Satori in Paris, Jack Kerouac
Satori in Paris, Jack Kerouac
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Satori in Paris

Author: Jack Kerouac, Jim Sampas

Narrator: Andrew Eiden

Unabridged: 2 hr 15 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 04/15/2025

Categories: Fiction, Classic

Synopsis

A satori, in Kerouac’s own words, is “the Japanese word for ‘sudden illumination,’ ‘sudden awakening,’ or simply ‘kick in the eye.’”This is a story of philosophy, identity, and the powerful grip of travel, written by an iconic American author at the height of his fame, after spending ten days in France searching for his French heritage.Was the satori handed to him by a taxi driver, a waiter, a monsieur with a dazzlingly beautiful secretary, or while feeling fearful in the foggy streets at 3:00 a.m.? Or was it when hearing a requiem by Mozart in an old church, seeing trees in the Tuileries Garden, or while walking on a bridge over the River Seine?The author experienced all that and more, often spending time in seedy bars and caught up in all-night conversations, as revealed in this work that shows the range and versatility of Kerouac’s mature talent.To Jean-Louis Lebris de Kérouac, “my search for this name in France” results in, according to his own words, “the tale that’s told for no other reason but companionship, which is another (and my favorite) definition of literature.”

About Jack Kerouac

Jack Kerouac (1922–1969) was an American novelist and poet who influenced generations of writers. He is recognized for his spontaneous prose style and for being a pioneer of the Beat Generation.

About Andrew Eiden

Andrew Eiden is an actor and winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award for narration. He has been acting since the age of four, working at regional theaters, in national commercials, and on numerous television shows.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Sean on May 17, 2011

Satori in Paris was OK, and had some fun parts, but mainly seems like an account of a washed-up old drunk stumbling around France not getting anything done. I'll admit, I've never really been a huge Kerouac fan. He is a good storyteller, and can infuse a story with great excitement and lust for life......more

Goodreads review by Michelle on August 12, 2018

that moment when you realize you have grown out of kerouac completely and he's got nothing more to offer to you. :((((( the 15year old me reading the original manuscript of on the road in one sitting and FEELING the way it's turning her reading life upside down is crying somewhere and i kind of want......more

Goodreads review by Francisco on May 17, 2020

Dos novelas de Kerouac por el precio de una: «Satori en París» es más un diario de viaje que propiamente ficción, y narra los encuentros y desencuentros sufridos por el autor en un viaje iniciático a París y a Bretaña, en búsqueda de las raíces bretonas de sus antepasados. Un libro hilarante y con u......more

Goodreads review by jade on January 06, 2023

Basically ‘On The Road’ but just in Europe. Jack Kerouac is a messy, chaotic drunk, which is heavily reflected in his seemingly aleatory stream-of-consciousness writing. His aesthetic is just rugged degenerate, and if you’re into it you’re into it. Personally, not into it.......more

Quotes

“Kerouac’s largely autobiographical novel tracing his travels through France at age forty-three takes its name from a Japanese word for ‘sudden illumination.’ First published two years before the Beat writer’s death and newly reprinted, ‘this book’ll say,’ he tells his reader early on, ‘in effect, have pity on us all.’” New York Times

“A remarkable ear for the cadences of a phrase or sentence, a sense of how to register in words the sheer, sweet flow of things.” The Guardian (London), praise for the author

“Kerouac is an uncanny archetype for a whole generation of Americans who trekked through the ’60s and ’70s.” New York Times, praise for the author

Awards

  • New York Times Book Review pick
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