The Secret Photograph

by Siobhan Curham

Nazi-occupied Paris, 1942. Clarisse clutches her camera as hundreds of police swarm the streets. Through her lens she spots a terrified brown-eyed little girl being carried screaming into a truck, her yellow star hanging crooked from her threadbare coat. Clarisse rushes forward to help, but the truck pulls away…

With a fake name written on the papers in her pocket, American photographer Clarisse Alarie knows the dangers of Paris better than most. Haunted by the sight of children being dragged away and carrying a photograph of the brown-eyed little girl everywhere she goes, Clarisse is desperate to make a difference. Meeting handsome resistance fighter Louis is her chance…

Louis introduces Clarisse to Café Capoulade and his underground network of brave men and women fighting tirelessly to end the occupation. Soon, Clarisse is risking her life every day. Taking photographs of the terror that has overcome the beautiful city, Clarisse follows members of the Gestapo and hides in plain sight in order to gather evidence of their terrible crimes.

But Clarisse soon learns of the over-crowded cattle cars leaving Paris carrying even the smallest children, bound for an unspeakably terrible place… Is she already too late to rescue the little girl with the brown eyes? And when Louis himself is arrested, will Clarisse risk everything the network has worked so hard for to save them both?

Set around true historical events that shook the world, The Secret Photograph is a sweeping and utterly gripping wartime tale of courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable terror. Fans of The Alice Network , The Nightingale and Soraya M. Lane will be totally hooked.

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Fiction, France, Historical

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2023

About the author

Hi, I’m Siobhan - which for those of you not familiar with the wonder of Irish names, is actually pronounced, Shiv-on!

I’m an award-winning author of over 50 books, fiction and non-fiction, for adults, young adults and children, and my first book was published back in 2000, so I’ve been at this writing game for almost a quarter of a century now.

I’m also a former council estate kid and a university drop-out - I dropped out because I didn’t think I had what it took to make it in the middle class world of publishing. Thankfully I managed to overcome my self doubt and fear and achieve my writing dreams, and now I love helping others do the same through my mentoring, courses and talks.

I don’t know about you, but during the pandemic I felt as if my life had collapsed in on itself and I’d had to shrink myself to fit this strange new world of lockdowns and zoom calls (oh, so many Zoom calls!) and working from home and working alone. Even when things returned to some semblance of normal back in 2022, I felt that I’d lost sight of who I was and I’d definitely lost my joy for living.

Then, an unexpected trip to Jamaica changed everything, jolting me back to life and reminding me of who I truly am. In a bid to never lose sight of myself and my sense of wonder and purpose again, I started travelling more and writing a weekly Substack letter called Wonderstruck. And in September 2023 I gave up my home in the UK and pretty much all of my worldly goods to solo travel the world while I write my books and mentor other writers.

I send Wonderstruck out to my subscribers every Sunday morning, writing about the places I visit and the lessons I learn there. My sole aim for writing this letter is to inspire others to rediscover their own sense of purpose, wonder and adventure.

If you've enjoyed reading any of my books I'd love it if you joined the Wonderstruck community over on Substack.

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing my books, I really appreciate it!

Siobhan

Substack: siobhancurham.substack.com
Facebook: Siobhan Curham Author
Instagram: @SiobhanCurhamAuthor
Twitter: @SiobhanCurham

For more information about my books, mentoring and courses, please visit: http://www.siobhancurham.com

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A picture paints a thousand words.”

This was the easiest 5-stars I’ve ever awarded a historical fiction book!

Curham continues to write to inspire readers to (1) seek out the true, everyday heroes of WW2 and (2) make sure we keep the past from being erased or repeated.

This time, Curham is definitely at the top of her game and her ability to sweep readers into German-occupied Europe is absolutely stellar.

I’ve read many books centered around the resistance movement during WW2, but this book stands heads above the majority - and there’s plenty out there!

Inspired by Lee Miller, an American photojournalist and fashion photographer, and by Julia Pirotte, a young Polish photojournalist, Curham brings readers behind the camera lens to experience what it was like documenting the horrors of war and shows us how her main character, Clarisse Alarie, uses her talents to help the Resistance.

Why?
✔️ readers will feel the choices occupied people faced EVERY day; the choice to fight back (and how much) or the choice to collaborate (go along with the majority) - many books focus on one single choice that drives a character to act.
✔️ readers will see how easy a choice and how easy a transition it was for ordinary people to engage in active resistance - this is achieved because the author places us in the setting and we feel the pressure and feel the need to do something, anything
✔️ readers are emotionally involved as a result of a shocking event early in the book and feel compelled to discover if reunification is achieved
✔️ palpitating tension, fear, desperation, bravery, disgust…vivid descriptions placing readers in the action
✔️ learning about the Jeunesse Populaire Francaise and Zazou movement
✔️ Curham’s contrast of light and darkness in The City of Light
✔️ readers face ethical dilemmas as they read - photographing fellow citizens in moments of acute pain in an effort to let the rest of the world know what’s actually occurring
✔️ readers are continually faced with choices and hard-hitting questions, pulling them into the action and forcing them to ask: Would I be as courageous? Would I sense the danger? Could I resist the evil? Am I willing to risk it all?

With each of her spectacular historical fiction novels, Curham continues to take me on a journey to a time and place I haven’t been and allows me to explore real human emotions, consider real human reactions and choices, and offer deeper insight into this period in history - insight that’s much easier to do in hindsight.

See for yourself why Curham is a historical fiction author you won’t want to miss!

I was gifted this copy by Boldwood Books and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clarisse Alarie was a fashion photographer in Paris as war struck and her beautiful city became overrun by Germans. It wasn't long before she could see the way the wind was blowing, and it wasn't good. Jewish families wearing the yellow star on their clothing were rounded up and thrown into trucks, taken to unimaginable horrors. But when Clarisse saw a young girl dragged from her mother, while the mother was beaten, she was unable to help her. The photograph she captured dug deeply into her soul and she was determined to find her - Lillie, a neighbour told Clarisse.

Clarisse met with the man she called the peacock - because of his bright and cheerful clothing - and soon she was entrenched in the Resistance, going from place to place taking photos of the atrocities the Paris people were faced with daily. Clarisse developed her own photos back in the dark room of her apartment, and she knew the messages they portrayed would do good. But as the months passed, things became much worse. Clarisse tried to help more Jewish children, orphaned by unspeakable tragedy, but she also knew it was only a drop in a bucket. Would Clarisse ever find Lillie? Was she still alive?

The Secret Photograph is a powerful and heartbreaking novel which is set around historical events during WWII in Paris, and I absolutely loved it. Author Siobhan Curham has captured the despair and horrors of war, while showing the deep courage of people fighting for Paris. Clarisse was an awe-inspiring character and her strength and determination breathtaking. I was introduced to a new group of resistance people in The Secret Photograph - Zazou - whom I hadn't heard of before. I googled the name to learn they were a subculture in France during WWII, with their own form of resistance. I have read one other of this author's work, and after reading this one, I'll be looking at her back catalogue. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my third book by this author and her historical fiction novels are top-notch.
Clarisse is in Paris when the Nazi’s are rounding up Jews. She witnesses a little girl scream as she is taken with her yellow star on her coat. Clarisse is mortified and is heartbroken that she cannot save the girl.

Clarisse is hiding her true heritage as an American living in Paris. She leaves an abusive relationship as she wants to make a difference. She is a photographer and wants to capture what is happening around her. She meets a resistance fighter named Louis who introduces her to the underground network.

Women and men are working to try and save so many and risking their lives. Clarisse discovers the cattle cars filled with children and where they are headed. She is still haunted by the little girl and is able to help out a little boy.

This story is powerful and emotional. Every story cannot be told, so the ones that can be MUST be told. The courage, resilience and situation so many had to endure, was horrific and inspiring at the same time. Every minute counts, and the resistance fighters changed so many lives.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting story Clarisse, a fashion photographer uses her skill to take photos of the horrible treatment of Jewish people, young and old, after Paris is overrun by the Germans during WW II. One of the first photos showed a young girl left abandoned and her mother beaten by the Germans as she watched. Clarisse could not save the mother, but found a safe place for the girl.

[Kylie Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Siobhan Curham book thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture and this beautiful book brought out every emotion.
Clarisse is a very strong female lead with so much love and courage to give during a dark time in history. Living as a fashion photographer in Nazi-occupied Paris, she eventually joins the Resistance with her photography skills. Every detail of this book was laid out beautifully, and it came full circle with a handful of strong secondary characters.

Thank you NetGalley, Siobhan Curham, and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this e-book!

[Sams_Fireside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrowing, haunting, tragic and heart-breaking. These are just a handful of words that describe The Secret Photograph by Siobhan Curham. I loved it. I cannot describe fully how Siobhan’s books make me feel, but I always close the book and wonder about how such monsters could have existed in the twentieth century.

Although a work of fiction, this latest stunner from Siobhan is based on real-life events and told from two viewpoints across two timelines. One is from Clarisse in the 1940s and the other....well I’m not telling you who tells the other story because I didn’t realise (as I’m sure was the intention) until at least halfway through the book, but it is told from someone living in France in the mid-eighties.

The work of everyone in the Resistance amazes me. How so many people put their lives on the line, day after day, to bring knowledge to the world about the atrocities of war and to try to bring justice for their country is incredible. There were also so many roles to play, I would never have thought a photographer would have been so beneficial and just goes to show that guns weren’t necessarily the only weapons.

If you’re interested in learning so much more about the Second World War than your teachers ever taught you, then pick up a copy of Siobhan’s latest book and immerse yourself in wartime France.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review The Secret Photograph by Siobhan Curham.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Photograph is probably one of the most heart wrenching books I’ve read based during World War 2. Oh my goodness this book nearly broke me at times. It is written so well and I could honestly feel the suffering some of these people including children went through as I read this book, having to stop a number of times to blink the tears away. And no that isn’t an exaggeration I really did have to, so moved was I by this emotional and at times heart breaking story. Curham has written a book that will have even the most hardened hearts wiping away a tear. This is an absolutely superb read with characters brought to life by the fantastic way this book is written. This is 100% a book for all the historical fiction fans out there and one that will be going into my top 10 reads for 2023. Just to add I loved the authors letter at the end about what and who gave her the inspiration to write this book and the fact it’s based on true events made it even more poignant. Without a shadow of a doubt this for me is a 5⭐️ read.

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful, heart-stopping, gut-wrenching, fast-paced and unforgettable are just a few words to describe Siobhan Curham’s newest novel which I was totally engaged in from start to finish. This author has a way of pulling you in from the first page and the Prologue certainly did that with its ‘staring straight into the barrel of a gun’ line! But oh, how my heart broke over and over as I became deeply and painfully invested in the lives carefully presented on the page.

The main story is set between 1942 -1945 in Paris. Clarisse is an American who keeps her identity and real nationality hidden while successfully living in Paris as a French woman. She is a fashion photographer but utilises her talents in another way during World War II when the Germans occupy the city. One day after something terrible happens before her eyes that clutches her heart, she is so shocked and heartbroken, that it sets her on a mission to join the Resistance. It all starts when she sees a Jewish mother and her child ripped apart. She takes a photo of the horrendous moment to never forget and to find a way to help those being attacked. She also finds a locket that belongs to the captured mother. Clarisse holds on to it hoping one day to return it to the child named Lillie. Clarisse wears it around her neck as a reminder to be strong and fight for those who have been wrongly treated by the Nazis.

Clarisse’s husband, an artist, is a horrible man. He is abusive, controlling, disrespectful and many other negative things. She wonders how she ever fell for him but at this stage she abhors him and the awful things he does to her. Once she meets Peacock (Louis) who is a part of the Resistance and is introduced to its leader, she begins to find her feet and purpose. (He nicknames her Fire.) She wants to do something to fight back and help rid the city of the Nazis. This new friendship with Peacock rebuilds her self-worth and strength to not only be part of this network trying to free the city but also gives her courage to leave her husband.

This novel contains some witty banter between Fire (Clarisse) and Peacock (Louis) and I have to say it is much appreciated because it offers the comic relief necessary amid all the torture and despair present in this story. I loved how Louis always took a positive view of things so he definitely was an optimist and he made people happy with its music and viewpoint. For the city of Paris becomes so overwhelmed with sadness and fear during the German occupation, his bright light of joy cuts through the darkness of despair. It is easy to see how Clarisse loves him but her love also means she becomes vulnerable and temporarily weakened by the shocking events that surround him.

There are a number of victims she helps but only one other I will mention due to my deep emotional response. A little Jewish boy name Joseph really captured my heart (as he did Clarisse’s). I felt such a connection to this little guy, maybe because he reminded me of my own five year old grandson. I cannot tell what happens with him or I will risk giving something away. But I can say how I felt. I had such a devastating ache in my heart followed by a wave of tears at the events that involved him. I truly don’t think I will ever forget this little boy who was so courageous. He put his tender trust in Clarisse who adored him and she risked everything to get him to safety. The trials they faced gripped my heart and shook it fiercely.

The second timeline in the novel is 1985. Little things trigger the speaker’s painful memories— like a child’s cry. As the story progresses we learn much about this woman and by the end everything makes sense. It is impossible to discuss this section of the story without giving anything away. So, I will just say it is wonderfully complimentary to the WWII thread and provides a different perspective of the torture many endured and its after-effects. I can comment that the ending is powerful, fulfilling and even uplifting as the two timeliness and some of the characters come together in unison.

This is a story that demonstrates the destructive force of hate. Prejudice is awful. It fuels war, division, chaos, death and even disease. I had great difficulty reading The Secret Photograph because it is so painfully moving. Imagining the horrible things that the Jewish people and others faced during the Nazis reign is not an easy emotional journey to follow.

It is easy to feel anger toward those who were intentionally cruel. But there were others who grieved being on the wrong side. There is a moment in the story of one soldier who is forced to do a job that he does not want to do. ‘Sorry’ echoes from his lips and heart like a loud bell clanging throughout history as we must also remember there were some who did not want to be part of the horrible things imposed upon them. It was a nice touch to add this— as a reminder not to judge a whole group of people.

I highly recommend this novel but be prepared to cry. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.

[Sarah Tino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

One of the best WW2 novels I've ever read. This is my first time reading this author and I can't wait to read more. I highly recommend.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant, heartbreaking book by Siobhan Curham, set in World War II Paris. After reading her last book, I prepared myself with plenty of Kleenex before beginning this one...I still ran out.

This begins in 1943 and continues after the end of the war with the story told in two timelines. The heroine, Clarisse, is a photographer who begins taking clandestine photos on the streets as she sees what is happening to French Jews. This story highlights the dilemmas faced by photographers who document atrocities and trauma during historic events. Although painful to witness, these photos produce a visceral reaction in ways that words can't and that makes them vitally important. Clarisse bonds with each horrific photo she takes and carries the memories of those people with her.

This book perfectly conveys the soul-crushing experience of living under Nazi occupation with endless fear and relentless hunger. I felt the hopelessness of the Resistance members as they desperately tried to fight against the overwhelming strength of the German army. I reveled in the joy of the Zazou Parisiennes as they danced to Cab Calloway in outrageous fashion statements and I sobbed at the terror inflicted on innocent Jewish children. Although there are few happy endings for people in this story, it had the most perfect final chapter. Books like this are more important than ever, with anti-Semitism and fascism once more on display. So find a comfortable reading nook with plenty of tissues and read this newest release by Siobhan Curham. I loved it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are my own.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

In her new book, Siobhan Curham certainly gives her main character, Clarisse, a strong and steady voice which shouts with determination and strength from every page. Set during the occupation of Paris by the Germans during World War Two, The Secret Photograph, paints a vivid and realistic picture of the ethical dilemmas faced by photographers when trying to document the horrors of war. The brief prologue is tense and packed full of unease and danger as a woman and child hide in a cellar. How they got there and the reasons for this are not at easy to decipher but over the course of a fascinating story things slowly become clear and what unfolds is a remarkable tale of one woman’s aim to rid France of the brutality, hatred and barbarity executed by the Germans. The goal of liberty, equality and fraternity for all is what drives all of the characters on through the most desperate and harrowing of times.The further you read the more your appreciation grows at the situations and circumstances the characters place themselves in and most of all Clarisse becomes a tour de force through her photography and her willingness to place herself in unpredictable and dangerous situations.

Clarisse arrived in the City of Light from America several years ago under false papers. There is nothing left for her in America and she has made herself a new life as a fashion photographer but the city she has come to love so much has been stripped of its joy and panache as has Clarisse’s life. Married to an artist named Pierre she has come to the conclusion that she no longer loves him and in fact she can’t fathom why she was ever with him in the first place. She detests Pierre and no longer wishes to be controlled and dominated by him. An event soon sees her gone from his clutches and it is from this point on that Clarisse starts to come into her own. She explores the city taking photographs of what she witnesses as fashion is no longer a priority.

The round ups of foreign Jews living in France have increased and one morning she observes a woman being taken from her apartment with her daughter. She takes out her camera and clicks and the photo that results is what will inspire and drive her on throughout the book. The woman is left for dead and her daughter Lillie is taken by the Germans to the velodrome in Paris. Clarisse finds a locket left on the side of the street which is owned by Lillie. She is determined one day to reunite her with it and this becomes her talisman throughout the dark days that cover what was once a beautiful city filled with life, love and laughter.

The cruel and barbaric event that unfolded before Clarisse’s eyes are her driving force. It is what makes her wake up to the situations occurring on her beloved adopted city and now she makes a decision that she will do anything in her power to help all those persecuted by the Germans. For so long, she has felt helpless as the laws and persecutions increase but now she understands that her photography she is powerful and she an use it to inform people of what is happening and to aid the Resistance in their work. ’My true self had woken up and was refusing to go back to sleep’. This self that has arisen with Clarisse becomes like a roar and she is resolute in that what she does will help those who need it and will open the eyes to the general public as to what is occurring on the streets to everyday normal people who had never done anything wrong except to be a Jew.

The title of Fire is given to Clarisse by a man she meets who takes her to an underground club/bar and this word couldn’t be more apt for her. For as the story progress she burns bright and fierce and the intensity of her flame increases with each turn of the page.The man she meets - Louis, although she gives him the title of The Peacock, is nothing like anyone that she has encountered before. He is a member of the Zazous- a group of people who defy conventions. They love swing music and are free to dress in flamboyant and colourful outfits and do as they please. The Peacock is a fabulous symbol of colour and flair which is in stark contrast to the events unfolding in the homes and streets of Paris. Clarisse is instantly drawn to him and treasures his irrepressible spirit and words of wisdom. There is an instant attraction between the pair – ‘The peacock was like a ray of sunshine in human form and a welcome contrast to the darkness I could feel gathering all around’. Louis gives Clarisse the space and freedom to be, unlike Pierre and they admit they have feelings for one another. You just wish that they could be free to be together in normal circumstances without death, terrorism and suppression raging all around them.

Hitler is ‘stamping out imagination and hope and replacing them with cruelty and despair’. But the Peacock and his friends are determined that this will not continue and so Clarisse joins forces with the Resistance and will use her photographs to highlight what is going on and any information she gathers can be used by the underground momvement to aid them in their plots. Raymond is the man within the group who sends Clarisse on dangerous missions and at times I thought she was just so reckless and wasn’t wary enough with what she was doing or where she was venturing. That at any time she risked exposure and if she was caught then that was the end of her actions to help others. But I suppose this was all new to her as it was to so many others and she was finding her footing and she did become more conscious as she was provided with further tasks.

Joseph, Lillie and Natalia provide three sub stories within the main plot. I won’t go into any details but to say I loved how this was woven into the story and for the inspiration and courage it provided Clarisse with would be an understatement. There were so many little connections and meanings to be found from these characters and they gelled so well with the overall themes being explored and made Clarisse more aware of herself and her actions and motivations. Reuniting Lillie with her locket is what spurs Clarisse on through the most challenging of times. ’We were living in the middle of a nightmare that no one was waking from’. This nightmare only intensifies when Louis is arrested as things only go from bad to worse. Has Clarisse the strength to continue on with her work and rid France of the imposters who have taken over and reign with such abject fear and cruelty?

Throughout the story there are chapters dotted here and there from Paris in 1985. Initially, I thought I was so smug that I knew why they were there and what their purpose was serving. But boy I couldn’t have been more wrong and that twist that came, well I had to reread a line several times just to make sure I was reading things right because in my head I had it figured out and then with one word everything was turned on its head. It definitely put a new slant on things and in equal measure was heart-breaking and heart-warming but I loved how it slotted into the book as a whole. I was hoping for a certain conclusion but I got something surprisingly different. Was I disappointed? Admittedly I was but just for a minute or two until I realised it couldn’t have been any other way. The Secret Photograph is the second book published by Siobhan Curham this year. The Storyteller of Auschwitz was astounding and it was going to be an impossible job in my eyes to follow it up. The Secret Photograph doesn’t eclipse its predecessor but none the less it was a remarkable, inspiring and informative read.

[Mick · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I was afraid there would be no happy ending. And in real life, sometimes the happy ending is the new normal we learn to accept and love. I’ve never read a WW2 book that pulled me in as emotionally as this book. The devastating losses of each character, mounting one after the other- making me question did God even answer prayer? Although this was a technically secular novel, I believe He hears all prayers, no matter from whom they arise. However, I digress. One of the most striking realizations of the book were when the Parisians, when the allies finally arrived, took their hatred (borne of anguish- and you cannot blame them) out on a woman collaborator who was all healthy because she had consorted with the Germans. And as they were hacking off her hair, Clarice realizes how terrible hatred is. The hatred of the Nazis towards so many people was beyond appalling. But the hatred of those oppressed in return only breeds more hatred, and doesn’t further healing. So many lessons to be learned there. Thank you to this author and the many others who keep WW2 alive. This author especially touched a deeper part of my emotions, making me feel the terror, the horror, the pain. Written so very well. May we never forget that as humans, especially without God, are capable even now of hating to the extent that we could cause another war if we do not continue to remember and learn from this war in particular, and history in general.

[Carolyn Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her best book yet!

There are so many times when reading this book (at the cost of my sleep), where I saw the parallels to things happening in the world today. I hope I can be as strong as Clarice if I am put to the test.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pictures can capture so much, especially things the average,person is not meant to see.
Clarissa, after leaving her insufferable husband, becomes involved in the French resistance and snaps photos of what’s really happening to the people being rounded up.
It’s a wrenching emotional read that will send chills through you and make you wish you could erase those Images from your mind.
It offers a different angle to historical fiction to a story that has been told many times but now it’s from the prism of a camera lens.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the early read.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Photograph by Siobhan Curham is the most powerful historical novel that consumed my every waking moment.
The novel is mainly set in Paris during World War II. There are also chapters set in 1985. Paris’ lights dim under Nazi occupation. It was a time of great cruelty with round-ups happening daily.
Against this backdrop we meet a brave, young female photographer who one day captures an image that spoke to her heart. It inspired her to become part of the resistance. The Secret Photograph tells her story.
We witness the abominable cruelty. Life was not sacred but cruelly snuffed out in an instant by the Nazis. Children were not treasured but slaughtered. The resistance grew as people held on to the hope that one day the Nazis would be defeated and the lights of Paris would shine once more.
There were still those characters who were larger than life, incredibly brave and retained an air of joie de vivre as they flamboyantly protested against the Nazis, offering a solidarity with the Jews. The vitality of Peacock has been perfectly captured by the author. He springs to life from the pages of the book.
Lives were snuffed out in an instant – lives not only blighted today, but future hopes and dreams gone. “They are stealing people’s lives and dreams.”
When the Nazis rolled out of Paris, mob rule took over against the collaborators as hatred ruled – but the people needed hope not hatred to recover.
Siobhan Curham has created a marvellous, epic tale around a very dark time in history. The city of light was overtaken by darkness where fear and cruelty lived. It took bravery and determination to hold onto hope and build a brighter future.
I received a free copy via the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book drew me in from the start. It's a dual timeline story set during WWII France and France in the 80's. In 1942, in Nazi-Occupied Paris, Clarisse sees a terrified girl being torn away from her mother. A fashion photographer by trade she takes a picture of that terrifying moment. After seeing that happen, Clarisse is desperate to make a difference. Soon she meets Louis, a handsome resistance fighter who introduces her to the brave men and women of Cafe Capoulade fighting to end the occupation. Louis was also a Zazou, part of a subculture that loved swing and jazz music and used the dancing and music as a way to protest the Vichy government supported the Nazi's and encouraged French citizens to report on each other. Soon Clarisse becomes a photographer for the resistance, documenting the horrors that were happening on a daily basis for the French.

I'm constantly amazed at the bravery and strength of those who lived during WWII and those terrifying times. I just loved this story and could not put it down.

Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture, and Siobhan Curham for the opportunity to read this book!

[Firetruckmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.


“The Secret Photograph” is a WWII historical fiction book by Siobhan Durham. This book has two POVs - one set in Paris during WWII and the other in Paris in 1985. It’s very evident from the chapter voices that we follow two different people. As is pretty typical for me with dual timelines, I preferred the older one. In this book, a lot more happened that I felt involved with between Clarisse’s adventures; the 1985 timeline wasn’t as exciting or interesting. I found the ending a bit predictable. However, Clarisse chapters I found engaging, with the author capturing the craziness of Paris during that time very well. Overall, this was probably a 3.5 star read for me, but it deserves 4 stars for this rating (and how fantastic and engaging is that cover?).

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Photograph is a well-written story with a dual timeline. One timeline is during World War II in France, and the other in 1985 in France and America. I really liked the story. The only part that to me was confusing was who the character was that was relating the story in 1985 - only for it to become clear to me toward the end of the book.
I really appreciate the author basing the story on some historical facts of things that actually took place in France during the war. This is a story about a different aspect of the war, and how a photographer used pictures taken of the Nazi tyranny to further the goals of the resistance. It is a good story, certainly with much loss of life, broken hopes, and dreams, but in this story, a picture and a locket prove to be the things that kept the photographer moving forward and continuing her mission.
I very much recommend this book.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I looked the girl in the photograph straight in the eyes, and I vowed right there and then that I would do everything in my power to help her, to help all who were being persecuted…”

Fashion photographer Clarisse is also a street photographer who begins capturing the atrocities occurring on the streets of Paris. Shocked and motivated by the treatment of women and children being beaten in her own neighborhood, Clarisse signs up with the resistance to avenge their treatment of Jews. She risks her life following the Gestapo while hoping to reconnect the little girl with her mother’s lost locket from the street. Along the way she helps an orphaned boy, Joseph get to a safe place and passes a love note from a woman on a train to her lover.
Based upon true events, this novel vividly depicts the strength and courage of those living through WWII. While there is plenty of hate, this story shows we should have reason to have faith in humanity.

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect ending to this heart-wrenching story. It’s told in two different timelines, with the one from world war 2 being the main part of the story. I assumed that the later timeline, during the 1980’s, was a particular character as that seemed logical, but near the end is a little twist that I did not see coming at all. The main character, Clarisse, is very relatable, and the descriptions of war time Paris made me feel like I was there living it all with Clarisse. I love reading stories about the war and how people stood up to the bad guys and fought back, especially when those fighting back were the women who played such an important role during the war. This was a hard book to put down, so make sure you have plenty of time to read it and also make sure you have tissues!

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

A interesting story about a young American woman living in Paris during the war. Her upbringing in America has a her prepared to handle most of what is thrown at her. She is fluent in the French language which helps her blend in with others in the city. This especially is helpful when she joins the resistance.
The Secret Photograph is a heartbreaking story in so many ways and yet, it is a heartwarming story too. A story of survival, courage, love and pushing forward through all adversities that arise.
Perfect reading for fans of WW2 historical fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Miranda YEUNG · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Photograph by Siobhan Curham

In 1942 Paris, an American photographer Clarisse Alarie witnessed something terrible and heart-breaking happening through her lens - a girl was carried into a truck by the Nazis. Clarisse went everywhere with this photo and tried to save her. Louis - the resistance fighter - introduced Clarisse to his underground team. Now Clarisse had a new mission to save the country through her lens.

An utterly emotional ww2 historical novel. Fast-paced, gripping and I was drawn into the story immediately starting at the beginning. I read this book in one seat which was totally one of the best ww2 historical novels I have ever read.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for my copy.

Pub date: Oct 3, 2023

[Joseph Aronson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I Couldn’t Take It Anymore

I give it one star because it is well written and has a good story. But the author, for reasons unfathomable, seeded the story with “cuticisms,” like land mines planted to ambush and annoy me. I couldn’t go on. I couldn’t take it anymore. Doing word searches and bookmarking pages in advance, I tried to anticipate being caught off guard, but that was to no avail. Lost in the story, I would find myself once again assaulted. The last time this kind of thing happened, I speed read – a word or two each paragraph – to glean the gist of the story and to finish the book. I didn’t write a review that time, but this time I feel driven to. I just couldn’t take it anymore.

[Concha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
Clarisse Alarie is a fashion photographer in occupied Paris during World War II. Events lead her to become a Resistance photographer in her attempt to make a contribution.
We meet a strong female character who will face horrors but will also find love and hope in the midst of chaos and destruction. Clarisse is accompanied by many secondary characters who also have stories to tell and destinies to face and who add another dimension to the book.
A beautiful and touching story that will make you enjoy from the beginning to its wonderful ending that manages to close the circle of this heartwarming novel.

[Cherise Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What hope is there for the world if so many people find it so easy to hate?"

Once again I have been wowed by yet another Siobhan Curham WW2 historical fiction.
After reading The Storyteller of Auschwitz I went into this with high expectations and I was not at all disappointed.
The author's ability to capture the real devastation, atrocities, hardships, inhumanity and evil that surrounded this time in history is enthralling to say the least.
The emotions this read evoked from me were nothing short of spectacular as I went on this journey with Clarisse and Lillie. A journey of bravery, self-discovery, courage, grief, strength, love, rage, anger and joy. I was captivated, intrigued and felt every single one of these emotions these characters felt.
I loved the romance element to this one as well. It was perfect and so touching I couldn't help but be happy for our characters even though as a reader I knew it wasn't going to be the happiest of endings.
This was an incredible read for me, hauntingly beautiful is the best way for me to describe it.
The ending was so beautiful I got goosebumps and I'm still thinking about it as I this review.
My heart will ache for a long time for the characters we lost because although they were fictional here, this happened in real life and the thought of that devastates me everytime I read a WW2 historical fiction.
This book gets a high recommendation from me and I think it will be perfect for fans of this genre who also enjoy romance.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookourture for my Advanced eReaders Copy of this book. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Melissa Looney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clarisse Alarie is an American fashion photographer living in Paris during World War II, posing as a French citizen.

One day on the street she captures the image of a terrified brown eyed little girl, Lillie, pulled from her mother and loaded aboard a German transport. The image of the girl”s eyes haunt her and she becomes desperate to make a difference. When Clarisse inadvertently meets Louis “Peacock” a Resistance fighter, she becomes a street photographer for the Resistance. She is sent into many situations risking her life several times over, capturing many horrors of the war.
_____

“This is what happens if we let hate win… We all become monsters.”

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I absolutely could not put this book down. Siobhan Curham once again weaves a story of the devastation of World War II and the atrocities committed by not only the Nazis but also sadly friends turned collaborators.
Resistance fighters did anything and everything to fight the evil in an effort to liberate their People. The role of photographers during and after the war was critical and gently woven throughout the book in an amazing way. As stated in the book’ a picture is worth a thousand words. ‘

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful & poignant novel about the historical events in Paris during WWII. “A picture is worth a thousand words” is central to this story. It’s so emotive & heartbreaking, then heartwarming. It is beautifully written with such depth & description. The ending is wonderful. I highly recommend this book. I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley & Bookouture. I am writing an honest voluntary review

[Margaret Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great way to finish the year by reading this book. The tragedy of the Jewish people in France and the treatment that was given to them is well depicted here. The bravery of women and how they also fought for freedom and getting rid of the Nazi’s. Tears for the children and what they had to endure and the outcome when caught. The anger towards the Nazi’s for the cruelty which went beyond rational thinking.
This is really a well written book and would recommend

[Denise -Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional Rollercoaster

Thank you for a wonderful story. A couple of facts were questionable. But the whirlwind of emotions was exceptional. From the gritty desire to protect someone, you barely know, to the powerful loss due to betrayal. Finally, coming full circle and understanding bits of the past to move forward and live life to the fullest. Just couldn't put it down. Exceptional storytelling with just the right amount of suspense. 👏 Bravo