"Like her essay portraits of Dijon and Aix, in this 1978 book Fisher collected impressions and anecdotes of Marseille. There is a little ancient history, nods to the rough seaport town's trade in drugs and prostitution, moments from throughout Fisher's acquaintance with Marseille's avenues, cafes, hotels, and walkways from her first visit as a young bride in 1929 to her last in 1976. There are no outstanding stories in this one (well, the tale of a last sad meal before leaving the city in 1932 -- when the authorities stabbed everyone's luggage in search of escaped murderers -- is gripping, and the creche with two different infant Jesuses is pretty amusing) ... just more time in the company of an elegant, sophisticated woman who writes prose like "their goons [were] inept spratlings in an ancient shark-infested sea," and the city's "collective evil is balanced by a wonderful healthiness.""
David Loftus, Resident Scholar
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Review Analysis of A Considerable Town
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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
Tone of book?
- upbeat
Time/era of story
- 1930's-1950's
Culture clash?
- visiting a culture in other country
Is this an adult or child's book?
- Adult or Young Adult Book
Outside culture (society)
- French
Ethnic/regional/gender life
Yes
Main Character
Gender
- Female
Profession/status:
- writer
Age:
- 40's-50's
Ethnicity/Nationality
- White (American)
How sensitive is this character?
- sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Average intelligence
Physique
- average physique
Setting
Europe
Yes
European country:
- France
Water?
Yes
Water:
- sail boat
City?
Yes
City:
- dirty, grimy (like New York)
- dangerous
Misc setting
- resort/hotel
Style
Person
- mostly 1st
Accounts of torture and death?
- generic/vague references to death/punishment
Sex in book?
Yes
What kind of sex:
- vague references
Unusual Style:
- No single main character?
Amount of dialog
- little dialog
