I started reading La Seduction
by Elaine Sciolino last week. So far I've only managed to get through the first five chapters and I know I should give it more of a chance, but I'm finding it...well...tedious.Though I have learned a few things.
For instance, according to Ms. Sciolino, there is rampant, out of control use of the verb séduire in France.
I learned that French men have several different ways to kiss a woman's hand, an act called a baisemain. Apparently one of them, the effleurer, is an invitation for sex.
Of course I have to wonder if it really works?
And most importantly, never, ever take marriage advice from Inès de la Fressange. Pin It
16 comments:
Ha! I'm reading it to - my jaw dropped when I read Inès' marital advice. To be discarded immediately. Otherwise, I find the connections intriguing though you have to wonder if the author wanted them to be there so the came together..... we'll see, I'm about as far as you are right now!
I will have to read this book just to be amused.
I've been considering reading this book. Now I've even more intrigued...
Lindsey
Pretty "interesting" advice, non? :)
I'll definitely finish reading it, just not connecting with it somehow. I like the history and reading about some of the people she meets. I'll be curious to hear what you think!
Belle de Ville
I think you will be!
Sharon
I'm not going to say that you shouldn't read it. Though so far I have to say that I'm happy I didn't go out and buy it.
Maybe I'll wait until it gets to my library. Journalists can write good articles but not too many can write good, interesting books.
Hmm, I can't say I have ever heard of this or want to read it. I am just starting a book called La Bella Lingua by Dianne Hales. It is about her fascination with the Italian language. I think it should be a good travel genre read.
The Wanderfull Traveler
Thank you for this review. It's coming off of my list of books to buy now.
Sam
Nadege
I would love to hear your opinion, if you ever get the chance to read it.
Murissa
Thanks for the book recommendation. Sounds great!
Sam
Maybe you could borrow it and let me know what you think?
To my knowledge, only Jacques Chirac still makes use of Baisemain nowadays and you are not supposed to touch the lady's hand with your lips anyway. No such thing as an invitation for sex. As to Inès de la Fressange, I would not take much advice from her as she said once on French TV that a woman ''who no longer wear high heels is not on the sex market anymore''. Don't worry, we got worse philosophers out here!
by the way, 'Séduire'' is not a bad word in French!
Bernard from Salon-de-Provence (forgot to introduce myself, sorry)
My husband and I always say it would have been difficult to remain monogamous had we stayed in France, with all the exhausting seduction going on at every corner. I should read the book just to see if it matches my experience.. also to see what Ines had to say, now I'm really curious
I am intrigued I need to go look into it!
I hadn't heard of this one, and after reading your comments went off to see some of the reviews. It won't be on my to-buy list anytime soon.
I haven't heard of this one - but, after reading the comments, it sounds interesting. I'll be interested to hear / read the final opinion.
May I kiss you hand?
Bernard
Well, according to some French men (as stated in this book) the effleurer is an invitation to bed! I think it's a bit extreme, but I've never been schooled in the art of the baisemain. :)
(also, I realize that the verb séduire is not a bad word)
Thanks for stopping by to comment.
Corine
Maybe all this seduction in secret is going on in Paris, because I sure don't see much of it in the rural south!
Andi
Please let me know what you think if you read it. I'm curious to hear your opinion.
Emm
If someone lends you a copy, you might want to give it a try. Who knows, you might have a totally different opinion! :)
katie
I've put it down for the moment, but will eventually pick it back up and finish it. I'll let you know!
Bruno
Hey, watch your mouth! :)
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