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Paris Dreaming
Libby is on a man-fast: no more romance, no more cheating men, no more heartbreak. After all, she has her three best girlfriends and two cats to keep her company at night and her high-powered job at the National Aboriginal Gallery in Canberra to occupy her day - isn't that enough?
But when fate takes Libby to work in Paris at the Musée du Quai Branly, she's suddenly thrown out of her comfort zone and into a city full of culture, fashion, and love. Surrounded by thousands of attentive men, nude poets, flirtatious baristas and smooth-tongued lotharios, romance has suddenly become a lot more tempting.
On top of it all, there's a chauvinist colleague at the Muse who challenges Libby's professional ability and diplomatic skills. Then there's Libby's new friend Sorina, a young Roma gypsy, desperate to escape deportation.
Libby must protect her work record and her friend, but can she protect herself from a broken heart?
But when fate takes Libby to work in Paris at the Musée du Quai Branly, she's suddenly thrown out of her comfort zone and into a city full of culture, fashion, and love. Surrounded by thousands of attentive men, nude poets, flirtatious baristas and smooth-tongued lotharios, romance has suddenly become a lot more tempting.
On top of it all, there's a chauvinist colleague at the Muse who challenges Libby's professional ability and diplomatic skills. Then there's Libby's new friend Sorina, a young Roma gypsy, desperate to escape deportation.
Libby must protect her work record and her friend, but can she protect herself from a broken heart?
313 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
8 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
Anita Heiss
39 books580 followersProfessor Anita Heiss – bio
Anita is a proud member of the Wiradjuri nation of central New South Wales, and is one of Australia’s most prolific and well-known authors, publishing across genres, including non-fiction, historical fiction, commercial fiction and children’s novels.
Her adult fiction includes Not Meeting Mr Right, Avoiding Mr Right, Manhattan Dreaming, Paris Dreaming and Tiddas. Her most recent books include Barbed Wire and Cherry Blossoms which was longlisted for the Dublin International Literary Prize and was named the University of Canberra’s 2020 Book of the Year.
The anthology Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia which Anita edited, was named the Small Publisher Adult Book of the Year at the 2019 Australian Book Industry Awards.
Anita’s children’s literature includes Kicking Goals with Goodesy and Magic, co-written with Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin. She also wrote two kids’ novels with students from La Perouse Public School - Yirra and her deadly dog Demon and Demon Guards the School Yard, and more recently, Harry’s Secret and Matty’s Comeback.
Anita’s other published works also include the historical novel Who Am I? The Diary of Mary Talence, Sydney 1937, non-fiction text Dhuuluu-Yala (To Talk Straight) – Publishing Aboriginal Literature, and The Macquarie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal Literature, which she co-authored with Peter Minter.
In 2004 Anita was listed in The Bulletin magazine’s “Smart 100”. Her memoir Am I Black Enough for You? was a finalist in the 2012 Human Rights Awards and she was a finalist in the 2013 Australian of the Year Awards (Local Hero).
As an advocate for Indigenous literacy, Anita has worked in remote communities as a role model and encouraging young Indigenous Australians to write their own stories. On an international level she has performed her own work and lectured on Aboriginal literature across the globe at universities and conferences, consulates and embassies in the USA, Canada, the UK, Tahiti, Fiji, New Caledonia, Spain, Japan, Austria, Germany and New Zealand.
Anita is proud to be a Lifetime Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, and an Ambassador of Worawa Aboriginal College, the GO Foundation and the Sydney Swans.
She is on the Board of the State Library of Queensland, CIRCA and the University of QLD Press. In 2019 Anita was appointed a Professor of Communications at the University of QLD and in 2020 is the Artist in Residence at La Boitte Theatre.
Anita’s website: www.anitaheiss.com
Storytime with Aunty Nita: https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/lib...
Anita is a proud member of the Wiradjuri nation of central New South Wales, and is one of Australia’s most prolific and well-known authors, publishing across genres, including non-fiction, historical fiction, commercial fiction and children’s novels.
Her adult fiction includes Not Meeting Mr Right, Avoiding Mr Right, Manhattan Dreaming, Paris Dreaming and Tiddas. Her most recent books include Barbed Wire and Cherry Blossoms which was longlisted for the Dublin International Literary Prize and was named the University of Canberra’s 2020 Book of the Year.
The anthology Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia which Anita edited, was named the Small Publisher Adult Book of the Year at the 2019 Australian Book Industry Awards.
Anita’s children’s literature includes Kicking Goals with Goodesy and Magic, co-written with Adam Goodes and Michael O’Loughlin. She also wrote two kids’ novels with students from La Perouse Public School - Yirra and her deadly dog Demon and Demon Guards the School Yard, and more recently, Harry’s Secret and Matty’s Comeback.
Anita’s other published works also include the historical novel Who Am I? The Diary of Mary Talence, Sydney 1937, non-fiction text Dhuuluu-Yala (To Talk Straight) – Publishing Aboriginal Literature, and The Macquarie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal Literature, which she co-authored with Peter Minter.
In 2004 Anita was listed in The Bulletin magazine’s “Smart 100”. Her memoir Am I Black Enough for You? was a finalist in the 2012 Human Rights Awards and she was a finalist in the 2013 Australian of the Year Awards (Local Hero).
As an advocate for Indigenous literacy, Anita has worked in remote communities as a role model and encouraging young Indigenous Australians to write their own stories. On an international level she has performed her own work and lectured on Aboriginal literature across the globe at universities and conferences, consulates and embassies in the USA, Canada, the UK, Tahiti, Fiji, New Caledonia, Spain, Japan, Austria, Germany and New Zealand.
Anita is proud to be a Lifetime Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, and an Ambassador of Worawa Aboriginal College, the GO Foundation and the Sydney Swans.
She is on the Board of the State Library of Queensland, CIRCA and the University of QLD Press. In 2019 Anita was appointed a Professor of Communications at the University of QLD and in 2020 is the Artist in Residence at La Boitte Theatre.
Anita’s website: www.anitaheiss.com
Storytime with Aunty Nita: https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/lib...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 2, 2012
Enjoyable. Followed the usual tropes of romance but was much more intelligent and engaged, in a light-hearted, light-handed way with political issues.
January 7, 2017
Easy reading, enjoyable & fun! Great for a quick holiday read :-)
May 19, 2015
Thanks, Anita, for that imaginary trip to Paris and for pride in world-class Aboriginal art :)
August 15, 2023
Paris Dreaming
Anita Heiss
3 Stars
Thank you NetGalley for my copy of Paris Dreaming by Anita Heiss. I have not received any compensation for this review. All thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own and mine alone.
In summary: A First Nations main character, Libby secures a position to work in France after a successful proposal to oversee a First Nations exhibition in the Museé Paris.
Written in a blog style I felt, like a YouTuber finding their way through Paris, in a first person voice I found the book hard to follow, a slow burn of a story and romance. I applaud Anita, the author for the plot of putting a First Nations, Aboriginal woman as the main character for this book. I like the idea of where the main character Libby, identified as Aboriginal, achieving great things for her peoples. I think that I would like to read more from Anita to firstly support Indigenous writers and secondly to hear more of Anita’s voice and style for her other books.
Where the story fell down for me is the slowness of the story. I felt in parts the character plods along until Libby arrives in France and then plods along again. There was more details about the food she ate and the coffee she drank and how much Libby slept (this where I got the blogger YourTuber vibe from). Libby is staunchly against having a relationship after being burnt, and as the reader I can respect and empathise that view from her. With such vehemence towards the idea of having a relationship or in fact falling in love it didn’t make much sense to throw in a serious relationship. I thought that Libby could act as a Femme Fatale here and adopt a love them and leave them approach purely because she had such anger and pain in previous relationships, enough to drive her to the point of making men weep for her gain until that one man changes her point of view.
I liked the job Libby has in the museum which was interesting. I felt that part of Libby’s story was well thought out and well written. I could believe that Libby was passionate about her work and passionate about promoting Aboriginal arts.
I took issue with scoring political points such as French policy on Muslim Hijab usage, political leanings in the book. I felt this detracted from the story and the romance. I didn’t feel like it was needed in the timeline of events. I respect that the author wanted to convey their voice on these issues, but it made the story disjointed. Women’s fiction is supposed to give the happily ever after warm and fuzzies ending, but I felt that was missing from the book as well. I think Libby settled for Jake just for the hell of it. I felt like Jake did not bring much to the romance at all.
Overall, I give the book three stars as I felt there were some good plot lines and some interesting ideas.
Anita Heiss
3 Stars
Thank you NetGalley for my copy of Paris Dreaming by Anita Heiss. I have not received any compensation for this review. All thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own and mine alone.
In summary: A First Nations main character, Libby secures a position to work in France after a successful proposal to oversee a First Nations exhibition in the Museé Paris.
Written in a blog style I felt, like a YouTuber finding their way through Paris, in a first person voice I found the book hard to follow, a slow burn of a story and romance. I applaud Anita, the author for the plot of putting a First Nations, Aboriginal woman as the main character for this book. I like the idea of where the main character Libby, identified as Aboriginal, achieving great things for her peoples. I think that I would like to read more from Anita to firstly support Indigenous writers and secondly to hear more of Anita’s voice and style for her other books.
Where the story fell down for me is the slowness of the story. I felt in parts the character plods along until Libby arrives in France and then plods along again. There was more details about the food she ate and the coffee she drank and how much Libby slept (this where I got the blogger YourTuber vibe from). Libby is staunchly against having a relationship after being burnt, and as the reader I can respect and empathise that view from her. With such vehemence towards the idea of having a relationship or in fact falling in love it didn’t make much sense to throw in a serious relationship. I thought that Libby could act as a Femme Fatale here and adopt a love them and leave them approach purely because she had such anger and pain in previous relationships, enough to drive her to the point of making men weep for her gain until that one man changes her point of view.
I liked the job Libby has in the museum which was interesting. I felt that part of Libby’s story was well thought out and well written. I could believe that Libby was passionate about her work and passionate about promoting Aboriginal arts.
I took issue with scoring political points such as French policy on Muslim Hijab usage, political leanings in the book. I felt this detracted from the story and the romance. I didn’t feel like it was needed in the timeline of events. I respect that the author wanted to convey their voice on these issues, but it made the story disjointed. Women’s fiction is supposed to give the happily ever after warm and fuzzies ending, but I felt that was missing from the book as well. I think Libby settled for Jake just for the hell of it. I felt like Jake did not bring much to the romance at all.
Overall, I give the book three stars as I felt there were some good plot lines and some interesting ideas.
August 20, 2019
Enjoyed reading some chick lit about an Aboriginal lady discovering my home town. I love reading between the lines about the Blackfellas' culture, customs, etc. I love the intimate insights we don't see here and wouldn't dare asking about. Plus this is one side of their story you tend not to read or hear about much in Australia : a successful Aboriginal woman navigating both worlds, whitefellas and hers.
A bit of warning though, the French (Parisians) depicted here tend to be a bit clichéd and there's an obvious misunderstanding over the French societal structure. While the French territory is by definition multicultural enriched with a multicultural immigration, we have an integrationist system in place: people just fit in (have to). It is also since the Revolution a strictly secular state where you're supposed to leave your religion at home unless it's your job (think uniforms). The burqa ban might come as a surprise to the anglosphere but is actually understandable under these 2 premises: integration+secular. Australia is the other way round (15 years here, I can tell), I just wished someone had pointed that obvious contradiction....
Linguistically, integration means only one official language (it's in the constitution, perhaps the reason why Australia has no official language since it doesn't have a constitution per se, what they call constitution is some "handy" manual explaining how their parliament works at federal and state levels). It's also a way to avoid giving linguistical priority to one entity (minority) over another one, which makes sense if the system is multicultural. However, despite the claim, France is not the only country in Europe with a unique official language. Spain has only one official language (Castilian), and while their regional languages have gained momentum after Franco's death, none are official and many southern Spaniards still despise the northern languages (Catalan and Basque, who by the way are not indigenous to Spain as a whole but to that specific north western region). The most obvious, and still in Europe so far, England has only one official language , English. Italy has Italian with minority languages being recognised as long as the speakers are perfectly bilingual in Italian. Etc.etc.
After all the main character tries desperately to fit in, something ingrained in the French way of life, that's what we all do back home despite our very different backgrounds (more varied than in white Australia I'd say), since you're French when you're out, and while your culture is welcome, it must stay at home or be shared/appear in a non-ostentatious way. For instance, a regular question you'll get in Australia on first meeting is your background, which is utterly impolite in France. You might get that info later down the track but when you first meet someone, unless they themselves spell it out or have an obvious issue with the language, you just assume they're French, no matter their skin colour. True to be said, things are changing with some minorities attempting to shift the balance, but that has only resulted in a higher xenophobia so far (bit like in oz).
Overall, an entertaining read. But don't trust too much the French or European "political" insights, most are wide off the mark.
A bit of warning though, the French (Parisians) depicted here tend to be a bit clichéd and there's an obvious misunderstanding over the French societal structure. While the French territory is by definition multicultural enriched with a multicultural immigration, we have an integrationist system in place: people just fit in (have to). It is also since the Revolution a strictly secular state where you're supposed to leave your religion at home unless it's your job (think uniforms). The burqa ban might come as a surprise to the anglosphere but is actually understandable under these 2 premises: integration+secular. Australia is the other way round (15 years here, I can tell), I just wished someone had pointed that obvious contradiction....
Linguistically, integration means only one official language (it's in the constitution, perhaps the reason why Australia has no official language since it doesn't have a constitution per se, what they call constitution is some "handy" manual explaining how their parliament works at federal and state levels). It's also a way to avoid giving linguistical priority to one entity (minority) over another one, which makes sense if the system is multicultural. However, despite the claim, France is not the only country in Europe with a unique official language. Spain has only one official language (Castilian), and while their regional languages have gained momentum after Franco's death, none are official and many southern Spaniards still despise the northern languages (Catalan and Basque, who by the way are not indigenous to Spain as a whole but to that specific north western region). The most obvious, and still in Europe so far, England has only one official language , English. Italy has Italian with minority languages being recognised as long as the speakers are perfectly bilingual in Italian. Etc.etc.
After all the main character tries desperately to fit in, something ingrained in the French way of life, that's what we all do back home despite our very different backgrounds (more varied than in white Australia I'd say), since you're French when you're out, and while your culture is welcome, it must stay at home or be shared/appear in a non-ostentatious way. For instance, a regular question you'll get in Australia on first meeting is your background, which is utterly impolite in France. You might get that info later down the track but when you first meet someone, unless they themselves spell it out or have an obvious issue with the language, you just assume they're French, no matter their skin colour. True to be said, things are changing with some minorities attempting to shift the balance, but that has only resulted in a higher xenophobia so far (bit like in oz).
Overall, an entertaining read. But don't trust too much the French or European "political" insights, most are wide off the mark.
October 4, 2018
Light and fluffy fun. I'm not usually a fan of "chick lit" (and I despise that term) but I really like Heiss's other writing, and I love the idea of an Australian in Paris (after reading so many novels about Americans coming of age in Europe over the course of the 20th century!) This book is gripping and easy to read: perfect for public transport or when the toddler is sleeping!
July 16, 2020
Really enjoyed this book - read during the time of Covid so it was a vicarious way to get to Paris among other things. The descriptions of the streets and musee's of Paris are evocative.
Admired Libby the main character, and the fact that she is Aboriginal gave the book another flavour as there were issues to think about from another perspective.
Admired Libby the main character, and the fact that she is Aboriginal gave the book another flavour as there were issues to think about from another perspective.
March 16, 2019
Peak chiclit that spins out all the tropes - in a good way, of course. It seems Heiss got better with each of these she wrote, since this is the best of the four (Heiss has written other books but these ones are in the same vein). Thoroughly enjoyable and deliciously dramatic.
January 4, 2024
I like the idea of this genre but it wasn't really my cup of tea.
Read
April 1, 2016I enjoyed it - strong woman taking control of her career and having her workplace fund a trip to Paris? What's not to like?
September 20, 2025
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: fiction - chick-lit, romance
Does the blurb reflect the plot: it barely scratches the surface of the great read to come
Sum it up: chick-lit is not a preferred genre of mine but there are a few authors who do it well and Heiss is absolutely one of them. It was therefore a no brainier that as soon as I finished Manhattan Dreaming, that I began the sequel Paris Dreaming, which focuses on Libby as her work takes her from Canberra to Paris. Whilst it follows the predictable chick-lit formula for how the plot unfolds and ends nicely with a happy ever after; what elevates Paris Dreaming from the mindless fluff that swamps this genre is Heiss’ ability to write a double story line. Yes you can read it as a story of a character who takes an opportunity to work overseas on a secondment and who ultimately falls in love and you will enjoy it; but if you look beyond that, there is so much more to enjoy and learn about including the themes Indigenous art and artists, friendship, racism, connection to country, being proud of who you are and not settling for less than you deserve. Where Heiss excels though, is that she weaves the themes into both the plot and the characters, so it’s not lecturous but rather a point of difference that makes a good book great, especially given the personalities of the characters and how they grow as the plot unfolds. You can read Paris Dreaming as a stand alone book, but Manhattan Dreaming is also a great read, so I recommend you read them both and in order. You can thank me later.
Who should read it: a must read for fans of Heiss and of chick-lit and romance, it’s also great easy read to unwind with over a weekend or whilst on holiday.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo or @peggyanne_readsandruns on Instagram.
Genre: fiction - chick-lit, romance
Does the blurb reflect the plot: it barely scratches the surface of the great read to come
Sum it up: chick-lit is not a preferred genre of mine but there are a few authors who do it well and Heiss is absolutely one of them. It was therefore a no brainier that as soon as I finished Manhattan Dreaming, that I began the sequel Paris Dreaming, which focuses on Libby as her work takes her from Canberra to Paris. Whilst it follows the predictable chick-lit formula for how the plot unfolds and ends nicely with a happy ever after; what elevates Paris Dreaming from the mindless fluff that swamps this genre is Heiss’ ability to write a double story line. Yes you can read it as a story of a character who takes an opportunity to work overseas on a secondment and who ultimately falls in love and you will enjoy it; but if you look beyond that, there is so much more to enjoy and learn about including the themes Indigenous art and artists, friendship, racism, connection to country, being proud of who you are and not settling for less than you deserve. Where Heiss excels though, is that she weaves the themes into both the plot and the characters, so it’s not lecturous but rather a point of difference that makes a good book great, especially given the personalities of the characters and how they grow as the plot unfolds. You can read Paris Dreaming as a stand alone book, but Manhattan Dreaming is also a great read, so I recommend you read them both and in order. You can thank me later.
Who should read it: a must read for fans of Heiss and of chick-lit and romance, it’s also great easy read to unwind with over a weekend or whilst on holiday.
To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo or @peggyanne_readsandruns on Instagram.
August 11, 2023
This was a bit different, because it was a modern love story written from the point of view of an Aboriginal woman. I found that interesting, and it was also an enjoyable tale with charming main characters, in a beautiful setting.
Libby has sworn off men, unlike her ‘tiddas’ (good friends). Wedded to her career in indigenous art, she soon lands herself an excellent position in Paris. Here she showcases indigenous artists, and liaises with the Australian Embassy. Already confident and beautiful, Libby becomes a more elegant ‘Elizabeth’ in Paris. She immerses herself in French culture, and enjoys seeing the sights. Libby is kind-hearted, though, and helps a refugee start her own business.
When Libby gets another chance at live, will she take it?
I really liked this, although I found it a bit political and moralistic at times. I read another book by Anita Heiss, and I find the descriptions of working in the galleries especially fascinating. One part that was sad is that Libby thought that some Aboriginal women regarded those who had done well as ‘selling out.’ It was hard to understand why they would see it that way.
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781761109973
PRICE A$22.99 (AUD)
PAGES 336
Libby has sworn off men, unlike her ‘tiddas’ (good friends). Wedded to her career in indigenous art, she soon lands herself an excellent position in Paris. Here she showcases indigenous artists, and liaises with the Australian Embassy. Already confident and beautiful, Libby becomes a more elegant ‘Elizabeth’ in Paris. She immerses herself in French culture, and enjoys seeing the sights. Libby is kind-hearted, though, and helps a refugee start her own business.
When Libby gets another chance at live, will she take it?
I really liked this, although I found it a bit political and moralistic at times. I read another book by Anita Heiss, and I find the descriptions of working in the galleries especially fascinating. One part that was sad is that Libby thought that some Aboriginal women regarded those who had done well as ‘selling out.’ It was hard to understand why they would see it that way.
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781761109973
PRICE A$22.99 (AUD)
PAGES 336
November 28, 2024
Reading a romance novel about two Indigenous Australians was really refreshing. It provided me with insights into the ways different global cultures interact with the world, but I couldn't help but think that these cultural stereotypes were exaggerated, which I found pulled me out of the book. Additionally, some of the storyline wasn't completely hashed out and I often felt as though I was jumping quickly between time points without the relevant context to understand what was going on. However, overall this book introduced me to the Musee du quai Branly and its exhibition of Indingeous Australian artwork and has inspired me to visit when I next have the chance to!
Good quotes:
"Everything, for everyone, is a trade-off though. You trade-off time with kids to go to work, or you trade-off going to work to stay home. And you trade off time for yourself doing either or both. That's life."
"...most women don't marry the loves of their lives...Most women marry men who will be a good husband, a good provider."
"...some men want to feel needed. It gives them a greater purpose in the relationship."
Good quotes:
"Everything, for everyone, is a trade-off though. You trade-off time with kids to go to work, or you trade-off going to work to stay home. And you trade off time for yourself doing either or both. That's life."
"...most women don't marry the loves of their lives...Most women marry men who will be a good husband, a good provider."
"...some men want to feel needed. It gives them a greater purpose in the relationship."
August 30, 2023
A fantastic story of how a girl can want more from her life than just what she is doing.
Libby wants more. A more exciting job and no men. So when she decides to further herself job wise, she decides Paris is the place. Libby has found herself in the love capital of the world. But she wants to enjoy the culture and her new position.
Libby finds that men come onto her easily, but this isn’t what she wants. She’s a Koori girl who wants to enjoy her job. So when she gets the chance to extend her stay in Paris, she jumps at the chance. What she didn’t know she needed, was to fall hopelessly for another Koori. He’s her ideal. But can it last…..
Libby wants more. A more exciting job and no men. So when she decides to further herself job wise, she decides Paris is the place. Libby has found herself in the love capital of the world. But she wants to enjoy the culture and her new position.
Libby finds that men come onto her easily, but this isn’t what she wants. She’s a Koori girl who wants to enjoy her job. So when she gets the chance to extend her stay in Paris, she jumps at the chance. What she didn’t know she needed, was to fall hopelessly for another Koori. He’s her ideal. But can it last…..
September 15, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Australia for the chance to read this book.
Another thoroughly enjoyable Anita Heiss book focuses on strong, art loving Indigenous women.
Libby has been burned a few too many times by love and decides that she is on a man-fast and only focusing on her career. But when her job takes her to Paris, she has a hard time maintaining it. She is a realistic and relatable human in that her experiences have left her cynical and mistrusting. The bonds between the women in the story are strong and a major focus.
Like the earlier book Manhattan Dreaming, there is a strong art focus, but the descriptions of the galleries are evocative and enticing.
Another thoroughly enjoyable Anita Heiss book focuses on strong, art loving Indigenous women.
Libby has been burned a few too many times by love and decides that she is on a man-fast and only focusing on her career. But when her job takes her to Paris, she has a hard time maintaining it. She is a realistic and relatable human in that her experiences have left her cynical and mistrusting. The bonds between the women in the story are strong and a major focus.
Like the earlier book Manhattan Dreaming, there is a strong art focus, but the descriptions of the galleries are evocative and enticing.
April 17, 2024
3⭐ only because I adore Paris! The rest of the story is just all over the place. I don't know whether I missed something but I actually felt like the book/storyline was just one big negative - eg. anti-relationship, anti-Canberra (this I could understand having lived there for 10 years).
I wanted to love Libby because she & I seem to share alot of significant character traits from list making, hyperfocus when we decide to do something & being career oriented. But she seems schizophrenic - whether this is the author being allegorical about being Aboriginal, I am not sure. Or maybe she's just written to be an anti-hero?
I wanted to love Libby because she & I seem to share alot of significant character traits from list making, hyperfocus when we decide to do something & being career oriented. But she seems schizophrenic - whether this is the author being allegorical about being Aboriginal, I am not sure. Or maybe she's just written to be an anti-hero?
July 19, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ I really wanted to enjoy this more! I struggled to get into at first as it was so negative, but pushed through, it picked up once the plot finally got to Paris but the negative undertones lingered and irked me throughout. This book was doing a lot, with commentary on race, culture and politics plus the romance storyline it just didn’t feel balanced. Loved the backdrop of Paris it really felt like a main character in itself!
September 4, 2024
A feel-good read that felt especially close to home as it begins in Canberra, Australia. It was also an excellent time to read this book as the Olympics were taking place in Paris. It made me want to visit Paris all the more and I would definitely recommend this book to a friend looking for a light-hearted read.
December 30, 2021
I enjoyed this book. I loved the the sex scenes were implied with enough passion to make them steamy but without the detail that makes it porn. The focus was the relationship and the story, not the sex!! Thumbs up for that!
February 24, 2023
Giving this a four star for being a fun and light hearted read all the while navigating through the various kinds of LOVE (outside of just intimate relationship) that we encounter in our lives- feminine friendships, new friends, colleagues, food, culture, family and career!
August 10, 2023
2023 Updated Version
Quite a good read that was political, comedic and interesting. This book was very Australian and in the best ways possible (i.e. the writing style). As this was a bit too mature for me, I did get a bit disengaged and confused at times.
Quite a good read that was political, comedic and interesting. This book was very Australian and in the best ways possible (i.e. the writing style). As this was a bit too mature for me, I did get a bit disengaged and confused at times.
October 12, 2024
A bit too chick lit for my liking and the repetition about Jake’s thin lips started to grate. I have been to Paris and Moree and have a strong interest in Indigenous art so enjoyed these aspects of the story.
August 7, 2017
I just couldn't get into this book and gave up after about 80 pages.
December 31, 2021
Loved it.
September 10, 2023
Listened on Audible and loved the down to earth characters. The romance style is beautifully supported by social commentary on indigenous Australian experiences at home and abroad.
December 4, 2023
Enjoyable light read.
February 16, 2024
I was slightly disappointed that the main focus of the story seemed to be political. I was rather looking forward to reading a romance.
May 28, 2024
~ 3.5 stars ~
December 23, 2018
Far more than just the chic lit I expected.
Art, politics, Australian Aboriginal cultural and a great sense of place in Paris.
A thoroughly good read.
Art, politics, Australian Aboriginal cultural and a great sense of place in Paris.
A thoroughly good read.
September 27, 2016
A decent holiday read. Some clunky writing and a predictable plot, although great setting and liked art references.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews