Flowers for Mrs. Harris
by Paul Gallico
(also published as Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Paris)
Original publication date: 1958
Original publication date: 1958
(First, I have to thank Relish for the discovery of this book, which she mentioned in a review of another book by the same author.)
ABOUT
Ada Harris is an elderly British charwoman (maid/domestic help). When she falls in love with a Dior dress owned by one of her clients, she becomes utterly determined to purchase her very own frock created by the famous French designer. After much plotting and saving (and a little bit of luck at the football polls), she arrives in Paris. She is able to make her intended purchase, but more importantly, she has a dramatic effect on the lives of many Parisians.
MY THOUGHTS
"Flowers for Mrs. Harris" is utterly adorable and wonderful. I loved the story, I loved Mrs. Harris, I loved Gallico's writing. Even though everything that happens is ridiculously impossible, it's totally charming in the manner of a fairytale, and the story concludes with a beautifully sigh-worthy moral.
RATING
It's just perfect.
I read this book for the Paris In July blog event.
I am SO glad you read and loved this as much as I do. It is one of my favourite favourite books of all time :-) Isn't it good to read books that are just utterly simple and really NICE for a change..
ReplyDeleteI discovered this a few years ago, and I am so glad that you have found it too. Perfect is the word!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Harris deserves so much more love! :)
ReplyDeleteI heard of this book a few years ago but so far a copy hasn't fallen into my hands. I may have to stalk it. It sounds so utterly delightful, I suspect I'd love it too. Thanks for reminding me of it.
ReplyDelete@Louise - Commence stalking! lol I haunted all my favorite online shops for several days until I was finally successful.
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased to say that this one shouldn't take too much stalking - Bloomsbury reissued it last year, but it used the American title "Mrs Harris Goes to Paris" rather than the British "Flowers for Mrs Harris."
ReplyDeleteWell, in my denial of my American-ness, I HAD to hunt down the UK version. ;)
ReplyDeleteHave you seen the film "Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Paris" with Angela Lansbury? It was done in the 80s or 90s and is kind of cute. :) I never knew there was a book!
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