Review of Dorm in Paris

[Barry Jones 2]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Dorm in Paris" by Paula Gabay.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Paula Gabay's book Dorm in Paris, an intellectually profound work, reflects the faith and the discovery of oneself and the consequences of the process of existence's decision-making.

At 36, Freesia Guludec spends two decades away before deciding to visit France to try and solve some mysteries of her past. A former philosophy student spent time in Paris but did not finish her studies in exchange for some of her essence in a little room on Île Saint-Louis. As she returns to that period of her life, she experiences indecisiveness and a yearning to make sense of what is left of her life. Along her journey, Freesia meets Racheli and her family members, who train her in their faith and prayer practices. It is after meeting people on this path that she starts questioning her understanding of purpose and destiny.

The story interweaves personal musings with a fun story and offers the chance to contemplate one's direction. The book was enlightening and had profound insights about life; it kept me quite interested throughout. Freesia’s internal argumentations were more relatable because the novel authentically provided faith and decision-making aspects. Paula Gabay’s characters have the depth of rich details that expand their life experiences beyond the story, giving them their post-story dimension. Freesia’s plot progresses steadily, and the book reveals specific pacing with the gradual build-up of tension. I was impressed more by the natural way in which the writer integrated the faith elements and a personal transformation within the story than in some other books with the same theme. The author’s style of writing seems clear, and the imagery is vivid, with which one can create mental images of the peaceful Orchid Village and the affectionate streets of Paris. The story is full of several moral messages, but they come across as more approachable and more suitable for numerous readers to relate to.

The story is a vivid display of events through a dynamic narrative; readers get the sense of seeing a theatrical performance through the book. The author makes use of interesting and creative formatting of the dialogues, which then flow easily. The book had no grammar mistakes in it because of its excellent editing quality. Given this evaluation, I'd rate the book 5 out of 5 stars.

Dorm in Paris would most suit readers who prefer contemplative books with religious and intellectual content. It will be of primary interest to readers who like stories of how people turn out good through experiences in their lives. The story links with the audience that cares about stories centered on character development and particularly attracts readers who love modern storytelling and fiction stories about women.

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Dorm in Paris
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[Mark Lazarus]

It seems like a thoughtful and introspective read, with a strong focus on personal growth and self-discovery. The blend of philosophy, faith, and the exploration of past experiences sounds compelling. I’d be interested in giving it a try, especially to see how the author weaves those deeper themes into the narrative.

[Jelani Trotter]

Dorm in Paris by Paula Gabay is a thought-provoking novel about faith, self-discovery, and the weight of past decisions. At 36, Freesia Guludec returns to France after two decades, seeking answers about her past and purpose. As she reconnects with her former life, she meets Racheli and her family, whose faith and traditions challenge her understanding of destiny.