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The Paris Thief
For readers of The Nightingale, The Paris Library and All the Light We Cannot See, a page-turning story of love, betrayal and sacrifice, and one woman’s complicated connection to the world’s greatest masterpiece, from the bestselling author of Tuscan Daughter.
1910: Eighteen-year-old Mathilde has escaped her lonely provincial childhood to become a painter in Montmartre. Moving in bohemian circles, she models for Picasso and lives hedonistically amongst the artists, writers and intellectuals of Paris, indulging her passions and her ambitions in art and love. But when the Mona Lisa is stolen from the Louvre, and some of Mathilde’s friends and lovers become suspects, life takes a dramatic turn.
1940: As the enemy marches into Paris, Mathilde, now an archivist at the Louvre working quietly under a new identity, is tasked with the evacuation of hundreds of priceless masterpieces to the sprawling Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley. With her she carries a secret—the Mona Lisa is under her sole protection and she vows to hide it from the Nazi occupiers. Nobody must discover its whereabouts. It isn’t until a lover from her past arrives at the château, dressed in a Nazi uniform, that Mathilde finds herself agonizingly torn between her sworn duty to France and a love that still endures.
The Paris Thief brilliantly celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in times of immense upheaval and draws readers into a story of hard-fought love and the reasons why enemy armies are driven to plunder and possess beauty.
1910: Eighteen-year-old Mathilde has escaped her lonely provincial childhood to become a painter in Montmartre. Moving in bohemian circles, she models for Picasso and lives hedonistically amongst the artists, writers and intellectuals of Paris, indulging her passions and her ambitions in art and love. But when the Mona Lisa is stolen from the Louvre, and some of Mathilde’s friends and lovers become suspects, life takes a dramatic turn.
1940: As the enemy marches into Paris, Mathilde, now an archivist at the Louvre working quietly under a new identity, is tasked with the evacuation of hundreds of priceless masterpieces to the sprawling Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley. With her she carries a secret—the Mona Lisa is under her sole protection and she vows to hide it from the Nazi occupiers. Nobody must discover its whereabouts. It isn’t until a lover from her past arrives at the château, dressed in a Nazi uniform, that Mathilde finds herself agonizingly torn between her sworn duty to France and a love that still endures.
The Paris Thief brilliantly celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in times of immense upheaval and draws readers into a story of hard-fought love and the reasons why enemy armies are driven to plunder and possess beauty.
- GenresHistorical FictionFrance
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2026
About the author
Lisa Rochon
2 books18 followersLisa Rochon is the author of the bestselling novel Tuscan Daughter. She is also an award-winning architecture critic, cultural commentator, and essayist. She is the two-time winner of a National Newspaper Award for her "City Space" column in The Globe and Mail and the recipient of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada President's Award for Architectural Journalism. Educated at the University of Toronto and in Paris at Sciences Po and École du Louvre, she is passionate about seeing the world afresh and with new complexity through female eyes. Rochon splits her time between Toronto and Europe. You can find out more about her at www.lisarochon.ca and www.tuscancreativelab.com.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 11, 2026
1910 - Montmartre. Matilde moves from her native Alsace to Paris and becomes Picasso’s latest muse and immersed in the Bohemian world of the city’s artists and writers. She loves studying the art in the Louvre and is entranced by La Joconde, otherwise known as Mona Lisa. When it is stolen in 1911, a number of her friends and acquaintances are under suspicion including Pablo Picasso.
August 1939 - Château de Chambord, the Loire Valley. It’s clear to all concerned that war is imminent and France will inevitably be invaded. Matilde is now an archivist at the Louvre and is given the huge responsibility of overseeing the removal of valuable art to the huge renaissance Château. In her personal possession is Mona Lisa and she intends to protect it to the best of her ability. After the Nazi invasion, she is summoned to the Louvre to meet the director Jaques Jaujard and a Nazi officer whose role is the Kunstschutz, art protection, who to her shock is a face from her past. Yet again, Matilde is torn between her duty and love. The story is told in two timelines.
Art and history, two of my great interests so this is a perfect read for me. It’s a very engaging, well written and easy to read novel with the different timelines flowing from one to the other. It has an air of authenticity as it weaves fact with fiction, real characters with “faux”and all feel believable. It’s very rich in atmosphere, especially in the earlier timeline with Bohemian Montmartre being described so vividly it makes me feel as if I’m there. It’s almost a love letter to Paris, its artists and the art of the museums, especially the Louvre. This contrasts so sharply with the later timeline and the dark days of the Nazi occupation. There are occasions where the tension is sky high, not just the well documented Nazi art thefts and destruction of art considered degenerate but other actions too, both in Paris and further south.
I applaud the efforts by characters such as Matilde to save France’s art collection and their bravery is in no doubt. Much here is factual and the officer in charge of “art protection “ is based on a real character. I’m not sure what to make of Matilde, she’s somewhat of a conundrum. There’s little doubt she’s a loving and caring mother and her efforts to save the art, especially La Joconde are admirable but some of her choices in her youth are somewhat dubious. She does repay her indiscretions in spades. Her dilemma during the war is palpable and aspects of how she is torn are understandable.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoy this historical novel and it’s one I can recommend to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Headline for the much appreciated early copy and return for an honest review.
August 1939 - Château de Chambord, the Loire Valley. It’s clear to all concerned that war is imminent and France will inevitably be invaded. Matilde is now an archivist at the Louvre and is given the huge responsibility of overseeing the removal of valuable art to the huge renaissance Château. In her personal possession is Mona Lisa and she intends to protect it to the best of her ability. After the Nazi invasion, she is summoned to the Louvre to meet the director Jaques Jaujard and a Nazi officer whose role is the Kunstschutz, art protection, who to her shock is a face from her past. Yet again, Matilde is torn between her duty and love. The story is told in two timelines.
Art and history, two of my great interests so this is a perfect read for me. It’s a very engaging, well written and easy to read novel with the different timelines flowing from one to the other. It has an air of authenticity as it weaves fact with fiction, real characters with “faux”and all feel believable. It’s very rich in atmosphere, especially in the earlier timeline with Bohemian Montmartre being described so vividly it makes me feel as if I’m there. It’s almost a love letter to Paris, its artists and the art of the museums, especially the Louvre. This contrasts so sharply with the later timeline and the dark days of the Nazi occupation. There are occasions where the tension is sky high, not just the well documented Nazi art thefts and destruction of art considered degenerate but other actions too, both in Paris and further south.
I applaud the efforts by characters such as Matilde to save France’s art collection and their bravery is in no doubt. Much here is factual and the officer in charge of “art protection “ is based on a real character. I’m not sure what to make of Matilde, she’s somewhat of a conundrum. There’s little doubt she’s a loving and caring mother and her efforts to save the art, especially La Joconde are admirable but some of her choices in her youth are somewhat dubious. She does repay her indiscretions in spades. Her dilemma during the war is palpable and aspects of how she is torn are understandable.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoy this historical novel and it’s one I can recommend to fans of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Headline for the much appreciated early copy and return for an honest review.
July 21, 2026
I listened to the audio book of this one, via Net Galley.
I loved the dual timelines and seeing Mathilde at such different stages of her life. First a young (often impulsive & spirited!) aspiring artist immersed in the bohemian world of Montmartre, then decades later as an archivist risking everything to protect the treasures of the Louvre during World War II. I especially enjoyed watching her past slowly catch up with her as people she thought she’d left behind reentered her life…..!
The art was one of my favourite parts of this novel. I’ve always loved studying art, and having visited Paris years ago, I found it so special to revisit many of the museums, landmarks, and famous masterpieces through this story. Having stood in many of the same places Mathilde did made the novel feel even more special.
I also loved learning about the amazing efforts to protect France’s priceless works of art during the war.
Historical fiction, woven with suspense and romance- I really enjoyed it!
I loved the dual timelines and seeing Mathilde at such different stages of her life. First a young (often impulsive & spirited!) aspiring artist immersed in the bohemian world of Montmartre, then decades later as an archivist risking everything to protect the treasures of the Louvre during World War II. I especially enjoyed watching her past slowly catch up with her as people she thought she’d left behind reentered her life…..!
The art was one of my favourite parts of this novel. I’ve always loved studying art, and having visited Paris years ago, I found it so special to revisit many of the museums, landmarks, and famous masterpieces through this story. Having stood in many of the same places Mathilde did made the novel feel even more special.
I also loved learning about the amazing efforts to protect France’s priceless works of art during the war.
Historical fiction, woven with suspense and romance- I really enjoyed it!
July 14, 2026
A riveting dual timeline historical fiction novel about a French woman determined to save some of Paris' most famous art from falling into Nazi hands during WWII. Based on real historical events, this follows Mathilde, in 1910 and 1940 as she falls in love and risks everything to save artwork, like the Mona Lisa from being appropriated by the Nazis. Moving, heartfelt and great on audio, this was perfect for fans of books like The Parisian Heist or anything about Parisian resistance movements during WWII. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Paris, 1940. Mathilde Payer works as an archivist at the Louvre, she is given the task to evacuation of hundreds of priceless masterpieces to the Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley. Why they thought this was a good option to hide the art was puzzling and despite it being in a remote location, and Mathilde has to leave behind her son who is attending university.
Mathilde grew up in Northern France, rural Alsace, with her two older brothers who enjoyed bullying her and widowed father. As a teenager she has art lessons with a young man (I think her grandmother paid for these), he broke her heart and she moves to Montmartre.
Here Mathilde works in a café, models for artists and has a relationship with Pablo Picasso and an Italian man who built the glass cabinets to store precious pieces in the Louvre. When the Mona Lisa is stolen, everyone is questioned about its disappearance and even the famous painter.
In the free zone, the Germans get closer to the château, one day Mathilde hears army trucks arrive and much to her shock one of the soldiers is a past lover, and she finds herself torn between duties, feelings and how could he be a Nazi and can she trust him?
I received a copy of The Paris Thief by Lisa Rochon from NetGalley and Headline in exchange for an honest review and all thoughts expressed are my own.
While the narrative includes real people and facts, I found it confusing and it jumps from one timeline to the next and it’s hard to keep up with the story and make sense of what’s happening. I had to reread parts and it was only at the end in the author notes I was able to piece it together enough of what I think happened to write this.
I didn’t understand why Mathilde was obsessed with the Mona Lisa, was it due to her relationship with Picasso when she was younger or because it was once stolen and she didn’t want it to happen again?
I’m sure Lisa Rochon had a reason for writing this novel, so don’t get me put you off reading it and I certainly didn’t get the deep meaning behind it.
Three stars and hiding art from the Germans was important and I found how they went about it interesting.
Mathilde grew up in Northern France, rural Alsace, with her two older brothers who enjoyed bullying her and widowed father. As a teenager she has art lessons with a young man (I think her grandmother paid for these), he broke her heart and she moves to Montmartre.
Here Mathilde works in a café, models for artists and has a relationship with Pablo Picasso and an Italian man who built the glass cabinets to store precious pieces in the Louvre. When the Mona Lisa is stolen, everyone is questioned about its disappearance and even the famous painter.
In the free zone, the Germans get closer to the château, one day Mathilde hears army trucks arrive and much to her shock one of the soldiers is a past lover, and she finds herself torn between duties, feelings and how could he be a Nazi and can she trust him?
I received a copy of The Paris Thief by Lisa Rochon from NetGalley and Headline in exchange for an honest review and all thoughts expressed are my own.
While the narrative includes real people and facts, I found it confusing and it jumps from one timeline to the next and it’s hard to keep up with the story and make sense of what’s happening. I had to reread parts and it was only at the end in the author notes I was able to piece it together enough of what I think happened to write this.
I didn’t understand why Mathilde was obsessed with the Mona Lisa, was it due to her relationship with Picasso when she was younger or because it was once stolen and she didn’t want it to happen again?
I’m sure Lisa Rochon had a reason for writing this novel, so don’t get me put you off reading it and I certainly didn’t get the deep meaning behind it.
Three stars and hiding art from the Germans was important and I found how they went about it interesting.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"The Paris Thief" is a work of historical fiction inspired by real events that took place during World WarII involving France's priceless art collections. Mathilde is among those chosen to help move and protect valuable works of art to keep them out of Nazi hands. The story follows her both during the war and thirty years earlier as a young woman in Paris.
I found the historical aspects of the novel to be the most interesting part. I enjoyed learning about the extraordinary efforts undertaken by the French to preserve and protect the treasures housed in the Louvre and other museums throughout the country. The book sheds light on a fascinating and often overlooked chapter of history.
That said, I found the overall story somewhat boring. Much of the detail about Mathilde's younger life felt only loosely connected to the wartime narrative. The chapters that flashed back to her earlier years did not always seem directly related to the chapters before or after them, making the dual timeline feel more like a stylistic choice than en effective telling of the story..
I think the novel might have been more readable if it had begun with Mathilde fleeing Paris with the artworks, then returned to her earlier years to tell that portion of her story in a more continuous way before resuming the wartime narrative. Even then, however, I suspect the extensive unrelated descriptions would still have made the story feel slow-moving.
Another weakness is the ending, which feels abrupt and incomplete, as though an important piece of the story is missing.
Although I would not read this book again, I gave it three stars because it provided valuable insight into France's struggle to preserve its artistic heritage and keep these cultural treasures within its borders during a time of war.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I found the historical aspects of the novel to be the most interesting part. I enjoyed learning about the extraordinary efforts undertaken by the French to preserve and protect the treasures housed in the Louvre and other museums throughout the country. The book sheds light on a fascinating and often overlooked chapter of history.
That said, I found the overall story somewhat boring. Much of the detail about Mathilde's younger life felt only loosely connected to the wartime narrative. The chapters that flashed back to her earlier years did not always seem directly related to the chapters before or after them, making the dual timeline feel more like a stylistic choice than en effective telling of the story..
I think the novel might have been more readable if it had begun with Mathilde fleeing Paris with the artworks, then returned to her earlier years to tell that portion of her story in a more continuous way before resuming the wartime narrative. Even then, however, I suspect the extensive unrelated descriptions would still have made the story feel slow-moving.
Another weakness is the ending, which feels abrupt and incomplete, as though an important piece of the story is missing.
Although I would not read this book again, I gave it three stars because it provided valuable insight into France's struggle to preserve its artistic heritage and keep these cultural treasures within its borders during a time of war.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read a lot of books set during WWII, and am very interested in fine art, so this book looked right up my street. It was clearly very well researched and I learned a lot about the removal of the Louvre (etc) treasures to places of safety before and during the Nazi invasion, and the problems that the curators had to deal with.
I appreciated the scenes with Picasso and Braques, and the discussions regarding their art, and was excited that Dora Maar made an (albeit small) appearance.
However, the Mona Lisa was not plundered by Napoleon, it was gifted to the French King by Leonardo da Vinci – so really did belong in France not Italy. While Vincenzo may not have known that, Mathilde certainly should have, and should have passed on the information. And by my humble (and really not popular) opinion, the Mona Lisa is not that impressive, and da Vinci produced many better pieces.
The book follows would-be artist and later art curator, Mathilde through three time-lines: her youth in Alsace (with Franz), her life as a young artist in Montmartre (Vincenzo, Picasso) and her work relocating the Louvre treasures in the 1940s (Franz, Phillipe, Picasso). Although I could appreciate the difficulties that Mathilde had as a female, and especially a female artist, I found her to be manipulative, selfish and at times very naïve. She was my least favourite character – which was not promising, given that she was the main one.
However, there was much to like in the book, and it works well as historical fiction. It should be a hit with many readers. Don’t be put off by my 3-star rating.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by either the author or publisher.
I appreciated the scenes with Picasso and Braques, and the discussions regarding their art, and was excited that Dora Maar made an (albeit small) appearance.
However, the Mona Lisa was not plundered by Napoleon, it was gifted to the French King by Leonardo da Vinci – so really did belong in France not Italy. While Vincenzo may not have known that, Mathilde certainly should have, and should have passed on the information. And by my humble (and really not popular) opinion, the Mona Lisa is not that impressive, and da Vinci produced many better pieces.
The book follows would-be artist and later art curator, Mathilde through three time-lines: her youth in Alsace (with Franz), her life as a young artist in Montmartre (Vincenzo, Picasso) and her work relocating the Louvre treasures in the 1940s (Franz, Phillipe, Picasso). Although I could appreciate the difficulties that Mathilde had as a female, and especially a female artist, I found her to be manipulative, selfish and at times very naïve. She was my least favourite character – which was not promising, given that she was the main one.
However, there was much to like in the book, and it works well as historical fiction. It should be a hit with many readers. Don’t be put off by my 3-star rating.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by either the author or publisher.
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June 8, 2026The Paris Thief is an engaging dual-timeline historical novel that blends art, history, and wartime suspense into a compelling read.
The story moves between bohemian Paris in the 1910s and Nazi-occupied France in 1940, and I particularly enjoyed the earlier timeline. Rochon vividly captures the creative energy of Montmartre, offering a fascinating glimpse into the artistic circles of the era. The appearances of figures such as Picasso and the exploration of the art world added depth and authenticity, making those chapters especially enjoyable.
The wartime storyline was equally interesting, highlighting the extraordinary efforts taken to protect France’s priceless cultural treasures from Nazi looting. I found the details surrounding the evacuation of masterpieces from the Louvre both fascinating and educational, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of World War II history.
Mathilde is a complex and unconventional protagonist. While I occasionally found it difficult to fully sympathize with her choices, her journey across both timelines remained intriguing and kept me invested in the story. The shifting perspectives between her youthful artistic ambitions and her wartime responsibilities create an effective contrast between freedom and duty.
Rich in atmosphere and historical detail, The Paris Thief is a thoughtful novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy art history, historical fiction, and stories set in Paris. An enjoyable and informative read that introduced me to a fascinating chapter of art preservation during the war.
The story moves between bohemian Paris in the 1910s and Nazi-occupied France in 1940, and I particularly enjoyed the earlier timeline. Rochon vividly captures the creative energy of Montmartre, offering a fascinating glimpse into the artistic circles of the era. The appearances of figures such as Picasso and the exploration of the art world added depth and authenticity, making those chapters especially enjoyable.
The wartime storyline was equally interesting, highlighting the extraordinary efforts taken to protect France’s priceless cultural treasures from Nazi looting. I found the details surrounding the evacuation of masterpieces from the Louvre both fascinating and educational, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of World War II history.
Mathilde is a complex and unconventional protagonist. While I occasionally found it difficult to fully sympathize with her choices, her journey across both timelines remained intriguing and kept me invested in the story. The shifting perspectives between her youthful artistic ambitions and her wartime responsibilities create an effective contrast between freedom and duty.
Rich in atmosphere and historical detail, The Paris Thief is a thoughtful novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy art history, historical fiction, and stories set in Paris. An enjoyable and informative read that introduced me to a fascinating chapter of art preservation during the war.
July 15, 2026
3.5 stars
This was a fascinating historical read, with huge connections to the art world and it has introduced me to parts of history that I didn't know about! The main character of Mathilde is a really fascinating one, although I did find the constant timeline changing a little challenging to keep up with which did spoil my enjoyment of the story.
this is the story of mathilde over some very monumental times in her life, and also world history. It's fair to say she lived a fascinating life, and it was wonderful to get the glimpses of her timeline. We see her as a younger woman, moving from the country to the city of Paris where she becomes central to the life and work of Picasso and the people around him. She's his muse and their relationship is a sensual one. And during this time the Mona Lisa goes missing from the Louvre, and her circle of acquaintances find themselves central to the action.
And we also meet her during the war where she works at the Louvre and she is put in charge of keeping the artwork safe from the invading Nazi's. It's all shipped to a Chateau in the country and once again the Mona Lisa plays a big part in her life.
there's a little bit of everything in this story as you have the war aspect and the impact that it has on families, alongside that of the artworld and the exuberant characters within it, as well as her personal relationships and the dilemmas she has to face as she does come across a little naïve at times.
This was a fascinating historical read, with huge connections to the art world and it has introduced me to parts of history that I didn't know about! The main character of Mathilde is a really fascinating one, although I did find the constant timeline changing a little challenging to keep up with which did spoil my enjoyment of the story.
this is the story of mathilde over some very monumental times in her life, and also world history. It's fair to say she lived a fascinating life, and it was wonderful to get the glimpses of her timeline. We see her as a younger woman, moving from the country to the city of Paris where she becomes central to the life and work of Picasso and the people around him. She's his muse and their relationship is a sensual one. And during this time the Mona Lisa goes missing from the Louvre, and her circle of acquaintances find themselves central to the action.
And we also meet her during the war where she works at the Louvre and she is put in charge of keeping the artwork safe from the invading Nazi's. It's all shipped to a Chateau in the country and once again the Mona Lisa plays a big part in her life.
there's a little bit of everything in this story as you have the war aspect and the impact that it has on families, alongside that of the artworld and the exuberant characters within it, as well as her personal relationships and the dilemmas she has to face as she does come across a little naïve at times.
July 20, 2026
On a recent trip to Florence, we stayed at The Frame Hotel, the very hotel where the Mona Lisa was recovered in 1913. So, when I came across The Paris Thief by Lisa Rochon, I was immediately intrigued.
I generally enjoy historical fiction, particularly the way authors weave fact and fiction together. Unlike some readers, I did not find the shifting timelines difficult to follow, although listening to the audiobook may have made the transitions easier. That said, I struggled to see the value of the sections focusing on Mathilde’s early life. They often felt more like filler than an essential part of the story.
Overall, the premise was interesting, and I particularly enjoyed the 1910 timeline, especially the appearances of famous artists and other historical figures.
However, some of the details in the novel did not align with what I had read about the Mona Lisa’s theft and recovery while staying at the hotel in Florence. Admittedly, I have not done a deep dive into those discrepancies, but they still left me feeling uneasy about the historical accuracy of the story.
I also found the ending rushed and somewhat unfinished. While the narration was very well done, I did not fully enjoy the journey of the story itself.
For those reasons, I am giving The Paris Thief three stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I generally enjoy historical fiction, particularly the way authors weave fact and fiction together. Unlike some readers, I did not find the shifting timelines difficult to follow, although listening to the audiobook may have made the transitions easier. That said, I struggled to see the value of the sections focusing on Mathilde’s early life. They often felt more like filler than an essential part of the story.
Overall, the premise was interesting, and I particularly enjoyed the 1910 timeline, especially the appearances of famous artists and other historical figures.
However, some of the details in the novel did not align with what I had read about the Mona Lisa’s theft and recovery while staying at the hotel in Florence. Admittedly, I have not done a deep dive into those discrepancies, but they still left me feeling uneasy about the historical accuracy of the story.
I also found the ending rushed and somewhat unfinished. While the narration was very well done, I did not fully enjoy the journey of the story itself.
For those reasons, I am giving The Paris Thief three stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Before going to sleep two full hours after I initially planned, having made the mistake of reading one chapter before bed, The Paris Thief kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The one chapter turned into finishing the book because I couldn't bear putting it down.
The story follows a compelling character through two periods of her life as her past unfolds and we make the connections that explain the events as they're taking place. Switching between the 1910s and 1940s, we watch Mathilde develop various relationships with people and art.
The time taken to set up our character's story is well worth it and interesting and makes the tense moments of the second half of the book that much more exciting. World War II, known to us all as a dark period of horror and uncertainty, is explored from a perspective I haven't heard of before. I learned a lot more about the protection of art through the tasks and sacrifices that were asked of Mathilde as she was also struggling with the worry for her son and reunion with her past love.
You don't have to be an art aficionado to love this book: I guarantee that you will if you love uncovering a person's story, a new view on World War II and a gripping romance.
The story follows a compelling character through two periods of her life as her past unfolds and we make the connections that explain the events as they're taking place. Switching between the 1910s and 1940s, we watch Mathilde develop various relationships with people and art.
The time taken to set up our character's story is well worth it and interesting and makes the tense moments of the second half of the book that much more exciting. World War II, known to us all as a dark period of horror and uncertainty, is explored from a perspective I haven't heard of before. I learned a lot more about the protection of art through the tasks and sacrifices that were asked of Mathilde as she was also struggling with the worry for her son and reunion with her past love.
You don't have to be an art aficionado to love this book: I guarantee that you will if you love uncovering a person's story, a new view on World War II and a gripping romance.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoyed parts of this story, but I found it hard to connect with any of the characters and while there are some insightful and emotional moments, many parts of the story fell a bit flat for me with some parts that had such promise not being fleshed out. I also found the jumping between timelines hard to keep up with. I loved the history lesson and I spent a bit of time on Google while reading, but it took a lot of effort for me to stay in the story. I also found the ending to be very abrupt, and I had to wonder if there's a book 2 coming, but the author's notes don't point to that. I did enjoy the author's notes at the end, which cleared up what was factual and what was imagined.
I know a lot of people will love this story for what it is, we all enjoy different writing styles and I think this was not a good choice for me personally. I recommend giving it a try, even if just for the art history and a taste of how the Nazi takeover affected citizens of France.
Thank you to NetGalley, Headline publishers and Lisa Rochen for the complimentary copy. My review is voluntary, and all thoughts are my own.
I know a lot of people will love this story for what it is, we all enjoy different writing styles and I think this was not a good choice for me personally. I recommend giving it a try, even if just for the art history and a taste of how the Nazi takeover affected citizens of France.
Thank you to NetGalley, Headline publishers and Lisa Rochen for the complimentary copy. My review is voluntary, and all thoughts are my own.
July 18, 2026
This was my first book by this author and I found it quite hard to get into.
It tells us about what happened to the art during WWII. How the Nazis arrived in Paris and went about taking the art they wanted back to Germany and burning some.
There were mostly two timelines but sometimes three. When Mathilde (the main character) was young living at home with her siblings and father, when she's 18 and moved out of home and becomes a muse for Picasso!, and finally due to her job at The Louvre she is in charge of moving famous artworks out into the sticks in the hopes that the Nazis won't find them.
The timeline when was was 18 was probably the most interesting for me - everything that happens during that time. Working with the great Picasso and also her knowledge of the disappearance of The Mona Lisa.
In the timeline when she is older and helping to move the works of art she comes across her first love - is he still the same person now that he's working for the Nazis, can she trust him?
Thank you to Headline, NetGalley and Lisa Rochon for the eARC of this book which I received for free in exchange for my review.
It tells us about what happened to the art during WWII. How the Nazis arrived in Paris and went about taking the art they wanted back to Germany and burning some.
There were mostly two timelines but sometimes three. When Mathilde (the main character) was young living at home with her siblings and father, when she's 18 and moved out of home and becomes a muse for Picasso!, and finally due to her job at The Louvre she is in charge of moving famous artworks out into the sticks in the hopes that the Nazis won't find them.
The timeline when was was 18 was probably the most interesting for me - everything that happens during that time. Working with the great Picasso and also her knowledge of the disappearance of The Mona Lisa.
In the timeline when she is older and helping to move the works of art she comes across her first love - is he still the same person now that he's working for the Nazis, can she trust him?
Thank you to Headline, NetGalley and Lisa Rochon for the eARC of this book which I received for free in exchange for my review.
July 20, 2026
This book was a bit of a slowburn for me. Set in France over three time periods it explores Mathilde's emergence from Alsacien farmhand, to Picasso's muse (and aider and abetter of the theft of the Mona Lisa) and her subsequent, rather surprising, role as the Mona Lisa's guardian, on behalf of the Louvre, during WW2. I cannot say I enjoyed all elements of the book equally. I found the descriptions of Mathilde's early life in Hagenau, her treatment by her father and her brothers, and the development of her relationship with Franz engaging. As Picasso's muse I found myself disliking her intensely. I most enjoyed the portions of the books discussing her later years and how she and others come to terms with life under Nazi rule. I can see why there are suggestions that this book might appeal to readers of All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. Having finished it I can see why comparisons are made, although I'm not sure I liked the characters in this novel as much. For me this was a good read - a 3.5, rounded up to a 4 - and I am grateful to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this ARC.
July 22, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! The Paris Thief by Lisa Rochon is a novel told on a triple time line. The first when Mathilde is a child and how her views of the world were first formed living with her two brothers and father. She grew up without a mother do to complications during her birth which resulted in her mother’s death. The second time line allows us to glimpse Mathilde’s young adult years when she lived in Montmarte and frequently partied with Picasso and Apollinaire. The third time line focuses on her role in saving the world’s greatest tableaux. Taking them from Le Louvre and keeping them safe in an old church in order to preserve history while the German Nazis pillaged and burned many great masterpieces. I enjoyed learning more about the art scene in the early 1900s but this story just missed the mark for me. I found it very difficult to engage with the characters and though I thought the plot would be very interesting from the synopsis, I just did t enjoy it. I found some of the storylines difficult to follow and, unfortunately, wouldn’t recommend to others who have an in interest in historical fiction from that time period.
July 26, 2026
The Paris Thief
by Lisa Rochon
The Paris Thief has such an incredible premise. The story follows Mathilde across two major timelines: first as an eighteen-year-old artist and Picasso's model in bohemian 1910 Paris right when the Mona Lisa is stolen, and later in 1940 as a Louvre archivist hiding the famous painting from the Nazis at a château in the Loire Valley. The stakes are incredibly high, especially when a lover from her past turns up in a Nazi uniform.
I really wanted to love this one more, but I struggled with the execution. First, I found the jumping between timelines quite hard to keep up with, which disrupted the flow of the story for me.
My biggest issue, though, was the ending. It feels incredibly abrupt and incomplete, almost as though an important piece of the story is missing entirely. It left me wanting more closure after everything Mathilde went through.
Overall, it’s a decent historical fiction read with a fascinating plot, but the jarring timeline jumps and the sudden ending held it back from being a higher rating for me.
by Lisa Rochon
The Paris Thief has such an incredible premise. The story follows Mathilde across two major timelines: first as an eighteen-year-old artist and Picasso's model in bohemian 1910 Paris right when the Mona Lisa is stolen, and later in 1940 as a Louvre archivist hiding the famous painting from the Nazis at a château in the Loire Valley. The stakes are incredibly high, especially when a lover from her past turns up in a Nazi uniform.
I really wanted to love this one more, but I struggled with the execution. First, I found the jumping between timelines quite hard to keep up with, which disrupted the flow of the story for me.
My biggest issue, though, was the ending. It feels incredibly abrupt and incomplete, almost as though an important piece of the story is missing entirely. It left me wanting more closure after everything Mathilde went through.
Overall, it’s a decent historical fiction read with a fascinating plot, but the jarring timeline jumps and the sudden ending held it back from being a higher rating for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
After a two-year hiatus from WWII fiction, I somehow ended up reading two at once! While I enjoyed the storyline involving Picasso and appreciated the historical backdrop, much of this novel felt predictable. Even though it's rooted in historical events, I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd read this story before.
I also struggled to connect the main character's younger and older selves. They felt like two completely different people, and I never felt the dual timelines came together in a meaningful way. The ending caught me off guard—but not in a satisfying way. It felt abrupt, with several storylines left unresolved.
Overall, the writing was beautiful, but I found the story disappointing. Despite its compelling premise, it didn't offer the fresh perspective or emotional impact I was hoping for.
Note: This Advance Listening Copy was provided by Harper Collins Audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I also struggled to connect the main character's younger and older selves. They felt like two completely different people, and I never felt the dual timelines came together in a meaningful way. The ending caught me off guard—but not in a satisfying way. It felt abrupt, with several storylines left unresolved.
Overall, the writing was beautiful, but I found the story disappointing. Despite its compelling premise, it didn't offer the fresh perspective or emotional impact I was hoping for.
Note: This Advance Listening Copy was provided by Harper Collins Audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2026
I couldn't put this book down. Rochon paints with her words. Throughout reading, I could picture Paris in the 1910s and the 1940s. I could feel the cold alleyways and damp chateau rooms.
The story of the theft of the Mona Lisa was new to me, so it was a treat to read. I also loved all the characters highlighted in the book. I have to admit I often Googled each of the artists portrayed in the book just to get to know them better.
My favourite line: "She no longer laughs. Except when she becomes a cellist, so she can lean into the torment of her life. When she stops, it is because she cannot find notes that are magnificent and sweet. She reaches a hand to turn the pages but the music is no longer being written."
The story of the theft of the Mona Lisa was new to me, so it was a treat to read. I also loved all the characters highlighted in the book. I have to admit I often Googled each of the artists portrayed in the book just to get to know them better.
My favourite line: "She no longer laughs. Except when she becomes a cellist, so she can lean into the torment of her life. When she stops, it is because she cannot find notes that are magnificent and sweet. She reaches a hand to turn the pages but the music is no longer being written."
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a story of historical World War 2 fiction. It weaves in and out of actual history, although there are a few inaccuracies which I assume is writer's licence. Although the characters are well developed and fit into the storyline, Mathilde isn't a person I'd like to have dealings with, she is selfish, manipulative and at times she acts more like a spoilt child than an adult. Apart from that it was interesting to read about the Nazis plundering the Louvre instead of the usual resistance tale of bravery and resilience. On the whole I enjoyed the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I found this book difficult to get into as the story kept shifting timelines. It did, however, introduce me to a period of history of which I knew very little.
1910 - Mathilda, at 18, escapes her childhood home to live in Montmartre, Paris. Here she becomes immersed in the arty bohemian lifestyle and is taken on as a muse by Picasso. She is also instrumental in the theft of the Mona Lisa.
1940 - as an art curator at the Louvre, she masterminds the removal of priceless artefacts to the Chateau de Chambord in the Loire valley leaving her 21 year old student son in Paris under Nazi occupation.
With the unlikely assistance of an old friend - now a Nazi art expert - she is able to remain one step ahead of the Nazi occupation force and safeguard the art heritage including the Mona Lisa.
I found the historical context fascinating but was frustrated by the end of the story.
1910 - Mathilda, at 18, escapes her childhood home to live in Montmartre, Paris. Here she becomes immersed in the arty bohemian lifestyle and is taken on as a muse by Picasso. She is also instrumental in the theft of the Mona Lisa.
1940 - as an art curator at the Louvre, she masterminds the removal of priceless artefacts to the Chateau de Chambord in the Loire valley leaving her 21 year old student son in Paris under Nazi occupation.
With the unlikely assistance of an old friend - now a Nazi art expert - she is able to remain one step ahead of the Nazi occupation force and safeguard the art heritage including the Mona Lisa.
I found the historical context fascinating but was frustrated by the end of the story.
July 18, 2026
I love this genre but I did struggle to get into this one and connect with the different characters. So as usual an interesting part of history even if the characters weren’t as compelling. Thanks to Lisa and her publisher.
July 18, 2026
Take a deep dive into the history of the Mona Lisa!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 19, 2026
I love a WWII story that is well researched and has great characters. Loved this story!
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