Below is a review that someone has written about Two Lipsticks and a Lover. I am appalled by it and can only assume this is a frustrated and angry (read unpublished) author in disguise or someone with an unexplained loathing for half-Italian women who live in France. Janine di Giovanni by the way is a heroic journalist who covers the most horrifying war zones and has written several books about them.
Please could those of you who have enjoyed Two Lipsticks click on this link and write a review? I just can’t have this unfair tirade as the only opinion on my book.
And remind me to put onions on my list of pet hates…..
 je ne pense pas, 19 Jun 2007
gosh I think this book must have got published by mistake. Sloppy, cliched, misogynistic, and deeply deeply tedious. I’m not sure what it is about the French that seems to bring out the crapness in journalists but this is a great example (see also Janine di Giovanni etc etc) |
Have done Helena, I love the Amazon reviews but this just shows how misleading they can be! I’ve just read the book for second time, still love it and look forward to your next one.
Hi there, I just posted a review, done quickly because my 3 and 2 year old girls are vying for my attention right now.
I did read Ciao Bella and loved it — boy I could talk for hours about the similarities in our lives and between our Italian fathers.
However, I must admit I REALLY still want to read the book you originally set out to write — about Italian women. There is definitely a dearth of books in this area — I think “As the Romans Do” is the best one out there right now.
Anyway, Bitter Onions is obviously an unhappy person.
And just to give a tad credence to my opinion on your terrific writing, before I became a stay-at-home mother, I was a journalist for 10 years for a good size newspaper in the SF Bay Area.
In my bookbag so will let you know over the course of our seven week sojourn in the Herault. However, if “More French Please, We’re British” (we’re not!!) is anything to go by, I’m looking forward to it already.
Can we be sure that the review was written by Onions? It reads more like sour grapes.
As a writer one can give the readers entertainment, information an argument or point of view,an appreciation of people and nations, the list is endless. Except that one cannot give understanding, perception or appreciation. These things are brought to a work by the reader, alas ,not always.
‘Twp Lipsticks and a Lover’ is witty, informative and lighthearted, an ideal read for holidays or travel, What did Onions expect? ‘Les Misiserables’?
Am delighted to write a review of “Two Lips and a Lover” (my copy is entitled “All You Need To Be Impossibly French”) as it is a delightful book.
My apologies – noticed I wrote Lips rather than Lipsticks. Feel free to correct my error.
K
Helena,
I LOVED “All You Need to Be Impossibly French” (the U.S. name) and always enjoy reading your website for your witty observations on, well, whatever you feel like writing about. Please don’t let anyone who wishes to spread their own negative outlook drag you down! Just consider the unhappy, resentful source and keep writing, keep smiling….I’m looking forward to when Ciao Bella is released in the U.S.
Merci for your books and your webpage….long may they continue!
Lyn
I have not had the pleasure to read your book. English print being very difficult to come by here, but I have you on my list when next I go west. I read your blog and find it difficult to believe that you could write anything such as described in that review.
I loved the book and reread it after I moved away from Paris, so as not to forget my french habits!
I haven’t read your book so can’t comment on it. But surely it’s one of these facts of live that you hear more of people who are unhappy about something?
Just learn to ignore unfounded criticsm.
Don’t worry Helena I just went on to amazon and defended you my comment is under the name ondivaga.
Loved your book (2 lippies & a luvvver!) I am the grand age of 48 & my 17 year old daughter loved the the book also…good messages for her to follow. Don’t feel down over negative stuff…can’t please everyone and some people are terribly puritanical & uptight…or just plain jealous!
Keep up the good work!
have added a review as how anybody could not love that book is a mystery take no notice!
Helena,
That woman is absolutely nuts! My friends and I all love your book. Wish it were longer in fact.
Keep writing and doing what you do!
Wendy
Helena,
I have done some reviews on your books in fishpond.com.au so don’t worry about the silly comment ! – I mean how can you take someone who critiques with the words, “crapness in journalists” seriously? A message to you, Onion: sweat, sear, and saute your smelly self elsewhere! You obviously have the literary taste of someone who would prefer to read “Walter the Farting Dog”, hmmn sweetie?
Helena,
Love your work!