A reading tonight by Francisco Goldman at Shakespeare and Company
I have just arrived home from a most inspiring evening.
When I put out the call for recommendations for things to do in Paris it was Denise who wrote that one of her favourite memories was taking in a reading at the very tiny, well stocked and rather famous English language bookstore Shakespeare and Company on rue Bûcherie right across from Notre Dame.
As my Mom was putting her feet up today I had all afternoon to wander around the city and so after I made my way through the Marais I found myself right outside the bookstore in perfect time to find out what time tonight’s reading would start. I knew that the writer was Francisco Goldman and that he would be reading from his book “Say Her Name” but I wasn’t overly familiar with this author or his work.
What a stroke of luck to be able to attend tonight’s event. This book just won Le Prix Fémina here in France and after hearing Mr. Goldman give such an intimate and moving reading from his book I can’t wait to delve into the copy that I picked up tonight. I don’t want to give anything away but Annie Proulx calls Say Her Name, “Wrenching, funny, powerful, and beautiful.” Good enough for me…
After the reading there were some really thoughtful and intelligent questions from the crowd and then we were all invited to have a glass of wine, get our books signed and spend some time chatting with the Mr. Goldman. I sat on a bench to the side watching people line up, waiting for their turn to talk with Mr. Goldman, telling him about their aspirations to be a writer, or their connection to a place or person mentioned during the reading from his book. They asked him to sign copies of his book for their sister or mother, husband or cousin and told him how much they loved the reading. In turn, Francisco Goldman couldn’t have been more kind to these adoring fans, asking them where they were from, what had brought them to Paris, what they were reading or writing, about their own families.
It was something that I never would have thought of to do while in Paris, and I enjoyed it so, so much. A highlight of my trip so far.
Thanks Denise!
Ah, you know how I feel about a good reading…. how ultimately cool that it was in Paris….
I’m so happy you were able to attend and enjoy a reading at Shakespeare and Company. As you know, it was one of my favorite Paris experiences.
PS I don’t know if I ever shared my very different and much colder evening with you. if you are curious, here it is. http://www.chezdanisse.blogspot.com/2011/02/still-point.html
Hi Denise. Loved this. Thanks for sharing.
What a great event to attend in Paris!! I’m sure it will be a memory that will last forever. I’ll put it on my list for my next visit!
xo rolti