'Paris Syndrome' by Tahir Shah is the unique and dark comedic story of Miki Suzuki. It has been her life's goal to go to Paris. Obsessing over the French capital for twenty years, Miki finally has the chance to go to her beloved city. Upon her arrival, however, she discovers that Paris is nothing like the pictures in her coffee table books. She soon falls victim to what is known as Paris Syndrome. Thus ensues her hysteria and with it, the slightly exaggerated and ridiculous schism between the Japanese and French government. All due to Miki's antics, and all for the sake of a coin purse for her grandfather from Louis Vuitton.
The drama and comedy are stitched so close together in this novel that I wasn't sure where one ended and the other began. 'Paris Syndrome' is written for a very distinct audience and some of the brilliant humour may be lost on some. Despite the unnecessary number of chapters, 'Paris Syndrome' has a little bit of something for everyone: depictions of Japanese and French culture, romance, suspense, and psychology. At times the humour seems a bit vague and more frustrating than satirical but 'Paris Syndrome' is, if nothing else, a thoroughly entertaining novel.
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