The Paris Novel – Ruth Reichl
Season 11 Episode 3 | 2m 30sVideo has Closed Captions
Ruth Reichl talks with J.T. Ellison about her book THE PARIS NOVEL.
In Ruth Reichl’s THE PARIS NOVEL, a shy copy editor, Stella inherits a one-way ticket to Paris from her estranged mother and is pushed into a journey of self-discovery. Set in 1980s Paris, she steps beyond her comfort zone—buying a Dior dress, diving into the city’s food, art, and fashion—and discovers a richer, more vibrant life.
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A Word on Words is a local public television program presented by WNPT
The Paris Novel – Ruth Reichl
Season 11 Episode 3 | 2m 30sVideo has Closed Captions
In Ruth Reichl’s THE PARIS NOVEL, a shy copy editor, Stella inherits a one-way ticket to Paris from her estranged mother and is pushed into a journey of self-discovery. Set in 1980s Paris, she steps beyond her comfort zone—buying a Dior dress, diving into the city’s food, art, and fashion—and discovers a richer, more vibrant life.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship(gentle music) (typewriter clicking) - Hi, I am Ruth Reichl, and this is "The Paris Novel."
My character, Stella, she's had a traumatic childhood and she has made herself safe by having a very small life.
She does exactly the same thing every day.
She doesn't like to travel because she doesn't wanna get out of her routine.
And when her mother passes away, suddenly she discovers that her mother has left her a little bit of money and a note that says, "Go to Paris."
So she goes to Paris.
- This is a very carnal novel, but it is not a romantically carnal book.
The food and the setting and the people.
Tell us about "The Paris Novel."
- In my last book, "Save Me the Plums," which is about my Gourmet years, I have a chapter about a little black dress that I found in Paris, for real, at a vintage clothing shop.
And the sales lady said to me, "I have your dress."
And she makes me put this dress on.
And I was not me.
I was some exotic, gorgeous creature, and I really wanted that dress.
I mean, I was voluptuous in ways I'm not in real life.
I mean, even my face changed.
It was incredible.
And I said, how much is it?
50,000 francs.
- Oh Lord.
- Which in those days was $6,000.
And I said, "This is not my dress."
- Thank you though.
- And my editor said, "I love that chapter so much."
And she said, "I wanted you to buy it.
"And what if you wrote a character "who bought the dress and her life changes?"
And I could see the book.
Paris has a kind of magic about it.
- Yeah, it's magic.
It's absolutely magical.
This is an amazing novel, and I could talk to you all day.
- Well, I could talk to you all day and we could just sit here.
- We'll just sit here and talk.
Thank you so much for being with us today.
- Totally my pleasure.
- And thank you for watching "A Word on Words."
I'm J.T.
Ellison.
Keep reading.
(bell dings) - I also believe in the transformative power of pleasure.
I think pleasure is really important.
There's this very simple thing in your life.
It's called food, but it can give you great pleasure.
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A Word on Words is a local public television program presented by WNPT