Parisian Days: The Rediscovered Classic Memoir

A young woman named Banine escapes her ruined homeland and forced marriage to pursue a dazzling future in Paris. She forms a wide circle of literary acquaintances and contemplates love, but freedom brings challenges. This companion to Days in the Caucasus is a paean to bittersweet dreams and the quest for happiness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 25 January 2024
Publisher: Pushkin Press

A captivating literary masterpiece, Tatler's The Last Train to Paris is a captivating blend of memoir, social history, and sheer brilliance. The Financial Times praises it as a "brilliantly witty memoir" that tells the inspiring tale of a young woman's unwavering pursuit of freedom.

Banine, a resilient and aspirational character, embarks on a journey from her devastated homeland to the enchanting city of Paris, driven by the desire to escape her forced marriage and pursue a dazzling future. As a chic Parisienne, she immerses herself in the vibrant world of émigrés, artists, and writers, even contemplating the possibility of love. However, the path to freedom is not without its challenges.

Through the pages of this captivating companion to Days in the Caucasus, Banine's story unfolds with vivacious wit and a zest for life. It is a paean to bittersweet dreams and the relentless quest for happiness. Part of the esteemed Pushkin Press Classics series, this translation by Anne Thompson-Ahmadova showcases timeless storytelling by icons of literature, carefully selected from across the globe.

Born Umm El-Banu Assadullayeva into a wealthy family in Baku, Azerbaijan, Banine's life took a dramatic turn following the Russian Revolution and the collapse of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. Faced with the imminent threat of persecution, she was compelled to flee her homeland, first to Istanbul, and then to the captivating city of Paris.

In Paris, Banine's literary journey continued to flourish. She formed a vast circle of literary acquaintances, including renowned figures such as Nicos Kazantzakis, André Malraux, Ivan Bunin, and Teffi. It was during this time that Banine began to tap into her own writing talents, penning her own captivating stories and essays.

Parisian Days, the sequel to Days in the Caucasus, picks up where the first installment left off. It continues the captivating narrative, delving deeper into Banine's experiences and adventures in the City of Lights. This remarkable book offers readers a glimpse into the life of a remarkable woman, her resilience, and her unwavering pursuit of happiness.

Tatler's The Last Train to Paris is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring human spirit. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty of language, the complexities of human relationships, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life.

Weight: 230g
Dimension: 168 x 314 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782278030