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There are currently 28 member reviews
for The Seine
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Mary A. (Aiken, SC)
A love letter-to a river!
I knew I was in for a fascinating reading experience when the word "seduced" was used in the opening sentence of Elaine Sciolino's book The Seine. The "seducer" was the Seine itself.
Sciolino's has written an exhaustive volume, viewing the Seine from virtually every angle. The Seine's role in human history,in art,music,literature, movies and poetry reveal its remarkable influence on French culture.
The comprehensive nature of this book leads me to recommend reading the slowly, chapter by chapter so one can absorb Sciolino's insider knowledge.
Every serious traveler to France should read this book before leaving home. You, too, are likely to be seduced by the Seine as well!
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John A. (Ashland, OR)
The History and Magic of the Seine
As somewhat of a Francophile, I enjoyed this book very much. It is very well written and filled with interesting facts and stories about the Seine and its cities. Although I was just in Paris, it makes me want to go back in the immediate future and see more of the sites that the author described. If you are planning a trip on the Seine or to one of its cities, I think that you would particularly enjoy this book.
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Barbara O. (Red Bank, NJ)
History, Geography and Travelogue of the Seine
An homage to Paris and the river that flows through its heart. Elaine Sciolino writes a wonderful book about the Seine and how it became so closely identified with the City of Romance. Readers will discover lots of well researched facts and interesting historical anecdotes that drew so many people to Paris and made the River Seine world renowned. The book will appeal to both armchair travelers and provoke memories for those people lucky enough to have lived or traveled to Paris. This is a lovely book and a must read for the Francophile.
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Joy E. (Rockville, MD)
When a River is More than Water
From the source of the Seine (la Seine, always feminine) in Burgundy to its ultimate destination in the English Channel, Elaine Sciolino takes us on a glorious journey. We visit people living on house boats, barge operators, nearby vineyards, chateaus, and most of all, the fascinating spots along the river as it flows through Paris. Maps and wonderful photographs enhance the text. Each chapter has its own special charm. Imagine a whole chapter on bouquinistes or booksellers.
Reading and immersing myself in this history, travelogue, love story, was particularly timely for me as I am going to Paris soon. I plan to use her descriptions of the strolls along the river as my own secret guidebook. A true gourmet meal for those who love history and travel.
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Chris (CA)
The Seine Adventure
This book exceeded my expectations. I want to go to the source of the Seine with this book in hand and follow the river all the way to Normandy, rereading her stories and conversations and history. I can't wait to see the Seine in person armed with all this information. Ms. Sciolino's writing style is very engaging. This certainly was not a dry retelling of centuries of history. Book clubs would find much to discuss, and everyone traveling to France would find much to enhance their travels. I can't wait to plan my trip.
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Christine B. (Lilydale, MN)
A River For Everyone
What a marvelous history of a river and the people it touched through the centuries. I not only learned about a river and how it changed, but the effect it had on a lot of famous actors, painters, farmers, wars, industrialization, and ordinary Parisians. This a a very well researched book and beautifully written. I liked how she divided the chapters into the history and the uses of the river from its beginnings with the goddess Sequana to its future development and plans. I live on the banks of the great Mississippi and I look at it now with a yearning to travel its route and also learn its magnificent history.
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Sandra L. (Delray Beach, FL)
The Seine
This book is filled with fascinating facts related to the River Seine. I found the chapters about the barge operators and the book sellers very entertaining - also life living aboard the various water craft. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Paris!
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