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Skylark
Not yet published
Expected 6 Jan 26The New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Wife weaves a mesmerizing tale of Paris above and below—where a woman’s quest for artistic freedom in 1664 intertwines with a doctor’s dangerous mission during the German occupation in the 1940s, revealing a story of courage and resistance that transcends time.
1664: Alouette Voland is the daughter of a master dyer at the famed Gobelin Tapestry Works, who secretly dreams of escaping her circumstances and creating her own masterpiece. When her father is unjustly imprisoned, Alouette's efforts to save him lead to her own confinement in the notorious Salpêtrière asylum, where thousands of women are held captive and cruelly treated. But within its grim walls, she discovers a small group of brave allies, and the possibility of a life bigger than she ever imagined.
1939: Kristof Larson is a medical student beginning his psychiatric residency in Paris, whose neighbors on the Rue de Gobelins are a Jewish family who have fled Poland. When Nazi forces descend on the city, Kristof becomes their only hope for survival, even as his work as a doctor is jeopardized.
A spellbinding and transportive look at a side of Paris known to very few—the underground city that is a mirror reflection of the glories above—Paula McLain’s unforgettable new novel chronicles two parallel journeys of defiance and rescue that connect in ways both surprising and deeply moving.
1664: Alouette Voland is the daughter of a master dyer at the famed Gobelin Tapestry Works, who secretly dreams of escaping her circumstances and creating her own masterpiece. When her father is unjustly imprisoned, Alouette's efforts to save him lead to her own confinement in the notorious Salpêtrière asylum, where thousands of women are held captive and cruelly treated. But within its grim walls, she discovers a small group of brave allies, and the possibility of a life bigger than she ever imagined.
1939: Kristof Larson is a medical student beginning his psychiatric residency in Paris, whose neighbors on the Rue de Gobelins are a Jewish family who have fled Poland. When Nazi forces descend on the city, Kristof becomes their only hope for survival, even as his work as a doctor is jeopardized.
A spellbinding and transportive look at a side of Paris known to very few—the underground city that is a mirror reflection of the glories above—Paula McLain’s unforgettable new novel chronicles two parallel journeys of defiance and rescue that connect in ways both surprising and deeply moving.
464 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 6, 2026
12853 people want to read
About the author
Paula McLain
28 books5,936 followersPaula McLain is the author of the New York Times and internationally bestselling novels, The Paris Wife, Circling the Sun and Love and Ruin. Her latest instant bestseller is, When the Stars Go Dark. Her forthcoming novel is Skylark, on shelves 1/6/26. She received an MFA in poetry from the University of Michigan in 1996, and is also the author of two collections of poetry, the memoir Like Family: Growing Up in Other People's Houses, and the debut novel, A Ticket to Ride. Her work has has appeared in The New York Times, Real Simple, Town & Country, The Guardian, Huffington Post, Good Housekeeping, and elsewhere. She lives with her family in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
August 10, 2025
While this novel started out a little slowly , the writing is so impeccable so I just went with the pace and enjoyed Paula McClain’s wonderful storytelling . Two time lines centuries apart, it was like reading two novels with seemingly only the slightest of connection until the pieces come together with hope and beauty. Different stories that are equally as compelling, both filled with characters to admire for their remarkable courage and steadfastness in the wake of harrowing and horrific circumstances.
In 1664 Saint Marcel, Paris , 18 year old Alouette whose name means skylark longs to be an artist, a master dyer like her father, but instead is locked into a place where women in this time are not free as the bird she is named after . When her father is arrested, she’s taken to an insane asylum , enduring with others horrific “treatment” , but fortunately forging friendships with other women of strength and resilience who fight not just to endure but to survive.
In 1939 - 1942 Paris , Kristof Larsen , a resident doctor in psychiatry works through his residency with others to save patients from “removal” as Germany invades France and takes over the hospital. A knock on the door of the Jewish family who live in his building changes their lives and his forever, deeply affecting Kristof who has become part of the bold and brave resistance. It’s a novel about the will to survive , clinging to hope, and two journeys towards freedom in the midst of loss .
“Great tragedies don’t ask for great heroes—they ask for ordinary people willing to do the next right thing.” Wise words from one of the character’s grandmother. There were ordinary characters here who were extraordinary in doing the right thing.
I received a copy of this from Atria through NetGalley .
In 1664 Saint Marcel, Paris , 18 year old Alouette whose name means skylark longs to be an artist, a master dyer like her father, but instead is locked into a place where women in this time are not free as the bird she is named after . When her father is arrested, she’s taken to an insane asylum , enduring with others horrific “treatment” , but fortunately forging friendships with other women of strength and resilience who fight not just to endure but to survive.
In 1939 - 1942 Paris , Kristof Larsen , a resident doctor in psychiatry works through his residency with others to save patients from “removal” as Germany invades France and takes over the hospital. A knock on the door of the Jewish family who live in his building changes their lives and his forever, deeply affecting Kristof who has become part of the bold and brave resistance. It’s a novel about the will to survive , clinging to hope, and two journeys towards freedom in the midst of loss .
“Great tragedies don’t ask for great heroes—they ask for ordinary people willing to do the next right thing.” Wise words from one of the character’s grandmother. There were ordinary characters here who were extraordinary in doing the right thing.
I received a copy of this from Atria through NetGalley .
October 22, 2025
4 stars for a dual timeline historical fiction book. The first timeline is Paris, 1664-65. It opens with Alouette, daughter of a dye worker, determined to create her own striking color blue. Her father is also determined to create a color of his own. But these activities are against the Dye makers Guild rules. They are discovered and sent to separate prisons. While her father goes to a prison for men, Aluoette is deemed insane and sent to an institution for insane women, where she, along with the rest of the prisoners, is cruelly treated.
The second timeline is Paris, 1939 to 1942. It opens with Kristof, a Dutch psychiatrist, now living in Paris and treating veterans of WWI for what is now called PTSD. Some of them are catatonic, others have limited speech and mental capacity. He becomes friends with a Jewish family in his apartment building. When Paris is occupied by the invading Germans, roundups of Jews begin, and Sasha, the daughter of the Jewish family is left alone. She goes to Kristof for shelter.
How both timelines are resolved with a satisfactory ending makes for an enjoyable read. I recommend it to historical fiction fans.
One quote, describing a sculpture made by Etienne, Alouette's boyfriend: "... a lark with wings unfurled, fashioned from pale limestone with such delicate precision that it seems almost alive."
Thank You Zakiya Jamal at Atria Books for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
The second timeline is Paris, 1939 to 1942. It opens with Kristof, a Dutch psychiatrist, now living in Paris and treating veterans of WWI for what is now called PTSD. Some of them are catatonic, others have limited speech and mental capacity. He becomes friends with a Jewish family in his apartment building. When Paris is occupied by the invading Germans, roundups of Jews begin, and Sasha, the daughter of the Jewish family is left alone. She goes to Kristof for shelter.
How both timelines are resolved with a satisfactory ending makes for an enjoyable read. I recommend it to historical fiction fans.
One quote, describing a sculpture made by Etienne, Alouette's boyfriend: "... a lark with wings unfurled, fashioned from pale limestone with such delicate precision that it seems almost alive."
Thank You Zakiya Jamal at Atria Books for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
October 23, 2025
Skylark explores timeless themes through two storylines separated by nearly three centuries. Time is an illusion - but human traits and actions transcend it, shaping lives across generations.
In 1664, Alouette Voland, the daughter of a master dyer, dreams of escaping her constrained existence. One morning, while drawing water at the river, she notices a tanner downstream at his work. In that instant, a single movement of his inspires hope for the secret experiment she’s been conducting – her quest to achieve the legendary indigo color. But her discovery is forbidden. As her father tries to protect her, both find themselves ensnared in dangerous circumstances.
Alouette’s misstep leads her to the Saint-Lazare ward, where women are confined for daring to think and question knowledge deemed off-limits. She has heard whispers of the interrogations that take place within such institutions - but not of women sent there by their own husbands, as punishment for defiance. Now, imprisoned and isolated, Alouette begins to dream bigger than ever before.
In 1939, Kristof Larson, a medical student completing his psychiatric residency in Paris, believes his duty is to help people. Discussing resilience and survival is one thing; living those principles is another.
Kristof performs his duties without question – until he begins to notice that food shortages in chronic wards are no accident. Starvation is quieter method of eliminating those deemed “unworthy of life.” It leaves fewer traces. His trust in the wrong people blinds him to what has been before him all along. It takes a friend’s betrayal for him to finally see the truth.
Despite asking himself countless times how he might make a difference, when the opportunity arises, he hesitates. In a time when conviction is vital, he wrestles with doubt. Under pressure, will he become something new?
Both storylines uncover lesser-known historical truths. The horror comes not from graphic depictions of abuse, but from moments of quiet, positive resistance – small acts that create powerful, edge-of-your-seat tension.
The two narratives run in parallel, carrying a shared message: where there is evil, there is also good. Blind acceptance invites an external reckoning, forcing clarity upon those who refuse to see.
In each story, a character feels an urge to change but takes no action - until life itself demands it.
Skylark is a timeless mediation on human nature – on courage, curiosity, and the will to act. Poignant and fast-paced, it lingers long after the final page.
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In 1664, Alouette Voland, the daughter of a master dyer, dreams of escaping her constrained existence. One morning, while drawing water at the river, she notices a tanner downstream at his work. In that instant, a single movement of his inspires hope for the secret experiment she’s been conducting – her quest to achieve the legendary indigo color. But her discovery is forbidden. As her father tries to protect her, both find themselves ensnared in dangerous circumstances.
Alouette’s misstep leads her to the Saint-Lazare ward, where women are confined for daring to think and question knowledge deemed off-limits. She has heard whispers of the interrogations that take place within such institutions - but not of women sent there by their own husbands, as punishment for defiance. Now, imprisoned and isolated, Alouette begins to dream bigger than ever before.
In 1939, Kristof Larson, a medical student completing his psychiatric residency in Paris, believes his duty is to help people. Discussing resilience and survival is one thing; living those principles is another.
Kristof performs his duties without question – until he begins to notice that food shortages in chronic wards are no accident. Starvation is quieter method of eliminating those deemed “unworthy of life.” It leaves fewer traces. His trust in the wrong people blinds him to what has been before him all along. It takes a friend’s betrayal for him to finally see the truth.
Despite asking himself countless times how he might make a difference, when the opportunity arises, he hesitates. In a time when conviction is vital, he wrestles with doubt. Under pressure, will he become something new?
Both storylines uncover lesser-known historical truths. The horror comes not from graphic depictions of abuse, but from moments of quiet, positive resistance – small acts that create powerful, edge-of-your-seat tension.
The two narratives run in parallel, carrying a shared message: where there is evil, there is also good. Blind acceptance invites an external reckoning, forcing clarity upon those who refuse to see.
In each story, a character feels an urge to change but takes no action - until life itself demands it.
Skylark is a timeless mediation on human nature – on courage, curiosity, and the will to act. Poignant and fast-paced, it lingers long after the final page.
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2025
Paula McLain has taken the slice of Paris that most intrigues me, the underground city, and spotlighted it in her spellbinding story. Not only that, McLain’s view that history shouldn’t be relegated to a dusty corner allows readers in the 21st century to experience an armchair journey that transcends time and informs our current days.
McLain’s characters are wonderfully crafted and imbued with courage and spunk. Alouette Voland sets aside her dream to rescue a family member and, as a result, finds a group of like-minded allies who fan the flames of a different flame for Alouette. Likewise, Kristof Larson sets aside his dream to help the less fortunate and discovers that, although his life is in jeopardy, like Alouette’s many decades later, it’s enriched by the power of kindness. McLain held my interest with unforgettable characters who refused to let others define their worth and fought to remain human in a world where humanity was often trampled. We could arm ourselves with the same outlook as we tread similar paths in today’s world.
The Paris underground has always been on my bucket list. McLain’s story has given me an armchair experience that will hold me until my piggy bank allows me to get back to the city of light.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
McLain’s characters are wonderfully crafted and imbued with courage and spunk. Alouette Voland sets aside her dream to rescue a family member and, as a result, finds a group of like-minded allies who fan the flames of a different flame for Alouette. Likewise, Kristof Larson sets aside his dream to help the less fortunate and discovers that, although his life is in jeopardy, like Alouette’s many decades later, it’s enriched by the power of kindness. McLain held my interest with unforgettable characters who refused to let others define their worth and fought to remain human in a world where humanity was often trampled. We could arm ourselves with the same outlook as we tread similar paths in today’s world.
The Paris underground has always been on my bucket list. McLain’s story has given me an armchair experience that will hold me until my piggy bank allows me to get back to the city of light.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
July 16, 2025
There is a reason we get excited when we hear a new book is on the way from Paula McLain- we know we're in for a treat!
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With her return to Paris, Paula paints the picture of two characters, Alouette in 1664, the daughter of a master dyer, and Kristoff in 1939, a medical student in the midst of Nazi forces taking over the city.
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I love many aspects of Paula's novels, but what I love most is that you're going to immerse yourself in the lives of these characters, learn something you may not have known before and have a story that stays with you long after you finish reading.
.
With her return to Paris, Paula paints the picture of two characters, Alouette in 1664, the daughter of a master dyer, and Kristoff in 1939, a medical student in the midst of Nazi forces taking over the city.
.
I love many aspects of Paula's novels, but what I love most is that you're going to immerse yourself in the lives of these characters, learn something you may not have known before and have a story that stays with you long after you finish reading.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
"The New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Wife weaves a mesmerizing tale of Paris above and below—where a woman’s quest for artistic freedom in 1664 intertwines with a doctor’s dangerous mission during the German occupation in the 1940s, revealing a story of courage and resistance that transcends time."
This is a spellbinding saga in two timelines in Paris. I was captivated from start to finish. It is heartbreaking, haunting, moving, and beautiful. McLain’s prose is exquisite and the characters fully formed. These people capture your heart and don't let go. I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come. Themes of resilience, the human spirit, and quest for freedom and survival are paramount in this novel. This is a master class in storytelling. One of the best historical fiction books out there. Paula McLain is at the top of her game and this is her opus.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books and Paula McLain for the advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is a spellbinding saga in two timelines in Paris. I was captivated from start to finish. It is heartbreaking, haunting, moving, and beautiful. McLain’s prose is exquisite and the characters fully formed. These people capture your heart and don't let go. I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come. Themes of resilience, the human spirit, and quest for freedom and survival are paramount in this novel. This is a master class in storytelling. One of the best historical fiction books out there. Paula McLain is at the top of her game and this is her opus.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books and Paula McLain for the advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 28, 2025
My first 2026 book and one that’s tough to put words to. It took me a long while to get into the story. With another author I might have DNF’d, but I’m glad I didn’t. The two timelines had little connection which felt strange and I thought the ending was a little sappy, though as always with McLain, the writing fabulous and the story rich. Full review closer to publication.
November 30, 2025
A truly interesting look at Paris' historic underground, told through dual timelines, centuries apart, yet driven by similar passion. Historical fiction well delivered.
Alouette, a dyer's daughter, is the main character of the 17th century portion of this book. She balks at and struggles with the societal constrictions on women of the day. She has ambitions of her own that inspire a young man to pursue his own. But will he wait for her after she's thrown into the ghastly Salpêtrière asylum?
Juxtaposed against the 17th century story is a tale of of the 20th century during World War II. Kristof Larson, a Dutch medical student, has begun his psychiatric residency in Paris. He watches and observes as the Germans march in and command the city. When his Jewish neighbors' daughter seeks out his protection, does he have the courage to act?
It is Paris' underground which ties both stories to one another. Heretofore, I was not familiar with the underground's rich history. Author Paula McLain has dug deep into her research and delivered a fascinating rendering of lives exposed to Paris' underground at two distinct points in its history. The writing is solid and the characters are well developed. My only wish would be that the stories held a stronger bond to one another. Regardless, the tales were well told and most informative.
I am grateful to Atria Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Atria Books
Publication date: January 6, 2026
Number of Pages: 464
ISBN: 978-1668028155
Alouette, a dyer's daughter, is the main character of the 17th century portion of this book. She balks at and struggles with the societal constrictions on women of the day. She has ambitions of her own that inspire a young man to pursue his own. But will he wait for her after she's thrown into the ghastly Salpêtrière asylum?
Juxtaposed against the 17th century story is a tale of of the 20th century during World War II. Kristof Larson, a Dutch medical student, has begun his psychiatric residency in Paris. He watches and observes as the Germans march in and command the city. When his Jewish neighbors' daughter seeks out his protection, does he have the courage to act?
It is Paris' underground which ties both stories to one another. Heretofore, I was not familiar with the underground's rich history. Author Paula McLain has dug deep into her research and delivered a fascinating rendering of lives exposed to Paris' underground at two distinct points in its history. The writing is solid and the characters are well developed. My only wish would be that the stories held a stronger bond to one another. Regardless, the tales were well told and most informative.
I am grateful to Atria Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publisher: Atria Books
Publication date: January 6, 2026
Number of Pages: 464
ISBN: 978-1668028155
November 13, 2025
Thank you @atriabooks for the gifted copy
Utterly spellbinding — Paula McLain at her finest.
Skylark swept me away from the very first page. Paula McLain, the brilliant author of The Paris Wife, once again proves she’s a master of historical storytelling, weaving together two timelines, two unforgettable souls, and one hauntingly beautiful city.
In 1664, Alouette Voland’s story of resilience and defiance inside the Salpêtrière asylum broke my heart and mended it again through her courage and artistry. In 1939, Kristof Larson’s quiet bravery amidst Nazi-occupied Paris brought me to tears. The way their stories echo across centuries through art, love, and the fight for freedom, is nothing short of breathtaking.
McLain’s Paris comes alive in both light and shadow: the grandeur above ground and the hidden world beneath. Every detail feels lush, immersive, and emotionally charged. The prose sings; the pacing is perfect; and the emotional depth lingers long after the final page.
Skylark isn’t just historical fiction, it’s a powerful meditation on courage, connection, and the enduring human spirit. I was completely captivated.
If you loved The Paris Wife or Circling the Sun, this is Paula McLain’s most ambitious and moving work yet.
Utterly spellbinding — Paula McLain at her finest.
Skylark swept me away from the very first page. Paula McLain, the brilliant author of The Paris Wife, once again proves she’s a master of historical storytelling, weaving together two timelines, two unforgettable souls, and one hauntingly beautiful city.
In 1664, Alouette Voland’s story of resilience and defiance inside the Salpêtrière asylum broke my heart and mended it again through her courage and artistry. In 1939, Kristof Larson’s quiet bravery amidst Nazi-occupied Paris brought me to tears. The way their stories echo across centuries through art, love, and the fight for freedom, is nothing short of breathtaking.
McLain’s Paris comes alive in both light and shadow: the grandeur above ground and the hidden world beneath. Every detail feels lush, immersive, and emotionally charged. The prose sings; the pacing is perfect; and the emotional depth lingers long after the final page.
Skylark isn’t just historical fiction, it’s a powerful meditation on courage, connection, and the enduring human spirit. I was completely captivated.
If you loved The Paris Wife or Circling the Sun, this is Paula McLain’s most ambitious and moving work yet.
September 10, 2025
Thank you to Net Galley for sending me an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Paula McLain is one of my favorite authors for historical fiction so I just had to check out her newest book which releases in January 2026.
Skylark is a dual timeline story set in Paris and surrounding towns in 1664 and 1942. The 1664 timeline follows Alouette who is inventive and bold and works alongside her father who is a fabric dyer. The 1942 timeline follows Kristof who is a physician training at a hospital in Paris helping with psychiatric patients who is thrown into WWII events that make him face which side he will choose to help.
Things I liked about the book:
1. The author has an amazing sense of place in her writing. The way she describes things and the emotion she puts on the page helps place you right there in the moment with her characters.
2. Her stories always highlight a historical piece of insight I’ve never hear of before such as people who worked with dyes and fabric in medieval times, where the colors came from and what they signified. I also had no idea about all the underground tunnels under Paris and the treatment of psych patients in the period during WWII.
3. The action and tension in the book was constant, helping it to be a propulsive read.
Things that were a disappointment:
1. The dual timeline never made sense to me. I loved all the characters from each time period, but it was jarring to go back and forth between the two time periods right in the middle of heavy action. Especially because at the end of the novel I still was not sure how the time periods and characters connected?
2. The writing strayed into the saccharine towards the end with cliche platitudes and the characters’ dialogue was a little cheesy in really intense moments.
3. I didn’t quite understand the point of the two separate stories. I would have rather invested in one of them. It was cramming too much story into one novel and never really had a cohesive conclusion. I’m still scratching my head over what happened to some of the characters.
4. The symbol of the Skylark was a little vague. Plus there was a POV from 2019 and 1847 thrown in that just made it more confusing and still didn’t help me see what the point of the skylark symbol was besides something trite.
Overall it is very well written and if you like historical fiction you will enjoy it for the interesting historical facts and compelling characters. I give it a 3.5 stars mostly because of the disappointing dual timeline and feeling like the ending left me hanging and felt rushed.
Skylark is a dual timeline story set in Paris and surrounding towns in 1664 and 1942. The 1664 timeline follows Alouette who is inventive and bold and works alongside her father who is a fabric dyer. The 1942 timeline follows Kristof who is a physician training at a hospital in Paris helping with psychiatric patients who is thrown into WWII events that make him face which side he will choose to help.
Things I liked about the book:
1. The author has an amazing sense of place in her writing. The way she describes things and the emotion she puts on the page helps place you right there in the moment with her characters.
2. Her stories always highlight a historical piece of insight I’ve never hear of before such as people who worked with dyes and fabric in medieval times, where the colors came from and what they signified. I also had no idea about all the underground tunnels under Paris and the treatment of psych patients in the period during WWII.
3. The action and tension in the book was constant, helping it to be a propulsive read.
Things that were a disappointment:
1. The dual timeline never made sense to me. I loved all the characters from each time period, but it was jarring to go back and forth between the two time periods right in the middle of heavy action. Especially because at the end of the novel I still was not sure how the time periods and characters connected?
2. The writing strayed into the saccharine towards the end with cliche platitudes and the characters’ dialogue was a little cheesy in really intense moments.
3. I didn’t quite understand the point of the two separate stories. I would have rather invested in one of them. It was cramming too much story into one novel and never really had a cohesive conclusion. I’m still scratching my head over what happened to some of the characters.
4. The symbol of the Skylark was a little vague. Plus there was a POV from 2019 and 1847 thrown in that just made it more confusing and still didn’t help me see what the point of the skylark symbol was besides something trite.
Overall it is very well written and if you like historical fiction you will enjoy it for the interesting historical facts and compelling characters. I give it a 3.5 stars mostly because of the disappointing dual timeline and feeling like the ending left me hanging and felt rushed.
October 23, 2025
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A dual timeline. Paris.
"1664: Alouette Voland is the daughter of a master dyer at the famed Gobelin Tapestry Works, who secretly dreams of escaping her circumstances and creating her own [color] masterpiece. When her father is unjustly imprisoned, Alouette's efforts to save him lead to her own confinement in the notorious Salpêtrière asylum, where thousands of women are held captive and cruelly treated.
"1939. Kristof Larson [Dutch] is a medical student beginning his psychiatric residency in Paris, whose neighbors on the Rue de Gobelins are a Jewish family who have fled Poland. When Nazi forces descend on the city, Kristof becomes their only hope for survival, even as his work as a doctor is jeopardized."
"...two parallel journeys of defiance" chronicled and captivating. Often heartbreaking.
Things that link the two stories: the use of herbs and spices--for colors in cloth--and for healing.
Several new words:
woad, saxifrage, knawel--all plants
and cerecloth and introit
I enjoyed the journey but points off for mush and a storyline I saw coming a mile away.
Alouette's story is very interesting and of course, depressing as she is imprisoned under horrific conditions.
Kristof's story was [to me] more engaging.
Hard to decide which timeline had more tension.
I found this book quite interesting as I had just returned from Paris. The narrative details the underground rivers that still exist [I did tour part of the sewer system!] which were used as paths --in both stories--to flee the asylum and to escape from the Nazis. Details on the occupation of Paris and the measures imposed by the Germans against the Jews [and others] were not totally new--but important to the narrative.
Of hope, courage, resilience, friendships, and perseverance--and depravity by the Nazis, the psychiatric hospital, the guild [earlier story]. And above all, survival.
A dual timeline. Paris.
"1664: Alouette Voland is the daughter of a master dyer at the famed Gobelin Tapestry Works, who secretly dreams of escaping her circumstances and creating her own [color] masterpiece. When her father is unjustly imprisoned, Alouette's efforts to save him lead to her own confinement in the notorious Salpêtrière asylum, where thousands of women are held captive and cruelly treated.
"1939. Kristof Larson [Dutch] is a medical student beginning his psychiatric residency in Paris, whose neighbors on the Rue de Gobelins are a Jewish family who have fled Poland. When Nazi forces descend on the city, Kristof becomes their only hope for survival, even as his work as a doctor is jeopardized."
"...two parallel journeys of defiance" chronicled and captivating. Often heartbreaking.
Things that link the two stories: the use of herbs and spices--for colors in cloth--and for healing.
Several new words:
woad, saxifrage, knawel--all plants
and cerecloth and introit
I enjoyed the journey but points off for mush and a storyline I saw coming a mile away.
Alouette's story is very interesting and of course, depressing as she is imprisoned under horrific conditions.
Kristof's story was [to me] more engaging.
Hard to decide which timeline had more tension.
I found this book quite interesting as I had just returned from Paris. The narrative details the underground rivers that still exist [I did tour part of the sewer system!] which were used as paths --in both stories--to flee the asylum and to escape from the Nazis. Details on the occupation of Paris and the measures imposed by the Germans against the Jews [and others] were not totally new--but important to the narrative.
Of hope, courage, resilience, friendships, and perseverance--and depravity by the Nazis, the psychiatric hospital, the guild [earlier story]. And above all, survival.
December 2, 2025
As a fan of Paula McLain and historical fiction in general, I was thrilled to receive an advanced reader copy of Ms McLain’s latest novel, Skylark. This is a meticulously researched, vividly written novel about two devastating times in Parisian history. The novel is told in dual time lines, in 1665 and 1942, and feels like two different books. In the 1660’s, FMC Alouette is sentenced to an insane asylum primarily for being an outspoken woman. And in the 1940’s, MMC Kristoff is a Danish psychiatrist working at a hospital in Paris who is driven to action when he witnesses the horrors of the German occupancy of Paris.
I had to take my time reading this novel. It was challenging for me emotionally to toggle between the two dark timelines. In 1665 the author details the repeated rape and torture at the insane asylum. While in 1942, she describes the torture of psychiatric patients in Kristoff’s hospital as well are the family separation and relocation of Jewish Parisians to concentration camps. I appreciated the glimpses of hope from ordinary people attempting to do the right thing in each of the timelines. The focus on the underground tunnels in Paris, especially when used as escape routes, was also really interesting.
I think it’s important to read about difficult times in history so we can do our best not to repeat them. This novel highlights the historical mistreatment of women, the mentally ill, and Jewish people. Readers who enjoy investing extra time with their novels and appreciate challenging content will enjoy this novel. 3.75/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy of Skylark by Paula McLain in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
I had to take my time reading this novel. It was challenging for me emotionally to toggle between the two dark timelines. In 1665 the author details the repeated rape and torture at the insane asylum. While in 1942, she describes the torture of psychiatric patients in Kristoff’s hospital as well are the family separation and relocation of Jewish Parisians to concentration camps. I appreciated the glimpses of hope from ordinary people attempting to do the right thing in each of the timelines. The focus on the underground tunnels in Paris, especially when used as escape routes, was also really interesting.
I think it’s important to read about difficult times in history so we can do our best not to repeat them. This novel highlights the historical mistreatment of women, the mentally ill, and Jewish people. Readers who enjoy investing extra time with their novels and appreciate challenging content will enjoy this novel. 3.75/5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advanced copy of Skylark by Paula McLain in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 31, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Paula McLain’s Skylark completely swept me away. Her writing is rich and evocative, the kind that pulls you right into the heart of Paris until you can almost hear the echo of footsteps in the tunnels below. I felt deeply connected to both storylines and their characters, each written with such emotional depth that they lingered long after I turned the final page.
I’ve never read another book set in the underground tunnels of Paris, and that setting alone made this story unforgettable. The dual timelines, one in the 1600s and one during the 1940s German occupation, blend art, history, and human resilience in a way that feels both haunting and hopeful. The connection between the two stories wasn’t what I expected, but it worked beautifully. I loved how the motif of the skylark wove throughout the novel, a symbol of courage, freedom, and song in the darkest of places.
Skylark tells two parallel stories: Alouette Voland, a young woman in 1664 Paris fighting for artistic freedom while trapped in the Salpêtrière asylum, and Kristof Larson, a doctor in 1939 risking everything to protect his Jewish neighbors. Their stories mirror each other in bravery and compassion, showing how the human spirit finds ways to rise even in confinement.
This book is transportive, emotional, and vividly imagined. It is a story about art, resistance, and the light that survives even in history’s darkest corners. Historical fiction lovers, especially fans of layered timelines and richly drawn settings, will not want to miss this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own!
Paula McLain’s Skylark completely swept me away. Her writing is rich and evocative, the kind that pulls you right into the heart of Paris until you can almost hear the echo of footsteps in the tunnels below. I felt deeply connected to both storylines and their characters, each written with such emotional depth that they lingered long after I turned the final page.
I’ve never read another book set in the underground tunnels of Paris, and that setting alone made this story unforgettable. The dual timelines, one in the 1600s and one during the 1940s German occupation, blend art, history, and human resilience in a way that feels both haunting and hopeful. The connection between the two stories wasn’t what I expected, but it worked beautifully. I loved how the motif of the skylark wove throughout the novel, a symbol of courage, freedom, and song in the darkest of places.
Skylark tells two parallel stories: Alouette Voland, a young woman in 1664 Paris fighting for artistic freedom while trapped in the Salpêtrière asylum, and Kristof Larson, a doctor in 1939 risking everything to protect his Jewish neighbors. Their stories mirror each other in bravery and compassion, showing how the human spirit finds ways to rise even in confinement.
This book is transportive, emotional, and vividly imagined. It is a story about art, resistance, and the light that survives even in history’s darkest corners. Historical fiction lovers, especially fans of layered timelines and richly drawn settings, will not want to miss this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC. All opinions are my own!
November 8, 2025
I first learned of the catacombs beneath Paris from Robert McFarland’s amazing non-fiction book Underland. Paula McLain brings them to life across centuries in this brilliant historical novel about love, loss, family, perseverance, endurance, transformation and survival. In 1664, A young girl learns to become a dye-maker from her father, a craft strictly forbidden to women. In 1939, a young Jewish girl learns how quickly freedoms can be stolen. Both of these remarkable girls are tied together by the bonds of place and spirit.
Thank you to Paula and Atria Books for the ARC.
Thank you to Paula and Atria Books for the ARC.
August 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review. You can read the overview on Amazon. The book is set between two time lines, but actually three. I loved Alouette’s story set in the 1600’s. She is a tragic character, but the story itself is beautifully written for the most part. I could do with a little less scenery about greenery. The river flowing underground was news to me. The development of colors was interesting. I found it completely implausible that three starved young women swam the Seine in boots and then rowed a boat back across it a day later. I almost threw my Kindle into the swimming pool when the author killed Alouette. I know she is a fictional character, but it is like she took a dagger and just murdered her. It added nothing to the story and the epilogue is completely unfulfilling. Change this. I can think of satisfying, but not saccharin endings. Surely the author can as well. A four for storytelling and a zero for concluding the story.
The second story is wartime Paris. Paris has fallen to the Nazis. Jews are being rounded up. Patients being treated for “mental” disorders are being removed from good psychiatric hospitals and deported east or just left to die in place. Perhaps worse. The resistance is working to save people, but who are your friends and who are the Parisians colluding with the Nazis. I loved reading about the extensive underground tunnels. As the author did not include her bibliography nor information source list I have questions about how much liberty she took with the escape of the children. At least this part of the story is concluded in a way that seems far more realistic.
This is definitely not your definitive historical fiction on the French resistance nor the deportation of the Jews from Paris. I’d give it a 3.5 because the writing really is quite good, but the accuracy cannot be verified at this time, the Alouette epilogue is pitiful and more time could have been devoted to the resistance and less to the hospital and pretty nurses.
The second story is wartime Paris. Paris has fallen to the Nazis. Jews are being rounded up. Patients being treated for “mental” disorders are being removed from good psychiatric hospitals and deported east or just left to die in place. Perhaps worse. The resistance is working to save people, but who are your friends and who are the Parisians colluding with the Nazis. I loved reading about the extensive underground tunnels. As the author did not include her bibliography nor information source list I have questions about how much liberty she took with the escape of the children. At least this part of the story is concluded in a way that seems far more realistic.
This is definitely not your definitive historical fiction on the French resistance nor the deportation of the Jews from Paris. I’d give it a 3.5 because the writing really is quite good, but the accuracy cannot be verified at this time, the Alouette epilogue is pitiful and more time could have been devoted to the resistance and less to the hospital and pretty nurses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2025
I received a free ARC ebook of Skylark from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
This dual timeline novel is about resilience and grit, humans finding the best in themselves and others while chaos and hate swirl around them.
In 17th century Paris, Alouette is the daughter of a guild dyer. She is consigned to lowly rote tasks because of her gender, but she secretly experiments to create a perfect blue. Her efforts land her in an asylum where she overcomes incredible cruelty.
In the other timeline, young Sasha and her Jewish family struggle to survive in Nazi occupied Paris. Kristof, the family's psychiatrist neighbor, offers gentle compassion as he bears witness to the treatment of mentally ill patients under German occupation.
Together, these two stories of endurance against all odds portray compassion and kindness against the backdrop of evil. This is a page-turner.
This dual timeline novel is about resilience and grit, humans finding the best in themselves and others while chaos and hate swirl around them.
In 17th century Paris, Alouette is the daughter of a guild dyer. She is consigned to lowly rote tasks because of her gender, but she secretly experiments to create a perfect blue. Her efforts land her in an asylum where she overcomes incredible cruelty.
In the other timeline, young Sasha and her Jewish family struggle to survive in Nazi occupied Paris. Kristof, the family's psychiatrist neighbor, offers gentle compassion as he bears witness to the treatment of mentally ill patients under German occupation.
Together, these two stories of endurance against all odds portray compassion and kindness against the backdrop of evil. This is a page-turner.
October 7, 2025
I won this arc book from Goodreads giveaway. This book was amazing! I love the fact that you wrote about two different centuries. they did not clash each other but had some historical connection. Alouette was my favorite character. if you love historical fiction, this book is for you. Thanks Paula for a great read!!❤️
August 14, 2025
After reading McLain's Circling the Sun, I was up for her new book! I found it a compelling read. The story proceeds in dual timelines in Paris, one in 1664 and the other in 1942. The two are linked together by the hospital Salpetriere, the ancient underground tunnels of Paris, and the need to escape (the hospital and the Germans invaders). In 1664, Salpetriere women were treated for "hysteria" by approaches designed to crush their spirit into submission. The intense treatments were echoed in those of the early 20th century dealing with shell shock. In 1664, the protagonist Alouette is the daughter of a dyer working in the team making the Gobelin tapestries near Salpetriere. In 1942, the main character is Kristof, a young Dutch psychiatrist who working at Salpetriere.
The stories mostly alternate, with each chapter marked by date and location so it is easy to keep track. If you prefer to like the main characters (I do), they will be a big plus for you. And the plot(s) will keep you going too. In reading the book it is clear that a lot of research went into it.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the copy of the book I received in return for this honest review.
The stories mostly alternate, with each chapter marked by date and location so it is easy to keep track. If you prefer to like the main characters (I do), they will be a big plus for you. And the plot(s) will keep you going too. In reading the book it is clear that a lot of research went into it.
Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the copy of the book I received in return for this honest review.
October 28, 2025
"Skylark" by Paula McLain is an intricately researched and beautifully crafted narrative that explores themes of resilience, hope, courage, and survival. The story unfolds across two distinct periods in Paris: the 1660s and the 1940s. With clear markers of time and location, the alternating timelines make it easy for readers to engage with the unfolding drama.
In the 1660s, we are introduced to Alouette, a young woman with ambitions to become a master dyer, just like her father. During this era, women are often dismissed as inferior and lacking intelligence, forcing Alouette to keep her aspirations hidden. When her father is wrongfully arrested, she feels compelled to help him. In a bold move, she breaks into the workshop in an attempt to retrieve his precious book containing vital dyeing formulas, only to find herself caught, tried, and committed to Salpêtrière, a notorious asylum for those deemed unfit. The horrors she faces there are unimaginable. Alongside other women, Alouette devises a plan to escape, showcasing her resilience and bravery. Her story is one of tragedy and determination. Etienne, a young man working in the quarries, understands the grim reality of his short life expectancy due to his labor. The connection between Alouette and Etienne is pivotal to this compelling narrative.
In 1939, against the backdrop of WWII, we meet Kristof, a psychiatrist from the Netherlands. He works in a psychiatric hospital in Paris, residing in the same building as Sasha and her Jewish family, who have forged a friendship with him. As the characters navigate harrowing circumstances, the narrative unfolds their intertwined journeys filled with trials and challenges in their fight for survival. One intriguing aspect is the use of the underground tunnels of Paris, through which the Bievre River flows as part of the city's water system. These tunnels served as vital escape routes from the oppressive grip of the Nazis in the 1940s. The river emerges as a central symbol in this story. The character development is skillfully executed, and the setting plays a crucial role in both timelines.
Amidst all the fear, imprisonment, death, and love, hope still shines through. This book took me on an emotional journey, evoking tears along the way, but in the end, it filled me with a sense of optimism.
A heartfelt thank you to Atria Books and Paula McLain for this remarkable read!
In the 1660s, we are introduced to Alouette, a young woman with ambitions to become a master dyer, just like her father. During this era, women are often dismissed as inferior and lacking intelligence, forcing Alouette to keep her aspirations hidden. When her father is wrongfully arrested, she feels compelled to help him. In a bold move, she breaks into the workshop in an attempt to retrieve his precious book containing vital dyeing formulas, only to find herself caught, tried, and committed to Salpêtrière, a notorious asylum for those deemed unfit. The horrors she faces there are unimaginable. Alongside other women, Alouette devises a plan to escape, showcasing her resilience and bravery. Her story is one of tragedy and determination. Etienne, a young man working in the quarries, understands the grim reality of his short life expectancy due to his labor. The connection between Alouette and Etienne is pivotal to this compelling narrative.
In 1939, against the backdrop of WWII, we meet Kristof, a psychiatrist from the Netherlands. He works in a psychiatric hospital in Paris, residing in the same building as Sasha and her Jewish family, who have forged a friendship with him. As the characters navigate harrowing circumstances, the narrative unfolds their intertwined journeys filled with trials and challenges in their fight for survival. One intriguing aspect is the use of the underground tunnels of Paris, through which the Bievre River flows as part of the city's water system. These tunnels served as vital escape routes from the oppressive grip of the Nazis in the 1940s. The river emerges as a central symbol in this story. The character development is skillfully executed, and the setting plays a crucial role in both timelines.
Amidst all the fear, imprisonment, death, and love, hope still shines through. This book took me on an emotional journey, evoking tears along the way, but in the end, it filled me with a sense of optimism.
A heartfelt thank you to Atria Books and Paula McLain for this remarkable read!
December 26, 2025
This book relayed the stories of two dark times in the history of Paris. In the 1660s, the Salpetriere was a prison for women and unfortunately the conditions and treatment of these women were horrible. The author told the story of Alouette whose father was a master dyer. Alouette's mother left her family when Alouette was young. Her mental issues were too much for her to handle. Alouette did remember her mother's mastery of growing plants and using for medicinal purposes. Alouette used both of these skills as she grew up. Her father was arrested for treason, and Alouette was sent to prison shortly thereafter in defense of her father. This story was heartbreaking.
The other timeline was in the 1940s when Paris was under siege from the Germans. A Jewish family was torn apart with the father separated from the family first. A mother was left with her three children, one of them under 2 years old. Sasha was the oldest child and the main character in the story. The family had befriended Kristof, a doctor, who came across atrocities in the hospital where he worked with mentally disabled patients. The story describes the electric shock treatments used and authorized by the government. The author delved into the topic of Aktion T4 which I was not aware of. This was a Nazi euthanasia program for the systematic murder of institutionalized people with disabilities. Now this was horrific - the Nazis were deciding whose lives were worthwhile.
You may wonder how anyone can enjoy reading about such atrocities. First, it is good to be educated on the history of these times of oppression. Unfortunately, you can see history repeating itself over various time periods. For me what is enlightening is the kindness and bravery of people that were able to help during these dark times and saved as many people as they could. There was a great theme suggested in this book. These dark times don't necessarily require heroes, but people who will do the next right thing. Such a good and inspiring message.
Thanks to Net Galley, Paula McLain and Atria Books for the advanced eARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
The other timeline was in the 1940s when Paris was under siege from the Germans. A Jewish family was torn apart with the father separated from the family first. A mother was left with her three children, one of them under 2 years old. Sasha was the oldest child and the main character in the story. The family had befriended Kristof, a doctor, who came across atrocities in the hospital where he worked with mentally disabled patients. The story describes the electric shock treatments used and authorized by the government. The author delved into the topic of Aktion T4 which I was not aware of. This was a Nazi euthanasia program for the systematic murder of institutionalized people with disabilities. Now this was horrific - the Nazis were deciding whose lives were worthwhile.
You may wonder how anyone can enjoy reading about such atrocities. First, it is good to be educated on the history of these times of oppression. Unfortunately, you can see history repeating itself over various time periods. For me what is enlightening is the kindness and bravery of people that were able to help during these dark times and saved as many people as they could. There was a great theme suggested in this book. These dark times don't necessarily require heroes, but people who will do the next right thing. Such a good and inspiring message.
Thanks to Net Galley, Paula McLain and Atria Books for the advanced eARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
November 28, 2025
This book reminds us that freedom can quickly be taken away. Paula McLain brings us two compelling stories that take place in Paris with two different timelines.
In 1664, Alouette, 15, lived in a small cottage with her father, a master dyer. He was required to follow strict rules for his position at a local guild. From her father’s influence, she learned how to create a brilliant blue dye like no other. She was absolutely thrilled with this new discovery but the feeling didn’t last long.
In 1939, Kristof moved from Holland to Paris as a first-year resident in psychiatry. It was a time when Hitler was using his power to overthrow European countries and France was next on his list. Kristof’s new friend, Alesander, was an architect and showed him the massive underground tunnels of Paris with its hidden parts.
Many historians have been drawn to Paris with its vast historical accounts and this story showed pieces that were new to me. Both timelines were engaging. However, there was a fair amount of sadness involved with merciless cruelty and great suffering. At the same time, there was hope with the righteous ones imagining an escape from the dangers of powerful groups. This created tension.
Yet, while it was well written, there wasn’t a strong connection between the two timelines. It was like reading two stories back-to-back about power and control over freedom – huge concerns in the world that never seem to go away. Both stories would have been good independently. Throughout, there were layers of issues: women’s rights, mental illness, the search for truth and for justice. It would be a good book for deep discussions.
My thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of January 6, 2026. The views that I share are my own.
In 1664, Alouette, 15, lived in a small cottage with her father, a master dyer. He was required to follow strict rules for his position at a local guild. From her father’s influence, she learned how to create a brilliant blue dye like no other. She was absolutely thrilled with this new discovery but the feeling didn’t last long.
In 1939, Kristof moved from Holland to Paris as a first-year resident in psychiatry. It was a time when Hitler was using his power to overthrow European countries and France was next on his list. Kristof’s new friend, Alesander, was an architect and showed him the massive underground tunnels of Paris with its hidden parts.
Many historians have been drawn to Paris with its vast historical accounts and this story showed pieces that were new to me. Both timelines were engaging. However, there was a fair amount of sadness involved with merciless cruelty and great suffering. At the same time, there was hope with the righteous ones imagining an escape from the dangers of powerful groups. This created tension.
Yet, while it was well written, there wasn’t a strong connection between the two timelines. It was like reading two stories back-to-back about power and control over freedom – huge concerns in the world that never seem to go away. Both stories would have been good independently. Throughout, there were layers of issues: women’s rights, mental illness, the search for truth and for justice. It would be a good book for deep discussions.
My thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of January 6, 2026. The views that I share are my own.
September 29, 2025
"You think you'll know where the line is," says a character in this book. "You don't. You just wake up on the wrong side of it."
This is the biggest concern of this novel. It's set set partly in 1664, where the main character is a young woman obsessed with discovering new dyes for cloth who winds up getting in trouble with a powerful guild, and partly in 1940, where a doctor at a hospital for the mentally ill is living through the Nazi occupation of Paris, but this is very much a novel of the United States in the time we're living through right now. Sure, there are people who are actively doing wicked things. But this wickedness is only possible because there are so many collaborators, so many people who just go along as acquaintances and neighbors are dragged away.
There's a little girl the doctor knows in Paris, a Jewish girl who is trying to memorize Ovid's Metamorphoses in Latin, and she's really thought about what it is to metamorphosize in order to survive, another theme of this novel. Daphne changes into a laurel tree to escape Apollo. Actaeon is changed into a stag by Artemis. You can also metamorphosize in order to protect others- as when a doctor decides to become part of the resistance.
It took me a while to get into this, but then I really did. There was a lot to think about here. How can you be a good person in this flawed world? How much will you risk to be a good person?
This is the biggest concern of this novel. It's set set partly in 1664, where the main character is a young woman obsessed with discovering new dyes for cloth who winds up getting in trouble with a powerful guild, and partly in 1940, where a doctor at a hospital for the mentally ill is living through the Nazi occupation of Paris, but this is very much a novel of the United States in the time we're living through right now. Sure, there are people who are actively doing wicked things. But this wickedness is only possible because there are so many collaborators, so many people who just go along as acquaintances and neighbors are dragged away.
There's a little girl the doctor knows in Paris, a Jewish girl who is trying to memorize Ovid's Metamorphoses in Latin, and she's really thought about what it is to metamorphosize in order to survive, another theme of this novel. Daphne changes into a laurel tree to escape Apollo. Actaeon is changed into a stag by Artemis. You can also metamorphosize in order to protect others- as when a doctor decides to become part of the resistance.
It took me a while to get into this, but then I really did. There was a lot to think about here. How can you be a good person in this flawed world? How much will you risk to be a good person?
Read
November 23, 2025“Freedom is more than escape—it is learning to live with the weight of what they’ve seen, what they’ve survived. It is carrying the memories of those left behind, the guilt of getting away when others couldn’t. It is finding a way to build something new from the ashes of everything they’ve lost.”
“Holding the people we love in our hearts keeps them alive forever.”
No matter how many times I read about the Holocaust it is unfathomable that so many people all over the world followed orders to exterminate all the Jewish people. No matter how many time I read about women being treated for hysteria it is unfathomable that doctors and nurses allowed this to happen.
Skylark by Paula McLain has written a dual timeline book, both timelines taking place in Paris one in 1664 and one in 1939. Both timelines take place in the underground tunnels in Paris, which were used to escape. This is the first book I have read with this setting. The book reads more like two separate stories, both well developed. Both had me bawling. I would have rather read two separate books instead of one long one where the characters never connected. I think it would have been slightly more powerful.
The writing, the characters, the horror, the strength, the bonds developed between the characters made for an unforgettable story of resilience and strength.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria boos for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Holding the people we love in our hearts keeps them alive forever.”
No matter how many times I read about the Holocaust it is unfathomable that so many people all over the world followed orders to exterminate all the Jewish people. No matter how many time I read about women being treated for hysteria it is unfathomable that doctors and nurses allowed this to happen.
Skylark by Paula McLain has written a dual timeline book, both timelines taking place in Paris one in 1664 and one in 1939. Both timelines take place in the underground tunnels in Paris, which were used to escape. This is the first book I have read with this setting. The book reads more like two separate stories, both well developed. Both had me bawling. I would have rather read two separate books instead of one long one where the characters never connected. I think it would have been slightly more powerful.
The writing, the characters, the horror, the strength, the bonds developed between the characters made for an unforgettable story of resilience and strength.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria boos for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2025
This story goes back and forth between 1664 and the early 1940’s. Beneath Paris is a vast underground world of secret tunnels, and it is these tunnels that tie the two time periods together. In 1664, Alouette Voland is the daughter of a master dyer at the Gobelin Tapestry Works, where all the dyes that are developed belong to the Gobelin family. When Alouette’s father is arrested for trading secrets with other dyers, Alouette does everything in her power to take back what rightfully belongs to her father even claiming one of the blue dyes as one of her creations. Well, this doesn’t go over well with the higher authorities of the time who claim her to be “mad” and commit her to an asylum where atrocious things take place against women. In 1939, Kristof Larsen is a psychiatric doctor at a hospital in Paris. When the German occupation begins, he joins forces with others to help Jews escape using the underground tunnels. I enjoyed this story and its characters, especially Alouette. She had dreams of her own, of being a creator of extraordinary dyes and didn’t understand why women could not have a mind of their own (Imagine!).
Thank you to NetGalley & Atria Books for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
Thank you to NetGalley & Atria Books for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
September 3, 2025
This impeccably written story takes place in Paris, through two different timelines - the 1660’s and the 1930’s.
In the 1660’s, Alouette Voland has dreams of becoming a master dyer like her father, however, women were looked down upon and deemed unintelligent, so she had to keep her secrets close to the chest and never, ever tell a soul. When her father is unjustly arrested, Alouette finds herself torn between wanting to help him and knowing how dangerous that could be.
In the 1930’s, Kristof Larson is a resident psychiatrist who befriends a Jewish family shortly before the Nazi invasion in Paris. When this family is taken by the Nazi regime, Kristof chooses to leave his job in order to work for the resistance.
A big chunk of this story takes place in Paris’ underground city. I was completely absorbed with this emotional journey and learned a lot about the underground tunnels and what they were used for. I highly recommend this book if you’re a reader of historical fiction. It’s brilliantly written and evocatively tantalizing.
Thank you, NetGalley and Atria books for the advanced copy of this 5-star read.
In the 1660’s, Alouette Voland has dreams of becoming a master dyer like her father, however, women were looked down upon and deemed unintelligent, so she had to keep her secrets close to the chest and never, ever tell a soul. When her father is unjustly arrested, Alouette finds herself torn between wanting to help him and knowing how dangerous that could be.
In the 1930’s, Kristof Larson is a resident psychiatrist who befriends a Jewish family shortly before the Nazi invasion in Paris. When this family is taken by the Nazi regime, Kristof chooses to leave his job in order to work for the resistance.
A big chunk of this story takes place in Paris’ underground city. I was completely absorbed with this emotional journey and learned a lot about the underground tunnels and what they were used for. I highly recommend this book if you’re a reader of historical fiction. It’s brilliantly written and evocatively tantalizing.
Thank you, NetGalley and Atria books for the advanced copy of this 5-star read.
August 18, 2025
Skylark by Paula McLain is storytelling at its finest. The stories told - of man’s cruelty and kindness, weakness and courage, despair and hope - are timeless. Our eternal life and legacy as illustrated by Skylark’s two tales, one mirroring the other in many ways. Whether in the Paris of 1664 (when one story is set) or in the occupied Paris of 1940 (the other story’s time), the characters face the same challenges of injustice, hatred, poverty, discrimination.
Skylark is so beautifully written, so engaging, that I cannot start another book - the characters ( including the city of Paris, ancient and more contemporary) are in my thoughts. I loved this book and recommend it highly.
I received an ARC of this book from Atria via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Skylark is so beautifully written, so engaging, that I cannot start another book - the characters ( including the city of Paris, ancient and more contemporary) are in my thoughts. I loved this book and recommend it highly.
I received an ARC of this book from Atria via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
November 24, 2025
It has taken me over three months to get through Skylark, and that might be a record for me. When I saw that Paula McLain had a new novel, I was so excited because The Paris Wife is one of my absolute favorites of all time. Sadly, I found Skylark to be very slow moving, somewhat confusing and I’m left feeling highly disappointed.
This historical fiction novel is a dual timeline, both taking place in France, one in the 1600s and one in WW2. And that’s about all of the connection there was. I’m really not sure why the author didn’t choose one of the stories and simply write a book about one or the other because it honestly made no sense to me for both of these timelines to be included. I also felt like the World War II storyline in particular jumped around, and it was never really clear who the main character was until well over halfway through the book. That’s also around the time I realized that there still wasn’t really a plot in either storyline.
I’m giving it 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 simply because the writing is good, but the structure was just not good to me.
Thanks to Atria and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my review.
This historical fiction novel is a dual timeline, both taking place in France, one in the 1600s and one in WW2. And that’s about all of the connection there was. I’m really not sure why the author didn’t choose one of the stories and simply write a book about one or the other because it honestly made no sense to me for both of these timelines to be included. I also felt like the World War II storyline in particular jumped around, and it was never really clear who the main character was until well over halfway through the book. That’s also around the time I realized that there still wasn’t really a plot in either storyline.
I’m giving it 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 simply because the writing is good, but the structure was just not good to me.
Thanks to Atria and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my review.
September 4, 2025
Skylark, Paula McLain’s newest novel, is set to be released in January 2026. Once again she has given us an amazing historical fiction. The book has two timelines, 1665 and 1939. As with her other books, the writing is excellent and the storytelling leaves nothing out although it is slow moving in the beginning. Many times I wondered how the stories tied together.
Alouette is the daughter of a master dyer for the Gobelin Tapestry works. In 1964 you were part of a guild and you do only as they say. You are not allowed to try anything on you own. Consequences are imprisonment and or death. Rene her father has an obsession to create the perfect red. Alouette, after watching and learning from her father, tries creating on her own. She is seeking the perfect blue. The guild discovers what her father is doing and he is arrested. Alouette breaks into the works to try and recover her fathers book which holds all his formulas and also becomes arrested, tried, and is sent to an asylum for those not of right mind. The things she has to endure is appalling. She and several other women need to use their strength and ingenuity to survive.
In 1939, Hitler marches onto Paris and takes over the city. Kristof is a doctor in the psychiatric hospital. He lives in a section of the city where many Jewish residents live. He befriends one family in his building and when arrests of Jews start, they are taken away. The Nazi’s release children between 14 and 18 and his neighbor’s daughter Sarah goes to him for help after release. Kristof finds himself part of the resistance and uses all his powers and contacts to help a few of these children escape.
Defiance, friendships and survival run through both sections of the book. In parts, the things these people had to endure was hard to read. It was also hard to look at the fact that survival for some left others behind. As runs through life, survival is of the fittest. Although there was not a definite connection between the two timelines, I saw the connection in both parts as having to endure, a desire for survival, friendships, and the want for better.
I would like to thank Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read this advanced uncorrected readers copy.
Alouette is the daughter of a master dyer for the Gobelin Tapestry works. In 1964 you were part of a guild and you do only as they say. You are not allowed to try anything on you own. Consequences are imprisonment and or death. Rene her father has an obsession to create the perfect red. Alouette, after watching and learning from her father, tries creating on her own. She is seeking the perfect blue. The guild discovers what her father is doing and he is arrested. Alouette breaks into the works to try and recover her fathers book which holds all his formulas and also becomes arrested, tried, and is sent to an asylum for those not of right mind. The things she has to endure is appalling. She and several other women need to use their strength and ingenuity to survive.
In 1939, Hitler marches onto Paris and takes over the city. Kristof is a doctor in the psychiatric hospital. He lives in a section of the city where many Jewish residents live. He befriends one family in his building and when arrests of Jews start, they are taken away. The Nazi’s release children between 14 and 18 and his neighbor’s daughter Sarah goes to him for help after release. Kristof finds himself part of the resistance and uses all his powers and contacts to help a few of these children escape.
Defiance, friendships and survival run through both sections of the book. In parts, the things these people had to endure was hard to read. It was also hard to look at the fact that survival for some left others behind. As runs through life, survival is of the fittest. Although there was not a definite connection between the two timelines, I saw the connection in both parts as having to endure, a desire for survival, friendships, and the want for better.
I would like to thank Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read this advanced uncorrected readers copy.
December 1, 2025
4.5 Stars: Be patient and then be wowed! This is two very separate and very distinct storylines: one set in the 17th century with a poor girl facing poverty, imprisonment in asylum, loss of love, family, everything she holds dear; and then the other storyline set in early 1940’s Paris with a Jewish family facing the horrors of the Nazi regime. Each story line was kept so separate that it was hard to find the connecting threads, but once I saw the overlapping themes and characters, I was blown away. McLain’s writing was beautiful and I felt for so many of her characters, sadly seeing topical issues of today’s America. Powerful story.
September 10, 2025
5 stars
What an immersive historical fiction novel set in Paris. We get to learn about the underground tunnels/networks that were created during the building of Paris in the 1600's and then used during the Nazi occupation in WWII. I was equally gripped by both storylines and absolutely loved the characters. Alouette is confined to a women's asylum in 1664 and tries to orchestrate her escape. Meanwhile in 1939, Kristof (a psychiatric medical resident) goes above and beyond to help his Jewish neighbours.
If you are a fan of historical fiction I highly recommend you read this book!
Thanks to Atria Books and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fave quote from the book:
"What burns can still tell its story. What breaks can be remade. But what endures unchanged through fire might just carry the most powerful secret of all - that what seems like an ending is instead a beginning. Waiting there among the ashes to be found."
What an immersive historical fiction novel set in Paris. We get to learn about the underground tunnels/networks that were created during the building of Paris in the 1600's and then used during the Nazi occupation in WWII. I was equally gripped by both storylines and absolutely loved the characters. Alouette is confined to a women's asylum in 1664 and tries to orchestrate her escape. Meanwhile in 1939, Kristof (a psychiatric medical resident) goes above and beyond to help his Jewish neighbours.
If you are a fan of historical fiction I highly recommend you read this book!
Thanks to Atria Books and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fave quote from the book:
"What burns can still tell its story. What breaks can be remade. But what endures unchanged through fire might just carry the most powerful secret of all - that what seems like an ending is instead a beginning. Waiting there among the ashes to be found."
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