah, the whole thing at work- granted at 178 pages and printed on small pages, it's really more like 140 pages, but a very touching work.
read it.
read it.
read it.
A sweet love story set in WWI about a coward who becomes a hero and falls in love with a whore.
While reading this wonderful short novel you can't help but see Gene Wilder as Paul Peachy, the hero of the story. It's written as a journal, a few days in the life of an ordinary soldier who for a short time, becomes a celebrated spy.
While reading this wonderful short novel you can't help but see Gene Wilder as Paul Peachy, the hero of the story. It's written as a journal, a few days in the life of an ordinary soldier who for a short time, becomes a celebrated spy.
1 like · like · see review
A simple and tremendously entertaining first novel from Gene Wilder following the exploits of one Paul Peachy; a curious, wilful and strikingly honest character who just happens to stumble upon love, amidst the most unlikely of circumstances. Peachy is a sweet, vivid character and one that, like in his very best film performances, genuinely (and positively) embodies the talents of the writer. Alas, we won't get to see a Mel Brooks directed, young, on screen Wilder bluntly refusing Annie Breton's...more
I can't really say much for this book apart from that it was a pleasant read, and not much more. I am a great fan of Gene Wilder and had hoped for a book with a little more depth, however, I feel that this 'novel' was more of a short story.
The story itself is based around the character Peachy who on getting caught in a cowardly moment, takes it upon himself to pretend to be a famous American spy, on the side of the Germans. Peachy then meets and falls in love with Annie, a French whore, knowing...more
The story itself is based around the character Peachy who on getting caught in a cowardly moment, takes it upon himself to pretend to be a famous American spy, on the side of the Germans. Peachy then meets and falls in love with Annie, a French whore, knowing...more
Develops during the grim stalemate of World War One. Told in first person voice of a soldier who enlists in the army in search of adventure, an attempt to escape suffocatingly boring mid-west life in Wisconsin and end a failed marriage.
This initial gray background couldn't be a starker contrast to the dashing story into which the book turns. Very strong sides of it are the meticulously constructed plot, the lovely romance and how well it brings up the astounding irony of unbelievably good times...more
This initial gray background couldn't be a starker contrast to the dashing story into which the book turns. Very strong sides of it are the meticulously constructed plot, the lovely romance and how well it brings up the astounding irony of unbelievably good times...more
I can usually tell where an author is coming from... something like forensic deconstruction... but Gene Wilder is a mystery. He writes an excellent story with simple wit and much grace. His prose is straightforward and powerful. For anyone put off by the title, don't be; the heroine of the story may have been one in the past but as a character in this story isn't... at least not by my definition. I read it in one sitting, and couldn't (or wouldn't) put it down. I had hoped for a different ending...more
A completely charming, tiny novel. I've always liked Gene Wilder and while I couldn't escape picturing Wilder as the main character "Peachy", it didn't matter. He won me over with his simplicity of style and the great pace of the story and dialogue.
Other folks have commented on wanting the story longer, but it's perfect. It does it's job. It transports the reader to another place and time. It transports us to the feeling of living fast, with the constant fear of discovery about our fraud, and t...more
Other folks have commented on wanting the story longer, but it's perfect. It does it's job. It transports the reader to another place and time. It transports us to the feeling of living fast, with the constant fear of discovery about our fraud, and t...more
I thought, "It's Gene Wilder--he's a little -ooky." But it is not so good. Then it just pissed me off cuz it is a really slim book and the only reason it was published is cuz it is Gene Wilder. And then I felt like a sucker for reading it cuz it is Gene Wilder.
I read this on a two-hour plane ride from Nashville to Houston. It's decent for that purpose, and the fact that it was written by Gen Wilder is pretty awesome, but it's kind of thin sketch of a novel. Fun in parts, but nothing terribly substantial.
What a sweet little gem of a book. This story is simplicity at its finest. Its briefness hinders its ability to delve into deep emotions and complex story lines, but it still has substance to it. Peachy is one of those characters that you don’t love or hate, but in a good way. He’s so normal that he comes across as an actual person, and not just a character. I was expecting something more outlandish given that it is written by Gene Wilder, and I was pleasantly surprised by what I got instead. Th...more
This is a book (A bit humorous) about the Germans in World War II. A young Private in the US Army, who speaks German, is asked to interrogate a recently captured German Spy. The next day the young Private is on the field and is captured. He cleverly assumes the identity of the German Spy he had interrogated by using the information that he gained the previous day.
The thing about this book is that is young Private is wonderful, warm and caring character. There is not smut is this book really, I...more
The thing about this book is that is young Private is wonderful, warm and caring character. There is not smut is this book really, I...more
Upon realizing his marriage is dead Paul, a young American volunteer actor and railway man, leaves a goodbye note for his wife and enlist in the army. At his first attack he gets scared and runs into to the woods only to be captured by the German army. Moments before they were to shoot him down, he convinces them he is a famous German spy and demands to be taken in and is thrown into a world more glamorous then he knew existed. He soon falls in love with a woman that was appointed to him at his...more
I picked this book up because I was looking to read something short. Saw this and thought I would give it a go since I love Gene Wilder movies. Let me tell you.... I WAS ENCHANTED!!!!!
This books reads like a black and white movie....that is probably the only I can and will describe it. Being that is so short and simple to read I was amazed at how it conjured up such lovely images of men dressed in uniforms and women in elegant dresses.
This book is a love story but don't let that deter your choi...more
This books reads like a black and white movie....that is probably the only I can and will describe it. Being that is so short and simple to read I was amazed at how it conjured up such lovely images of men dressed in uniforms and women in elegant dresses.
This book is a love story but don't let that deter your choi...more
An interesting read. I didn't get attached to the characters, but was happy about that in the end. Sortof just a hum drum story, not good or bad, just there, like reading a story in a magazine.
A man referred to as Peachy, leaves a failing marriage and ends up in a war zone. A spy is captured and Peachy is elected to try to get information from him since he speaks the language. Very little information is obtained, yet it is enough for Peachy to impersonate the spy and live behind enemy lines afte...more
A man referred to as Peachy, leaves a failing marriage and ends up in a war zone. A spy is captured and Peachy is elected to try to get information from him since he speaks the language. Very little information is obtained, yet it is enough for Peachy to impersonate the spy and live behind enemy lines afte...more
I just finished reading My French Whore by Gene Wilder. Yes, this is the same Gene Wilder from such movies as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Young Frankenstein,, and, Blazing Saddles. When I first saw that he had written a novel I was intrigued, he is one of my favorite actors, but not expecting much. Celebrities don't always make good authors; just look at Dee Dee Ramones' attempt at fiction. But I have to say I was not just pleasantly surprised, I was blown away. The book is clear, wit...more
Gene Wilder's voice and personal style are unmistakable in this delightful short novel. I believe if I had read the book without knowing he was the author my mind would see still see him as the lead character. It's a sweet combination of comic farce and touching romance.
I got to read this book because it was left behind on a bus, with this note inside the cover"
"To my fellow bus traveller, may this book bring you a fast journey. I only ask that you share it with other bus travellers once you hav...more
I got to read this book because it was left behind on a bus, with this note inside the cover"
"To my fellow bus traveller, may this book bring you a fast journey. I only ask that you share it with other bus travellers once you hav...more
I agree with one of the reviews I read that mentioned this being more of a short story than a novel. I cruised through it in an hour and a half. While I recognize Wilder's inspiration from Hemingway in the straightforward writing style and thought it was fairly well-written and clever, it was not particularly engaging. It was over almost before I knew it. Anyway - not poor use of my time and entertaining for a Sunday afternoon on the porch swing, but not an incredible read, either.
_My French Whore_ by Gene Wilder (first published 2007)
Added Jun 23, 2008.
I read this book around Jan. 2009.
I enjoyed this book immensely!
I think everyone would enjoy it.
It's simple and sweet and entirely compelling.
Leave it to Gene Wilder to write such a lovely tale.
At Amazon.com I found the following short description:
=================================
"In 1918 when Paul Peachy's marriage is failing, he decides to join the army. Since he speaks German he's sent for to help interrogate notoriou...more
Added Jun 23, 2008.
I read this book around Jan. 2009.
I enjoyed this book immensely!
I think everyone would enjoy it.
It's simple and sweet and entirely compelling.
Leave it to Gene Wilder to write such a lovely tale.
At Amazon.com I found the following short description:
=================================
"In 1918 when Paul Peachy's marriage is failing, he decides to join the army. Since he speaks German he's sent for to help interrogate notoriou...more
2 likes · like · see review
Gene Wilder's witty yet delightfully written novel was a quick and easy, yet enjoyable read. I found a few errors dealing with grammar and punctuation which set me off a bit, but other than that I thought it to be a pretty decent book. If you like romance with a bit of history involved, then you would enjoy this one. I honestly didn't expect much from this book and wasn't surprised with the outcome. To me this was more of a short story than a novel (or little novella) and was quite entertaining.
I found it by accident at the Library, while looking for historical reads on France. I was caught up with the introduction, finding it to be a decent book. The author caught be by suprise. I know many of his movies, and have come to love them. So took the book home and read it one day. It was a very easy read and I did enjoy it. I wouldnt repeat a reading but I would introduce it to someone who was looking for love and europe in the right places.
Considering the author's reputation, I was expecting this to be kind of crass. Colour me surprised when I find myself entangled in a sweet romance and humourous adventure set during the First World War. Paul Peachy, an American soldier is sent to the front where, as soon as he goes over the top, is captured by the Germans where he pretends to be a famous spy in order to prevent execution. He's taken behind the lines where he meets a French courtesan with whom he falls in love. There's a daring e...more
This debut novel by Wilder is a captivating story of love and heroism near the end of World War I. Nondescript Paul Peachy, realizing that his marriage has floundered, enlists to serve in the military near the end of WWI, and is shipped off to France. He soon discovers that he is a coward, not a hero, and begins to doubt the wisdom of his hasty choice. As if that's not bad enough, he is suddenly captured, whereupon he makes another surprising decision... to impersonate a famous German spy! Since...more
I loved this book. It was somewhat surprising to me that I could love the characters in this book, given it's so short and compact. His writing style was fantastic and I could visualize Wilder as the main character. Especially when he would get caught up in situations where you could visualize the physical comedy that ensued.
Peachy, a young man from Milwaukee leaves his home for WWII and is captured by the enemy. A split second decision to save his life, he starts to impersonate a famous german...more
Peachy, a young man from Milwaukee leaves his home for WWII and is captured by the enemy. A split second decision to save his life, he starts to impersonate a famous german...more
My husband gave this book to me for Valentine's Day, and I spent February 15th curled up on the couch in WWI Germany with strange bedfellow Private Peachy. Gene Wilder's novel is slim and lovely, like the French whore herself. Simple, beautiful, with Wiler's silliness and an unexepectely sweet love story. A nutrious AND sweet confection. I hope he continued to write novels!
I actually really liked this book. It's about an American soldier in Germany during WWI. He deserts his battalion and falls in love with a...you guessed it...French whore. I listened to it in the car and it was super short. (3 hours instead of 6-8 hr average for book on cd). I'm not sure if I would've liked it so much if I read it instead of
Intended to it..FYI
Intended to it..FYI
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A truly enjoyable story! | 10 | 14 | Oct 29, 2011 12:54pm |
Gene Wilder is an American Emmy Award-winning and twice Academy Award-nominated stage and screen actor, director and screenwriter.
Wilder began his career on stage, making his screen debut in the film Bonnie and Clyde in 1967. His first major role was as Leo Bloom in the 1968 film, The Producers. This was the first in a series of prolific collaborations with writer/director Mel Brooks, including 19...more
More about Gene Wilder...
Wilder began his career on stage, making his screen debut in the film Bonnie and Clyde in 1967. His first major role was as Leo Bloom in the 1968 film, The Producers. This was the first in a series of prolific collaborations with writer/director Mel Brooks, including 19...more
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
Mar 16, 2011 01:34pm
Oct 02, 2012 10:46pm