Buying A Piece of Paris: finding a key to the city of love

Paris has seduced many admirers, but for visiting Australian Ellie Nielsen it’s true love. So deep is her infatuation that, if she can’t have it all to herself, she’ll only be satisfied with buying her own little piece of Paris.

The object of her desire seems so simple: the sort of apartment she’s seen a thousand times in magazines and books. Something effortlessly charming, and old, and quirky — and expertly decorated. Something exuding character and Parisian chic. Something quintessentially French.

The trouble is, she has only two short weeks in which to realise her fantasy — and she must somehow negotiate a deal in a foreign language without offending French real-estate etiquette. Is this even vaguely possible, or just a ridiculous folly?

With her trusty French phrasebook in hand, and plucking up her reserves of savoir faire, Ellie embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. Beauty is everywhere even if, like all true romances, there are many obstacles to be overcome. But then, c’est toujours comme ça à Paris.

Buying a Piece of Paris is a charming and witty love-song to the most beautiful city in the world. Written with great verve and a superb ear for language, it is a joy to read and a pleasure to dream about.