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Summary: Franco-American Relations
Review: I loved this story. Of course, I lived in Paris, and I'm an American married to a French woman. But I think Ms. Johnson hit the nail on the head many times when she described Parisian lifestyles, Californian lifestyles, and how those two lifestyles often clash when brought face to face (and body to body, in the case of Oncle Edgar).The fate of the painting was a perfect deus ex machina to bring out the cultural issues that arise when two families from different countries become joined through a marriage. The author's knowledge of Paris, French life, and even French law was impressive and accurate. She did her homework. There are many truths contained in this novel, and for that reason alone one might consider curling up on a couch one cold night and jumping in. That and the sumptuously described characters and settings that fill up the story. You will not be disappointed.
Rating: 
Summary: Good book, but not great
Review: It is hard to give a review of a book like this because it doesn't inspire or repel you. It was nice reading, good story, and very funny at times. But it lacked an overall cohesion and the characters (even Isabel) were not developed much past their introduction. At the end of the story, you don't really even care about what happens to anyone. However, it is an unpretentious novel without being trashy and would probably be a good book for a plane.
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Summary: A laborious, unpleasant read
Review: Confusing tense changes, boring plot, universally unpleasant characters, and foreshadowing that somehow manages to be simultaneously confusing and repetitive. I was all set to quit reading when the suicide attempt got me interested again. But then, lo and behold, everything got back to normal, so quit I did. Who nominated this for the Book Award?
Rating: 
Summary: An intelligent person's beach book
Review: I read this book each day on the train during my trek to and from the office. I loved it. I was disappointed when my morning train ride ended and could hardly wait for the evening ride to begin. For such a pleasant read, it was packed with thought provoking passages. Her characters were interesting and fresh. I thought about it long after the train ride was over, and have a long list of friends I want to send a copy of this novel.
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Summary: Paris was the most memorable character
Review: I too wonder how this book was nominated for a National Book Award. The glowing professional reviews suggest something stronger, funnier, and more memorable than what is actually on the page. An earlier reviewer's comments about wishing the author had been fonder of and more interested in her characters is dead on. I can't decide if I didn't know the characters well enough or just didn't care about them. The author conveyed information about Isabel, Roxanne, and the others, but didn't give us the essence of who these characters really are. Only Uncle Edgar seemed real, and although he's an interesting enough man, he's not sufficiently central to the story to make up for the lack of interest elsewhere. I agree the plot is thin through most of the book, then turns into an unbelievable action adventure at the end. On a more positive note, Le Divorce has some wonderful observational asides about cultural differences and some useful information for those planning a trip to Paris. For me, it worked better as a travel book than as a novel.
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Summary: nobody mentioned the sex
Review: half way through this book I came upon the reviews by other readers; true it lacks in character development, but hardly anybody mentioned the intrigue of an american woman, supposedly rough around the edges with regard to the apparent sexual sophistication of french women and all their petits soins, (her frizzy hair and back-pack look attracts only morroccon men), who, lo and behold, blossoms in bed with her elder statesmen. Alas, the rough and raw sexuality of the liberated california woman who knows when and how to come and still make her lover laugh in bed... any woman of our generation who has blossomed in a similar vein cant help but be tickled by the evolution of isabel: and I'm not talking about the nailpolish...
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Summary: EuroDisney became Disneyland Paris in 1994.
Review: I am caught up on reading Oprah's book club recommendations. Due to my love of Paris, I decided to read this. Very disappointed that the author, who supposedly lives in California and Paris, didn't realize that the name of EuroDisney (opened in 1992) was changed to Disneyland Paris in 1994. I believe the book was initially published in 1997. A big faux pas--especially to Disney fans!
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Summary: Pure Mindless Pleasure
Review: From other reviews, it is obvious that the reader who has someconnection to Paris or the French will be more likely attracted tothis novel. Johnson has an intimate understanding of high-brow Parisian culture which cannot be obtained from the typical tourist's excursion, nor those expats who associate or marry out of the legitimate bourgoisie. I could totally relate and know rich French who resemble the Persands, but who cares? Cross cultural experience is an individual phenomenon; it won't resonate similarly for all. Perhaps I cannot comment on the lack of translation since (after many years of study and travel) I speak French, but considering that the book is obviously marketed for mass edification, the mono-lingual reader will not be missing out on much (those snooty little epigrams are a bit pretentious for such a fun story). Read Le Divorce for pure mindless pleasure. That's all. Parisian and Californian "nationalists" should stand down. This novel is not asocio/academic study of anything (look at the colorful cartoons on the cover artwork to take your cue). The plot is a bit far-fetched, but still a good bet for those who enjoy the genre.
Rating:
Summary: An enjoyable read with depth between the lines
Review: I enjoyed this book very much. For me it was a wonderful combination of reality and fantasy. I can certainly relate to the American in Paris syndrome as well as the dull, invisible character of Isabel Walker. I thought she was a wonderful personality to narrate this story. I see this story having much more depth than meets the eye. A few days after finishing it, I began to imagine that there was a subtle twist in the end that I hadn't seen right away. If there is anyone who would like to discuss this possibility with me, please, write...I won't ruin it for those of you who haven't read it yet!
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Summary: loved this book!
Review: totally enjoyable and clever book. All the expected components of a bestseller are there. P.S. I was bored by her 'Persian nights', i've made it through half of the book, hoping that it would pick up.... and well, it didn't
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