In this captivating tale set against the backdrop of wartime and present-day Paris, the author crafts a narrative that seamlessly weaves together the lives of Jacques, a charming bookshop owner during WWII, and Juliette, a woman embarking on a journey of self-discovery amidst her family’s past. Through Jacques’ experiences with the German occupation and Juliette’s quest to unearth her familial roots, it will take the reader on an emotional rollercoaster.
As someone deeply interested in WWII history, particularly the Holocaust, stories like these always leave me with a sense of melancholy yet a renewed appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit
The author’s portrayal of wartime Europe evokes different emotions from me from heartwarming moments to soul-crushing realities. The rapid and drastic changes brought about by the Nazi invasion shed light on the complexities of human relationships during such tumultuous times, where trust becomes a scarce commodity even among loved ones.
I’ve been to Paris twice before, yet the vivid portrayals in the book have given me a better understanding of the city’s history. I cannot wait to return to Paris once more, and visit the locations depicted in the book from a fresh perspective!
I thought the book delivered a poignant and strong story that reflected the power of literature and the resilience of the human spirit. It prompts reflection on our world’s current socio-political climate, urging us readers to confront the lingering specter of Nazism. With themes of love, friendship, loyalty, and betrayal, Daisy Wood has crafted a heartfelt tale about love, friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and the importance of family. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Published on October 27, 2022 by Avon
About the Author
Daisy Wood worked in children’s publishing for some years before leaving to concentrate on her own writing. Having written several books for children and young adults under the name of Jennie Walters (including the popular ‘Swallowcliffe Hall’ series), she turned to writing fiction for adults when her children grew up and left home. Her mother was a child during the second world war, and it’s a period which has always fascinated her. ‘The Clockmaker’s Wife’, ‘The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris’ and ‘The Royal Librarian’ are all set during those tumultuous times. Happiest rootling about the London Library under the pretext of research, Daisy divides her time between London and Dorset, and can often be seen chasing a rescue pointer through various city parks with a Frenchie and sometimes her son’s Basset hound in tow.
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