When Mrs Harris Goes to Paris is a delightful novel by Paul Gallico that was first published in 1958. The book tells the story of Ada Harris, a London cleaning lady who embarks on a journey to Paris to buy herself a Dior dress. Along the way, she meets various interesting characters and experiences life-changing moments that help her discover her true self.
The Plot
The novel begins with Ada Harris, a hardworking cleaning lady from Battersea, London, who dreams of owning a Dior dress. She saves up for years and finally decides to take the plunge and travel to Paris to buy herself the dress. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks along the way, including losing her money and luggage, Ada never gives up on her dream.
The Characters
One of the highlights of When Mrs Harris Goes to Paris is its colorful cast of characters. From Madame Colbert, the owner of a Parisian fashion house who helps Ada achieve her dream, to Mme Brulé, an elderly flower seller who becomes Ada’s friend and confidante, each character is unique and memorable.
The Themes
At its core, When Mrs Harris Goes to Paris is a heartwarming tale about following your dreams no matter how impossible they may seem. It also explores themes such as friendship, kindness, and self-discovery.
- Friendship: Throughout her journey, Ada meets several people who help her in different ways. From Mme Brulé who gives her shelter when she has nowhere else to go to André Fauvel who lends her money when she is broke; these characters demonstrate the importance of friendship.
- Kindness: The novel also highlights how small acts of kindness can have a big impact on someone’s life.
For example, when Madame Colbert offers Ada an opportunity to work for her, it changes the course of Ada’s life.
- Self-Discovery: When Mrs Harris Goes to Paris is also a story about self-discovery. Through her journey, Ada discovers new things about herself and gains confidence in her abilities.
The Writing Style
One of the reasons why When Mrs Harris Goes to Paris has endured for over six decades is its charming and engaging writing style. Paul Gallico’s prose is simple yet elegant and his descriptions of Parisian life are vivid and enchanting.
The Adaptations
When Mrs Harris Goes to Paris has been adapted into various forms of media over the years, including a stage musical and a television movie. However, it is the 1952 film adaptation starring Angela Lansbury as Ada Harris that remains the most beloved.
In conclusion, When Mrs Harris Goes to Paris is a timeless classic that continues to inspire readers around the world. With its memorable characters, heartwarming themes, and engaging writing style, it is a must-read for anyone looking for a delightful escape into the world of literature.