French Lessons

May 30, 2011
Three Americans explore Paris alongside their attractive French tutors and find themselves caught up in a delightful day of desire in Sussman's second novel (after On a Night Like This), beginning with an emotionally fraught coffee date shared by the tutors that reveals a love-triangle that must be set aside for the workday. Nico, who has just slept with his fellow tutor, Chantal, is assigned to a pregnant, grieving San Franciscan woman; Philippe continues his lessons with a lonely ex-pat with no French skills, two children, and a workaholic husband; and Chantal, in love with Philippe, has her last session with the insecure husband of an actress in town for a shoot. They visit gardens, the Louvre, and several beds. Granted, it's not exactly trailblazing material, but Sussman keeps things fresh with a strong supporting cast and some unexpected insights into the characters' pasts, embracing a soupçon of mystery to go with the scenic strolls and flights of passion.