Paris Light

In the spring of 2008, an Australian woman arrives in Paris to fulfil a dream of discovery and to immerse herself in French history and culture. Hoping to capture memorable photographic images, the writer experiences much more as she records her impressions of a society confronting significant challenges. It is the fortieth anniversary of May 1968, the revolutionary upheaval of students and workers, and France is coming to terms with its past as it defines its future direction. For Moira McCarthy, this is a rare opportunity to nurture her creativity amidst a Paris which never ceases to provoke or inspire. After seven unforgettable weeks, her return includes an idyllic trip into the Cotswolds and time to explore her family’s past in Ireland and Wales. Her successful photography ultimately lures her to New York in October, surrounded by the drama of the Global Financial Crisis and the hopes engendered by the forthcoming presidential election. Written with warmth and intimacy, this is a perspective on Paris beyond the awesome grandeur of its architecture by a writer who is “able to find the beauty in almost anything.” Australian teacher, photographer and now, author, Moira McCarthy has caressed Paris with her camera lens and eyes in this beautiful account of her seven weeks living in that beautiful city in 2008. I found this an alluring book, and having walked those streets in Paris myself, I was almost back there, feeling, smelling, watching, marveling. Beautiful, sensitive, reflective and warm writing. Moira has captured Paris in a moment of time and modern history, and yes, her love affair continues. —Wendy O’Hanlon, Acres Australia Moira McCarthy loves Paris and after visiting it with her (she writes so beautifully that I felt I was by her side the whole time) you will also feel the pull of this city. I loved this book. I could feel the love that Moira has for her journeys over there… —John Morrow’s Pick of the Week For those of you who love Paris, take the journey through her streets with award-winning photographer, Moira McCarthy in her book Paris Light. In both her writing and her photography, McCarthy has an artist’s eye for description and captures a slice of life in a time of change and global reflection. —Vikki Petraitis, best-selling author