Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Romantic, charming, lighthearted, wanderlust-inducing, sweet
Anna and the French Kiss Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
An Unwanted Departure
Anna Oliphant, a high school senior, is happy with her life in Atlanta. She has a job at a movie theater, a best friend named Bridget, and a new romance with Toph. Her world changes when her novelist father sends her to a boarding school, School of America in Paris (SOAP), for her senior year. Despite her protests, Anna goes to France. Her arrival in Paris is lonely, with a significant language barrier, making her feel isolated and miserable. She struggles to adapt, missing her life and friends back home, and resents her father for the decision.
First Impressions and New Friends
Upon arriving at SOAP, Anna is intimidated by the busy city and the school building. She meets her classmates, including the friendly Meredith and the mysterious Josh. It's then that she first sees Étienne St. Clair, a charismatic and handsome British-French student who immediately interests her. Étienne is popular, witty, and seems to easily handle Parisian life and the school's social scene. Despite his charm, Anna quickly learns that Étienne has a serious girlfriend named Ellie, which stops any initial feelings she might have.
Navigating Paris and Friendships
Slowly, Anna starts to get used to her new surroundings. Meredith becomes her first true friend at SOAP. Through her, Anna meets Josh and Rashmi, forming a close group. Étienne, despite his relationship with Ellie, is also often with this group, joining them for meals, outings, and late-night talks. They explore Paris together, visiting landmarks and experiencing the local culture. Anna finds herself increasingly drawn to Étienne's wit, kindness, and intelligence, even as she reminds herself he is unavailable. The initial culture shock lessens as she builds connections.
The Growing Connection
As the school year goes on, Anna and Étienne spend more time together, often with friends but also in increasingly personal one-on-one conversations. Anna learns about Étienne's complicated family life, his distant relationship with his father, and his worries about his future, especially his father's expectation that he attend Oxford. She sees a more vulnerable side to him beneath his charming exterior. Their shared experiences and growing understanding create a strong emotional bond, blurring the lines of their friendship and making their mutual attraction more obvious to them and their friends.
Thanksgiving and Romantic Tensions
The group, including Anna, Étienne, Meredith, Josh, and Rashmi, decides to spend Thanksgiving together in Paris, as none are going home. This extended time together increases the romantic tension between Anna and Étienne. During an emotional conversation, Étienne confides in Anna about his struggles with his father and his feelings of inadequacy. Anna offers him comfort and support, further strengthening their bond. Their friends notice the chemistry. Meredith, in particular, begins to feel left out and a bit resentful of Anna and Étienne's closeness, causing minor friction within the group.
Ellie's Presence and Internal Conflict
Ellie, Étienne's long-term girlfriend, visits Paris, and her presence brings the reality of Étienne's relationship into focus for Anna. Anna tries to be gracious, but seeing Étienne and Ellie together is painful. Étienne, despite his growing feelings for Anna, remains committed to Ellie, often making excuses for his behavior or downplaying his connection with Anna. This causes Anna significant emotional distress. She tries to distance herself from Étienne, but it is difficult given their shared social circle and the strong pull between them. She struggles with the morality of her feelings and the pain of unrequited love.
A Falling Out and Reconciliation
The unspoken tension about Anna and Étienne's relationship, along with Meredith's feelings of being ignored, leads to a significant argument. Meredith confronts Anna about her closeness with Étienne and her perceived insensitivity. Anna feels misunderstood and defensive. For a time, their friendship is strained, causing Anna further isolation and sadness. After some time, both girls realize how important their friendship is. They eventually talk through their issues, apologize, and reconcile, strengthening their bond and allowing Anna to confide more openly in Meredith about her feelings for Étienne.
The Christmas Break and Distance
For Christmas break, Anna returns to Atlanta, hoping to reconnect with her old life and friends. She sees Toph again, but their relationship feels different and less important after her experiences in Paris. She also catches up with Bridget, but the distance has created a subtle shift in their dynamic too. While she enjoys the familiarity, she realizes how much she has changed and grown in Paris. Her thoughts often return to Étienne, showing how deeply he has affected her. The break emphasizes that her heart is now truly in Paris, not Atlanta.
Confessions and Complications
After returning to Paris, the emotional intensity between Anna and Étienne peaks. Étienne, struggling with his feelings and his father's pressure, finally admits to Anna that he is in love with her. This confession is bittersweet, as Anna returns his feelings, but Étienne's relationship with Ellie remains a significant problem. He expresses confusion and guilt, torn between his long-term commitment and his deep connection with Anna. This leaves Anna in a state of hopeful despair, wanting him but understanding the complexities of his situation and his struggle to break free.
A Confrontation and a New Beginning
The tension between Étienne, Ellie, and Anna becomes unbearable. Étienne, realizing he cannot continue to lead both women on, finally confronts Ellie and ends their relationship. This is a difficult decision for him; he genuinely cares for Ellie, but he acknowledges that his heart belongs to Anna. With the main obstacle removed, Étienne is free to pursue a relationship with Anna. Their first real kiss, long-awaited and full of emotion, marks the beginning of their romantic relationship, promising a future together in Paris.
Future Plans and Lingering Doubts
With their relationship now official, Anna and Étienne enjoy their new happiness. They spend their remaining time in Paris exploring the city as a couple, enjoying their connection. However, the end of the school year brings new worries about their future. Étienne is still dealing with his father's expectations about Oxford, and Anna is due to return to Atlanta. They discuss the possibility of a long-distance relationship and the challenges they might face. Despite the uncertainties, they are committed to making their relationship work, strengthened by the deep bond they formed over the year.
A Parisian Kiss and a Promise
As the school year ends, Anna and Étienne face separation. Étienne, having finally stood up to his father, decides to attend a university in Paris, allowing him to stay close to Anna and pursue his own path. This decision is a significant step towards their future together. Their final moments in Paris before Anna's departure are filled with promises and a deep sense of connection. Their "French kiss," a symbol of their lasting love and the romantic magic of Paris, solidifies their commitment, leaving readers with hope that their love will overcome any distance.
Principal Figures
Anna Oliphant
Protagonist
An American senior unexpectedly sent to boarding school in Paris.
Anna is a thoughtful and somewhat introverted high school senior from Atlanta. Initially resistant to her father's decision to send her to Paris, she struggles with culture shock and loneliness. She is observant, enjoys movies, and values her friendships. As the story progresses, she grows more confident and independent, learning to navigate new social dynamics and embrace Parisian life. She is loyal and empathetic, often putting others' feelings before her own, which sometimes leads to internal conflict when it comes to her feelings for Étienne.
Relationships: Étienne St. Clair (Love interest, best friend); Meredith (Best friend); Josh (Friend); Bridget (Best friend (from Atlanta)); Toph (Former crush/brief boyfriend); Mr. Oliphant (Father)
Étienne St. Clair
Love Interest
The charming, charismatic, and complicated British-French student.
Étienne is a popular and seemingly effortless charmer, half-British and half-French, with an irresistible accent and magnetic personality. He is intelligent, witty, and kind, often acting as a social connector. However, beneath his confident exterior, he carries significant emotional burdens, particularly concerning his demanding father and his long-term relationship with Ellie, which he struggles to end. He is deeply loyal but also prone to indecision and guilt, making him a complex and sometimes frustrating character. He is an only child and feels immense pressure to succeed.
Relationships: Anna Oliphant (Love interest, best friend); Ellie (Long-term girlfriend (ex)); Meredith (Friend); Josh (Best friend); Rashmi (Friend)
Meredith
Supporting
Anna's first friend at SOAP, who feels overshadowed by Étienne.
Meredith is Anna's roommate and first friend at SOAP. She is kind, thoughtful, and initially quite welcoming. She's also a talented artist, often sketching in her notebook. Meredith is sensitive and deeply values her friendships, which makes her feel hurt and overlooked when Anna and Étienne's connection deepens. She struggles with feelings of insecurity and jealousy but ultimately remains a loyal and supportive friend to Anna, offering her a crucial sense of belonging in Paris.
Relationships: Anna Oliphant (Best friend, roommate); Étienne St. Clair (Friend); Josh (Friend, crush)
Josh
Supporting
A laid-back and artistic friend in Anna's Parisian circle.
Josh is a cool, laid-back, and artistic American student at SOAP. He is often seen with his camera, taking photographs, and has a dry, witty sense of humor. He becomes a core member of Anna's friend group, offering a steady, calming presence. Josh is observant and perceptive, often noticing the dynamics between Anna and Étienne before others do. He is a loyal friend and provides support and comedic relief throughout the story. He develops a crush on Meredith but is patient and understanding.
Relationships: Anna Oliphant (Friend); Étienne St. Clair (Best friend); Meredith (Friend, crush); Rashmi (Friend)
Rashmi
Supporting
Another member of Anna's close-knit group of friends.
Rashmi is a friendly and often cheerful member of Anna's friend group in Paris. She is a good listener and contributes to the overall supportive atmosphere of the group. While not as central to the romantic plot as Anna or Étienne, she plays an important role in making Anna feel welcome and integrated into the SOAP community. She is a loyal friend who enjoys their shared adventures in Paris and offers a pragmatic perspective when needed.
Relationships: Anna Oliphant (Friend); Étienne St. Clair (Friend); Meredith (Friend); Josh (Friend)
Ellie
Antagonist (situational)
Étienne's long-term girlfriend, an obstacle to Anna and Étienne's romance.
Ellie is Étienne's long-term girlfriend, whom he has been with since childhood. She is generally portrayed as kind and sweet, making it difficult for Étienne to break up with her. She represents Étienne's past and his sense of obligation, serving as the primary external obstacle to Anna and Étienne's relationship. Her presence highlights Étienne's internal conflict and Anna's moral dilemma. She genuinely loves Étienne and is unaware of his growing feelings for Anna until the very end, making her a sympathetic character despite her role as a romantic rival.
Relationships: Étienne St. Clair (Long-term girlfriend (ex))
Mr. Oliphant
Supporting
Anna's eccentric novelist father, who sends her to Paris.
Anna's father is a successful and somewhat eccentric novelist who makes the unilateral decision to send Anna to boarding school in Paris. He is well-meaning but often oblivious to Anna's feelings, believing that the experience will be good for her personal growth and provide material for his own writing. While his decision initially causes Anna distress, it ultimately leads her to new experiences and love. He represents the catalyst for Anna's journey and her initial feelings of resentment.
Relationships: Anna Oliphant (Daughter)
Bridget
Supporting
Anna's best friend from Atlanta.
Bridget is Anna's loyal and supportive best friend back in Atlanta. She remains a connection to Anna's old life, communicating with her via phone and email. She provides a sounding board for Anna's initial homesickness and later her romantic dilemmas. While their friendship is strong, the distance and Anna's new experiences subtly shift their dynamic, highlighting Anna's personal growth and changing priorities. Bridget represents the comfort and familiarity Anna leaves behind.
Relationships: Anna Oliphant (Best friend)
Themes & Insights
The Journey of Self-Discovery
Anna's move to Paris forces her out of her comfort zone. Without her familiar routines and friends, she must adapt, learn a new language, and build a new life. This process leads to personal growth; she gains independence, confidence, and a broader view of the world. Her experiences in Paris, both cultural and romantic, shape her into a more mature and self-aware person who understands her own desires and strength.
“For the first time in my life, I'm not afraid to be me. And I'm not afraid to be alone. I'm not afraid of anything.”
Love and Complication
The novel explores young love, especially when complicated by existing relationships and personal struggles. Anna and Étienne's connection is clear, but it is hindered by Étienne's girlfriend, Ellie, and his own conflicts about family expectations. The theme highlights the emotional distress, guilt, and difficult choices involved when attraction clashes with loyalty and duty. It shows that love isn't always simple and often requires courage and sacrifice to pursue, leading to a deeper, more earned connection.
“I'm in love with her, Anna. But I'm also in love with you.”
Friendship and Loyalty
Friendship is central to the story, giving Anna crucial support as she navigates her new life. Her bond with Meredith, Josh, and Rashmi helps her overcome homesickness and integrate into Parisian life. The theme also explores challenges within friendships, such as jealousy and misunderstandings, as seen between Anna and Meredith. Ultimately, the story emphasizes open communication, forgiveness, and loyalty in maintaining strong, meaningful friendships, which often serve as a foundation for romantic relationships.
“Maybe it was the point of all this. To be alone. To be so alone that I had no choice but to make new friends.”
The Allure of Paris
Paris itself is like a character, adding to the romantic and transformative atmosphere of the story. The city's landmarks, cafes, and culture provide a beautiful background for Anna's journey. It symbolizes adventure, romance, and new possibilities, contrasting with Anna's familiar life in Atlanta. The beauty of Paris enhances the emotional intensity of Anna and Étienne's blossoming relationship, making the city an important part of their love story and Anna's personal awakening.
“Paris is a city of dreams, Anna. And sometimes, dreams come true.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Fish Out of Water
Anna's struggle to adapt to a foreign environment.
This device is central to Anna's initial character development and the story's premise. Anna is plucked from her comfortable American life and dropped into a Parisian boarding school where she doesn't speak the language or understand the culture. This immediate disorientation and discomfort force her to adapt, learn, and grow, pushing her out of her comfort zone. It highlights her initial vulnerability and makes her eventual integration and transformation more impactful, as she overcomes significant personal and cultural barriers to find her place and love.
Love Triangle (Implied/Emotional)
The romantic tension between Anna, Étienne, and Ellie.
While not a traditional love triangle where three people are actively dating, the emotional dynamic between Anna, Étienne, and Étienne's long-term girlfriend, Ellie, creates significant romantic tension and conflict. Étienne is clearly torn between his loyalty and history with Ellie and his undeniable, growing feelings for Anna. This device fuels much of the plot's drama, creating obstacles for the main couple and forcing Étienne to make difficult choices, ultimately leading to a more satisfying resolution when he finally commits to Anna.
Confidante
Meredith and Josh serve as sounding boards and observers.
Meredith and Josh primarily function as confidantes for Anna and Étienne, respectively, and for each other. They listen to the protagonists' romantic woes, offer advice (sometimes misguided, sometimes insightful), and provide an external perspective on the developing relationship. Their observations often mirror the reader's own, and their reactions to the romantic drama, particularly Meredith's feelings of being sidelined, add depth to the friendship dynamics. They help to externalize the internal struggles of Anna and Étienne and provide crucial emotional support.
Setting as Character
Paris plays a vital role in shaping the narrative and mood.
Paris is not merely a backdrop but an active 'character' in the story. Its romantic ambiance, iconic landmarks, and unique culture significantly influence the plot and the characters' emotional journeys. The city's beauty and mystery parallel the unfolding romance between Anna and Étienne, enhancing the sense of wonder and possibility. The exploration of Paris by the characters is intertwined with their personal growth and the development of their relationships, making the city itself an essential element in the narrative's charm and success.
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is Anna's initial feeling about being sent to boarding school in Paris?
- Excited and eager
- Indifferent
- Less than thrilled
- Anxious but curious
Show answer
C. Less than thrilled Anna is described as being 'less than thrilled' about the prospect of leaving her life in Atlanta for boarding school in Paris.
Question 2
Where is Anna living at the beginning of the book?
- Paris, France
- Atlanta, Georgia
- London, England
- New York City, New York
Show answer
B. Atlanta, Georgia The book states that Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta.
Question 3
What is the name of the boy Anna meets in Paris?
- Jean-Luc
- Mathieu
- Étienne St. Clair
- Raphael
Show answer
C. Étienne St. Clair Anna meets Étienne St. Clair after arriving in Paris.
Question 4
What significant obstacle prevents Anna and Étienne from pursuing a relationship immediately?
- Their parents disapprove
- Étienne has a serious girlfriend
- Anna is already in a long-distance relationship
- They are from different social classes
Show answer
B. Étienne has a serious girlfriend The text explicitly states that Étienne 'has it all...including a serious girlfriend,' which is the primary obstacle.
Question 5
What is the primary genre of the book 'Anna and the French Kiss'?
- Fantasy
- Mystery
- Historical Fiction
- Young Adult Romance
Show answer
D. Young Adult Romance The book is categorized as Young Adult Romance.
Question 6
What does the phrase 'City of Light' refer to in the context of the book?
- Rome
- London
- Paris
- New York
Show answer
C. Paris 'City of Light' is a well-known nickname for Paris.
Question 7
What is the ultimate hope or potential outcome hinted at by the end of the provided summary?
- Anna returns to Atlanta
- Étienne breaks up with his girlfriend
- Anna and Étienne share a French kiss
- Anna finds a new crush in Paris
Show answer
C. Anna and Étienne share a French kiss The summary ends with the question, 'Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?', directly indicating this as the anticipated outcome.
Question 8
Besides Étienne, what other positive aspects of her life in Atlanta does Anna have before moving to Paris?
- A successful business and a large family
- A great job and a loyal best friend
- A scholarship and a sports team
- A car and a college acceptance
Show answer
B. A great job and a loyal best friend The summary mentions that Anna has 'a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush' in Atlanta.
Question 9
The phrase 'romantic near-misses' suggests that Anna and Étienne's relationship progresses through:
- A series of misunderstandings and arguments
- Moments where they almost get together but are prevented by circumstances
- Quick, decisive romantic encounters
- Slow, deliberate planning of their future
Show answer
B. Moments where they almost get together but are prevented by circumstances The term 'near-misses' implies instances where romantic possibilities arise but don't fully materialize, often due to external factors or timing, fitting the context of their situation.
Question 10
What characteristic of Étienne is highlighted as part of his appeal, besides being smart and charming?
- His artistic talent
- His athletic prowess
- His wealth and status
- His physical attractiveness ('beautiful')
Show answer
D. His physical attractiveness ('beautiful') The text specifically describes Étienne as 'Smart, charming, beautiful,' indicating his good looks as a notable trait.
Anna and the French Kiss FAQ
What is Anna and the French Kiss about?
Anna Oliphant is sent to a boarding school in Paris for her senior year, leaving behind her life in Atlanta. She unexpectedly falls for Étienne St. Clair, a charming boy who already has a girlfriend. The story follows their year of romantic tension and near-misses in the City of Light.
Who are the main characters in Anna and the French Kiss?
The main characters are Anna Oliphant, an American teenager reluctantly sent to Paris for her senior year, and Étienne St. Clair, a charismatic French-American student at the same boarding school. Their developing relationship is central to the plot.
Is Anna and the French Kiss a standalone novel?
Yes, Anna and the French Kiss is a standalone novel. While it is part of a series of interconnected stories set in the same universe, each book can be read and enjoyed independently.
What genre is Anna and the French Kiss?
Anna and the French Kiss is a Young Adult (YA) contemporary romance novel. It focuses on themes of first love, friendship, and the challenges of navigating relationships during high school.
What is the setting of Anna and the French Kiss?
The primary setting for Anna and the French Kiss is Paris, France, specifically at an American expatriate boarding school. The story captures the romantic atmosphere of the city.
Does Anna and the French Kiss have a happy ending?
Yes, Anna and the French Kiss has a happy ending. The novel resolves the romantic tension between Anna and Étienne, providing a satisfying conclusion to their story.
What are some themes explored in Anna and the French Kiss?
Key themes in Anna and the French Kiss include first love, navigating long-distance relationships (or the fear of them), friendship dynamics, cultural adjustment, and the challenges of unrequited feelings. It also touches on the idea of fate and destiny.
Is Anna and the French Kiss suitable for younger readers?
Anna and the French Kiss is generally considered suitable for teenagers and young adults, typically aged 14 and up, due to its themes of romance and typical high school experiences. It contains kissing and discussions of relationships.
Are there other books like Anna and the French Kiss?
If you enjoyed Anna and the French Kiss, you might like other YA contemporary romances that feature charming protagonists, romantic tension, and a strong sense of place, such as books by authors like Jenny Han, Sarah Dessen, or Morgan Matson.
How does Anna feel about moving to Paris at first?
Anna is initially very unhappy about being sent to boarding school in Paris. She loves her life in Atlanta, her friends, and her job, and views the move as a punishment and a major disruption to her senior year.
About the author
Stephanie Perkins is an American author known for her young adult fiction, particularly in the romance genre. Her notable works include "Anna and the French Kiss," "Lola and the Boy Next Door," and "Isla and the Happily Ever After," which explore themes of love and friendship among teenagers.
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