Discovering Paris and London This Month: Why You Should Join Our Francophile Book Club

Do you find yourself daydreaming about the cobblestone streets of Paris's Latin Quarter? Do you believe that a perfectly buttery croissant is a legitimate food group? If your heart beats a little faster whenever you hear the cadence of the French language, you have found your tribe.

You don’t need to be fluent in French to immerse yourself in the culture. Our Francophile Book Club is conducted entirely in English, making it the perfect space for everyone who loves France—from armchair travelers to seasoned expatriates—to come together and explore the Hexagon through the written word.

Whether you're looking for a deeper understanding of French society, a way to connect with like-minded women readers, or simply a great excuse to enjoy some wine and conversation, our club offers a welcoming, accessible community for all.

Why Join Our English-Language Francophile Club?

• Broaden Your Perspective: We select a wide range of works—fiction, memoirs, history, and classics—that offer deep insights into French life, culture, and mentality.

• Accessible Discussions: Our Zoom conversations focus on the themes, characters, and cultural context of the books, ensuring that all members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and questions.

• Build Connections: We are a community of passionate readers who value discovery, curiosity, and camaraderie.

• The Best of Both Worlds: Get the intellectual and emotional rewards of exploring French culture without the pressure of language barriers.

July 15th Selection: Down and Out in Paris and London

This July, we are tackling a masterpiece of investigative storytelling: George Orwell’s Down and Out in Paris and London.

Though Orwell is synonymous with his later dystopian fiction, this 1933 memoir is an unforgettable, raw exploration of urban poverty. It is the perfect choice for our club because it peels back the "romantic" veil of Paris to reveal a side of the city that is rarely discussed in travel guides.

What to Expect:

• The Parisian Underbelly: The first half of the book chronicles Orwell’s time working as a plongeur (dishwasher) in a high-end Parisian hotel. He offers a gritty, often humorous, and always eye-opening look at the brutal labor and hidden hierarchies of the restaurant industry in the 1920s.

• The Reality of the Margins: The second half follows his return to London, where he experiences the life of a tramp. The juxtaposition of the two cities provides a brilliant critique of how society treats those living on the fringes.

Join us!

It is easy and free to join. Just click here and enter your email...you will be sent a Zoom invitation each month for the online book club discussion. Our meetings are informal, lively, and held in English. We would love to see you there to share your take on Orwell’s experiences and discuss the enduring allure of Paris.

Are you planning to join us for our discussion on Down and Out in Paris and London this month?