Paris and Marrakech in the Springtime

La Tour Eiffel Bien Sur!

Anyone that possesses even a vague interest in France, can’t help thinking about Paris in the springtime.  I’ve made it a tradition on Travel Fun to do an April (or Springtime, if I’m a little behind schedule) in Paris program every year.

This year I whisked my listeners off to the French capital with the help of author, Diane Johnson.  I’ll confess right off that I’m a huge fan of Diane’s novels, particularly “Le Divorce,” “Le Mariage” and “L’Affaire,” all intricately woven works that explore the cultural differences between Americans and the French with keen insight.  A two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and a three-time finalist for the National Book Award, Diane is the best-selling author of fifteen books including her newly released “Lulu in Marrakech.”  She divides her time between San Francisco and Paris, a city that has taken center stage in her most recent books.

“Many wonderful books have been written about France,” Diane explained in our interview.  “My publisher is always sending me books about France and the French,” she continues.  “I’ve noticed a constant theme that involves people dreaming about France as the ideal place.”  I’ve found that to be true with so many people over the years as well.  Most seem to embrace a romantic vision of France, especially when it comes to Paris.  And it seems as though that image is rarely shattered.

To understand this more, I suggest you read Diane’s above mentioned books!

As for “Lulu,” Diane once again shines at spinning a tale that holds you in rapt attention with its people, place and story.  She delightfully captures the sights, sounds and smells of this exotic Moroccan land in this novel about a California blond that finds herself living all kinds of adventures—romantic and otherwise—as a spy in an Islamic country.  Diane beautifully describes all the subtleties of ex-pats abroad set against a colorful backdrop painted with vivid images of mosques, minarets, souks and the call to prayer.

L’Exotisme du Maroc

Diane lived within this culture for quite some time with her husband, a prominent doctor specializing in tuberculosis research, many years ago.  She wrote about many of these experiences in her book, “Natural Opium,” a compilation of travel stores.  Diane’s current project delves into even more adventures she had while traveling the world with her husband to faraway lands including Japan and China.  Can’t wait to see what that will bring!

When asked about her thoughts on Americans abroad, Diane sounded insightful about her compatriots behavior outside of the U.S.  “Americans are more polished and culturally sensitive than they once were,” she said.

I’m sure Diane is partly responsible for this—at least when it comes to France and now in terms of Islam, I thought.  She is extraordinarily gifted at helping us understand other cultures, especially the French.  And, of course, there’s always that je ne sais quoi, that inexplicable something, that makes many Americans so charmed by France.  Especially Paris in the springtime.

Diane Johnson’s Advice to the Traveler to France

“Read a few good books on how to negotiate the trains and other necessary matters in France.”

“Don’t be the loud American.  Don’t try to speak French by speaking English louder.”  

Click Here to Listen to the Podcast of My Spring 2009 Interview with Diane.

Last Words from Diane

“The mood is good in Paris these days.  The restaurants are still full.”  We both agreed that food is an essential part of life in Paris.

Book Picks

“Le Divorce”

“Le Mariage”

“L’Affaire”

“Into a Paris Quartier”

“Natural Opium”

and many more by Diane Johnson!

Podcast (bonjourcolorado): Play in new window | Download