April in Paris, 1921 - Tessa Lunney

Review by Julia

Best consumed with. 

Something bubbly with old school glamour, like champagne in an old fashioned flat rimmed cocktail glass.

What's it all about? 

The protagonist, Kiki Button is an Australian war-time nurse, who now works as a gossip columnist in Paris, living her best bohemian life amongst the rich and famous. It seems that nothing can go wrong…until Kiki’s past rears its ugly head and her old spymaster from the war mandates one more mission. What ensues is a non-stop week in Paris as Kiki tries to solve the case in the midst of Parisian glitz and glamour, with the demons of her past always lurking.

Why did I choose this book to read? 

This was a really random find. I was doing a self-guided walking tour in Sydney, and stopped at Customs House which I’d never paid any attention to before. If you haven’t been there, I’d recommend it - it’s quite fun! It has a cool miniature display of Sydney and interesting photos from the 1920s. It also has the Customs House Library, which is where I saw this book displayed. I was looking for something new to read and the title intrigued me because I had just finished reading another book set in Paris. 

What did I love?

The novel has two main characters - Kiki and Paris (similar to Carrie and New York in Sex and the City). 

From the first chapter Kiki leaps out from the page as a woman who challenges the expectations of society and her family in the 1920s. She’s not interested in getting married, nor in settling down. She’s sexual, liberated and fiercely loyal to her friends. She also wants to make her own way in the world. As she says “My father has money, which I can only use to catch a husband, and then the money will be my husband’s. I need my own money.” And Kiki isn't afraid of taking risks and getting her hands dirty to do so, as she takes on 3 jobs whilst in Paris, which makes her extremely likeable and relatable (even if her life is completely removed from what most of us go through every day!). 

Now, onto the other leading lady…If you're dying to go to Paris, or overdue another visit, this book is perfect because it'll make you feel like you're right there. The atmospheric writing plants you right in the middle of Kiki’s bohemian existence (the good and the bad). Tessa also doesn't shy away from describing the tension and difficulties of living in Europe between the two World Wars, which makes the settling all the more realistic and interesting. 

I also really enjoyed the portrayal of Kiki’s friendships, especially with Bertie (her best friend and editor). Too often in novels friendships can be sidelined in favour of romance, but this wasn't the case. Kiki has many varied friends, all who play a different role in her life, and through Tessa’s writing, Kiki has a deep and genuine connection with each of them. It made me want to be friends with Kiki too and for the novel not to end! 

What did I not love? 

I just had one gripe with the book - I found it quite hard to follow the spy mission because of how many supporting characters were introduced in quick succession. The main events also all happened in about one week which felt a bit too fast and unrealistic.

Book club recommended? 

This one is a yes from me for the book club. I don't often recommend mystery/spy novels for book clubs, but this one is so rich in characters and atmosphere that I think it would make a great discussion.