The Flaneur: A Stroll Through the Paradoxes of Paris

Rating:
Summary: Not completely what it seems
Review: This is not your charming, harmless, Hemingway-like account of a flaneur in Paris as you imagine by the cover and title. While it will satisfy some of your cravings of the Paris athmosphere as you read it, its buildings and neighborhoods, it shows so much of the subjectibility or the writer that I didn't feel like continuing to read it. I don't mind what he is but, he too much focuses on that (also showing the reader some of the writer's own prejudices), it comes as a surprise while you read the book and out of context. At least he should have titled the book "The flaneur" promenades on Paris. I only would like to know better what I buy before I buy it. It deceived me. It ruined what could have been a splendid book.

Rating:
Summary: Reader as outsider?
Review: White gives some elegantly written historical insights into the monuments of Paris. The compact format of this book makes it a handy companion on a trip to the City of Light. I must admit with some consternation, however, that my attention began to flag as White seemed to focus more and more narrowly on the gay perspective. I couldn't escape the feeling that as we meandered along the Paris streets, there was a conversation taking place in which I was an unwelcome hanger-on. My problem, I guess. This would be a completely delightful book for those more interested in the gay point of view.

Rating:
Summary: a missed opportunity
Review: White is an excellent, insightful writer. A book by him talking about the Parisian tradition of the flaneur, first explored by Walter Benjamin in his essay "Paris, the capital of the 19th century" would have been welcome: it would have updated Benjamin's work (now about 70 years old) and it would have brought a fresh American perspective to it. This isn't quite it. There are some relevant passages in this short book, but White is far mosre interested in the other visitors to Paris than in the city as an entity. Mention of the city's singular places rarely rises above guide-book standard. A shame.

Rating:
Summary: Look! Look! I'm homosexual!
Review: Why does White feel compelled to spoil what would otherwise be an entertaining little book in order to tell us he is a homosexual and where he goes to find male prostitutes?