Parisian Boarding School Blues

Anna Oliphant is uprooted from her comfortable life in Atlanta and sent to a boarding school in Paris by her father, a bestselling author more concerned with his image than her happiness. Overwhelmed by the grandeur of the city and the elite atmosphere of the School of America in Paris (SOAP), Anna feels out of place among the wealthy students. She misses her best friend Bridgette, her job at the local cinema, and a budding romance with her coworker, Toph. Despite her initial resistance, Anna is determined to make the best of her new situation, though the transition proves challenging.

New Friends, New Feelings

As Anna adjusts to her new environment, she befriends Meredith, who introduces her to a close-knit group, including the charming Étienne St. Clair. St. Clair, with his English accent and easygoing nature, captivates Anna, though he is already in a relationship with Ellie. Despite this, Anna finds herself drawn to him, and their friendship becomes a crucial support system. However, Anna struggles with her growing feelings for St. Clair, especially as she learns about his complicated family life, while maintaining a long-distance connection with Toph.

Exploring Paris, Finding Freedom

St. Clair takes Anna on a nighttime tour of Paris, showing her the city's beauty and helping her feel more at home. They visit iconic sites like Notre-Dame and Point Zéro, where Anna makes a wish for clarity in her life. This adventure marks a turning point for Anna, as she begins to embrace her new surroundings and the freedom they offer. She starts exploring the city's cinemas, indulging her passion for film, and gains confidence in navigating Paris on her own.

Thanksgiving in the City of Light

With Thanksgiving approaching, Anna and St. Clair find themselves alone in Paris, as their friends return home for the holiday. They spend the day together, exploring the city and sharing a makeshift Thanksgiving dinner. St. Clair opens up about his mother's illness and his strained relationship with his father, deepening their bond. Anna realizes how much she cares for him, but she is conflicted about her feelings, knowing he is still with Ellie. Their friendship grows stronger, but the line between friendship and something more becomes increasingly blurred.

Secrets and Confessions

St. Clair's mother's illness weighs heavily on him, affecting his school performance and mood. Anna supports him, but she is also dealing with her own emotions. During a drunken night, St. Clair confesses his feelings for Anna, leaving her confused and unsure of what to do. She is torn between her loyalty to Meredith, her feelings for St. Clair, and her connection to Toph. As the holiday season approaches, Anna must navigate these complex relationships and decide what she truly wants.

Confessions and Confrontations

The tension between Anna and Étienne reaches a boiling point as they confront their feelings for each other. Étienne confesses his love for Anna, revealing that he has been in love with her all year. Anna is overwhelmed by the revelation and the complexity of their situation, given Étienne's ongoing relationship with Ellie. This confrontation forces both Anna and Étienne to face the truth about their feelings and the impact of their actions on those around them.

Misunderstandings and Missteps

As rumors swirl around Anna's relationship with Étienne, she finds herself at the center of a storm of misunderstandings. Her friendships are strained, and she feels isolated and judged by her peers. The situation is exacerbated by a confrontation with Amanda, leading to a physical altercation that results in detention for Anna. The weight of the rumors and the fallout from her actions leave Anna feeling lost and unsure of her place in the world.

Revelations and Realizations

Anna begins to piece together the truth about her relationships and the misunderstandings that have plagued her. She realizes that her assumptions about Étienne's feelings and actions were misguided, and she gains a deeper understanding of his struggles with his family and his fear of being alone. This newfound clarity allows Anna to see the situation from a different perspective, leading to a shift in her own feelings and priorities.

Reconciliations and Resolutions

Anna takes steps to mend her fractured relationships, starting with an apology to Meredith. The two friends reconcile, and Anna gains a renewed sense of support and understanding. Meanwhile, Étienne confronts his father and takes control of his future, deciding to attend Berkeley to be closer to Anna. These resolutions bring a sense of closure and healing to the characters, allowing them to move forward with a clearer sense of purpose and direction.

Love and New Beginnings

With the misunderstandings and obstacles behind them, Anna and Étienne finally come together as a couple. Their love is reaffirmed, and they look forward to a future together, despite the challenges that may lie ahead. The story concludes with a sense of hope and new beginnings, as Anna and Étienne embrace the possibilities of their relationship and the adventures that await them.

Characters

Anna Oliphant

Anna is uprooted from her life in Atlanta and sent to a boarding school in Paris by her father. Initially resistant to the change, she misses her friends and a potential romance back home. However, as she navigates her new environment, she discovers a love for Paris and its cinemas. Anna is intelligent and introspective, often caught between her feelings for St. Clair and her loyalty to her friends. Her journey involves overcoming misunderstandings and learning to trust her own feelings, ultimately finding a sense of belonging and purpose.

Étienne St. Clair

St. Clair is a charismatic student at SOAP, known for his English accent and easygoing nature. Despite his popularity, he struggles with personal issues, including his mother's illness and a controlling father. He forms a close bond with Anna, and their friendship teeters on the edge of something more. St. Clair is torn between his feelings for Anna and his commitment to his girlfriend, Ellie. His journey involves confronting his father and taking charge of his own life, ultimately choosing to be with Anna and attend Berkeley.

Meredith Chevalier

Meredith is Anna's first friend at SOAP, welcoming her into a close-knit group. She is athletic and kind, but harbors feelings for St. Clair, which complicates her friendship with Anna. Meredith is a stabilizing force in the group, often mediating conflicts and offering support. Her journey involves coming to terms with her unrequited love and supporting Anna and Étienne's relationship, ultimately finding her own path and looking forward to new opportunities.

Rashmi Devi

Rashmi is part of Anna's friend group, known for her sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude. She is dating Josh and is focused on her future, aiming to study Egyptology at Brown. Rashmi is skeptical of Ellie's influence on St. Clair and is protective of her friends. Her loyalty and straightforward nature make her a key figure in the group dynamics.

Josh Wasserstein

Josh is St. Clair's best friend and Rashmi's boyfriend. He is a talented artist, often seen sketching in his notebook. Josh is supportive of St. Clair but sometimes encourages his rebellious side. He is perceptive and often provides insight into the group's dynamics, serving as a voice of reason and understanding.

Ellie

Ellie is a former student at SOAP, now studying photography in Paris. She is fashionable and confident, but her relationship with St. Clair is strained by distance and her new life. Ellie's absence creates tension in the group, as her priorities shift away from her old friends, highlighting the challenges of maintaining long-distance relationships.

Bridgette Saunderwick

Bridgette remains in Atlanta, maintaining a close connection with Anna through emails and phone calls. She is witty and intelligent, often using her extensive vocabulary to entertain and challenge Anna. Bridgette is supportive but unaware of the complexities of Anna's new life in Paris, serving as a reminder of Anna's past and the life she left behind.

Toph

Toph is Anna's coworker from Atlanta, with whom she shares a mutual attraction. Their relationship is left unresolved when Anna moves to Paris, and they maintain a sporadic connection. Toph's presence looms over Anna's new relationships, complicating her feelings for St. Clair and serving as a symbol of her unfinished business back home.

Amanda Spitterton-Watts

Amanda is a classmate who spreads rumors and creates conflict for Anna. Her actions are driven by insecurity and a desire for attention. Amanda's role in the story serves as a catalyst for Anna's growth, forcing her to confront the rumors and misunderstandings that threaten her relationships.

Dave Higgenbaum

Dave is a fellow student who becomes entangled in the rumors surrounding Anna. His immaturity and desire for acceptance lead him to make poor decisions, ultimately damaging his relationship with Anna. Dave's actions serve as a reminder of the consequences of gossip and the importance of honesty.

Plot Devices

Paris as a Character

Paris is more than just a setting; it's a catalyst for Anna's transformation. The city's beauty and culture challenge her to step outside her comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Paris represents both the allure and the complexity of Anna's journey, influencing her relationships and personal growth.

The Wish at Point Zéro

The moment Anna makes a wish at Point Zéro is pivotal, symbolizing her desire for clarity and direction. It represents her internal conflict between wanting to return home and embracing her new life. The wish is a recurring motif, reflecting Anna's evolving understanding of what she truly wants.

St. Clair's Mother's Illness

The news of St. Clair's mother's cancer adds a layer of complexity to his character and his relationship with Anna. It serves as a catalyst for his emotional vulnerability and the deepening of their bond. The illness highlights themes of family, loyalty, and the struggle to maintain control in the face of adversity.

Miscommunication and Rumors

Miscommunication and rumors play a significant role in the story, driving the conflict between characters and forcing them to confront their feelings and assumptions. These plot devices highlight the importance of communication and trust in relationships, ultimately leading to personal growth and reconciliation.

Family Dynamics

Family dynamics, particularly Étienne's relationship with his father, serve as a source of tension and conflict in the story. These dynamics highlight the characters' struggles with identity and independence, ultimately leading to resolutions that empower them to take control of their own lives and futures.

Analysis

"Anna and the French Kiss" is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Set against the romantic backdrop of Paris, the novel delves into the complexities of relationships and the challenges of navigating new environments. Through Anna's journey, the story highlights the importance of communication, trust, and the courage to embrace change. The characters' growth is marked by their ability to confront their fears, reconcile misunderstandings, and find a sense of belonging. Ultimately, the book conveys a message of hope and the transformative power of love and friendship.

Last updated: December 14, 2024