I'm looking for off the beaten path books on the city. Paris Vagabond follows Jean-Paul Clebert at the end of World War I. Tragic look at life on the streets.
The Journal of Helene Berr follows a young Jewish woman around the Left Bank mostly during the Occupation of the city in WWII. The second half is exceptional.
Help, looking for more. 20th century, even modern books. What's good, but different?
See if "Zazie in the metro" by Raymond Queneau appeals to you.
It's a novel.
Raymond Queneau was a very well-known French author.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Queneau
Also, "Manual of Saint Germain-des-Prés" by Boris Vian.
Boris Vian, another very well-known author.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boris_Vian
Both have English editions, but both refer to the 1960s and 70s. The post-war "Paris Vagabond," its atmosphere and characters no longer exist.
I've read a few lately. This is a mix of fiction, metafiction and non-fiction:
Tropic of Cancer (misogynistic--unfortunately--but lyrical about Saint-Germain and the 5th) by Henry Miller
Growing up With the Impressionists, the Diary of Julie Manet (only the final few chapters in the 20th century, proceeding ones in the 19th)
Paris to the Past by Ina Caro
The Only Street in Paris -or- The Seine, by Elaine Sciolino
A Moveable Feast, by Ernest Hemingway
Any of the reportage books by Janet Flanner
Fearless and Free, a Memoir by Josephine Baker
Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
The Beautiful Fall (about YSL and high fashion) by Alicia Drake
