Enjoyable and engaging at times. Loved learning about Americans living in Paris. Wanted more depth; just scratches the surface and there were so many names and places it was hard to get drawn into a particular one.

Interesting little book describing many of the lesser known historical background to Paris's famous quartier Saint-Germain des Pres.

Charming and idiosyncratic essays about the author’s search for the history of her apartment on Rue Bonaparte and surroundings in the St. Germain area of Paris. I learned some interesting tidbits of French history but this is definitely not a guidebook and contains few illustrations.

3.5 stars

First of all, this is not a guidebook to the 6th arrondissement, in the way that a Rick Steves or a Fodor book would be, nor was it intended as such. Rather it is a personal exploration of the neighborhood that the author knows well from having lived there. Johnson combines her reminiscences with relevant episodes from the history of this lovely area to weave a narrative that reads like you are walking with no particular purpose through the arrondissement with her at your side. She is an interesting companion, a good storyteller. You could use Johnson's essay as a springboard to a leisurely exploration of the 6th, while making your own memories, but bring along your own map.

This book was a little bit slow for my tastes. It was interesting, but I didn't love it.

Some of the historical details were a bit long and mundane, but otherwise this was a cute book.

I loved this little book. It takes a very small slice of Paris - the St. Germain-des-Pres neighborhood - and digs deeply into it, exploring architecture, history, heritage, scandal and environment, with touches of her daily life there scattered about. Lovely.

I learned a lot and really want to go to France.

Everything you ever wanted to know about the neighborhood of St. Germain-des-Pres in Paris.

For the true Francophile who knows and loves Paris.

Great research and many good stories, but if I hadn't lived in Paris for years I can't imagine this book would've made any sense to me.

This was a terrific trip down "memory lane" since I just went to Paris for the 1st time last April!