Paris
I do not have much that I can say about Paris right now. It’s too difficult, and so much of what is being said online too glib, facile posturing. I hate it. It rakes me raw.
But there are many kind people who have reached out, with empathy, to ask how we are doing and if all our family and friends are okay. And I think that most of these people have big enough hearts that they sincerely hope that I will say, Yes, we’re all fine. Everyone is fine.
In which case, the short, easy answer is that none of our family and friends are hurt, physically. And given how fortunate we are to be able to say that, that is both a great huge expansion of the heart in relief…and a tight, painful fist for those who can’t say the same.
But the longer answer is a little more complicated.
The 10th arrondissement is where my husband was born. It was where he returned to live at nineteen, as soon as he got his own apartment. His sister works there now. I first lived in the 14th, but moved in with him in his tiny apartment in the 10th later. That first year of being in love? That’s this part of Paris for us.
We love those streets. We love them deeply–the richness and life of this part of Paris, the diversity, the energy. We love the Canal St. Martin, and the Friday evenings when the terraces and theaters are full and groups hang out in front of nightclubs. This is the heart of Paris. The real Paris. The humanity of Paris, what makes this city so full of life. Terrorists could not have struck more closely into the heart of Paris even if they brought the Louvre down.
Terrorists are consciously attacking every value France holds most dear. First liberty of expression, now fraternity.
So I am very sorry, but the longer answer is that no one is okay. Our own closest people are alive and unwounded. That is wonderful.
But no one is okay.
No one in France is okay.
My mother-in-law posted this photo on her Facebook. I think this sums it up.
And this video, I think, covers all the rest I have to say.
Thank you, to those who have expressed their pain and concern for the people of Paris.
Julie
I’m so sorry Laura. We must stay strong in coming months. I admire you and your writing as it reveals your wealth of depth, imagination, and emotional intelligence. I think you should watch the movie Delicious (2013) with Louise Brealey a woman with an eating disorder forced to get better by a cook. It is the model and essence of your novels. So much heart and passion. Set in Paris. Hopefully this piece of art can be a small bit of light for you. Always know you are not alone ❤
Laura Florand
Thank you so much, Julie, for such kind support. I like the idea of watching Delicious, or really enjoying anything that celebrates Paris and life and happiness. I remember Stephen Colbert was laughing a little about someone watching Ratatouille in support, but while laughing he was also saying something along the lines of, “But see…none of us know what to do. So yes, watching Ratatouille or posting flags on Facebook or just trying to move on and go out and drink with friends again…those are all different ways that humanity tries to conquer inhumanity.” (Actually I think I am blurring and Trevor Noah said something about humanity conquering inhumanity, but the basic sentiment from both was the same.)
Thanks for your kindness!