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Perestroika in Paris

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'Perestroika in Paris' by Jane Smiley is a heartwarming tale that follows the adventures of Perestroika, a young racehorse who escapes her stable and explores the streets of Paris. Along the way, she befriends a dog, a raven, a pair of mallards, a rat, and a young boy, forming an unconventional family. The story is told from various characters' points of view, creating a convincing and engaging narrative that captures the essence of joy, hope, and love. The writing style is described as beautifully written, transporting, and effervescent, radiating calm and peace, making it a delightful read for both young and adult readers alike.

Characters:

Characters include anthropomorphized animals with distinct personalities that embody traits like curiosity and wisdom, alongside supportive human figures that foster community.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is gentle and vividly descriptive, effectively conveying positive emotions and revealing the perspectives of various animal characters.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around an escaped racehorse exploring Paris, forming friendships and navigating their challenges, highlighting themes of compassion and the creation of chosen families.

Setting:

The setting in modern-day Paris serves as a charming backdrop for the animals' adventures, exploring themes of freedom and urban life.

Pacing:

The pacing is gentle and steady, with some readers noting a slight meandering, but it generally balances exploration and character interaction effectively.
Paras had won her race. She had jumped all the jumps with a great deal of pleasure, and, she thought, in excellent form. The number-two horse, a chestnut gelding from down south somewhere, had been so...

Notes:

The book is a fairy tale featuring animals that behave like humans.
The main character is a curious racehorse named Perestroika, nicknamed Paras.
The story is set in Paris, highlighting the city's charming atmosphere.
Paras meets a street dog named Frida who helps her understand the world.
The animals communicate and form friendships, each with unique personalities.
The characters face dangers and learn to respect one another.
A young boy named Etienne adds compassion to the animals' lives.
The tale promotes themes of family created through friendship and kindness.
The writing is lighthearted and engaging, suitable for both children and adults.
It draws comparisons to classics like Charlotte's Web and The Incredible Journey.
The novel encourages readers to rethink their fears and prejudices.
Animal characters retain their natural instincts, making them relatable yet distinct.
The story reflects on overcoming adversity and finding joy amidst hardship.

From The Publisher:

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning and best-selling author: a captivating, brilliantly imaginative story of three extraordinary animals - and a young boy - whose lives intersect in Paris in this "feel-good escape" ( The New York Times ) .

Paras, short for "Perestroika," is a spirited racehorse at a racetrack west of Paris. One afternoon at dusk, she finds the door of her stall open and - she's a curious filly - wanders all the way to the City of Light. She's dazzled and often mystified by the sights, sounds, and smells around her, but she isn't afraid.

Soon she meets an elegant dog, a German shorthaired pointer named Frida, who knows how to get by without attracting the attention of suspicious Parisians. Paras and Frida coexist for a time in the city's lush green spaces, nourished by Frida's strategic trips to the vegetable market. They keep company with two irrepressible ducks and an opinionated raven. But then Paras meets a human boy, Etienne, and discovers a new, otherworldly part of Paris: the ivy-walled house where the boy and his nearly-one-hundred-year-old great-grandmother live in seclusion.

As the cold weather nears, the unlikeliest of friendships bloom. But how long can a runaway horse stay undiscovered in Paris? How long can a boy keep her hidden and all to himself? Jane Smiley's beguiling new novel is itself an adventure that celebrates curiosity, ingenuity, and the desire of all creatures for true love and freedom.

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1 comment(s)

Loved It
1 week

I don't have much to say more than it's was a cozy story for adults that felt sometimes for kids

 
 
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