Even confirmed Francophobes would be hardpressed not to be charmed by the wit and sophistication of Diane Johnson's Le Mariage. Bluff American journalist Tim Nolinger and picture-perfect antiques dealer Ann Sophie are in the stressful run-up to their Parisian wedding when Tim gets caught up in investigating an art theft. This brings Clara Holly, an American actress, her husband, the reclusive film director Serge Cray and their French chateau into the story alongside a full cast of snobbish Parisians and mostly hick Americans. The clash of cultures is hilariously described by Johnson, a prolific writer who divides her time between Paris and San Francisco and so is perfectly poised to get beyond the nuances of both cultures. A treat.
