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Mireille
Near the end of World War II, 17-year-old Mireille de Jouarre flees the home of her stepfather - a Nazi collaborator and abusive drunk. She finds shelter with her childhood friend, Stefan, and the two fall deeply in love. But as the fighting escalates, Mireille must escape alone to Paris, where she discovers she's pregnant and lacking a way to provide for her child.
So begins her new life as l'Ange - the Angel. After an unlikely meeting with a wealthy aristocrat in a Parisian hotel - and her acceptance of his solicitation - Mireille becomes the most celebrated poule in all of France, eliciting huge fees and invitations to exclusive parties. At one of these events, Mireille meets Oliver an American womanizer and film producer. She is soon launching a promising film career.
As her star rises, Mireille is determined to bury her past. But her success isn't as carefree and glittery as it seems, and when her daughter's future is threatened, Mireille must make a deadly decision in a desperate attempt to finally choose her own path.
So begins her new life as l'Ange - the Angel. After an unlikely meeting with a wealthy aristocrat in a Parisian hotel - and her acceptance of his solicitation - Mireille becomes the most celebrated poule in all of France, eliciting huge fees and invitations to exclusive parties. At one of these events, Mireille meets Oliver an American womanizer and film producer. She is soon launching a promising film career.
As her star rises, Mireille is determined to bury her past. But her success isn't as carefree and glittery as it seems, and when her daughter's future is threatened, Mireille must make a deadly decision in a desperate attempt to finally choose her own path.
Audible Audio
First published June 9, 2015
About the author
Molly Cochran
35 books90 followersaka Dev Stryker
Born in Tokyo, Japan, Molly Cochran lived in Europe and was educated at the University of Pittsburgh and the Sorbonne in France. She has written 26 books, including 12 ghosted novels, and the non-fiction bestseller, Dressing Thin, before her own first novel, Grandmaster, was a New York Times Bestseller.
Since then, she has written almost a dozen other suspense and fantasy thrillers, including the international best-seller, The Forever King.
Born in Tokyo, Japan, Molly Cochran lived in Europe and was educated at the University of Pittsburgh and the Sorbonne in France. She has written 26 books, including 12 ghosted novels, and the non-fiction bestseller, Dressing Thin, before her own first novel, Grandmaster, was a New York Times Bestseller.
Since then, she has written almost a dozen other suspense and fantasy thrillers, including the international best-seller, The Forever King.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 10, 2015
If you like Jackie Collin's books, you will love this one. It has a little bit of everything. Poor girl turns poorer, then becomes the most well known prostitute in France then gets rich, gets discovered at a cattle call for extras and gets richer. This book has everything murder, war, love, a down and out homeless pregnant girl, sex, glamour, outrageous parties, Hollywood, casting couches, divorce, scandal, drugs, rape, blackmail and a true love story.
For those of you who don't care for sex scenes, these scenes are paragraphs long, not pages and easy to skip over.
The writing is great, the story compelling with very well developed characters. It takes a while to read, so save it for a weekend or while on vacation because you won't want to put it down! I would even go so far as to say I would give this one 6 stars!!
Thanks Lake Union Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this awesome book!!
For those of you who don't care for sex scenes, these scenes are paragraphs long, not pages and easy to skip over.
The writing is great, the story compelling with very well developed characters. It takes a while to read, so save it for a weekend or while on vacation because you won't want to put it down! I would even go so far as to say I would give this one 6 stars!!
Thanks Lake Union Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this awesome book!!
May 22, 2015
A glimpse of one woman’s journey from rags in France during World War II to riches in Hollywood in the 1950s and 1960s. That age old adage might be true in that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.
Mireille is a young girl when her mother dies in the late 1930s. Her father quickly remarries to provide a mother to her before he goes off to fight for France against the Germans where he is killed in action. Her stepmother then remarries a Nazi collaborator and heavy drinker. One night after an attack by her stepfather, Mireille flees to the wilderness and is found by a childhood friend who has begun to fight for the resistance. After a thwarted attempt, Mireille is forced to flee to Paris where she discovers she is pregnant. Forced to find a way for an uneducated girl to care for her child, she begins a life as a prostitute with Madame Renee. She manages to detach her true self from her new personality in order to do what she must. Even so, she quickly becomes one of the most famous and sought after prostitutes in all of France.
Once her true identity is discovered, Mireille tries to find a way to keep her daughter from the truth by shipping her to a boarding school in Switzerland. Mireille goes to see an old friend from Madame Renee’s that now lives in Italy, where she ends up finding work as a movie extra for a spaghetti western. In an effort to make a better life for her and her daughter, she travels to Hollywood where she meets Oliver Jordan, the head of Continental Studios who decides he must have her. As she becomes one of the biggest stars in the world, she only wants to have a normal life with her daughter. Can that ever be possible?
This was a very interesting concept for a story. However, I can’t really say that I got lost in it. It is a non-traditional rag to riches Cinderella story. It starts out with the mother dying, father getting remarried then dying, and having the wicked stepmother. But even though she becomes very popular, she never really becomes Cinderella, at least for several years. Most of the character roles were pretty stereotypical for the associated parts. However, I have to truthfully say that I didn’t like the main antagonist or protagonist. To say that Oliver Jordan is a sexual sadist is a gross understatement. He takes that to a whole new level. I’m pretty sure he would have gotten what was coming to him in some form or fashion. Mireille comes across as someone who makes her bed, but doesn’t want to sleep in it. Throughout her life several key people want to help her, but she is so afraid of her past, she won’t let it out. Then these key people have to choice but to concoct a story in their minds about why she won’t let them in and they start to push her away, which she can’t seem to understand why she can’t have these relationships. Happens throughout the entire book.
Historical accuracy seems to be an issue for me. Some of the dates early on occurred after the Allies liberated Paris, but this book seems to still have German occupation in several of the cities. Additionally, the book describes Paris in 1945 as being pristine and not very war torn. I know that World War II did not destroy Paris near as much as World War I, but I wouldn’t say it was in the shape that the book setting makes it. Also, in the 1950s, Hollywood actors and actresses were owned by the studios they worked for and didn’t actually make a tremendous amount of money. It wasn’t until 1960 when James Garner took Warner Brothers to court that the transition really occurred. So why did Mireille have all this money? It is possible that Oliver Jordan wanted her to have it as a part of control, but I digress.
There is a lot of strong language and sex in this book. So much sex that a third of the way in I became desensitized to it and thought “Why not? What’s one more?” So know that up front. However, the story line held a lot of promise, but I feel as though it didn’t deliver.
Mireille is a young girl when her mother dies in the late 1930s. Her father quickly remarries to provide a mother to her before he goes off to fight for France against the Germans where he is killed in action. Her stepmother then remarries a Nazi collaborator and heavy drinker. One night after an attack by her stepfather, Mireille flees to the wilderness and is found by a childhood friend who has begun to fight for the resistance. After a thwarted attempt, Mireille is forced to flee to Paris where she discovers she is pregnant. Forced to find a way for an uneducated girl to care for her child, she begins a life as a prostitute with Madame Renee. She manages to detach her true self from her new personality in order to do what she must. Even so, she quickly becomes one of the most famous and sought after prostitutes in all of France.
Once her true identity is discovered, Mireille tries to find a way to keep her daughter from the truth by shipping her to a boarding school in Switzerland. Mireille goes to see an old friend from Madame Renee’s that now lives in Italy, where she ends up finding work as a movie extra for a spaghetti western. In an effort to make a better life for her and her daughter, she travels to Hollywood where she meets Oliver Jordan, the head of Continental Studios who decides he must have her. As she becomes one of the biggest stars in the world, she only wants to have a normal life with her daughter. Can that ever be possible?
This was a very interesting concept for a story. However, I can’t really say that I got lost in it. It is a non-traditional rag to riches Cinderella story. It starts out with the mother dying, father getting remarried then dying, and having the wicked stepmother. But even though she becomes very popular, she never really becomes Cinderella, at least for several years. Most of the character roles were pretty stereotypical for the associated parts. However, I have to truthfully say that I didn’t like the main antagonist or protagonist. To say that Oliver Jordan is a sexual sadist is a gross understatement. He takes that to a whole new level. I’m pretty sure he would have gotten what was coming to him in some form or fashion. Mireille comes across as someone who makes her bed, but doesn’t want to sleep in it. Throughout her life several key people want to help her, but she is so afraid of her past, she won’t let it out. Then these key people have to choice but to concoct a story in their minds about why she won’t let them in and they start to push her away, which she can’t seem to understand why she can’t have these relationships. Happens throughout the entire book.
Historical accuracy seems to be an issue for me. Some of the dates early on occurred after the Allies liberated Paris, but this book seems to still have German occupation in several of the cities. Additionally, the book describes Paris in 1945 as being pristine and not very war torn. I know that World War II did not destroy Paris near as much as World War I, but I wouldn’t say it was in the shape that the book setting makes it. Also, in the 1950s, Hollywood actors and actresses were owned by the studios they worked for and didn’t actually make a tremendous amount of money. It wasn’t until 1960 when James Garner took Warner Brothers to court that the transition really occurred. So why did Mireille have all this money? It is possible that Oliver Jordan wanted her to have it as a part of control, but I digress.
There is a lot of strong language and sex in this book. So much sex that a third of the way in I became desensitized to it and thought “Why not? What’s one more?” So know that up front. However, the story line held a lot of promise, but I feel as though it didn’t deliver.
March 7, 2016
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I found Mireille more dramatic than I anticipated. After I completed the book I thought to myself how horrible for anyone to be in a desperate situation forced to make unsavory choices to survive knowing at some point ramifications would surface. Even worse, having another know your 'secret' and hold it over you, virtually claiming you hostage with so much at risk. You can never escape your past, at least this was Mireille's case.
Mireille is fascinating although she was tragic and aloof. Keeping her distance from the reader matched with her troublesome past and unhealthy present made sense, well done on Cochran's part. Her undying love for Stefan was touching, no matter the amount of time passing, her heart belonged to her first love. I admired her determination to protect her daughter from her sordid past, sacrificing much of herself along the way. Admittedly I found Mireille's choices questionable, despite the era she could have selected other routes, but her nativity and vulnerability caused me to overlook her decisions. She wasn't easy to warm up to, I wanted her to use her beauty in a more powerful and controlling manner as opposed to allowing herself to be used and easily manipulated.
The book was far too predictable for my taste, also the sexual content was way too graphic, coarse and plentiful, I prefer the 'less is more' rule in this area, alluding to sex I find more satisfying. What was included in the narrative detracted and spoiled the story. The story has a fast pace, thankfully at 600+ pages. A nostalgic theatrical read yet entertaining, predictability its downfall.
I found Mireille more dramatic than I anticipated. After I completed the book I thought to myself how horrible for anyone to be in a desperate situation forced to make unsavory choices to survive knowing at some point ramifications would surface. Even worse, having another know your 'secret' and hold it over you, virtually claiming you hostage with so much at risk. You can never escape your past, at least this was Mireille's case.
Mireille is fascinating although she was tragic and aloof. Keeping her distance from the reader matched with her troublesome past and unhealthy present made sense, well done on Cochran's part. Her undying love for Stefan was touching, no matter the amount of time passing, her heart belonged to her first love. I admired her determination to protect her daughter from her sordid past, sacrificing much of herself along the way. Admittedly I found Mireille's choices questionable, despite the era she could have selected other routes, but her nativity and vulnerability caused me to overlook her decisions. She wasn't easy to warm up to, I wanted her to use her beauty in a more powerful and controlling manner as opposed to allowing herself to be used and easily manipulated.
The book was far too predictable for my taste, also the sexual content was way too graphic, coarse and plentiful, I prefer the 'less is more' rule in this area, alluding to sex I find more satisfying. What was included in the narrative detracted and spoiled the story. The story has a fast pace, thankfully at 600+ pages. A nostalgic theatrical read yet entertaining, predictability its downfall.
May 19, 2015
17 year old Mireille flees Nazi Germany and her collaborator step-father and falls into the arms of a childhood friend, Stephan. Afterwards, alone, pregnant, and penniless, Mireille makes a series of decisions that seem absolutely necessary to protect her daughter. While fame and fortune ultimately come to her, the price is very high.
This is the story of a sexual abuse victim who seems always to be under the thumb of someone: her step-father, her madame, her manager, her husband. While she makes difficult choices, this is one of those books that was difficult to read. You find yourself simultaneously understanding why she does things and disagreeing that it was necessary or for the best.
I did love that the ending was entirely unexpected. I did not see that coming. For readers who love drama, this has something for everyone. I wouldn't put this book in the hands of anyone who had suffered abuse. Rather, this would be excellent for those interested in both historical fiction and the Hollywood Machine.
This is the story of a sexual abuse victim who seems always to be under the thumb of someone: her step-father, her madame, her manager, her husband. While she makes difficult choices, this is one of those books that was difficult to read. You find yourself simultaneously understanding why she does things and disagreeing that it was necessary or for the best.
I did love that the ending was entirely unexpected. I did not see that coming. For readers who love drama, this has something for everyone. I wouldn't put this book in the hands of anyone who had suffered abuse. Rather, this would be excellent for those interested in both historical fiction and the Hollywood Machine.
September 27, 2018
There's a little bit of everything in this story and I do mean EVERYTHING ! All of which is well presented , captivating and oh so believable ....I waver between a 4 star and a 5 star rating actually ;-)
From the first word to the very end I could not put this book down . It's one I will think about often and may have to revisit . It would be a perfect book club book and a fabulous movie !
From the first word to the very end I could not put this book down . It's one I will think about often and may have to revisit . It would be a perfect book club book and a fabulous movie !
July 22, 2018
An epic saga ala Judith Kranz- so I gave it three stars in accord with my rating system:
***** for something truly innovative
**** for a great story that's well researched, significant in history or culture, and/or has literary flare
*** for a good story, well-told
** for a poorly-told story
* for something I consider egregious
***** for something truly innovative
**** for a great story that's well researched, significant in history or culture, and/or has literary flare
*** for a good story, well-told
** for a poorly-told story
* for something I consider egregious
October 26, 2018
Delightful read, romantic story of a very entertaining , tragic life.
I listened into the night, not wanting to fall asleep. I enjoy the books that you can get with free audio . My eyes are getting bad from so much reading [So my Grandmother always said] I still read with one eye shut. But I will never stop as long as I can see at all.
I listened into the night, not wanting to fall asleep. I enjoy the books that you can get with free audio . My eyes are getting bad from so much reading [So my Grandmother always said] I still read with one eye shut. But I will never stop as long as I can see at all.
February 24, 2021
2021 reading challenge category: A book with fewer than 1,000 reviews
Basically the French version of Memoirs of a Geisha, which I also enjoyed (though I'm aware of its problematic portions). The pacing was really uneven, though, and I feel like the "happily ever after" doesn't actually suit this book, at least not in the way that it was written here.
Basically the French version of Memoirs of a Geisha, which I also enjoyed (though I'm aware of its problematic portions). The pacing was really uneven, though, and I feel like the "happily ever after" doesn't actually suit this book, at least not in the way that it was written here.
August 26, 2015
4 Enthusiastic Stars for Mireille
This book popped up as one of my Kindle Daily Deals. I read the synopsis and knew I had to give this one a try. Anyone who is a fan of a sweeping epic about how people somehow find a way to survive the unimaginable will want to pick up this book.
Mireille de Jouarre is 17 years old in 1945 and living in German occupied France with her nasty stepmother and her German sympathizer stepfather. A life-threatening event drives her from her childhood home into the countryside where she has a chance meeting with her childhood friend Stefan. They fall in love but the ending of the war has not yet come and these are still dangerous times. Stefan doesn't come home and Mireille is forced to flee for her life to Paris.
Once in Paris, Mireille finds out that she is pregnant and now she's alone. Through another series of unfortunate events, she finds herself in the employ of one of the most elite escort services in Paris. She becomes l'Ange, the Angel, the most celebrated courtesan since Madame Pompadour. In this new life, she meets an American producer, Oliver Jordan. She then transitions into the mysterious starlet, Mireille. Her past is her secret and is one that is held over her head by the person who discovered her and made her a star. Through this poisoned relationship the life of her daughter is threatened and Mireille must make a very deadly decision, one that will impact her life and the lives of those she holds dearest to her.
This really is an epic novel spanning nearly 50 years. You meet Mireille in 1945 as a trapped 17 year old and last see her in 1993. In that time she makes several transformations and goes through unimaginable hardships. She was once named Fortune's Child by her lover Stefan. But you fail to find any fortune in most of her life. If the story wasn't so well written and so full fantastic imagery, it would be depressing! But it wasn't hard to put aside the "what else can happen to this poor woman?!" and just continue reading. I was completely immersed from start to finish.
The characters were amazingly put together and you found yourself being both drawn to and repelled by them. Mireille was a very sympathetic figure, even though you found yourself wanting to scream at her in frustration. But how many women are in an abusive or unhealthy relationship that simply can't see it? This happens to Mireille more than once and you find yourself rooting for her. Oliver Jordan...in a word...smarmy! The quintessential Hollywood bad-boy and then some! I think I spent half the book coming up with ways I'd like to get rid of him! Even the secondary characters came to life. Barbara, the red-headed spitfire who Mireille both lives and works with while she is in Paris fairly leaps off the page, you love her attitude and her no nonsense style. She becomes one of Mireille's very few friends.
There is quite a bit of sexual content in this book, but it's done tastefully and is never overdone. There are a few fairly graphic scenes, but they fit with the story. There is some harsh language and some fairly violent situations.
Epic love story that spans 5 decades, women who pick themselves up and move on after horrific circumstances, characters that you can almost reach out and touch. All of these things bring me to give Mireille 4 stars.
This book popped up as one of my Kindle Daily Deals. I read the synopsis and knew I had to give this one a try. Anyone who is a fan of a sweeping epic about how people somehow find a way to survive the unimaginable will want to pick up this book.
Mireille de Jouarre is 17 years old in 1945 and living in German occupied France with her nasty stepmother and her German sympathizer stepfather. A life-threatening event drives her from her childhood home into the countryside where she has a chance meeting with her childhood friend Stefan. They fall in love but the ending of the war has not yet come and these are still dangerous times. Stefan doesn't come home and Mireille is forced to flee for her life to Paris.
Once in Paris, Mireille finds out that she is pregnant and now she's alone. Through another series of unfortunate events, she finds herself in the employ of one of the most elite escort services in Paris. She becomes l'Ange, the Angel, the most celebrated courtesan since Madame Pompadour. In this new life, she meets an American producer, Oliver Jordan. She then transitions into the mysterious starlet, Mireille. Her past is her secret and is one that is held over her head by the person who discovered her and made her a star. Through this poisoned relationship the life of her daughter is threatened and Mireille must make a very deadly decision, one that will impact her life and the lives of those she holds dearest to her.
This really is an epic novel spanning nearly 50 years. You meet Mireille in 1945 as a trapped 17 year old and last see her in 1993. In that time she makes several transformations and goes through unimaginable hardships. She was once named Fortune's Child by her lover Stefan. But you fail to find any fortune in most of her life. If the story wasn't so well written and so full fantastic imagery, it would be depressing! But it wasn't hard to put aside the "what else can happen to this poor woman?!" and just continue reading. I was completely immersed from start to finish.
The characters were amazingly put together and you found yourself being both drawn to and repelled by them. Mireille was a very sympathetic figure, even though you found yourself wanting to scream at her in frustration. But how many women are in an abusive or unhealthy relationship that simply can't see it? This happens to Mireille more than once and you find yourself rooting for her. Oliver Jordan...in a word...smarmy! The quintessential Hollywood bad-boy and then some! I think I spent half the book coming up with ways I'd like to get rid of him! Even the secondary characters came to life. Barbara, the red-headed spitfire who Mireille both lives and works with while she is in Paris fairly leaps off the page, you love her attitude and her no nonsense style. She becomes one of Mireille's very few friends.
There is quite a bit of sexual content in this book, but it's done tastefully and is never overdone. There are a few fairly graphic scenes, but they fit with the story. There is some harsh language and some fairly violent situations.
Epic love story that spans 5 decades, women who pick themselves up and move on after horrific circumstances, characters that you can almost reach out and touch. All of these things bring me to give Mireille 4 stars.
July 21, 2015
Mireillle grew up in the French countryside during the Nazi occupation. After her father passes, life becomes difficult and she lives a Cinderella-like existence with a jealous stepmother and her abusive boyfriend. Mireille narrowly escapes the cruelty of her home life to find solace with a childhood friend, Stefan. They become lovers and Mireille believes she has found happiness. Stefan dies as part of the Resistance and Mireille is left pregnant and poor. She finds herself penniless in Paris and difficult to find work with a new baby, Stephanie. Just as her luck has seemed to run out, Mireille meets a rich man who will pay her for an hour of her time and the use of her body. He refers Mireille to Madam Renee’s where she is transformed into l’Ange, the most sought after prostitute in Paris. Mireille’s new profession allows her to care for her daughter and send her to school in Switzerland. It also introduces her to several Hollywood movie producers which gives Mireille a chance to leave behind prostitution for acting. Her new life seems glamorous, but the choices Mireille has made affected her daughter and Mireille will have to choose her own path.
Mireille kept me entertained and enchanted throughout its almost 600 pages. Mireille’s journey is almost like a fairytale where she rises from an abused country girl to high class prostitute to movie-starlet, except we get to see that it is not all glamour and perfection. There are plenty of cliché’s throughout the story, but Mireille's character is intriguing and never boring. Her struggle, rise and fall and her determination to protect her daughter and remember Stephan are what kept me reading. You do have to be ok with a lot of sex, language, rape and drug abuse to be able to enjoy this book. Mireille also took me through a lot of history and around the world, from the end of World War II in France to high class prostitution in Paris to the making of Spaghetti Westerns in Rome and the Golden Age of Hollywood. My favorite part of the story was the very beginning where Mireille was with Stephan, I also think she was bravest after he died. It was interesting to see the parallels between Mireille’s life as a prostitute and her life as an actress. Overall, a sweeping story of survival, overcoming obstacles and remembering your purpose in life.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Mireille kept me entertained and enchanted throughout its almost 600 pages. Mireille’s journey is almost like a fairytale where she rises from an abused country girl to high class prostitute to movie-starlet, except we get to see that it is not all glamour and perfection. There are plenty of cliché’s throughout the story, but Mireille's character is intriguing and never boring. Her struggle, rise and fall and her determination to protect her daughter and remember Stephan are what kept me reading. You do have to be ok with a lot of sex, language, rape and drug abuse to be able to enjoy this book. Mireille also took me through a lot of history and around the world, from the end of World War II in France to high class prostitution in Paris to the making of Spaghetti Westerns in Rome and the Golden Age of Hollywood. My favorite part of the story was the very beginning where Mireille was with Stephan, I also think she was bravest after he died. It was interesting to see the parallels between Mireille’s life as a prostitute and her life as an actress. Overall, a sweeping story of survival, overcoming obstacles and remembering your purpose in life.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
June 11, 2015
Review Excerpt:
I would classify Mireille as a summer poolside read, all the better if you have a cocktail in hand and you are staying at a fancy resort with cabana boys coming by to spritz you with Evian water. (Note: hold the book away from the mist during spritzing.) Taking place primarily from 1945 through 1963, it is tagged under historical fiction, but has many of the hallmarks of those popular novels of yesteryear--an exploited and abused heroine who is struggling to succeed, hide her sordid past, and protect her daughter from that past. It has an (evil) obsessed Svengali-esque lover, drugs, sex, and lots of Hollywood glitz and glamour. I am not sure that it needed so many pages to tell the story, but I was surprised at how quickly those pages went by. As much as I felt I knew the story and outcome, I wanted to find out how Mireille and her daughter Stephanie ended up and didn't mind taking the journey.
There is a lot of sex in the book--most of it is not pretty and some of the rougher, abusive scenes had me cringing. If you like/need a clean book, look elsewhere. Mireille is an interesting character--hard to get to know and to warm up to, and quite naive in her decisions and reactions which was frustrating. I found myself wanting to shake her several times, but then I wanted to hug her a few times too. I imagine that Mireille's distance is part of the character Molly Cochran created, that epic and unobtainable "star" who didn't allow others to get close, but I was investing the time to read 600+ pages and I wanted to spend some of those pages going deeper and connecting with her and the supporting characters more. Overall, Mireille is more froth than substance, but its sweeping story makes for an entertaining escape and for me, it was a nostalgic journey back to a time when these novels ruled the best sellers lists.
You can see my full review here: http://kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com/20...
Note: A review copy of "Mireille" was provided to me by the publisher and TLC Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review and as always my thoughts and opinions are my own.
I would classify Mireille as a summer poolside read, all the better if you have a cocktail in hand and you are staying at a fancy resort with cabana boys coming by to spritz you with Evian water. (Note: hold the book away from the mist during spritzing.) Taking place primarily from 1945 through 1963, it is tagged under historical fiction, but has many of the hallmarks of those popular novels of yesteryear--an exploited and abused heroine who is struggling to succeed, hide her sordid past, and protect her daughter from that past. It has an (evil) obsessed Svengali-esque lover, drugs, sex, and lots of Hollywood glitz and glamour. I am not sure that it needed so many pages to tell the story, but I was surprised at how quickly those pages went by. As much as I felt I knew the story and outcome, I wanted to find out how Mireille and her daughter Stephanie ended up and didn't mind taking the journey.
There is a lot of sex in the book--most of it is not pretty and some of the rougher, abusive scenes had me cringing. If you like/need a clean book, look elsewhere. Mireille is an interesting character--hard to get to know and to warm up to, and quite naive in her decisions and reactions which was frustrating. I found myself wanting to shake her several times, but then I wanted to hug her a few times too. I imagine that Mireille's distance is part of the character Molly Cochran created, that epic and unobtainable "star" who didn't allow others to get close, but I was investing the time to read 600+ pages and I wanted to spend some of those pages going deeper and connecting with her and the supporting characters more. Overall, Mireille is more froth than substance, but its sweeping story makes for an entertaining escape and for me, it was a nostalgic journey back to a time when these novels ruled the best sellers lists.
You can see my full review here: http://kahakaikitchen.blogspot.com/20...
Note: A review copy of "Mireille" was provided to me by the publisher and TLC Book Tours in return for a fair and honest review. I was not compensated for this review and as always my thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 18, 2015
**Originally appeared in the Historical Novel Review, Issue 73**
For Mireille La Jouarre, beauty is a curse. Fleeing the clutches of her lecherous stepfather sets her on a path to tragedy and triumph as her remarkable life unfolds. Reinvention becomes Mireille’s antidote as she uses her beauty and mystery to first become Europe’s most sought-after call girl, then Hollywood’s most-sought after actress. But behind the glamour and the glitz is a deeply conflicted little girl full of self-loathing.
At 573 pages, Mireille is a tome, one that is suffused with melodrama and goes on for far too long. With each successive page, the heroine sinks further into slavery, whether it be to the sex trade or the movie trade. The novel’s villain, Oliver Jordan, is disgusting. A spoiled playboy turned movie producer with a voracious sexual appetite, he lives to control and degrade Mireille into submission. He stops at nothing – not rape or blackmail – to keep her under his thumb in a sick, desperate bid for her love. The frustrating part is that Mireille allows herself to be controlled by him, rarely putting up a fight against his depraved tyranny. While she is initially forced into a reluctant partnership with Jordan, she later prostitutes herself in worse ways than when she was a call girl. She seems to have no will, only a whiny desire to live an obscure life with her daughter, who has been stashed at a Bavarian boarding school for most of her life. When every opportunity is dashed, Mireille simply gives up for the short term and allows herself to be lured back into Oliver Jordan’s treacherous grasp.
The last chapters take a dramatic turn, but by the end, Mireille is finally at peace. Lovers of rags-to-riches stories will rally behind the novel’s heroine and her quest for happiness, but many readers may be disturbed by the content of Mireille’s checkered story.
For Mireille La Jouarre, beauty is a curse. Fleeing the clutches of her lecherous stepfather sets her on a path to tragedy and triumph as her remarkable life unfolds. Reinvention becomes Mireille’s antidote as she uses her beauty and mystery to first become Europe’s most sought-after call girl, then Hollywood’s most-sought after actress. But behind the glamour and the glitz is a deeply conflicted little girl full of self-loathing.
At 573 pages, Mireille is a tome, one that is suffused with melodrama and goes on for far too long. With each successive page, the heroine sinks further into slavery, whether it be to the sex trade or the movie trade. The novel’s villain, Oliver Jordan, is disgusting. A spoiled playboy turned movie producer with a voracious sexual appetite, he lives to control and degrade Mireille into submission. He stops at nothing – not rape or blackmail – to keep her under his thumb in a sick, desperate bid for her love. The frustrating part is that Mireille allows herself to be controlled by him, rarely putting up a fight against his depraved tyranny. While she is initially forced into a reluctant partnership with Jordan, she later prostitutes herself in worse ways than when she was a call girl. She seems to have no will, only a whiny desire to live an obscure life with her daughter, who has been stashed at a Bavarian boarding school for most of her life. When every opportunity is dashed, Mireille simply gives up for the short term and allows herself to be lured back into Oliver Jordan’s treacherous grasp.
The last chapters take a dramatic turn, but by the end, Mireille is finally at peace. Lovers of rags-to-riches stories will rally behind the novel’s heroine and her quest for happiness, but many readers may be disturbed by the content of Mireille’s checkered story.
August 7, 2019
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As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
There’s just something about the leading lady in Molly Cochran’s unique, scandalous and intriguing new novel Mireille. I’m fairly certain that it is my favorite release of the year so far and I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy of my own. Mireille is my latest favorite and hands down the most deliciously tragic novel of 2015.
Readers will know exactly what I’m talking about within the first few chapters of such an incredibly written story, it blew me away instantly. I’ll note now, though, that there are many moments in this novel that will be triggering for many that count sexual abuse, mental illness and suicide, and violence as their triggers. Please, please, keep this in mind before reading.
Back to the review…
We get to know Mireille from a very intimate outlook of her life and know almost instantly there is something captivating about her even at such a young age. It is a quality you cannot miss. Our story starts with an idea of what becomes of this beautiful woman at some point in her future and then watch briefly as she grows up in an environment so toxic, it’s a wonder she’d made it out alive.
As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.
There’s just something about the leading lady in Molly Cochran’s unique, scandalous and intriguing new novel Mireille. I’m fairly certain that it is my favorite release of the year so far and I cannot wait to get my hands on a physical copy of my own. Mireille is my latest favorite and hands down the most deliciously tragic novel of 2015.
Readers will know exactly what I’m talking about within the first few chapters of such an incredibly written story, it blew me away instantly. I’ll note now, though, that there are many moments in this novel that will be triggering for many that count sexual abuse, mental illness and suicide, and violence as their triggers. Please, please, keep this in mind before reading.
Back to the review…
We get to know Mireille from a very intimate outlook of her life and know almost instantly there is something captivating about her even at such a young age. It is a quality you cannot miss. Our story starts with an idea of what becomes of this beautiful woman at some point in her future and then watch briefly as she grows up in an environment so toxic, it’s a wonder she’d made it out alive.
August 16, 2015
See full review at Shellyback books
Sometimes a book does live up to its cover. Attracted initially by the cover, I enjoyed this immensely. Mirielle is a nostalgic tragedy of contrasts where the most beautiful women in the world isn't who she seems.
Set mainly in the 50 and 60s and reminiscent of the bestsellers and blockbusters of the nineties it tells the tale of a women who overcomes the tragedies of her youth to find fame and fortune in Hollywood. The lovely cover portrays beautifully the new Mireille hailed the new Garbo.
Mireille is a survivor but again and again her hopes and dreams turn to dust. As each new escape turns into a new prison it becomes increasingly difficult to put this addictive page turner down. Whilst Mireille had her weaknesses it was this fighting spirit which I found so easy to relate to and what I liked about the her.
My only criticism is whilst I loved it I had trouble tying in the first chapter which sets the scene for the rest of the book with what followed. Somehow they didn't match up for me.
Despite the tragedy it was a lovely relaxing read which I can recommend to all lovers of nostalgia.
This was my first Molly Cochran, I received my review copy via NetGalley, but I look forward with anticipation to Reading more from this author.
Sometimes a book does live up to its cover. Attracted initially by the cover, I enjoyed this immensely. Mirielle is a nostalgic tragedy of contrasts where the most beautiful women in the world isn't who she seems.
Set mainly in the 50 and 60s and reminiscent of the bestsellers and blockbusters of the nineties it tells the tale of a women who overcomes the tragedies of her youth to find fame and fortune in Hollywood. The lovely cover portrays beautifully the new Mireille hailed the new Garbo.
Mireille is a survivor but again and again her hopes and dreams turn to dust. As each new escape turns into a new prison it becomes increasingly difficult to put this addictive page turner down. Whilst Mireille had her weaknesses it was this fighting spirit which I found so easy to relate to and what I liked about the her.
My only criticism is whilst I loved it I had trouble tying in the first chapter which sets the scene for the rest of the book with what followed. Somehow they didn't match up for me.
Despite the tragedy it was a lovely relaxing read which I can recommend to all lovers of nostalgia.
This was my first Molly Cochran, I received my review copy via NetGalley, but I look forward with anticipation to Reading more from this author.
August 16, 2022
*I won this book in a giveaway but all opinions are still honest and my own!*
My mind is still reeling from that ending. Oliver Jordan is dead thank goodness. I don't think I've ever despised a book character as much as I despised him. And Stefan! Oh, Stefan. I love Stefan. Mireille was an idiot at the end of the book! Why did she try to take the blame? How was that going to help Stephanie? And how was sending Stephanie back to school to be alone going to help her heal and recover? She almost killed herself because she had nobody but the voices in her head to talk to. Mireille should have told the truth from the beginning about what happened with Stephanie and Oliver. Also, I think she should have told Stephanie and Stefan about her past. If she had done that Oliver wouldn't have the upper hand anymore. But alas, this was an amazing book. I wasn't expecting it to be so great. From start to finish, there was never a dull moment. It was a page turner for sure. I always wanted to know, "What's going to happen next!?" 5 stars.
My mind is still reeling from that ending. Oliver Jordan is dead thank goodness. I don't think I've ever despised a book character as much as I despised him. And Stefan! Oh, Stefan. I love Stefan. Mireille was an idiot at the end of the book! Why did she try to take the blame? How was that going to help Stephanie? And how was sending Stephanie back to school to be alone going to help her heal and recover? She almost killed herself because she had nobody but the voices in her head to talk to. Mireille should have told the truth from the beginning about what happened with Stephanie and Oliver. Also, I think she should have told Stephanie and Stefan about her past. If she had done that Oliver wouldn't have the upper hand anymore. But alas, this was an amazing book. I wasn't expecting it to be so great. From start to finish, there was never a dull moment. It was a page turner for sure. I always wanted to know, "What's going to happen next!?" 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2015
Thanks to Net Galley & Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of this book which I enjoyed immensely
Mireille is homeless alone & pregnant. Her lover has been supposed killed in the war .mireille gives birth to a daughter whom she named Stephanie after the baby's father Stefan.
Mireille battles to survive - becomes L'Ange a high class prostitute..
mireille manages to escape this life but to find herself owned by Jordan Oliver a movie producer who makes Mireille a huge star. At what price though - her daughter is at a boarding school - unhappy and waiting on her mother to come for her - traumatised by her friends suicide.
Mireille finds Stephanie's father some years later, but is blackmailed again by Oliver who has kept her past out of the news, she returns to Hollywood.
What sordid lengths will Oliver go to - to have a hold over Mireille. Will Mireille ever have the simple life she desires. Will all these strong willed characters survive the web of deceit & blackmail. A super read.
Mireille is homeless alone & pregnant. Her lover has been supposed killed in the war .mireille gives birth to a daughter whom she named Stephanie after the baby's father Stefan.
Mireille battles to survive - becomes L'Ange a high class prostitute..
mireille manages to escape this life but to find herself owned by Jordan Oliver a movie producer who makes Mireille a huge star. At what price though - her daughter is at a boarding school - unhappy and waiting on her mother to come for her - traumatised by her friends suicide.
Mireille finds Stephanie's father some years later, but is blackmailed again by Oliver who has kept her past out of the news, she returns to Hollywood.
What sordid lengths will Oliver go to - to have a hold over Mireille. Will Mireille ever have the simple life she desires. Will all these strong willed characters survive the web of deceit & blackmail. A super read.
June 29, 2015
"Some women are born knowing how the world works..."
Near the end of WWII, seventeen-year-old Mireille de Jourres flees the home of her abusive Nazi-Collaborating, alcoholic step-father, after he attempts to rape her, and she kills him. While on the run, she catches up with childhood friend, Stefan, who is a French freedom fighter. One night Stefan does not return home and Mireille discovers she's pregnant with his baby. She makes her way to Paris where she becomes L'Ange - The Angel.
She meets a wealthy man who turns her into the most famous prostitute in all of Paris. She attends the fanciest parties and events and at one point meets Hollywood producer, Oliver Jordan. Soon she's on a plane to America and an acting career.
Fans of Jackie Collins and Sydney Sheldon will love the drama of MIREILLE. Danielle Steele Fans will go crazy, to the way it travels all over the world. But be warned, it's nearly 600-pages long. Perfect for a few days on the beach or by the pool sipping, whatever it is you sip! :-)
Near the end of WWII, seventeen-year-old Mireille de Jourres flees the home of her abusive Nazi-Collaborating, alcoholic step-father, after he attempts to rape her, and she kills him. While on the run, she catches up with childhood friend, Stefan, who is a French freedom fighter. One night Stefan does not return home and Mireille discovers she's pregnant with his baby. She makes her way to Paris where she becomes L'Ange - The Angel.
She meets a wealthy man who turns her into the most famous prostitute in all of Paris. She attends the fanciest parties and events and at one point meets Hollywood producer, Oliver Jordan. Soon she's on a plane to America and an acting career.
Fans of Jackie Collins and Sydney Sheldon will love the drama of MIREILLE. Danielle Steele Fans will go crazy, to the way it travels all over the world. But be warned, it's nearly 600-pages long. Perfect for a few days on the beach or by the pool sipping, whatever it is you sip! :-)
July 2, 2015
Mireille's life is one nobody deserves. As soon as she thinks she has escaped her past or her troubles, she is dragged under again. From a small French town at the end of World War II, to the glamorous Parisian nightlife, and then over to Hollywood, Mireille is desperate to provide a stable life for her daughter. She unfortunately makes the horrible decision to hide the truth about her life from her daughter until it causes an irreparable rift between them. Blackmailed by a despicable man who claims to love her, Mireille is forced to live away from her daughter in order to film movies and make money for him. His perverted obsession with Mireille starts with keeping her isolated and unable to make friends or allies and spirals out of control when he attacks and almost kills her and forces her under his control once again. Mireille must find a way to save herself and her daughter before it is too late.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2015
Mireille by Molly Cochran was a great book. The first thing I want to let you know about this book is that it is a long one so be ready for a big book but I really did enjoy the book. It took me awhile to get through it because I have had major headaches. I liked that the writing in the book isn’t super small so I don’t have to strain my eyes as much. At the start of the book I wasn’t a huge fan of Mireille and to be honest I am not sure why. I did feel bad for her throughout parts of the book because of what she went through. I hated Oliver from the first time he showed up right up until the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who love historical fiction and/or books that take place during WWII.
FTC:I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
FTC:I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 18, 2015
Every once in a while, if you're an intelligent reader like me, you want to read some mindless fluff. Maybe even something campy. The latest edition of this behavior for me was found in the novel "Mireille," which is as close to literary soap opera as they come. World War II! Prostitution! Prostitutes straight out of 'Pretty Woman' (albeit from an earlier era)! A captivating face in our heroine! An illegitimate child! Movies! Fame! Rape! And gratuitous sex scenes! All the stuff that leaves 'em weeping in the aisles.
In all seriousness, though, "Mireille" is your standard bundle of cliches all neatly packaged in one book. It would never work as a movie as a result. So if you're expecting the expected, turn to "Mireille."
In all seriousness, though, "Mireille" is your standard bundle of cliches all neatly packaged in one book. It would never work as a movie as a result. So if you're expecting the expected, turn to "Mireille."
July 8, 2015
Mirelle
An extraordinary book filled with drama until the end .The book tells a life of lies from the lips of Mirelle the young girl raped by an old reprobate and how she drifts through a life as the Toast of Paris a whore par excellance to being an Oscar winner as a movie actress and having the adoration of thousands. Her one secret, a daughter she hides in a Switzerland Girl's School. The daughter means everything to her but it takes the truth about her life to win her confidence and love. It really is an excellent book that has you intrigued til the final word. I suggest you read this and feel sure you will enjoy the "fairy tale" with all it's passion.
An extraordinary book filled with drama until the end .The book tells a life of lies from the lips of Mirelle the young girl raped by an old reprobate and how she drifts through a life as the Toast of Paris a whore par excellance to being an Oscar winner as a movie actress and having the adoration of thousands. Her one secret, a daughter she hides in a Switzerland Girl's School. The daughter means everything to her but it takes the truth about her life to win her confidence and love. It really is an excellent book that has you intrigued til the final word. I suggest you read this and feel sure you will enjoy the "fairy tale" with all it's passion.
December 11, 2015
I won this book for my ladies' book club and we are reading it this month for our meeting. I really enjoyed the book and it was a very fast read. I was a little apprehensive because the book is so thick but I finished it very quickly. It is a chick lit type book and more than a lot of things happen to this main character. She goes through all kinds of harsh experiences but, of course, thankfully, this book does have a happy ending. I would definitely like to read more books by this author. I had not heard of her before but I see she has written quite a few books, so I will look into reading more of her books.
June 13, 2015
Captivating
I seldom read anything but mysteries but the title "Mireille" caught my eye and intrigued me so I bought the book. I read this book in awe. It made me sad, nearly in tears, mad, dismayed, shocked. The story tells of heartbreaking loss a child goes thru at a very young age, the trials and tribulations she goes thru to survive after WWII. I couldn't put the book down. I loved the book and I applaud the talent of Molly Cochran for a story well told. I wish I could have given the book more than 5 stars.
I seldom read anything but mysteries but the title "Mireille" caught my eye and intrigued me so I bought the book. I read this book in awe. It made me sad, nearly in tears, mad, dismayed, shocked. The story tells of heartbreaking loss a child goes thru at a very young age, the trials and tribulations she goes thru to survive after WWII. I couldn't put the book down. I loved the book and I applaud the talent of Molly Cochran for a story well told. I wish I could have given the book more than 5 stars.
December 8, 2015
This book was picked for our ladies book club by a member who won copies from Goodreads.
I really wasn't really sure I was going to like it but I did end up enjoying it. Despite the length of the book it was a fast read. Some parts were a little too soap opera for me but I did enjoy the story. I don't know if I would read another of this authors books because it not the type I usually pick up. But you need an easy read sometimes to clear the cobwebs from the deep story. I gave it four stars and enjoyed it for the most part.
I really wasn't really sure I was going to like it but I did end up enjoying it. Despite the length of the book it was a fast read. Some parts were a little too soap opera for me but I did enjoy the story. I don't know if I would read another of this authors books because it not the type I usually pick up. But you need an easy read sometimes to clear the cobwebs from the deep story. I gave it four stars and enjoyed it for the most part.
December 7, 2015
This was an extraordinary and fascinating read! This book popped up on my daily Kindle reads and I read the synopsis and was hooked. As I kept reading this book, I kept hoping it will be on the big screen one day- I think Angelina Jolie would make an excellent Mireille. I'm so enraptured with Mireille 's character and I was so relieved that she finally got her happy ending.
Just a chance meeting with Oliver Jordan and Mireille's world is turned upside down for better or worse? Start reading....you wont be able to put this book down. Kudos!!!!!
Just a chance meeting with Oliver Jordan and Mireille's world is turned upside down for better or worse? Start reading....you wont be able to put this book down. Kudos!!!!!
June 17, 2015
A Gritty Cinderella
Mireille by Molly Cochran is a story whose protagonist is a gritty, earthy Cinderella. Written in a style that is a combination of Jacqueline Susanne and Danielle Steele, Mireille earns the sympathy and respect of the reader and engages them in the story of an orphan of France in WWII and her journey through prostitution and movie stardom till she becomes true to herself and those she loves. An entertaining and fast read.
Mireille by Molly Cochran is a story whose protagonist is a gritty, earthy Cinderella. Written in a style that is a combination of Jacqueline Susanne and Danielle Steele, Mireille earns the sympathy and respect of the reader and engages them in the story of an orphan of France in WWII and her journey through prostitution and movie stardom till she becomes true to herself and those she loves. An entertaining and fast read.
July 3, 2015
A great beach read that will segue into the bedroom as well. Very HOT. Reads quickly although it appears lengthy at first. One becomes engrossed in the plot and characters and follows them through many twists and turns of fate. An easy reading page-turner, particularly well-suited for summer reading. The protagonist goes through a myriad of experiences, leaving the reader breathless but wanting more. Very entertaining!
August 16, 2015
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I enjoyed reading this book. The main character was very likable, although frustrating at times. The author managed to bring the story to a nice and realistic ending. The book was a great read and certainly held my attention. I would certainly reccommend it.
August 1, 2015
3.5 stars. A great summer beach read though it is a bit long and far fetched. Still, it had a little of everything: romance, sex, glamour, love, Paris, drama. Good writing, good scenery, and interesting characters (though many are extremely unlikeable).
July 12, 2015
Survivor's Heartache
Interesting story of a true survivor. Characters are very well developed. I could a actually visualize them. As the story unfolds, I was able to feel her struggle, pain, despair and finally happiness. This is most definitely a good read.
Interesting story of a true survivor. Characters are very well developed. I could a actually visualize them. As the story unfolds, I was able to feel her struggle, pain, despair and finally happiness. This is most definitely a good read.
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