The Greater Journey {A Book Review}

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The sub-title says it all: The Greater Journey focuses on Americans in Paris from 1830 to 1900 and how Paris influenced them and how they, in turn, left their mark on Paris. McCullough uses a chronological timeline to organize his book, however, he does not give equal weight to all individuals. For example, individuals like Samuel Morse, George Healy, Elihu Washbourne, and Augustus Saint-Gaudens have large sections dedicated to unpacking the time they spent in Paris, as well as their overall character as a person. For others, McCullough gives much less space: some are given a few pages, others only a paragraph or two, and still others are given barely more than a brief mention. Despite the primary focus being on Americans, McCullough skillfully weaves significant events in Parisian history into the story-line: there was the cholera outbreak in the early 1830s, the rise of the Second Republic in 1852 with Napoleon III as Emperor, and then the Franco-Prussian war in 1870-1871.

The Greater Journey has a quality to it that makes you keep turning the pages as McCullough introduces you to character after character and then unpacks their dreams and ambitions. 

As I finish up this remarkable book, several ideas have surfaced in my mind: 

1. Hard word pays off

During the first half of the nineteenth century, few Americans went to Paris simply for pleasure's sake. Rather, many of them braved the perilous seas with a single resolve: to study or otherwise further advance their profession. While some individuals had natural talents and abilities and had, consequently, already begun to make name for themselves before Paris, others were just starting their career: they were unknown and without a reputation to precede them. However, as they diligently studied, observed, labored, and practiced their particular skill, many of these same Americans did indeed go on to make a name for themselves, not only right there in Paris, but also back in America. Some of them even became known world-wide. With their diligent labors, many of these individuals made significant contributions as doctors, artists, and writers.

Reading of these examples of hard work paying off has been particularly encouraging to me as I think of my own interest to grow in my abilities as a writer, even if it is just as a hobby. At times I feel stuck in a rut, not knowing how to improve my skills. But I know I want to improve my skills; I also know that the more I diligently and consistently write, my passion for it grows. So as The Greater Journey describes person after person who worked--and worked hard--to become skilled in their profession, I find encouragement and motivation to keep plodding away, one sentence at a time, one paragraph at a time.  

2. Details are significant 

In a book about a time in history without the modern technological conveniences such as cameras, phones, Facetime, Youtube, and Instagram to document and communicate experiences to the outside world, McCullough relied on many journals, letters, and other such personal records and communications that the individuals took the time to write. Repeatedly, McCullough describes a particular location through the eyes of the viewer, as portrayed in their journal or in a letter written to a family member. They mention the weather, their immediate surroundings (such as what their home is like), their observations of the general attitude of the Parisians, their likes and dislikes about day-to-day life, details about the culture, the joy found in beholding beauty such as art, and so on. Such details seem trivial, but when considered as a whole, they testify to an era much different than ours today: there was significant effort put into noticing, appreciating, and consequently, recording the small details of life because they viewed them as important.

This common mentality of the era stands in stark contrast to today's culture where we're so often obsessed with documenting the event for the world to see that we ourselves miss out on joy of the experience. The Greater Journey reminded me that it is not only good, but to a certain extent, it is also important that we allow ourselves to simply pause and enjoy the small details and joys around us. After all, the beauty around us is a reflection of God's common grace, a reflection of His beauty. Perhaps we do a disservice to ourselves when we fail to appreciate those beautiful days of budding spring or to be sensitive to the atmosphere of joy in our surroundings. 

3. History is interesting 

I know many of you are fascinated by history, but I have never been. However, it is books like The Greater Journey that remind me that history is indeed important and can, in fact, be interesting (you just have to read the right history books)! There is plenty to learn from such a well-written book about this time in the history of Paris! So if you have a general interest in history, or a more specific interest in France, you will undoubtedly enjoy The Greater Journey. If you have an interest in the development of the culture of the arts, this book will also peak your interest, for McMullough spends much time discussing artists and their paintings. 

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