Introduction

In a world where aging women are often told their best years are behind them, Glynnis MacNicol defies expectations. Her memoir, set against the backdrop of an unusually quiet Paris in August 2021, is a testament to the power of embracing life at any age.

The Setting

Paris, the City of Lights, devoid of its usual throngs of tourists, becomes a playground for MacNicol. The empty streets and iconic landmarks provide a unique canvas for her journey of self-discovery and indulgence.

The Journey

After enduring sixteen months of solitude in her Manhattan apartment, MacNicol seizes the opportunity to sublet a friend’s apartment in Paris. What follows is an exploration of pleasure and joy, from midnight bike rides and dancing on the Seine to savoring gooey cheeses and wandering through the Louvre.

The Experience

Her time in Paris is filled with unexpected friendships, romance, and a rediscovery of self-worth. MacNicol’s narrative is both intimate and universal, challenging societal norms about aging and femininity.

The Message

In the spirit of Nora Ephron and Deborah Levy, this memoir is more than just a personal account; it’s a call to embrace life’s pleasures as a political act. MacNicol’s story is proof that enjoying oneself is not only possible but essential.