Hopcraft’s uneven novel reveals how four expatriates living in Paris find escape from their personal woes in a writing group. Anjali, in her early 20s, is trying to reconcile the expectations of her Indian parents with her own desire to be a free and independent woman. John is an American who devotes himself to his successful investment company located in Paris while his relationship with his wife and daughter withers. Carol, a single mother from Britain, struggles with her fear of losing a job and her anguish about finding love. And Philippe, an American pastor, clings to his faith as he watches alcoholism consume his daughter’s life. All four find comfort in their creative writing and in the increasingly constructive and supportive discussions that positively affect their personal lives. Hopcraft’s characters are hampered by hackneyed descriptions that often overstate their weaknesses, such as Carol’s desperation to have a man in her life. Though grammatical errors are distracting, there are some insightful observations that capture the essence of writing as an art (“Fiction is the lie that tells the truth”). Numerous details about Paris interwoven throughout also capture the rich history and essence of the city. The novel will appeal most to those looking for a straightforward story set in Paris, but those seeking a memorable cast of characters should look elsewhere. (BookLife)