The Paris Bookseller

Sylvia’s American friends Carlotta and James have recently moved to Paris. Together, they all celebrate the American holiday of Thanksgiving, with Adrienne contributing French versions of classic dishes. They also discuss the end of Prohibition, and Sylvia contemplates her stagnant relationship with Adrienne. Soon afterward, Sylvia witnesses a new generation of artists flooding Paris; they are fleeing the growing political turmoil in places like Germany and Spain. She becomes friends with two newcomers named Benjamin and Gisèle, and she and Adrienne host numerous parties. However, while Adrienne shines in these social environments, Sylvia finds them to be draining. Sylvia begins taking a class in gardening, though Adrienne elects not to join her.

Joyce returns from Zurich, where he has been undergoing treatment for his eyes. He visits Sylvia’s shop, and they discuss the state of Ulysses, which is undergoing a new trial in an attempt to lift the ban against it in the United States. They discuss their friends and the new artists arriving in Paris. Soon afterward, however, the rent on the shop increases by 200%. Gisèle arrives and tells Sylvia and Adrienne that Berlin is becoming more dangerous for her family. The sight of Gisèle with Adrienne makes Sylvia feel on edge.