Plum Blossoms in Paris

September 6, 2010
In her debut novel, Hina tracks a poetic Parisian romance between an American tourist and a French writer. Daisy, a 23-year-old neuroscience grad, has dropped her lab-rat life in Ohio for an open-ended trip to Paris after getting dumped by her longtime boyfriend. Named by her father after Henry James's novella, Daisy is "trying to outrun a broken heart" in her search for "the iconic bohemian chase" experienced by great 20th-century writers and artists in Montmartre. On her train ride to the city from the airport, she has a chance encounter with Mathieu, a writer and tour guide. They meet again by happenstance at the Musée d'Orsay and fall into a whirlwind affair. The lovers set out on one of Mathieu's city-wide tours, playfully debating current events, art, literature, and their disparate cultures. Hina's unrelenting lyrical composition may turn some readers off, but the tone brings a fantastical quality to the dreamer's idyll of a romantic tryst with an artistic Frenchman in Paris.

June 15, 2010

In this debut novel, recently dumped graduate student Daisy Lockhart runs off to Paris, where she falls in love with Mathieu, a writer. The snobbish and emotionally wounded Mathieu appeals to vulnerable and liberal-minded Daisy, who is trying to make sense of her life. Romance blooms over discussions about art, religion, and politics. But can Daisy set aside the past and cultural differences to make a life with Mathieu? VERDICT Metaphors, similes, and literary references abound in this ornately written novel of self-discovery. The scornful references to the George W. Bush presidency, however, date the book. It may appeal to those who enjoy chick lit with a literary turn.--Suzie Remilien, New York

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2010
When her longtime boyfriend Andy unexpectedly dumps her, Daisy Lockhart takes a break from her life and heads to Paris to try and put together the broken pieces of her heart. Daisys romantic recovery in France happens more quickly than she expects, though, once she meets freelance tour guide and writer Mathieu. As the two explore enchanting Paris, they find themselves falling in love, but Mathieu has some emotional baggage from the past that threatens their romance. Rich in fascinating details about the art and culture of Paris, Hinas debut novel is a terrific literary love letter to the City of Light. While the plotespecially the endingchallenges the readers willing suspension of disbelief, the writing itself is imbued with a stylish sense of wit. Plum Blossoms in Paris is chick lit with a tr's chic accent.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)