Paris by Edward Rutherfurd

The story intertwines the lives of characters from four different families and social classes moving back and forth in time across centuries, bringing backdrop of French history, its class distinction, and an insight on building such icons as the Statue of Liberty and Eiffel Tower.

Roland de Cygne comes from aristocratic family. He is a descendant from D’Artagnan, famous Musketeer, and hero Roland. At the age of fifteen not knowing his direction in life, he is being reminded of the 13th century Roland’s story – returning home to run the estate. Few years later, he is asked to attend dinner with Blanchard family. At first he is not comfortable mingling with bourgeoisie class, but his life takes a turn he has never expected. 

Jules Blanchard is a well-set man of a solid family fortune. He has two sons and one daughter. His younger son, Marc, is an artist who takes part in a new artistic movement Art Nouveau, at the time seen by some as vulgar, especially aristocrats.

Jacques Le Sourd comes from humble beginnings, embodiment of French Revolution and the Paris Commune. His father is shot by a soldier whose name his mother traces and reveals to him. Now he wants to revenge his father.

Thomas Gascon comes from dangerous slums behind Montmartre. He is an iron-worker taking part in creating first the Statue of Liberty, then the world’s most recognizable icon – the Eiffel Tower under a watchful eye of a famous engineer Monsieur Gustave Eiffel.

The story starts in the late 19th century with a young boy named Roland de Cygne, then it travels back in time to the second part of the 13th century revealing the story of Roland de Cygne who dreamed of becoming a Temple Knight. Instead he is pushed by his family to become a priest, as his older brother will take over the estate. Accident happens and with the death of his older brother, he is called back home to take over the estate.

The book moves with the stories of the families across the centuries, from 19th and 20th centuries, and back to 13th and 14th centuries.

It is well-written and through the characters the reader gets to experience the atmosphere of Paris' streets, its arts and the wars it fought. However, it might be overwhelming for some and not to their liking with all those characters from present and past centuries. I think the author could have finished this 800 page book on a bit higher note by finishing it earlier. Some events within the last 200 pages were ok, and for me the book would have made a better impression without them. 

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