My French Whore

By: Gene Wilder

Narrated by: Scott Brick

The beloved actor and screenwriter's first novel, set during World War I, delicately and elegantly explores a most unusual romance. It's almost the end of the war, and Paul Peachy, a young railway employee and amateur actor in Milwaukee, realizes his marriage is one-sided. He enlists, and ships off to France. Peachy instantly realizes how out of his depth he is, and never more so than when he is captured. Risking everything, Peachy, who as a child of immigrants speaks German, makes the reckless decision to impersonate one of the enemy's most famous spies.

As the urbane and accomplished spy Harry Stroller, Peachy has access to a world he never knew existed - a world of sumptuous living, world-weary men, and available women. But when one of those women, Annie, a young, beautiful, and wary courtesan, turns out to be more than she seems, Peachy's life is transformed forever.

©2007 Gene Wilder (P)2007 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"Touching." (Publishers Weekly)
"Gene Wilder has written a remarkable period piece. It's an elegantly woven story of intrigue, danger, sex, and comedy, but for me the big surprise is that it's a truly moving and eloquent love story." (Mel Brooks)

A masterpiece

Although the book is short, the complex characters and plot make it beautifully poignant. The ending to this love story, which in different hands would have been tragic, is inspiring and deeply satisfying. I highly recommend it, and now plan to read all of Gene Wilder's novels. They couldn't be anything but masterful.

It's Fantastic

I first read about this novel in the pages of the late (as in deceased, unfortunately) American Heritage magazine. I was intrigued enough by the review and by Wilder's comments that I thought I would give it a try. I am so glad I did. In a beautifully crafted, tight narrative, Wilder weaves a tale that is spellbinding. I admit to being a little skeptical (Willy Wonka has written a novel?)--but I'm glad I took chance. You will too. The only disappointment was the brevity of the novel-- I just didn't want it to end!!

Without question, this was one of the most enjoyable audio books I've ever listened to.

Binge worthy page turner

This would make a good movie. The narrator sounds like Gene, and does lots of other convincing characters with accents.
I was hoping for a happier ending, but it’s left open enough to imagine a daring escape where he runs off with his loving girlfriend.

I fell in Love Over My Ears...

The author is an actor and writer, but most people think of him as an actor, and an actor that plays in the not so serious roles. Do not expect that here, for this is a very serious book indeed, and a very good book.

In the first half of the last century writers like Hemingway and the Parisian Ex-pat's brought to life a style of writing that dwelt in the heart, and the essence of what motivates and shapes the decisions of the characters and their moral choices. Words like honor and ethics and the romantic meant something more than they mean today. This book so perfectly captures that style and the very nature of the era that it almost makes me wonder if the author's career as an actor was a terrible and tragic mistake, because had he spent that time writing I have no doubt that he would stand shoulder to shoulder with Hemingway and Faulkner in the minds of those who read for the love of reading.

I cried and I laughed and I cringed, I giggled and I frowned, and I was quickly thrust into the story with very little sense of transition. I believed.

The author paints a background that though it is sparse in detail so richly builds a picture in the mind that after putting the book away I am forced to wonder how he did that? In the second listen, I realized that somehow my mind created details that are only hinted at, and that is the mark of the true art in writing.

I cannot really do justice to this book in a mere 2000 characters, so I will not try. What I will do instead is say this: You must listen to this book, becuase to not experience it would be one more thing to add to the list of regrets one carries through life.

My French Whore is a Magnificent story!!

Gene Wilder in my belief was the most Brilliant writer and Outstanding actor of my time! The French Whore is a beautifully genius love story and I recommend anyone and everyone to enjoy it. You will not be disappointed! I only wish he would have written/published more stories.

Entertainment, not history

A good read. Entertaining, but serious historical inaccuracies. Read it for pleasure, not historical fiction.

Great narrator, enjoyable listen.

A bit farfetched sentimental story but very enjoyable. Great narration, good characters and atmosphere feeling.

Good

So glad that Mr. Wilder took the time to write this book. The narration was excellent and the story was amazing. Rest in peace. Mr. Gene Wilder.

A true american love story

Nothing negative for me to say this book. Love, war and will lead us to our grave, but at least with love, you leave to it with a smile. That’s what this tells me