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The Paris Sisters #1
The Last Day in Paris
“No, Mama, please don’t make me leave!” Sophie cries, clutching her teddy bear as her blue eyes fill with tears. “I’d rather be here in Paris with you, than far away somewhere safe…”
Paris, 1940: All over Paris, families are being pulled from their beds in the middle of the night. And ever since her husband was shot in cold blood, Brigitte Goldstein has known she is running out of time. She and her daughter Sophie are Jewish, so it won’t be long until the Nazis bang on their door.
But before she leaves, Brigitte must find her beloved husband’s painting, which was seized by the Nazis. She desperately hopes that if she saves it from destruction, then a piece of him will live on forever. And perhaps one day her daughter will uncover her father’s legacy, and the secret hidden inside…
Working in a museum under a false identity is Brigitte’s only hope. Until she meets Isabelle Valette, who confides in hushed tones that she is part of the Resistance. And when her new friend tells her of a train leaving Paris that can take children to safety, Brigitte knows her daughter must be on it, even if it breaks her heart.
But getting Sophie onto the train is dangerous. If they are caught smuggling a Jewish child out of Paris, they will be killed. And with the enemy closing in, can Brigitte get her beloved daughter to safety before it is too late?
The first utterly gripping novel in the Paris Sisters series, this is the story of two brave women and a secret that will tie them together forever, as the Second World War rages around them. Perfect for fans of Roberta Kagan, Kristin Hannah, and Fiona Valpy.
Paris, 1940: All over Paris, families are being pulled from their beds in the middle of the night. And ever since her husband was shot in cold blood, Brigitte Goldstein has known she is running out of time. She and her daughter Sophie are Jewish, so it won’t be long until the Nazis bang on their door.
But before she leaves, Brigitte must find her beloved husband’s painting, which was seized by the Nazis. She desperately hopes that if she saves it from destruction, then a piece of him will live on forever. And perhaps one day her daughter will uncover her father’s legacy, and the secret hidden inside…
Working in a museum under a false identity is Brigitte’s only hope. Until she meets Isabelle Valette, who confides in hushed tones that she is part of the Resistance. And when her new friend tells her of a train leaving Paris that can take children to safety, Brigitte knows her daughter must be on it, even if it breaks her heart.
But getting Sophie onto the train is dangerous. If they are caught smuggling a Jewish child out of Paris, they will be killed. And with the enemy closing in, can Brigitte get her beloved daughter to safety before it is too late?
The first utterly gripping novel in the Paris Sisters series, this is the story of two brave women and a secret that will tie them together forever, as the Second World War rages around them. Perfect for fans of Roberta Kagan, Kristin Hannah, and Fiona Valpy.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2024
1672 people are currently reading
1303 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Kelman
16 books629 followersSuzanne Kelman is an Amazon international bestselling author in America, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Her books have sold over 475,000 copies worldwide and accumulated ten rights deals across eight territories.
Her WW2 historical fiction books are published by Bookouture - an imprint for Hachette U.K.
She is also the author of the bestselling book, "The Rejected Writers' Book Club", published by Lake Union, which is the first book in the Southlea Bay series. Other books in the series include, "Rejected Writers Take the Stage" and "The Rejected Writers' Christmas Wedding".
Kelman is an award-winning writer/screenwriter whose accolades include the Best Comedy Feature Screenplay Award from the L.A. International Film Festival, the Gold Award from the California Film Awards, and the Van Gogh Award from the Amsterdam Film Festival.
In 2015 her script, Held, was recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures and was shortlisted to the top ten in the Academy Of Motion Pictures Nichols Fellowship competition.
As well as a screenwriter and a published author, Suzanne is also a playwright, and her award-winning comedy play, "Over My Dead Body", had its World Premiere at Outcast Theatre in Washington, Fall 2019.
Born in the United Kingdom, Suzanne now resides in Washington State.
Please sign up for her newsletter to stay in touch - https://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com
Her WW2 historical fiction books are published by Bookouture - an imprint for Hachette U.K.
She is also the author of the bestselling book, "The Rejected Writers' Book Club", published by Lake Union, which is the first book in the Southlea Bay series. Other books in the series include, "Rejected Writers Take the Stage" and "The Rejected Writers' Christmas Wedding".
Kelman is an award-winning writer/screenwriter whose accolades include the Best Comedy Feature Screenplay Award from the L.A. International Film Festival, the Gold Award from the California Film Awards, and the Van Gogh Award from the Amsterdam Film Festival.
In 2015 her script, Held, was recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures and was shortlisted to the top ten in the Academy Of Motion Pictures Nichols Fellowship competition.
As well as a screenwriter and a published author, Suzanne is also a playwright, and her award-winning comedy play, "Over My Dead Body", had its World Premiere at Outcast Theatre in Washington, Fall 2019.
Born in the United Kingdom, Suzanne now resides in Washington State.
Please sign up for her newsletter to stay in touch - https://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
March 1, 2024
“No matter what darkness befalls us, we will find the light, and we will rise again.”
I almost passed on this phenomenal historical fiction book because I thought I didn’t want to read another book set in Paris during WW2 featuring looted art, Nazis, and the resistance movement.
Please don’t fall into the same trap.
Yes, there’s a Rose Valland-inspired timeline. Yes, the Jeu de Paume Museum and the Einsatzstab Reichsleiter Rosenberg (ERR) are featured and, yes, art is being protected from the Germans. Yes, someone has to compromise morals to live another day. Yes, the Resistance movement is a big part of the story and yes, some brave characters carry a secret. Yes, some Jewish people experience trauma, and some change their identity. And no, I didn’t really learn anything new.
BUT!
Suzanne Kelman was able to pull on my heartstrings and show me how a simple choice in the past can heavily influence future generations. That. That is what sets this book apart from the many others in this vein.
More precisely, it’s the three generations of Goldstein women and the single painting that bound them together that elevated the story for me.
Who would have thought that a contemporary timeline would have been the glittery thread that captured this historical fiction lover's attention?
Do you want to know something even more ironic? The painting isn’t real. It’s a creation of the author! YET, it still held my attention. That’s a testament to the author’s skill.
Brigitte, Sophie, and Esther will hold your heart in their palms as they guide you through the generations and show you how the choice to hide one painting set off ripples that affected many lives. The love that inspired the painting and the light that it brought during some of the darkest days for this Jewish family is the same love that carries another family member through her darkest days, decades later. I love these stories about art triumphing amid war and am embarrassed that I almost dismissed this one. If the beautiful cover and setting don’t capture your attention, the courageous women and the intertwined loved stories definitely will.
This book is also about:
🎨living with the pain of loss
🎨the creation of the Resistance newspaper
🎨how love finds us when we least expect it
🎨preserving things for future generations
If you read and enjoyed any of the following, you’ll love this book:
📚The Riviera House by Natasha Lester
📚The Paris Deception by Bryn Turnbull
📚Woman on Fire by Lisa Barr
📚The Stolen Lady by Laura Morelli
📚The Night Portrait by Laura Morelli
📚The Last Masterpiece by Laura Morelli
If Isabelle Valette’s courage and tenacity are anything like the Paris Sister’s characters Kelman has planned for her future books in this series, I’m all in. Completely.
I was gifted this amazing book by the team at Bookouture and wasn’t required to write a review.
I almost passed on this phenomenal historical fiction book because I thought I didn’t want to read another book set in Paris during WW2 featuring looted art, Nazis, and the resistance movement.
Please don’t fall into the same trap.
Yes, there’s a Rose Valland-inspired timeline. Yes, the Jeu de Paume Museum and the Einsatzstab Reichsleiter Rosenberg (ERR) are featured and, yes, art is being protected from the Germans. Yes, someone has to compromise morals to live another day. Yes, the Resistance movement is a big part of the story and yes, some brave characters carry a secret. Yes, some Jewish people experience trauma, and some change their identity. And no, I didn’t really learn anything new.
BUT!
Suzanne Kelman was able to pull on my heartstrings and show me how a simple choice in the past can heavily influence future generations. That. That is what sets this book apart from the many others in this vein.
More precisely, it’s the three generations of Goldstein women and the single painting that bound them together that elevated the story for me.
Who would have thought that a contemporary timeline would have been the glittery thread that captured this historical fiction lover's attention?
Do you want to know something even more ironic? The painting isn’t real. It’s a creation of the author! YET, it still held my attention. That’s a testament to the author’s skill.
Brigitte, Sophie, and Esther will hold your heart in their palms as they guide you through the generations and show you how the choice to hide one painting set off ripples that affected many lives. The love that inspired the painting and the light that it brought during some of the darkest days for this Jewish family is the same love that carries another family member through her darkest days, decades later. I love these stories about art triumphing amid war and am embarrassed that I almost dismissed this one. If the beautiful cover and setting don’t capture your attention, the courageous women and the intertwined loved stories definitely will.
This book is also about:
🎨living with the pain of loss
🎨the creation of the Resistance newspaper
🎨how love finds us when we least expect it
🎨preserving things for future generations
If you read and enjoyed any of the following, you’ll love this book:
📚The Riviera House by Natasha Lester
📚The Paris Deception by Bryn Turnbull
📚Woman on Fire by Lisa Barr
📚The Stolen Lady by Laura Morelli
📚The Night Portrait by Laura Morelli
📚The Last Masterpiece by Laura Morelli
If Isabelle Valette’s courage and tenacity are anything like the Paris Sister’s characters Kelman has planned for her future books in this series, I’m all in. Completely.
I was gifted this amazing book by the team at Bookouture and wasn’t required to write a review.
January 26, 2024
A wonderful novel of WW2 historical fiction, guaranteed to keep one turning the pages!
After the Nazi occupation of Paris, workers in the art galleries and museums like the Louvre went into overdrive trying to keep priceless works of art from being stolen for the Reich. They were often aided by Resistance workers, who were determined that Nazis would not grab everything left behind in the Jewish round-ups. These brave men and women took incredible risks in attempting to preserve artifacts from the Parisian way of life, so that it would not be destroyed completely. As one character put it, “The Parisians who are opposing the Germans and survive need a Paris to come back to.”
This is the first in a series; I can’t wait for the next one!
After the Nazi occupation of Paris, workers in the art galleries and museums like the Louvre went into overdrive trying to keep priceless works of art from being stolen for the Reich. They were often aided by Resistance workers, who were determined that Nazis would not grab everything left behind in the Jewish round-ups. These brave men and women took incredible risks in attempting to preserve artifacts from the Parisian way of life, so that it would not be destroyed completely. As one character put it, “The Parisians who are opposing the Germans and survive need a Paris to come back to.”
This is the first in a series; I can’t wait for the next one!
January 9, 2025
Esu perskaičiusi tikrai nemažai romanų apie II - ąjį pasaulinį karą. Atrodo, kad jau nieko naujo ar negirdėto neperskaitysiu, bet jei taip nutinka, būna begalo malonu. Šiame romane pasakojama ne tik skaudžią šeimos istoriją tuo laikotarpiu, bet ir meno reikšmę, pasisavinimus ir vagystes. Man buvo džiugu, kad autorė nusprendė paliesti ir kitokią, kultūrinę, prasmę.
Knygoje siužetas pasakojamas ne tik per dvi laiko juostas, bet ir iš ne vieno veikėjo pozicijos. Man asmeniškai labai patinka, kai pateikiama iš kelių personažų pozicijų. Be to, buvo tikrai įdomu - tiek praeities, tiek dabarties linija nors praeities šiek tiek labiau, nes norėjau didesnio užbaigtumo Esteros santykiuose su vyru ir Eduardu.
Apibendrinus - tikrai įdomus istorinis romanas. Rekomenduoju☺️
Knygoje siužetas pasakojamas ne tik per dvi laiko juostas, bet ir iš ne vieno veikėjo pozicijos. Man asmeniškai labai patinka, kai pateikiama iš kelių personažų pozicijų. Be to, buvo tikrai įdomu - tiek praeities, tiek dabarties linija nors praeities šiek tiek labiau, nes norėjau didesnio užbaigtumo Esteros santykiuose su vyru ir Eduardu.
Apibendrinus - tikrai įdomus istorinis romanas. Rekomenduoju☺️
October 13, 2025
Senokai jau buvau į rankas paėmusi istorinį romaną, tad buvo smagu vėl perskaityti įdomų bei įtraukiantį kūrinį. Antrasis pasaulinis karas - ta tema, kuri visuomet sudomina.
Paryžiuje 1940-ieji nebuvo lengvi metai. Brižita Goldštein savo akimis matė, kaip yra nušaunamas jos vyras Samuelis. Ji puikaii supranta, jog jos ir dukters Sofi laikas taip pat senka..
Tačiau prieš išvykdama moteris nori surasti bei apsaugoti savo vyro tapytą paveikslą. Jai prireiks vosų jėgų bei išmonės, jog įvykdytų šį nutrūktgalvišką planą..
Daug įvykių bei veikėjų šioje istorijoje, tačiau dėl šito, man šis pasakojimas tapo tik dar paveikesnis. Man patiko kaip autorė visų šių žmonių likimus sujungė į vieną. Tikrai jautrus pasakojimas, kuriame atsiskleidė draugystės ir meilės galia. Taip pat šioje knygoje svarbią vietą užėmė menas. Jis čia taip puikiai tiko.
Žavėjausi Izabelės drąsa bei ryžtu apsaugoti visus meno kūrinius. Tik žmogus, kuris supranta bei myli meną, ryžtųsi taip smarkiai rizikuoti.
Galbūt ši knyga ir nebuvo pats stipriausias mano skaitytas istorinis romanas, tačiau manau, jog ji tikrai verta skaitytojų dėmesio.
Paryžiuje 1940-ieji nebuvo lengvi metai. Brižita Goldštein savo akimis matė, kaip yra nušaunamas jos vyras Samuelis. Ji puikaii supranta, jog jos ir dukters Sofi laikas taip pat senka..
Tačiau prieš išvykdama moteris nori surasti bei apsaugoti savo vyro tapytą paveikslą. Jai prireiks vosų jėgų bei išmonės, jog įvykdytų šį nutrūktgalvišką planą..
Daug įvykių bei veikėjų šioje istorijoje, tačiau dėl šito, man šis pasakojimas tapo tik dar paveikesnis. Man patiko kaip autorė visų šių žmonių likimus sujungė į vieną. Tikrai jautrus pasakojimas, kuriame atsiskleidė draugystės ir meilės galia. Taip pat šioje knygoje svarbią vietą užėmė menas. Jis čia taip puikiai tiko.
Žavėjausi Izabelės drąsa bei ryžtu apsaugoti visus meno kūrinius. Tik žmogus, kuris supranta bei myli meną, ryžtųsi taip smarkiai rizikuoti.
Galbūt ši knyga ir nebuvo pats stipriausias mano skaitytas istorinis romanas, tačiau manau, jog ji tikrai verta skaitytojų dėmesio.
January 23, 2024
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Normally I really enjoy WWII books, especially when they are stories with female leads. Unfortunately, this one did not work for me.
The first issue for me was, sadly, the writing. I have read quite a few WWII books that have been set in Paris, so I understand that the writing should be different than a book written in 2024. The eloquence of the time would definitely show, as people spoke differently in the 1940s.
That being said, I just could not get through the incredibly lengthy (for no reason) paragraphs. At times I wondered if the author had a word count she needed to meet. Here is a sample:
"Isabelle Valette's heart constricted as she desperately sought hope in the sweltering, cramped space. But dread clung to her body like a second skin, an oppressive fog of fear that thickened the air. As she continued to peer through the blue haze of cigarette trails that snaked towards the ever-diminishing ceiling like a quiver of writhing cobras, every face was etched with the gravity of this moment in history, the feeling in the air as oppressive as the fog that then descended to choke them."
I mean, come on..... really?
No. No thank you.
I also don't understand why the book was written in dual timelines. Esther's part in the story was very limited. and while I understand that the painting would need to be "found" so it could be hidden, I think setting it during an earlier timeline such is the 90s or even the 70s would have been more engaging. Esther's storyline was just so unbelievable to me. I would much rather have read about her mother - Sophie- being the one to have been contacted about the painting.
This is the first book of a series and based on this experience, I will likely not be reading any more of the series.
Normally I really enjoy WWII books, especially when they are stories with female leads. Unfortunately, this one did not work for me.
The first issue for me was, sadly, the writing. I have read quite a few WWII books that have been set in Paris, so I understand that the writing should be different than a book written in 2024. The eloquence of the time would definitely show, as people spoke differently in the 1940s.
That being said, I just could not get through the incredibly lengthy (for no reason) paragraphs. At times I wondered if the author had a word count she needed to meet. Here is a sample:
"Isabelle Valette's heart constricted as she desperately sought hope in the sweltering, cramped space. But dread clung to her body like a second skin, an oppressive fog of fear that thickened the air. As she continued to peer through the blue haze of cigarette trails that snaked towards the ever-diminishing ceiling like a quiver of writhing cobras, every face was etched with the gravity of this moment in history, the feeling in the air as oppressive as the fog that then descended to choke them."
I mean, come on..... really?
No. No thank you.
I also don't understand why the book was written in dual timelines. Esther's part in the story was very limited. and while I understand that the painting would need to be "found" so it could be hidden, I think setting it during an earlier timeline such is the 90s or even the 70s would have been more engaging. Esther's storyline was just so unbelievable to me. I would much rather have read about her mother - Sophie- being the one to have been contacted about the painting.
This is the first book of a series and based on this experience, I will likely not be reading any more of the series.
September 24, 2025
„Paskutinė diena Paryžiuje“ nukelia mus į Antrojo pasaulinio karo pradžią, 1940-ųjų Paryžių, ką tik okupuotą nacių.
Brižita praranda savo vyrą pirmosiomis okupacijos dienomis ir lieka viena su dukra Sofi. Žydų kilmė tampa tiesiogine grėsme jų gyvenimams, todėl kasdienis išlikimas reikalauja gudrumo, slapstymosi ir neįtikėtinos drąsos. Tačiau Brižitos tikslai neapsiriboja vien tik gyvybės išsaugojimu - ji trokšta surasti ir išsaugoti paveikslą, kurį nutapė jos vyras ir kuris buvo pavogtas nacių. Šis meno kūrinys Bridžitai tampa savotišku jos santuokos ir buvusio gyvenimo liudijimu. Įsidarbinusi Jeu de Paume muziejuje, Bridžita sutinka Izabelę - kitą drąsią moterį, pasiruošusią išsaugoti šalies kultūrinį paveldą, net jei tai sukels didelę grėsmę jos pačios saugumui.
Autorė į pasakojimą įpynė ir dabarties liniją - Esteros istoriją, kuri sužino, kad rastas paveikslas, priklausęs jos šeimai. Nors ši dalis turėjo potencialo sujungti praeitį ir dabartį, man ji pasirodė kiek nutolusi nuo pagrindinės siužeto linijos. Galbūt todėl, kad Brižita ir Izabelė buvo tokios stiprios ir drąsios, kad Estera tarsi liko šešėlyje.
Tai knyga, kuri priminė, kad net ir karo metu žmonės ieško grožio, prasmės ir ryšio. Nors ji ir nepaliko tokio stipraus įspūdžio kaip kai kurie kiti istoriniai romanai, vis tiek džiaugiuosi ją perskaičiusi.
Brižita praranda savo vyrą pirmosiomis okupacijos dienomis ir lieka viena su dukra Sofi. Žydų kilmė tampa tiesiogine grėsme jų gyvenimams, todėl kasdienis išlikimas reikalauja gudrumo, slapstymosi ir neįtikėtinos drąsos. Tačiau Brižitos tikslai neapsiriboja vien tik gyvybės išsaugojimu - ji trokšta surasti ir išsaugoti paveikslą, kurį nutapė jos vyras ir kuris buvo pavogtas nacių. Šis meno kūrinys Bridžitai tampa savotišku jos santuokos ir buvusio gyvenimo liudijimu. Įsidarbinusi Jeu de Paume muziejuje, Bridžita sutinka Izabelę - kitą drąsią moterį, pasiruošusią išsaugoti šalies kultūrinį paveldą, net jei tai sukels didelę grėsmę jos pačios saugumui.
Autorė į pasakojimą įpynė ir dabarties liniją - Esteros istoriją, kuri sužino, kad rastas paveikslas, priklausęs jos šeimai. Nors ši dalis turėjo potencialo sujungti praeitį ir dabartį, man ji pasirodė kiek nutolusi nuo pagrindinės siužeto linijos. Galbūt todėl, kad Brižita ir Izabelė buvo tokios stiprios ir drąsios, kad Estera tarsi liko šešėlyje.
Tai knyga, kuri priminė, kad net ir karo metu žmonės ieško grožio, prasmės ir ryšio. Nors ji ir nepaliko tokio stipraus įspūdžio kaip kai kurie kiti istoriniai romanai, vis tiek džiaugiuosi ją perskaičiusi.
November 14, 2024
Nuostabi šeimos istorija, ir apie meno kūrinius. 🕊
Kaip Brižita stengėsi išsaugoti savo vyro tapyta paveikslą, kad naciai jo neišveštu į Vokietiją.
Labai patiko ❤️
Kaip Brižita stengėsi išsaugoti savo vyro tapyta paveikslą, kad naciai jo neišveštu į Vokietiją.
Labai patiko ❤️
February 4, 2024
Once again, another riveting read from Suzanne Kelman! Once I started I could not put this book down and found myself lost in the lives of these remarkable characters that reached into my heart and pulled every emotional string imaginable. There is so much suffering and fear on these pages that it left me in tears. It was easy to see every perspective and feel the tension in numerous scenes. The chapters were well executed in length and content. Enough to provide bursts of the plot that kept me on the edge of my seat with expectation and holding my breath at times.
Suzanne continues to carve some deep marks into my heart with her fiction and this latest offering was no exception. The Last Day in Paris is guaranteed to make you cry as it did me. Suzanne creates haunting atmosphere and stunning visuals with her descriptions and I was transported completely into the middle of the dramas and locations. I could feel the pain of the victims and agonise with them. When Brigitte is faced with making the hardest decision imaginable, I could sympathise. Her choice to send her child away is a tough one—even if it is to keep Sophie safe.
It was traumatic to watch Brigitte lose her husband and Sophie, her father. I don’t think that image will ever leave my mind. Their happy family outing turns into a disaster when the Gestapo arrive to capture Brigitte’s husband, Samuel. He is painting one of his gorgeous scenes when they arrive and so engrossed in his artistic activity that the sense of imminent danger is muted in him. When he is accused of being involved with the Resistance, we know the outcome will be bad.
When Brigitte (a Jew) goes to work at the Louvre (with falsified identity papers) she is on a mission to save her husband’s painting before the Nazis get their hands on it. She develops a strong bond with Isabelle, the curator, who is also helping the Resistance to save as many pieces of art as possible. Things begin to turn quickly as the Nazis take over. Brigitte’s time to save her daughter and mother and her husband’s artwork is limited. She must work quickly with Isabelle’s help. They encounter some obstacles and dire events begin to happen. Not only are they up against the Nazis stealing and destroying precious artwork, but there’s a thief and traitor in their midst.
I thought the beautiful fairy-tale that Samuel shared with his daughter, Sophie, spoke volumes of their circumstance as he was trying to express the fear, hurt and danger brought into their lives by the Nazis. As he said, … ‘an ogre stormed into the land with anger and words that threatened to weaken even the bravest hearts. A creature who believed that only those who looked and acted like him were important, and was cruel to people who were different.’ Samuel continues his tale on a positive note, though, telling Sophie that one day the ogre will leave because the love they all share is stronger than his hate. Samuel also leaves his daughter with nuggets of wisdom: that no matter what the world says, she is special, worthy and loved as she is. Also, like the girl in his story, she has courage.
The eternal love of Brigitte and Samuel (even after he is gone) is profoundly present throughout the story. But not without its connection to a special painting by Samuel, The Hayfields of Summer, that he felt reflected his heart the most. Its “brushstrokes (are) alive with his dreams and visions...” And when this valuable piece comes under threat, Brigitte sacrifices everything to save it. She wants to preserve this last piece of him—a reminder of his love and talent to be passed down to their daughter and future generations.
IIn the future, we meet Sophie’s daughter, Esther, who has two boys. While trying to survive the trauma of a recent divorce, she is contacted about a painting of value that now belongs to her—found in a house that her grandparents once lived. Her mother is alive but suffers Alzheimer’s making it difficult to ask about family. Esther seeks answers and must make a journey to Paris, yet what she finds there not only is a bridge to her family’s past but also a glimpse of her future. I enjoyed this part of the story just as much as the historical thread as it is all part of the big picture of this family from WW2 to modern day.
The importance of art, the power of love, the eternal link to family and heritage are big messages in The Last Day in Paris. From these topics spring courage, resistance, survival, endurance and fresh starts. These characters shine with heart, substance and fortitude when everything is against them. It’s a tragic but triumphant story, beautifully delivered that WW2 fiction lovers must read. But keep the tissues close. There’ll be lots of tears! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.
Suzanne continues to carve some deep marks into my heart with her fiction and this latest offering was no exception. The Last Day in Paris is guaranteed to make you cry as it did me. Suzanne creates haunting atmosphere and stunning visuals with her descriptions and I was transported completely into the middle of the dramas and locations. I could feel the pain of the victims and agonise with them. When Brigitte is faced with making the hardest decision imaginable, I could sympathise. Her choice to send her child away is a tough one—even if it is to keep Sophie safe.
It was traumatic to watch Brigitte lose her husband and Sophie, her father. I don’t think that image will ever leave my mind. Their happy family outing turns into a disaster when the Gestapo arrive to capture Brigitte’s husband, Samuel. He is painting one of his gorgeous scenes when they arrive and so engrossed in his artistic activity that the sense of imminent danger is muted in him. When he is accused of being involved with the Resistance, we know the outcome will be bad.
When Brigitte (a Jew) goes to work at the Louvre (with falsified identity papers) she is on a mission to save her husband’s painting before the Nazis get their hands on it. She develops a strong bond with Isabelle, the curator, who is also helping the Resistance to save as many pieces of art as possible. Things begin to turn quickly as the Nazis take over. Brigitte’s time to save her daughter and mother and her husband’s artwork is limited. She must work quickly with Isabelle’s help. They encounter some obstacles and dire events begin to happen. Not only are they up against the Nazis stealing and destroying precious artwork, but there’s a thief and traitor in their midst.
I thought the beautiful fairy-tale that Samuel shared with his daughter, Sophie, spoke volumes of their circumstance as he was trying to express the fear, hurt and danger brought into their lives by the Nazis. As he said, … ‘an ogre stormed into the land with anger and words that threatened to weaken even the bravest hearts. A creature who believed that only those who looked and acted like him were important, and was cruel to people who were different.’ Samuel continues his tale on a positive note, though, telling Sophie that one day the ogre will leave because the love they all share is stronger than his hate. Samuel also leaves his daughter with nuggets of wisdom: that no matter what the world says, she is special, worthy and loved as she is. Also, like the girl in his story, she has courage.
The eternal love of Brigitte and Samuel (even after he is gone) is profoundly present throughout the story. But not without its connection to a special painting by Samuel, The Hayfields of Summer, that he felt reflected his heart the most. Its “brushstrokes (are) alive with his dreams and visions...” And when this valuable piece comes under threat, Brigitte sacrifices everything to save it. She wants to preserve this last piece of him—a reminder of his love and talent to be passed down to their daughter and future generations.
IIn the future, we meet Sophie’s daughter, Esther, who has two boys. While trying to survive the trauma of a recent divorce, she is contacted about a painting of value that now belongs to her—found in a house that her grandparents once lived. Her mother is alive but suffers Alzheimer’s making it difficult to ask about family. Esther seeks answers and must make a journey to Paris, yet what she finds there not only is a bridge to her family’s past but also a glimpse of her future. I enjoyed this part of the story just as much as the historical thread as it is all part of the big picture of this family from WW2 to modern day.
The importance of art, the power of love, the eternal link to family and heritage are big messages in The Last Day in Paris. From these topics spring courage, resistance, survival, endurance and fresh starts. These characters shine with heart, substance and fortitude when everything is against them. It’s a tragic but triumphant story, beautifully delivered that WW2 fiction lovers must read. But keep the tissues close. There’ll be lots of tears! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.
July 14, 2025
Tik perskaičiusi šią knygą, pamačiau, jog tai trilogija. Tai paaiškina kažkokią keistą, keistai nutrūkusią pavaigą, bet kitų dviejų knygų netraukia skaityti. Man tai šiek tiek primityvi istorija, ta meilės linija ypatingai nuobodi (pastebėjau, kad retas rašytojas įtaigiai ir įtraukiančiai sugeba rašyti, kai pasirenka kurti pasakojimą per kelias kartas, amžius, laikotarpius)..
January 29, 2025
Jau kad padavė sausį 5⭐️ knygų... seniai tiek gerų skaitinių per vieną mėnesį nebuvo. Ir ši istorija buvo nuostabi!
Visada imdama į rankas antrojo pasaulinio karo tematikos knygą, šiek tiek bijau. Nes tiek jų tiek skaityta, atrodo, nu kas čia bus naujo ar įdomaus. Nepaisant to, kad kiekviena istorija yra unikali ir turi būti papasakota, dauguma knygų supanašėja. Tačiau ne ši.
"Paskutinė diena Paryžiuje" pavergė mane unikalia istorija apie Izabelę, kuri siekia apsaugoti į Luvrą patekusius konfiskuotus meno kūrinius nuo vokiečių sunaikinimo. Izabelė dirbdama muziejuje susipažįsta su Brižita, kuri turi savų priežasčių surasti vieną paveikslą ir jį apsaugoti.
Tikrai ne vieną kartą esu susigraudinus skaitant šią knygą. Tai buvo istorija apie pasipriešinimą, nepasidavimą, norą išsaugoti mylimo žmogaus prisiminimą. Meilės istorija (net kelių porų) buvo graži ir nenuvalkiota. Istorinis kontekstas parinktas tiksliai ir puikiai nupiešė nacių žiaurumą.
Labai džiugu, kad ši istorija priklauso "Paryžiaus seserų" serijai, kurioje antra dalis neseniai autorės parašyta, o 3 bus prieinama gegužės mėn. Nekantrauju tęsti pažintį su Izabelės seserimis ir jų istorijomis.
Visada imdama į rankas antrojo pasaulinio karo tematikos knygą, šiek tiek bijau. Nes tiek jų tiek skaityta, atrodo, nu kas čia bus naujo ar įdomaus. Nepaisant to, kad kiekviena istorija yra unikali ir turi būti papasakota, dauguma knygų supanašėja. Tačiau ne ši.
"Paskutinė diena Paryžiuje" pavergė mane unikalia istorija apie Izabelę, kuri siekia apsaugoti į Luvrą patekusius konfiskuotus meno kūrinius nuo vokiečių sunaikinimo. Izabelė dirbdama muziejuje susipažįsta su Brižita, kuri turi savų priežasčių surasti vieną paveikslą ir jį apsaugoti.
Tikrai ne vieną kartą esu susigraudinus skaitant šią knygą. Tai buvo istorija apie pasipriešinimą, nepasidavimą, norą išsaugoti mylimo žmogaus prisiminimą. Meilės istorija (net kelių porų) buvo graži ir nenuvalkiota. Istorinis kontekstas parinktas tiksliai ir puikiai nupiešė nacių žiaurumą.
Labai džiugu, kad ši istorija priklauso "Paryžiaus seserų" serijai, kurioje antra dalis neseniai autorės parašyta, o 3 bus prieinama gegužės mėn. Nekantrauju tęsti pažintį su Izabelės seserimis ir jų istorijomis.
December 9, 2024
Šis romanas mums pasakoja apie kelias moteris jų bandymą išsaugoti meno kūrinius karo metu, kuomet vokiečiai juos teisiog plėšė ir gabeno kas sau, o didelę dalį kūrinių tiesiog naikino. Tai ir yra visa siužeto esmė ir prasmė. Pagrindinių veikėjų vardai gali būti bet kokie, dėl jų nei jų likimai, nei aplinkybės nepasikeis, situacija nesušvelnės ir karas nepasibaigs be nuostolių ir netekčių.
Tai tikrai ne pirma knygą, kurioje sutinku mintį, kad menas ir karo metu turi būti saugus ir teikti žmonėms džiaugsmą. O šiame romane itin stipriai išreikštas noras jį išsaugoti, perduoti ateities kartoms. Į meną žiurima kaip į kultūros, paveldo, mūsų esybės dalį.
Įdomus muziejaus gyvenimas, veiksmo jame čia netrūko. Norisi plačiau domėtis Luvru, pasiskaityti, ar tokie įvykiai ten iš tiesų vyko. Bet nesvarbu, kokia yra realybė. Esu tikra, kad jei ne Luvre, tai bet kuriame kitame muziejuje galėjo dėti panašaus mąsto meno naikinimas ar švaistymas.
Vis tik romane man daug kur pasirodė tik perplaukta paviršiumi, kur kas labiau patiko dabarties linija, kur Estera aiškinosi savo giminės paslaptis, bandė tvarkytis savo gyvenimą ir turėjo priimti ryžtingus sprendimus. Nepadėjo ir tai, kad buvo daug veikėjų. Jie kaip ir reikalingi, bet kažkuriuo metu buvau pasimetus, apie ką čia skaitau, nes visos moterys, visos dirba ten pat. Kaskart reikėdavo galvoje susidėlioti viską į vietas. Kitas užkliuvęs dalykas buvo pviršutiniškumas. Miršta veikėjai brangus žmogus, apie tai dvi pastraipos, kitas skyrius – važiuojam toliau. Nesakau, kad veikėja turėtų pusę knygos gedėti, ir kalbu ne apie tai. Tiesiog vietomis prašoktos tos situacijos ir temos, kurias išplėtojus šis romanas būtų gilesnis, neštų daugiau prasmingesnių žinučių.
Skaitant mane žavėjo moterų atsidavimas ir noras gelbėti, padėti, neskirstyti žmonių. Vis pagalvoju, kad tokių žmonių drąsos dėka mes tebeturime daug kūrinių, kultūros dalelių, kurias nešamės iš kartos į kartą. Ir dėl to jaučiu didžiulį dėkingumą.
Leidyklos dovana.
Tai tikrai ne pirma knygą, kurioje sutinku mintį, kad menas ir karo metu turi būti saugus ir teikti žmonėms džiaugsmą. O šiame romane itin stipriai išreikštas noras jį išsaugoti, perduoti ateities kartoms. Į meną žiurima kaip į kultūros, paveldo, mūsų esybės dalį.
Įdomus muziejaus gyvenimas, veiksmo jame čia netrūko. Norisi plačiau domėtis Luvru, pasiskaityti, ar tokie įvykiai ten iš tiesų vyko. Bet nesvarbu, kokia yra realybė. Esu tikra, kad jei ne Luvre, tai bet kuriame kitame muziejuje galėjo dėti panašaus mąsto meno naikinimas ar švaistymas.
Vis tik romane man daug kur pasirodė tik perplaukta paviršiumi, kur kas labiau patiko dabarties linija, kur Estera aiškinosi savo giminės paslaptis, bandė tvarkytis savo gyvenimą ir turėjo priimti ryžtingus sprendimus. Nepadėjo ir tai, kad buvo daug veikėjų. Jie kaip ir reikalingi, bet kažkuriuo metu buvau pasimetus, apie ką čia skaitau, nes visos moterys, visos dirba ten pat. Kaskart reikėdavo galvoje susidėlioti viską į vietas. Kitas užkliuvęs dalykas buvo pviršutiniškumas. Miršta veikėjai brangus žmogus, apie tai dvi pastraipos, kitas skyrius – važiuojam toliau. Nesakau, kad veikėja turėtų pusę knygos gedėti, ir kalbu ne apie tai. Tiesiog vietomis prašoktos tos situacijos ir temos, kurias išplėtojus šis romanas būtų gilesnis, neštų daugiau prasmingesnių žinučių.
Skaitant mane žavėjo moterų atsidavimas ir noras gelbėti, padėti, neskirstyti žmonių. Vis pagalvoju, kad tokių žmonių drąsos dėka mes tebeturime daug kūrinių, kultūros dalelių, kurias nešamės iš kartos į kartą. Ir dėl to jaučiu didžiulį dėkingumą.
Leidyklos dovana.
August 30, 2024
I’m sorry, but this book is just not very well done. The story is a little unbelievable, but I can deal with that. It’s the writing that is cliche, and just trying too hard. It sounds like a first attempt at creative writing.
February 3, 2024
2.5-3 stars
Esther is contacted by an art dealer/restorer in Paris about a painting that was found hidden in a wall that he believes belongs to her mother. Esther’s mother is suffering from dementia, so she is unable to ask her for guidance. Esther knew that her grandparents had passed away during the war, but she never knew the circumstances behind it. This mysterious painting uncovered during construction has piqued her interest and, on a whim, decides to go to Paris to check it out.
Told in multiple timelines (mostly 1940’s), via multiple characters, we learn the history and importance of this painting to Esther’s family and the history of family members. This story focuses on the precious art that was confiscated, in some cases destroyed by the Nazi’s and the efforts of those that tried to work against them.
It was a lovely story, easy to decipher with short chapters, that moved quickly.
I found the writing style very descriptive, the emotion was obvious at times and quick to pass. The ending had me a little confused, it ended abruptly without any real closure. The epilogue was vague, which left me to assume. I wish the end was little more tied up – but I believe the plan to make this a series, so perhaps closure was not the goal.
I think this would be a great read for someone looking for a light, easier read about WWII and the impact to the art of Paris and its people.
Thank-you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the eARC.
Esther is contacted by an art dealer/restorer in Paris about a painting that was found hidden in a wall that he believes belongs to her mother. Esther’s mother is suffering from dementia, so she is unable to ask her for guidance. Esther knew that her grandparents had passed away during the war, but she never knew the circumstances behind it. This mysterious painting uncovered during construction has piqued her interest and, on a whim, decides to go to Paris to check it out.
Told in multiple timelines (mostly 1940’s), via multiple characters, we learn the history and importance of this painting to Esther’s family and the history of family members. This story focuses on the precious art that was confiscated, in some cases destroyed by the Nazi’s and the efforts of those that tried to work against them.
It was a lovely story, easy to decipher with short chapters, that moved quickly.
I found the writing style very descriptive, the emotion was obvious at times and quick to pass. The ending had me a little confused, it ended abruptly without any real closure. The epilogue was vague, which left me to assume. I wish the end was little more tied up – but I believe the plan to make this a series, so perhaps closure was not the goal.
I think this would be a great read for someone looking for a light, easier read about WWII and the impact to the art of Paris and its people.
Thank-you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the eARC.
November 26, 2024
Dar viena istorija apie Antrąjį pasaulinį karą? Atrodo, ką dar galima pasakyti naujo? Vis dėlto, istorinių romanų gerbėjai turėtų atkreipti dėmesį į Suzanne Kelman kūrinį, nes šioje knygoje į istoriją pažvelgiama kiek kitaip - per meno prizmę. Tai įkvepiantis ir jautrus pasakojimas, pabrėžiantis meno svarbą žmogaus identitetui ir drąsos reikšmę pasipriešinimo akivaizdoje.
Veiksmas vyksta Antrojo pasaulinio karo metais, kai nacių okupacija įžengia į Paryžių, šluodama pakeliui viską – naikindama žmonių gyvenimus ir net kėsindamasi į kultūrinį paveldą.
Romanas pasakoja apie dvi drąsias moteris, kurios, puikiai suvokdamos gresiančius pavojus, vis dėlto renkasi kovoti prieš tironiją dėl skirtingų, bet giliai žmogiškų priežasčių.
Menas šioje knygoje užima ypatingą vietą – tai ne tik veikėjų saviraiškos ir tapatybės dalis, bet ir tyli pasipriešinimo forma. Tai atsvara griovimui ir priespaudai, rodanti, kad kultūra ir kūryba išlieka net didžiausios tamsos laikais.
Drąsa ir pasipriešinimas – dar vienas kertinis knygos aspektas. Suzanne Kelman subtiliai pabrėžia, kad didvyriai ne visada atlieka milžiniškus žygdarbius. Tikroji drąsa slypi ir mažuose, kasdieniuose veiksmuose, išsaugančiuose vertybes bei apsaugančiuose kitų gyvenimus.
„Paskutinė diena Paryžiuje“ – tai įtraukiantis ir emocionalus pasakojimas apie meilę, pasiaukojimą, kūrybą ir kultūros svarbą. Skaitytojas keliauja trumpais, dinamiškais skyriais, kurie palengvina pasakojimą, nepaisant skaudžių epizodų gausos. Šis romanas – puikus pasirinkimas tiems, kurie ieško jautraus, tačiau nesudėtingo skaitymo apie Antrąjį pasaulinį karą ir jo poveikį Paryžiaus menui bei žmonėms.
Ačiū leidyklai už padovanotą knygą!
Man knygines keliones galite sekti: https://www.instagram.com/skaituole/
Veiksmas vyksta Antrojo pasaulinio karo metais, kai nacių okupacija įžengia į Paryžių, šluodama pakeliui viską – naikindama žmonių gyvenimus ir net kėsindamasi į kultūrinį paveldą.
Romanas pasakoja apie dvi drąsias moteris, kurios, puikiai suvokdamos gresiančius pavojus, vis dėlto renkasi kovoti prieš tironiją dėl skirtingų, bet giliai žmogiškų priežasčių.
Menas šioje knygoje užima ypatingą vietą – tai ne tik veikėjų saviraiškos ir tapatybės dalis, bet ir tyli pasipriešinimo forma. Tai atsvara griovimui ir priespaudai, rodanti, kad kultūra ir kūryba išlieka net didžiausios tamsos laikais.
Drąsa ir pasipriešinimas – dar vienas kertinis knygos aspektas. Suzanne Kelman subtiliai pabrėžia, kad didvyriai ne visada atlieka milžiniškus žygdarbius. Tikroji drąsa slypi ir mažuose, kasdieniuose veiksmuose, išsaugančiuose vertybes bei apsaugančiuose kitų gyvenimus.
„Paskutinė diena Paryžiuje“ – tai įtraukiantis ir emocionalus pasakojimas apie meilę, pasiaukojimą, kūrybą ir kultūros svarbą. Skaitytojas keliauja trumpais, dinamiškais skyriais, kurie palengvina pasakojimą, nepaisant skaudžių epizodų gausos. Šis romanas – puikus pasirinkimas tiems, kurie ieško jautraus, tačiau nesudėtingo skaitymo apie Antrąjį pasaulinį karą ir jo poveikį Paryžiaus menui bei žmonėms.
Ačiū leidyklai už padovanotą knygą!
Man knygines keliones galite sekti: https://www.instagram.com/skaituole/
March 1, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awe inspiring book
this author certainly has a way of writing that pulls you into her stories, this has a 3 part storyline though 2 of them are during the war years and the other one is set in 2010
but they all merge to the final outcome
this story is based on saving the works of art from the nazis greed and how a certain few individuals played their part in saving the art works and also documenting where the nazis hid them so that when the war was over they could be re-claimed
its a story of bravery, love and fear and it will keep you reading right till the end and what an ending it was... not a dry eye to be had after finishing it
but what a cliff hanger
cant wait
this author certainly has a way of writing that pulls you into her stories, this has a 3 part storyline though 2 of them are during the war years and the other one is set in 2010
but they all merge to the final outcome
this story is based on saving the works of art from the nazis greed and how a certain few individuals played their part in saving the art works and also documenting where the nazis hid them so that when the war was over they could be re-claimed
its a story of bravery, love and fear and it will keep you reading right till the end and what an ending it was... not a dry eye to be had after finishing it
but what a cliff hanger
cant wait
March 7, 2024
World War II rages on across Europe and there is no end in sight. Brigitte Goldstein’s husband was recently murdered by the Nazis. She must keep her daughter Sophie safe. They are Jewish and know that it will be difficult to hide from the Nazis to avoid being captured. But they can’t leave just yet, they must first find her husband’s painting. The Nazis stole it and she wants it back. There is a great secret hidden in the painting and it is imperative that she gets it back. She is determined to have her late husband’s legacy live on. That painting is her only hope.
The Last Day In Paris written by author Suzanne Kelman was a phenomenal beginning to the new series The Paris Sisters. This unputdownable novel is a heartbreaking and amazing story that hits all the emotions. I was mesmerized by this story and loved it from beginning to end. This is one story that will remain in my heart for a long time. I look forward to the next book in the series. This rapid page turner will be one that I will recommend again and again. Don’t pass up this ten star read. I loved it.
The Last Day In Paris written by author Suzanne Kelman was a phenomenal beginning to the new series The Paris Sisters. This unputdownable novel is a heartbreaking and amazing story that hits all the emotions. I was mesmerized by this story and loved it from beginning to end. This is one story that will remain in my heart for a long time. I look forward to the next book in the series. This rapid page turner will be one that I will recommend again and again. Don’t pass up this ten star read. I loved it.
March 4, 2024
What a glorious introduction to this new series, Paris Sisters. The heartbreaking struggles these women go through are ones that can’t be imagined. This moving work of historical fiction is one that will stay with me for a while. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Thank you, Suzanne Kelman, Bookouture, & netgalley for my copy! All opinions are my own.
Thank you, Suzanne Kelman, Bookouture, & netgalley for my copy! All opinions are my own.
September 6, 2024
I listened to this novel and found it ok. I am not sure I liked the narrator whose tone was for me a bit too lamented too much of the time. It might have been better to read the book than listen to it.
June 5, 2024
Paris 1940, Nazis stealing precious works of art, ruining other works.
Parisian Jews try to save their cities treasures.
Gripping
Parisian Jews try to save their cities treasures.
Gripping
March 16, 2025
A quick read of a kindle deal. Writing style leaves a bit to be desired, but I enjoyed the overall plot and characters. The usual time jumping formula of WWII historical fiction.
March 18, 2025
Labai patiko👏👍
May 28, 2024
I had a little trouble getting into this book. The premise was good. However, it was a bit slow, for me. It did pick up towards the end. It jumps back and forth in the time line, but centers around France during WWII. It you like historical books then definitely give this one a try. It is the first in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Suzanne Kelman for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Suzanne Kelman for the opportunity to read this ARC.
December 13, 2023
Now that my blood pressure and emotions have returned to normal, I can write a review for this exciting, new book from Suzanne Kelman. Set mainly in Paris during World War II, it tells the story of the art looted by the Nazis from the Louvre and all over France. The tale is told through the voices of three women in Paris during the German occupation and a fourth, in 2010 in Britain, who is struggling as a divorced mum with two young sons. All of them are connected through a single painting found inside an apartment wall in Paris.
The agony of occupied Paris seeps through each page. Imagine being an art historian and curator at the Louvre and being forced to help the Germans as they crate up the treasures of the museum to be shipped to Berlin. This is the fate of Isabelle Valette, one of five diverse Paris sisters. Brigitte Goldstein joins her at the museum, hiding her religion with fake identification papers, as she tries to trace her late husband's stolen artwork. The third French woman is Marina, who sees only opportunity for personal gain with the German officers as they loot her country. The story switches smoothly between Paris during the war to the current life of desperation that is Edith's. This is a different kind of Resistance story from many that I have read. No one is parachuting or operating clandestine radio transmissions here but it is just as exciting and equally important. I was so caught up in the story and all of a sudden it was over...wait, what? But it isn't, because this is the first in a new series, with more Paris sisters and I hope, a better future for Esther on the horizon. Lovers of historical fiction and women's fiction won't want to miss this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are my own.
The agony of occupied Paris seeps through each page. Imagine being an art historian and curator at the Louvre and being forced to help the Germans as they crate up the treasures of the museum to be shipped to Berlin. This is the fate of Isabelle Valette, one of five diverse Paris sisters. Brigitte Goldstein joins her at the museum, hiding her religion with fake identification papers, as she tries to trace her late husband's stolen artwork. The third French woman is Marina, who sees only opportunity for personal gain with the German officers as they loot her country. The story switches smoothly between Paris during the war to the current life of desperation that is Edith's. This is a different kind of Resistance story from many that I have read. No one is parachuting or operating clandestine radio transmissions here but it is just as exciting and equally important. I was so caught up in the story and all of a sudden it was over...wait, what? But it isn't, because this is the first in a new series, with more Paris sisters and I hope, a better future for Esther on the horizon. Lovers of historical fiction and women's fiction won't want to miss this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are my own.
March 4, 2024
The Last Day in Paris is the first in the Paris Sisters series by Suzanne Kelman and what an introduction it was. This was a tale of great courage, love and devotion especially to the arts at a very dark and tumultuous time for the residents of the City of Light. The book opens with a tense and intriguing prologue with just enough action and drama to have the reader sitting up and paying attention. There is a sense of urgency about a woman as she is hiding something as the Nazi’s draw ever closer. I instantly wanted to know who she was, what she was hiding and why? Over the course of the story the answers are revealed at the perfect pace and the themes explored amongst many are resilience, endurance and strength. The plot deftly moves between the past and the present following three women - Esther, Isabelle and Brigitte but at no point does it become confusing to keep track of who is who nor did the plot never felt disjointed. Instead, it all works seamlessly and makes for a fascinating and fantastic read and one which I really enjoyed.
In the present day Esther is divorced with two young boys. She is not treated very well by her ex and she is struggling to move out from his shadow and gain some independence but financially she is beholden to him as he holds the purse strings when it comes to her beloved house. She receives a call from an art dealer in Paris named Edouard DuPont who says he has something which belongs to Brigitte Goldstein. Brigitte was killed during the Holocaust and her daughter, Sophie, is Esther’s mother. Of course, Esther is intrigued by this news especially given that Sophie now suffers from dementia and can’t tell her about her time in Paris which she left when she was a little girl. Esther despite constant battles with her husband over where she should now live and struggling personally with trying to raise the boys single handedly and provide them with a good life decides to bite the bullet and go to Paris and investigate further.
The city captures Esther’s attention for more than one reason and once there Edouard takes her to the building where Brigitte and her husband Samuel and Sophie once lived. The new residents have found a painting hidden in a wall with a letter attached. The painting is titled The Hayfields of Paris and this will go on to play a pivotal role throughout the remainder of the story. The Painting is one of love, hopes and dreams at a time when oppression was threatening to embrace the magical city. ’I promise no matter what darkness befalls us, we will find the light, and we will rise again’. Esther must now decide what to do with the painting. Should she sell it and perhaps somewhat elevate her money worries, or should she keep it in the family given its history and another important question is it real or an impressive fake? Esther’s story was crucial to forge a link between the past and the present and aspects of her story mirrored Brigitte’s and Isabelle’s. It was like the two women were reaching from the past and pushing Esther on when she wavered. As much as I realise the necessity for Esther’s story it was the chapters set back during World War Two that really caught my attention and had me racing through the pages.
Right from the time we are first introduced to Isabelle, I found her to be an inspiring young woman who was very driven and as the chapters fly by we are drip fed reasons as to why she is this way and when the final reveal comes it is pretty heartbreaking. September 1939 and Isabelle Valette works in the Louvre, war has been declared and all paintings and sculptures are to be taken down and hidden or sent to the country for safe keeping during for the duration of the war. Isabelle is heartbroken that this has to happen and within months the Nazi’s have taken over the city she calls home and life will never be the same again. Fear, unease, sadness, vulnerability and hopelessness all become feelings that never dissipate but Isabelle has something deep inside her which drives her on. ’We can’t let fear dictate our lives. We need to stand up for what’s right, for justice’. This sentiment is a testament to the force of nature that Isabelle is despite the depravity, pain and suffering inflicted by the Nazi’s determined to keep working and she wages her own silent revolution.
As she is transferred to a smaller gallery within the area surrounding the Louvre she is tasked by the Nazi’s to catalogue all the paintings and artwork. They plan to take it to Germany and this tears her apart as she knows it may never be seen again and any Jewish artists work seems to be a real bone of contention. Isabelle played a dangerous game keeping track of what was going where in the hopes that one day it could be returned to France. ‘They were already being stripped of so much -food, safety, freedom - it just seemed so important to find a way to hold onto their humanity. Their culture’. In doing so she became involved in Resistance activities which really do step up a gear towards the end of the book as things come to a very dramatic climax and there is a small element of romance too which was quite downplayed I thought but perhaps more of this will be explored in future books. Isabelle has five sisters which suggests to me there is the potential for five books in this series. There are little titbits given about each sister dotted throughout the book and I was dying to know what each was up to but this was Isabelle’s story and I know with time we will get the answers.
Marina is a character who I didn’t like at all and therefore I have very little to say about her. Yes, she came from the gutter and was attempting to reach for the stars but her manner of doing so was not one I liked and nor did Isabelle or Brigitte. She was so selfish and definitely had a cold, ruthless side to her which fuelled her ambition but she was a character I would just rather forget about. Brigitte on the other hand, similar to Isabelle, was a character that I rooted for from beginning to end. She shared such a deep connection with her husband Samuel and can’t bare that he has been taken away from herself and Sophie and that she is left to continue on without him through the whatever the war will bring to their door.
When Samuel’s painting is taken by the Nazi’s she is distraught and being Jewish puts her even further under the spotlight if danger. But Brigitte is a risk taker and she will do every thing in her power to try and forge a better life for herself and Sophie despite the uncertain waters that lay ahead of them. The painting symbolises so much and she knows she needs to retrieve it somehow before it leaves the country for good. She is clever and creative and getting a jo in the same gallery as Isabelle was a great idea and how she sets about her mission was interesting to read about. Although I doubted the way things were developing would she be successful? I would loved a bit more exploration of the friendship between herself and Isabelle. I felt it only came to the fore rather later in the book but as Isabelle is scared to let anyone too close to her as she fears history will repeat itself in relation to a certain matter I suppose I can understand why this did happen. That said I still would have loved more scenes with them together and a bit more plotting and conniving. This did come but it just felt that little too late despite the fast and furious action-packed climax to the story as a whole.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Last Day in Paris because of the great characters and very good plot but mostly because it was so refreshing to read of something different in the World War Two historical fiction genre. To learn about what happened to the artwork was brilliant as it’s not something I think many of us would have previously given scant thought to and to bring the more human and personal element to it made it that something special. I loved how the ending wasn’t as I expected it to be and very much left the door open for what is to come. It didn’t need all ends wrapped up instead there is plenty to entice the reader back to learn more about these characters and I hope plenty of new characters too.
In the present day Esther is divorced with two young boys. She is not treated very well by her ex and she is struggling to move out from his shadow and gain some independence but financially she is beholden to him as he holds the purse strings when it comes to her beloved house. She receives a call from an art dealer in Paris named Edouard DuPont who says he has something which belongs to Brigitte Goldstein. Brigitte was killed during the Holocaust and her daughter, Sophie, is Esther’s mother. Of course, Esther is intrigued by this news especially given that Sophie now suffers from dementia and can’t tell her about her time in Paris which she left when she was a little girl. Esther despite constant battles with her husband over where she should now live and struggling personally with trying to raise the boys single handedly and provide them with a good life decides to bite the bullet and go to Paris and investigate further.
The city captures Esther’s attention for more than one reason and once there Edouard takes her to the building where Brigitte and her husband Samuel and Sophie once lived. The new residents have found a painting hidden in a wall with a letter attached. The painting is titled The Hayfields of Paris and this will go on to play a pivotal role throughout the remainder of the story. The Painting is one of love, hopes and dreams at a time when oppression was threatening to embrace the magical city. ’I promise no matter what darkness befalls us, we will find the light, and we will rise again’. Esther must now decide what to do with the painting. Should she sell it and perhaps somewhat elevate her money worries, or should she keep it in the family given its history and another important question is it real or an impressive fake? Esther’s story was crucial to forge a link between the past and the present and aspects of her story mirrored Brigitte’s and Isabelle’s. It was like the two women were reaching from the past and pushing Esther on when she wavered. As much as I realise the necessity for Esther’s story it was the chapters set back during World War Two that really caught my attention and had me racing through the pages.
Right from the time we are first introduced to Isabelle, I found her to be an inspiring young woman who was very driven and as the chapters fly by we are drip fed reasons as to why she is this way and when the final reveal comes it is pretty heartbreaking. September 1939 and Isabelle Valette works in the Louvre, war has been declared and all paintings and sculptures are to be taken down and hidden or sent to the country for safe keeping during for the duration of the war. Isabelle is heartbroken that this has to happen and within months the Nazi’s have taken over the city she calls home and life will never be the same again. Fear, unease, sadness, vulnerability and hopelessness all become feelings that never dissipate but Isabelle has something deep inside her which drives her on. ’We can’t let fear dictate our lives. We need to stand up for what’s right, for justice’. This sentiment is a testament to the force of nature that Isabelle is despite the depravity, pain and suffering inflicted by the Nazi’s determined to keep working and she wages her own silent revolution.
As she is transferred to a smaller gallery within the area surrounding the Louvre she is tasked by the Nazi’s to catalogue all the paintings and artwork. They plan to take it to Germany and this tears her apart as she knows it may never be seen again and any Jewish artists work seems to be a real bone of contention. Isabelle played a dangerous game keeping track of what was going where in the hopes that one day it could be returned to France. ‘They were already being stripped of so much -food, safety, freedom - it just seemed so important to find a way to hold onto their humanity. Their culture’. In doing so she became involved in Resistance activities which really do step up a gear towards the end of the book as things come to a very dramatic climax and there is a small element of romance too which was quite downplayed I thought but perhaps more of this will be explored in future books. Isabelle has five sisters which suggests to me there is the potential for five books in this series. There are little titbits given about each sister dotted throughout the book and I was dying to know what each was up to but this was Isabelle’s story and I know with time we will get the answers.
Marina is a character who I didn’t like at all and therefore I have very little to say about her. Yes, she came from the gutter and was attempting to reach for the stars but her manner of doing so was not one I liked and nor did Isabelle or Brigitte. She was so selfish and definitely had a cold, ruthless side to her which fuelled her ambition but she was a character I would just rather forget about. Brigitte on the other hand, similar to Isabelle, was a character that I rooted for from beginning to end. She shared such a deep connection with her husband Samuel and can’t bare that he has been taken away from herself and Sophie and that she is left to continue on without him through the whatever the war will bring to their door.
When Samuel’s painting is taken by the Nazi’s she is distraught and being Jewish puts her even further under the spotlight if danger. But Brigitte is a risk taker and she will do every thing in her power to try and forge a better life for herself and Sophie despite the uncertain waters that lay ahead of them. The painting symbolises so much and she knows she needs to retrieve it somehow before it leaves the country for good. She is clever and creative and getting a jo in the same gallery as Isabelle was a great idea and how she sets about her mission was interesting to read about. Although I doubted the way things were developing would she be successful? I would loved a bit more exploration of the friendship between herself and Isabelle. I felt it only came to the fore rather later in the book but as Isabelle is scared to let anyone too close to her as she fears history will repeat itself in relation to a certain matter I suppose I can understand why this did happen. That said I still would have loved more scenes with them together and a bit more plotting and conniving. This did come but it just felt that little too late despite the fast and furious action-packed climax to the story as a whole.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Last Day in Paris because of the great characters and very good plot but mostly because it was so refreshing to read of something different in the World War Two historical fiction genre. To learn about what happened to the artwork was brilliant as it’s not something I think many of us would have previously given scant thought to and to bring the more human and personal element to it made it that something special. I loved how the ending wasn’t as I expected it to be and very much left the door open for what is to come. It didn’t need all ends wrapped up instead there is plenty to entice the reader back to learn more about these characters and I hope plenty of new characters too.
June 5, 2025
disappointing
I wanted to like this book. I liked the premise, and the characters were probably okay (maybe even better if I could separate them from the rest), but the prose is so overblown I couldn’t get through it. I made it to chapter 12, 18% according to kindle, and I gave up. Too many long, drawn out descriptions to get through, even specifying someone’s eye color in the middle of what should be a tense scene! And so much to make a tense scene seem slow. Sorry, not for me.
I wanted to like this book. I liked the premise, and the characters were probably okay (maybe even better if I could separate them from the rest), but the prose is so overblown I couldn’t get through it. I made it to chapter 12, 18% according to kindle, and I gave up. Too many long, drawn out descriptions to get through, even specifying someone’s eye color in the middle of what should be a tense scene! And so much to make a tense scene seem slow. Sorry, not for me.
January 31, 2024
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Suzanne Kelman has a number of works of historical fiction in her repertoire, all featuring strong female characters. In her most recent, the first in a planned series called The Paris Sisters, both the style and story will not disappoint her readers.
Set primarily during the Nazi occupation of Paris that began in 1940, the author describes the rising tensions in a city besieged by forces with seemingly untold power. For Parisians, memories of the Great War are nowhere near forgotten, its scars still raw. The older generation are terrified of reliving the hunger, the daily threats and losses. The younger generation, with only the vaguest recollection, if any, try to reassure themselves and their elders that it won’t happen again, that what they have heard about Nazi brutality, especially against Jews, is exaggerated.
The prologue thrusts readers into the crux of the story: an unnamed woman, later identified as Isabelle Vallette, runs only literal steps ahead of her Nazi pursuers and barely manages tonhide a package containing a picture in a wall of an empty house, the dying wish of her friend Brigitte Goldstein. A letter is attached to the picture’s back.
Kelman then switches the time frame and location to England in 2010. Esther Walker, recently divorced mother of two young boys, is battling her unfailingly thoughtless and arrogant ex husband, who left her for another woman with whom he is comfortably ensconced. Esther, meanwhile, is fully occupied with the boys, mounting bills, and his lack of responsibility or reliability. She is very much missing her mother, whose dementia has obliged her to move into a seniors’ facility. Then she receives one of those magical mystical phone calls that opens a whole new world of possibilities to her—as well as a whole new history she had known nothing about.
In the darkening past, in occupied Paris, the story involves the Vallette family, four loving sisters, two of whom are married to Jews. Isabelle is a curator at the Louvre, working day and night to hide, or ship out, as much as possible of the collection before the Nazis take it. Into this fraught setting enters Brigitte, a young Jewish mother whose artist-husband was summarily shot before her and their young daughter Sophie. With falsified identity papers, she takes a job at the Louvre, while trying to locate a famous painting of her deceased father’s before the Nazis do. She is also working to smuggle her mother and daughter out of the city, as Jews are deported in greater numbers every day. The rest of the novel untangles how these women, both from artistic, well to do families, one Gentile and one Christian, form a deep and redemptive bond, and how its legacy half a century later changes the life of another despairing young woman and shows her what she is and can be.
The characters are admirable, though the present-day ex and his new wife are very predictable in their utter lack of qualities to be admired. The narrative involving occupied Paris, the Louvre, and the mystery of the painting and its message, however, are suspenseful and compelling.
Suzanne Kelman has a number of works of historical fiction in her repertoire, all featuring strong female characters. In her most recent, the first in a planned series called The Paris Sisters, both the style and story will not disappoint her readers.
Set primarily during the Nazi occupation of Paris that began in 1940, the author describes the rising tensions in a city besieged by forces with seemingly untold power. For Parisians, memories of the Great War are nowhere near forgotten, its scars still raw. The older generation are terrified of reliving the hunger, the daily threats and losses. The younger generation, with only the vaguest recollection, if any, try to reassure themselves and their elders that it won’t happen again, that what they have heard about Nazi brutality, especially against Jews, is exaggerated.
The prologue thrusts readers into the crux of the story: an unnamed woman, later identified as Isabelle Vallette, runs only literal steps ahead of her Nazi pursuers and barely manages tonhide a package containing a picture in a wall of an empty house, the dying wish of her friend Brigitte Goldstein. A letter is attached to the picture’s back.
Kelman then switches the time frame and location to England in 2010. Esther Walker, recently divorced mother of two young boys, is battling her unfailingly thoughtless and arrogant ex husband, who left her for another woman with whom he is comfortably ensconced. Esther, meanwhile, is fully occupied with the boys, mounting bills, and his lack of responsibility or reliability. She is very much missing her mother, whose dementia has obliged her to move into a seniors’ facility. Then she receives one of those magical mystical phone calls that opens a whole new world of possibilities to her—as well as a whole new history she had known nothing about.
In the darkening past, in occupied Paris, the story involves the Vallette family, four loving sisters, two of whom are married to Jews. Isabelle is a curator at the Louvre, working day and night to hide, or ship out, as much as possible of the collection before the Nazis take it. Into this fraught setting enters Brigitte, a young Jewish mother whose artist-husband was summarily shot before her and their young daughter Sophie. With falsified identity papers, she takes a job at the Louvre, while trying to locate a famous painting of her deceased father’s before the Nazis do. She is also working to smuggle her mother and daughter out of the city, as Jews are deported in greater numbers every day. The rest of the novel untangles how these women, both from artistic, well to do families, one Gentile and one Christian, form a deep and redemptive bond, and how its legacy half a century later changes the life of another despairing young woman and shows her what she is and can be.
The characters are admirable, though the present-day ex and his new wife are very predictable in their utter lack of qualities to be admired. The narrative involving occupied Paris, the Louvre, and the mystery of the painting and its message, however, are suspenseful and compelling.
February 11, 2024
I have reduced my historical fiction reads, as I was getting a little jaded. But for Suzanne Kelman’s books, I will always make an exception. I liked how she has changed the theatre of action and plots in each of her historical fiction novels. This is another heart-warming story set in France & England with a set of lovely characters.
The story is told in two timelines – starting in 1939 with France set to be invaded by Hitler, and 2010 in England.
Paris, 1939 onwards – Samuel & Brigette Goldstein know difficult times are ahead, with Hitler’s invasion being imminent and they being Jewish. They try to shield their daughter Sophie to the extent possible. Samuel is a well-known painter and ‘Hayfields of Paris’ is his best known work. The invasion happens, and Samuel is killed shortly after, being accused of being part of a resistance working against the Reich. Isabelle Valette works at the Louvre, and must now work with the Nazis in cataloguing stolen/confiscated artwork. Many are to be shipped to Germany, and undesirable work is to destroyed. Brigette starts work in the Louvre and becomes friends with Isabelle. There are also a few who have aligned with the Nazis.
2010, London – Esther Harrington is divorced and is struggling to raise her sons Daniel & Henry. Her ex-husband is now with someone else, and looking for ways to cut the allowance he gives Esther & his sons. Esther receives a call from an art dealer Edouard Dupont in Paris. Esther is Brigette Goldstein’s granddaughter, and her mother Sophie is in a home with dementia. Edouard says it is important that Esther travels to Paris to discuss an important matter. Esther reluctantly makes the trip, and as a result learns more about what her family went through.
The strength of this book are the amazing female characters (as in a few of her other books as well). I loved how the characters of Brigette, Isabelle, Sophie and Esther developed, each of them drawing upon strength they never thought they had. Edouard’s character is a nice supporting one, though some of the development was abrupt. Suzanne mentions in the afterword that though the story is fiction, it draws upon real life experiences of Jewish artists and the resistance in France during the second world war. That is quite apparent, as the feel is very real and you cannot but feel for what the characters go through.
This is a book with a lot of heart and one that I recommend strongly. The book ends with Isabelle receiving word about one of her sisters and it looks like the following book will pick up the thread from there. I will eagerly await that.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for a free electronic review copy.
The story is told in two timelines – starting in 1939 with France set to be invaded by Hitler, and 2010 in England.
Paris, 1939 onwards – Samuel & Brigette Goldstein know difficult times are ahead, with Hitler’s invasion being imminent and they being Jewish. They try to shield their daughter Sophie to the extent possible. Samuel is a well-known painter and ‘Hayfields of Paris’ is his best known work. The invasion happens, and Samuel is killed shortly after, being accused of being part of a resistance working against the Reich. Isabelle Valette works at the Louvre, and must now work with the Nazis in cataloguing stolen/confiscated artwork. Many are to be shipped to Germany, and undesirable work is to destroyed. Brigette starts work in the Louvre and becomes friends with Isabelle. There are also a few who have aligned with the Nazis.
2010, London – Esther Harrington is divorced and is struggling to raise her sons Daniel & Henry. Her ex-husband is now with someone else, and looking for ways to cut the allowance he gives Esther & his sons. Esther receives a call from an art dealer Edouard Dupont in Paris. Esther is Brigette Goldstein’s granddaughter, and her mother Sophie is in a home with dementia. Edouard says it is important that Esther travels to Paris to discuss an important matter. Esther reluctantly makes the trip, and as a result learns more about what her family went through.
The strength of this book are the amazing female characters (as in a few of her other books as well). I loved how the characters of Brigette, Isabelle, Sophie and Esther developed, each of them drawing upon strength they never thought they had. Edouard’s character is a nice supporting one, though some of the development was abrupt. Suzanne mentions in the afterword that though the story is fiction, it draws upon real life experiences of Jewish artists and the resistance in France during the second world war. That is quite apparent, as the feel is very real and you cannot but feel for what the characters go through.
This is a book with a lot of heart and one that I recommend strongly. The book ends with Isabelle receiving word about one of her sisters and it looks like the following book will pick up the thread from there. I will eagerly await that.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for a free electronic review copy.
August 17, 2024
This is the first book in a new series about sisters in Paris during World War II. This book concentrates on art and the way many worked to save the art at the Louvre in Paris and the art that was confiscated from Jewish homes before the Nazis either sent some of it back to Germany or destroyed it because they considered it immoral and degenerate. The main character in this book Isabelle Valette is based on Rose Valland who secretly documented thousands of stolen art works so that they could be reunited with their real owners after the war and was a key person in transporting art from the Louvre to secret hiding places
Isabelle worked at the Louvre and when the staff found out that the Germans would be invading Paris, they worked hard to get many paintings and sculptures out of the museum and into hiding places. Once Paris was being controlled by the Germans, Isabelle was moved to another museum. This was where the Nazis would store art that had been taken from the family homes when people were sent to camps. She devised a way to code all of the pictures to help facilitate the art being returned to the rightful owners after the war. She knew that if her secret book was discovered, she would face death. The other important person is Brigitte whose husband had been killed early in the war. He was an artist and she wanted to get back his most famous painting for their daughter, Sophie, to own after the war. She worked with Isabelle and her work also put her life in jeopardy.
The present day time line is about Esther. She is recently divorced and working hard to raise two young boys. She gets a call from an art historian in Paris who asks her to come to Paris to claim a painting that had just been discovered behind a wall in an apartment that had been owned by her grandmother. Her mother, Sophie, has Alzheimer's and is unable to give any additional detail about the painting so she goes to Paris and is amazed at the painting that has been found. The painting helps her learn more about her family history and shows the effect of the past on the present. As with many dual time lines novels, one time is more interesting than the other. In this book, the WWII time line was definitely more interesting and exciting than the present day which was pretty unbelievable in parts. Overall it was a well written and well researched book that showed the strength and bravery of the women who were working to save Parisian art no matter how much danger it put them in.
Isabelle worked at the Louvre and when the staff found out that the Germans would be invading Paris, they worked hard to get many paintings and sculptures out of the museum and into hiding places. Once Paris was being controlled by the Germans, Isabelle was moved to another museum. This was where the Nazis would store art that had been taken from the family homes when people were sent to camps. She devised a way to code all of the pictures to help facilitate the art being returned to the rightful owners after the war. She knew that if her secret book was discovered, she would face death. The other important person is Brigitte whose husband had been killed early in the war. He was an artist and she wanted to get back his most famous painting for their daughter, Sophie, to own after the war. She worked with Isabelle and her work also put her life in jeopardy.
The present day time line is about Esther. She is recently divorced and working hard to raise two young boys. She gets a call from an art historian in Paris who asks her to come to Paris to claim a painting that had just been discovered behind a wall in an apartment that had been owned by her grandmother. Her mother, Sophie, has Alzheimer's and is unable to give any additional detail about the painting so she goes to Paris and is amazed at the painting that has been found. The painting helps her learn more about her family history and shows the effect of the past on the present. As with many dual time lines novels, one time is more interesting than the other. In this book, the WWII time line was definitely more interesting and exciting than the present day which was pretty unbelievable in parts. Overall it was a well written and well researched book that showed the strength and bravery of the women who were working to save Parisian art no matter how much danger it put them in.
April 30, 2024
This is an engaging dual timeline book following three women coping with life during the Occupation in Paris, as well as Esther, a struggling single mother in 2010.
It was Esther and her story that I was immediately drawn to. Her mother, Sophie, was so traumatised by her early years in Paris, she never shared her family’s story with her daughter. Now suffering from dementia, Esther feared it was too late to get her mother’s help in piecing together the mystery that is suddenly thrown to her from Paris. With every trip to Paris filling her with positivity, her ex-husband’s negative behaviour threatened to engulf her once more, but the more she learned about her grandmother Brigitte’s strength and courage during the Occupation the stronger she became. It was a real pleasure seeing her evolve and flourish.
The Louvre, under Nazi rule, ceased to be the haven Isabelle Valette had come to love. Forced to catalogue artworks acquired by the Germans, she was determined to do all she could to save the art they were looting and destroying. Working alongside Isabelle were Brigitte and Marina. Brigitte, Esther’s grandmother, was driven to do whatever was necessary to save her husband’s greatest work of art and persevere his memory for her young daughter Sophie. A Jewish woman working among the Nazi’s, she risked her life for her mission and her story was an incredibly emotional one. Marina was used to hard knocks and had developed her own way of surviving life. She was far more mysterious than the other two, but her calculated risks posed a real danger to Isabelle and Brigitte. It was a tense and secretive atmosphere, as all three women had their own agendas and hidden pasts. All of them aware that trust in times of war was something that must be guarded and could cost you dearly.
As we followed Isabelle, we got little introductions to her family life and her other sisters. We gained insights to their lives during the war and I’m looking forward to reading about the challenges faced by one of the other girls in the next book in the Paris Sisters series. I am also hoping that Esther’s story too might continue as this series plays out.
This is one for all of you who enjoy emotional, gritty novels set during the Occupation.
It was Esther and her story that I was immediately drawn to. Her mother, Sophie, was so traumatised by her early years in Paris, she never shared her family’s story with her daughter. Now suffering from dementia, Esther feared it was too late to get her mother’s help in piecing together the mystery that is suddenly thrown to her from Paris. With every trip to Paris filling her with positivity, her ex-husband’s negative behaviour threatened to engulf her once more, but the more she learned about her grandmother Brigitte’s strength and courage during the Occupation the stronger she became. It was a real pleasure seeing her evolve and flourish.
The Louvre, under Nazi rule, ceased to be the haven Isabelle Valette had come to love. Forced to catalogue artworks acquired by the Germans, she was determined to do all she could to save the art they were looting and destroying. Working alongside Isabelle were Brigitte and Marina. Brigitte, Esther’s grandmother, was driven to do whatever was necessary to save her husband’s greatest work of art and persevere his memory for her young daughter Sophie. A Jewish woman working among the Nazi’s, she risked her life for her mission and her story was an incredibly emotional one. Marina was used to hard knocks and had developed her own way of surviving life. She was far more mysterious than the other two, but her calculated risks posed a real danger to Isabelle and Brigitte. It was a tense and secretive atmosphere, as all three women had their own agendas and hidden pasts. All of them aware that trust in times of war was something that must be guarded and could cost you dearly.
As we followed Isabelle, we got little introductions to her family life and her other sisters. We gained insights to their lives during the war and I’m looking forward to reading about the challenges faced by one of the other girls in the next book in the Paris Sisters series. I am also hoping that Esther’s story too might continue as this series plays out.
This is one for all of you who enjoy emotional, gritty novels set during the Occupation.
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