In "Dreaming in French," Alice Kaplan explores the transformative years that Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, Susan Sontag, and Angela Davis spent in Paris during the 1940s and 1960s. The book delves into how Paris served as a backdrop for their personal and political awakenings, influencing their identities and futures. Each woman's experience in the vibrant cultural milieu of the city is examined, highlighting how their time in France shaped their lives and ideologies.
Kaplan intertwines the biographies of these three influential figures, each coming from different backgrounds but united by their shared experiences in Paris. The author emphasizes the impact of the French language and culture on their development and artistic expressions. The city's allure and the intellectual circles they moved within provided them with inspiration that would echo throughout their lives.
The narrative reflects not just on their individual journeys, but also on the broader themes of feminism, identity, and cultural exchange during a pivotal era. Kaplan's work invites readers to consider how the experiences in a foreign land can resonate deeply, altering paths and perspectives, and ultimately contributing to the legacy of these remarkable women.