This novel explores the complex interplay between art, politics, and personal ambition through the lives of its characters, primarily focusing on Nick Dormer, who struggles between pursuing a career in politics and his true passion for painting, and Miriam Rooth, an aspiring actress determined to conquer the stage with her talent. Set against the backdrop of late 19th-century London and Paris, the narrative delves into themes of identity, societal expectations, and the sacrifices made for art and personal conviction. The characters' journeys are marked by their interactions with family, friends, and the societal elite, all of which influence their decisions and the paths they ultimately choose.

This historical biography provides an in-depth look at the life of the last Queen of France before the French Revolution. It delves into her Austrian origins, her marriage to Louis XVI, and her role in the opulent and politically turbulent court of Versailles. The book portrays her as a woman more complex and sympathetic than the often portrayed frivolous queen, examining her personal relationships, her struggles with the hostile French public, and her ultimate tragic end at the guillotine. Through meticulous research, the narrative aims to dispel the myths surrounding her legacy, offering a nuanced account of her life and the tumultuous era she lived in.

This biography provides a comprehensive look into the life and work of one of France's greatest novelists, exploring his immense literary output and the intricate details of his personal life. The book delves into the author's ambitious character, chronic financial struggles, complex relationships, and the broader 19th-century Parisian society that he both critiqued and celebrated in his work. Through meticulous research and engaging narrative, the biography paints a vivid portrait of a man whose life was as rich and dramatic as the characters in his novels, offering insights into his creative process and his enduring impact on literature and culture.

This biography provides a comprehensive look into the life of one of France's most revered writers, exploring his political activism, personal trials, and literary achievements. The book delves into his complex relationships, his exile during the reign of Napoleon III, and his passionate commitment to social issues, which influenced many of his greatest works. Through meticulous research and detailed analysis, the biography paints a vivid portrait of a man who was not only a literary giant but also a significant player in the political and social spheres of 19th-century France.

"At The Existentialist Café" is a non-fiction book that explores the lives and ideas of a group of philosophers known as the existentialists. The book takes readers on a journey through the cafes of Paris in the 1930s and 40s, where philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Maurice Merleau-Ponty would gather to discuss their ideas about freedom, being, and the meaning of life. Bakewell weaves together their personal stories, philosophical theories, and the historical context in which they lived, to create a compelling and accessible introduction to existentialism.

In this enchanting tale, a young orphan girl, discovered as a baby in a cello case after a shipwreck, is raised by an eccentric scholar. When authorities threaten to take her away, believing no proper lady could be raised by a single man, the pair flee to Paris. There, the girl is drawn to the rooftops of the city, where she meets a gang of children who traverse the skyline. With their help, she embarks on a whimsical adventure to search for her long-lost mother, guided by the belief that if her mother was alive, she would be playing her cello. The story weaves a magical journey of hope, friendship, and the unyielding bond between a child and her guardian, set against the backdrop of the beautiful and mysterious Parisian rooftops.

This book is a unique blend of literary biography and self-help, which explores the life and work of Marcel Proust. It delves into various aspects of Proust's writing and personal experiences to extract lessons on how to live better, covering topics such as how to love wisely, how to express your emotions more effectively, how to appreciate life's small pleasures, and how to be resilient in the face of suffering and loss. Through a combination of humor, philosophy, and insightful analysis, the book offers practical advice inspired by Proust's profound insights into human nature, making the case that literature can be both instructive and healing.

"The PowerBook" is a unique blend of reality and virtual reality, exploring the themes of love, identity, and storytelling. The narrative follows an e-writer who writes stories for people on demand, and one of her clients, a woman who wants to escape her relationship and start anew. The book is filled with stories within stories, all of them interconnected, taking readers on a journey through Paris, Capri, and the Internet, while challenging the traditional notions of time, gender roles, and the boundaries between the real and the imagined.

This book provides a comprehensive biography of Maximilien Robespierre, a significant figure in the French Revolution. It explores his life, political ideologies, and the role he played in the Reign of Terror. The author presents a balanced view of Robespierre, highlighting both his idealistic vision for a democratic society and the violent means he employed to achieve it. The book also delves into the tumultuous period of the French Revolution, giving readers a detailed understanding of its events and dynamics.

Set in pre-revolutionary France, the novel follows a young engineer who is tasked with demolishing an overflowing cemetery in Paris. As he undertakes this macabre task, he encounters a variety of characters, including a rebellious nun, a gravedigger, and a family living on the cemetery grounds. The book explores themes of mortality, the inevitability of progress, and the fragility of existence, all set against the backdrop of a society on the brink of dramatic change.