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The Paris Children
Inspired by the true story of one woman's fight to survive during the 20th century's darkest hour
Paris, 1935. A dark shadow falls over Europe as Adolf Hitler's regime gains momentum, leaving the city of Paris on the brink of occupation. Young Madeleine Levy—granddaughter of Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish World War I hero—steps bravely into a new wave of resistance and becomes the guardian of lost children.
When Madeleine meets a small girl in a tattered coat with the hollow look of one forced to live a nightmare—a young Jewish refugee from Germany named Anna—she knows that she cannot stand idly by. Paris is full of children like Anna—frightened and starving, innocent casualties of a war barely begun. Madeleine offers them comfort and strength while working with other members of the resistance to smuggle them into safer territories. But as the Paris she loves is transformed into a theater of tension and hatred, many people are tempted to abandon the cause—and the country. And amidst the impending horror and doubt, Madeleine's relationship with Claude, a young Jewish Resistance fighter, as passionate about saving vulnerable children as she is, deepens. With a questionable future ahead of them, all Madeleine can do is continue fighting and hope that her spirit—and the nation's—won't be broken.
A remarkable, paranoramic novel, The Paris Children is a story of love and tragedy that illuminates the power of hope and courage in the face of adversity.
Paris, 1935. A dark shadow falls over Europe as Adolf Hitler's regime gains momentum, leaving the city of Paris on the brink of occupation. Young Madeleine Levy—granddaughter of Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish World War I hero—steps bravely into a new wave of resistance and becomes the guardian of lost children.
When Madeleine meets a small girl in a tattered coat with the hollow look of one forced to live a nightmare—a young Jewish refugee from Germany named Anna—she knows that she cannot stand idly by. Paris is full of children like Anna—frightened and starving, innocent casualties of a war barely begun. Madeleine offers them comfort and strength while working with other members of the resistance to smuggle them into safer territories. But as the Paris she loves is transformed into a theater of tension and hatred, many people are tempted to abandon the cause—and the country. And amidst the impending horror and doubt, Madeleine's relationship with Claude, a young Jewish Resistance fighter, as passionate about saving vulnerable children as she is, deepens. With a questionable future ahead of them, all Madeleine can do is continue fighting and hope that her spirit—and the nation's—won't be broken.
A remarkable, paranoramic novel, The Paris Children is a story of love and tragedy that illuminates the power of hope and courage in the face of adversity.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2020
323 people are currently reading
2147 people want to read
About the author
Gloria Goldreich
38 books60 followersGloria Goldreich graduated from Brandeis University and did graduate work in Jewish history at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She was a coordinator in the Department of Jewish Education at National Hadassah and served as Public Relations Director of the Baruch College of the City University of New York.
While still an undergraduate at Brandeis, she was a winner of the Seventeen Magazine short story contest where her first nationally published work appeared. Subsequently, her short fiction and critical essays have appeared in Commentary, McCalls, Redbook, Ladies Home Journal, Mademoiselle, Ms., Chatelaine, Hadassah Magazine and numerous other magazines and journals. Her work has been widely anthologized and translated.
She is the author of a series of children's books on women in the professions entitled What Can She Be? She has also written novels for young adults, Ten Traditional Jewish Stories, and she edited a prize-winning anthology A Treasury of Jewish Literature.
Her novel, Leah's Journey won the National Jewish Book Award for fiction in 1979, and her second novel Four Days won the Federation Arts and Letters Award. Her other novels include Promised Land, This Burning Harvest, Leah's Children, West to Eden, Mothers, Years of Dreams and That Year of Our War. Her books have been selections of the Book of the Month Club, the Literary Guild and the Troll Book Club.
She has lectured throughout the United States and in Canada.
Gloria Goldreich is married to an attorney and is the mother of two daughters and a son, and the grandmother of six grandchildren.
While still an undergraduate at Brandeis, she was a winner of the Seventeen Magazine short story contest where her first nationally published work appeared. Subsequently, her short fiction and critical essays have appeared in Commentary, McCalls, Redbook, Ladies Home Journal, Mademoiselle, Ms., Chatelaine, Hadassah Magazine and numerous other magazines and journals. Her work has been widely anthologized and translated.
She is the author of a series of children's books on women in the professions entitled What Can She Be? She has also written novels for young adults, Ten Traditional Jewish Stories, and she edited a prize-winning anthology A Treasury of Jewish Literature.
Her novel, Leah's Journey won the National Jewish Book Award for fiction in 1979, and her second novel Four Days won the Federation Arts and Letters Award. Her other novels include Promised Land, This Burning Harvest, Leah's Children, West to Eden, Mothers, Years of Dreams and That Year of Our War. Her books have been selections of the Book of the Month Club, the Literary Guild and the Troll Book Club.
She has lectured throughout the United States and in Canada.
Gloria Goldreich is married to an attorney and is the mother of two daughters and a son, and the grandmother of six grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
November 9, 2020
4.5 stars
“Charity is not sufficient. What is needed above all is openness of heart, material deeds.”
This is a moving piece of historical fiction reflecting the courage and selflessness of those in the French Resistance during WWII, based on the true story of Madeline Levy, who was the granddaughter of Alfred Dreyfus (who we remember from high school history class of the Dreyfus Affair,
“one of the most notable examples of a complex miscarriage of justice and antisemitism.” (Wikipedia). ) It was after his death when the truly horrific result of antisemitism occurred during the Holocaust that his family found themselves in the middle of the Nazi occupation of France.
While I have read several novels about the French Resistance, I was not aware of Madeline Levy or her family and the role they played. I was drawn to the characters and emotionally connected to their mission, bringing Jewish children to safety, mostly orphans whose parents were taken to concentration camps. Although fiction, with imagined “scenes and relationships “ as the author describes in her note, it was much more meaningful to me that it is based on real people.
The novel opens on the verge of the fall of France to Hitler and the Levy family is forced to leave their home in Paris. It is then that Madeline and some of her family become involved in the resistance. As a social worker she faces danger in moving children to safety amid the Nazi occupation and in even more harrowing assignments as the story progresses. I found this to be beautifully written and I would definitely recommend it to readers of historical fiction, especially WWII and Holocaust fiction. It’s a story of family ties, a love story, a story of courage in the face of evil , a tribute to Madeline Levy and so many others who sacrificed themselves for the children . It’s about “openness of heart” and a belief that “This life is worth its grief.”
I received a copy of this book from Sourcebooks Landmark through NetGalley and Edelweiss.
“Charity is not sufficient. What is needed above all is openness of heart, material deeds.”
This is a moving piece of historical fiction reflecting the courage and selflessness of those in the French Resistance during WWII, based on the true story of Madeline Levy, who was the granddaughter of Alfred Dreyfus (who we remember from high school history class of the Dreyfus Affair,
“one of the most notable examples of a complex miscarriage of justice and antisemitism.” (Wikipedia). ) It was after his death when the truly horrific result of antisemitism occurred during the Holocaust that his family found themselves in the middle of the Nazi occupation of France.
While I have read several novels about the French Resistance, I was not aware of Madeline Levy or her family and the role they played. I was drawn to the characters and emotionally connected to their mission, bringing Jewish children to safety, mostly orphans whose parents were taken to concentration camps. Although fiction, with imagined “scenes and relationships “ as the author describes in her note, it was much more meaningful to me that it is based on real people.
The novel opens on the verge of the fall of France to Hitler and the Levy family is forced to leave their home in Paris. It is then that Madeline and some of her family become involved in the resistance. As a social worker she faces danger in moving children to safety amid the Nazi occupation and in even more harrowing assignments as the story progresses. I found this to be beautifully written and I would definitely recommend it to readers of historical fiction, especially WWII and Holocaust fiction. It’s a story of family ties, a love story, a story of courage in the face of evil , a tribute to Madeline Levy and so many others who sacrificed themselves for the children . It’s about “openness of heart” and a belief that “This life is worth its grief.”
I received a copy of this book from Sourcebooks Landmark through NetGalley and Edelweiss.
September 3, 2020
Quick thoughts:
I’m so grateful this story was told. Madeleine Levy is the granddaughter of Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish World War I hero, and she becomes part of the resistance and a shepherd for lost children. She will not let a child go without a home during this tumultuous time of war. Her story is filled with humanity and the goodness in strangers, and especially those who are willing to stand up against evil.
Madeline is definitely a champion worth highlighting and one I’m grateful to have learned about through this beautifully told story.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader (instagram review)
I’m so grateful this story was told. Madeleine Levy is the granddaughter of Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish World War I hero, and she becomes part of the resistance and a shepherd for lost children. She will not let a child go without a home during this tumultuous time of war. Her story is filled with humanity and the goodness in strangers, and especially those who are willing to stand up against evil.
Madeline is definitely a champion worth highlighting and one I’m grateful to have learned about through this beautifully told story.
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader (instagram review)
October 13, 2020
The Paris Children by Gloria Goldreich is a true story based on the life of a very brave Jewish social worker called Madeleine Levy, her perseverance and determination in France during WW II was truly remarkable.
One day Madeleine noticed a little girl watching her eat, she bought her something to eat, she decided to take Anna home and what she discovered was totally shocking. The Jewish family left Germany in a hurry, they had to leave everything they owned behind, the entire family was hungry and they had no identification papers. France also had became a country divided, refugees were being badly treated and now anyone Jewish was a target. Street vendors had their carts over turned; produce damaged and rude words written on shop windows. Madeleine and her family became involved in the resistance, her sister’s Simone’s calligraphy skills became very useful and she could produce all kinds of forged documents. A whole network of brave people helped Jewish children, adults and allied pilots escape German occupied France. It was an amazing set up and it included safe houses, forged identification documents and travel permits and ideas they came up with to move people around France was incredible.
Madeleine lost most of her hearing after a childhood illness, she could lip read and it was a very handy skill to have during a war. Madeleine ended up with so many different aliases; she dressed up, changed her appearance and she didn’t say in one place for long. During this time she met Claude Lehmann he was involved in the resistance, he helped train and walk children out of France using varies escape routes and in winter. Everyday Claude and Madeleine put themselves in danger, to save others and their selfless bravery and fearless boldness was amazing. I really enjoyed reading The Paris Children, I received a copy in exchange for an honest review and I gave it five stars.
One day Madeleine noticed a little girl watching her eat, she bought her something to eat, she decided to take Anna home and what she discovered was totally shocking. The Jewish family left Germany in a hurry, they had to leave everything they owned behind, the entire family was hungry and they had no identification papers. France also had became a country divided, refugees were being badly treated and now anyone Jewish was a target. Street vendors had their carts over turned; produce damaged and rude words written on shop windows. Madeleine and her family became involved in the resistance, her sister’s Simone’s calligraphy skills became very useful and she could produce all kinds of forged documents. A whole network of brave people helped Jewish children, adults and allied pilots escape German occupied France. It was an amazing set up and it included safe houses, forged identification documents and travel permits and ideas they came up with to move people around France was incredible.
Madeleine lost most of her hearing after a childhood illness, she could lip read and it was a very handy skill to have during a war. Madeleine ended up with so many different aliases; she dressed up, changed her appearance and she didn’t say in one place for long. During this time she met Claude Lehmann he was involved in the resistance, he helped train and walk children out of France using varies escape routes and in winter. Everyday Claude and Madeleine put themselves in danger, to save others and their selfless bravery and fearless boldness was amazing. I really enjoyed reading The Paris Children, I received a copy in exchange for an honest review and I gave it five stars.
May 8, 2020
Madeline, at the age of seventeen loses her grandpa Alfred Dreyfus, with whom she shared a special bond. She is a very ambitious young lady, who craves independence and “a career vested with meaning that might, in some small way, make the world a better place.”
Her grandpa was known for charitable actions, supporting the refugees from Eastern Europe. Now, she is on a mission to help Jewish families fleeing Germany.
I was very much interested in her story. However, this story is being described in words instead of being presented in action, thus I struggled to connect. The story lists a lot of details, not all of them necessary, rather than focusing how it’s being presented. It is slow in plot development.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Her grandpa was known for charitable actions, supporting the refugees from Eastern Europe. Now, she is on a mission to help Jewish families fleeing Germany.
I was very much interested in her story. However, this story is being described in words instead of being presented in action, thus I struggled to connect. The story lists a lot of details, not all of them necessary, rather than focusing how it’s being presented. It is slow in plot development.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2020
This life is worth its grief.
The WW II time period is a gold mine of material for historical fiction novels. I keep discovering new stories from that time period that I was unaware of. In this new book from Gloria Goldreich, the focus is on a Jewess in the French Resistance movement. Her name was Madeleine Levy and she was indeed a force in that movement performing a multitude of tasks, but always being most focused on the suffering of the children and the need to help them escape France. She was the granddaughter of a fierce resistance icon from the great war and although her grandfather died in 1935, Madeleine's grandmother Lucie encourages the family to honor that legacy. In fact, for Madeleine the visits to her grandmother during the war effort were a huge encouragement. It was Lucie who shared the sentiment highlighted above and Madeleine was greatly impacted by it. Readers who love a good character study will fall in love with this book. The action is happening all around, while Madeleine yearns to be with her lifelong love Claude. They decide to wait until their work in the war is done before committing to marriage, but their love and care for each other so sweetly flavors this novel along with the many descriptions of beauty enjoyed through flowers, food, and fellowship. Will be a delightful book for book groups to ponder together.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
The WW II time period is a gold mine of material for historical fiction novels. I keep discovering new stories from that time period that I was unaware of. In this new book from Gloria Goldreich, the focus is on a Jewess in the French Resistance movement. Her name was Madeleine Levy and she was indeed a force in that movement performing a multitude of tasks, but always being most focused on the suffering of the children and the need to help them escape France. She was the granddaughter of a fierce resistance icon from the great war and although her grandfather died in 1935, Madeleine's grandmother Lucie encourages the family to honor that legacy. In fact, for Madeleine the visits to her grandmother during the war effort were a huge encouragement. It was Lucie who shared the sentiment highlighted above and Madeleine was greatly impacted by it. Readers who love a good character study will fall in love with this book. The action is happening all around, while Madeleine yearns to be with her lifelong love Claude. They decide to wait until their work in the war is done before committing to marriage, but their love and care for each other so sweetly flavors this novel along with the many descriptions of beauty enjoyed through flowers, food, and fellowship. Will be a delightful book for book groups to ponder together.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2020
THE PARIS CHILDREN
BY GLORIA GOLDREICH
I loved this biofiction about a young girl named Madeleine Levy. Madeleine loses her hearing at a young age but has learned how to read lips and can communicate very well. At a young age Madeleine dedicates her life along with her sister Simone and her good friend Claude to saving the Jewish children. She puts her life in jeopardy in occupied France for helping a lot of Jewish people. Her sister Simone who she is very close to is a master of forging fake identification papers and documents containing identifications that are false to help the cause. They are all part of the French resistance trying to thwart Hitler's campaign on killing as many Jewish people as he can.
This story had a very authentic and scary setting of occupied France by Germany. Danger lurked everywhere as many French citizens who tried to help save Jewish families who were ripped apart by the Gestapo who was everywhere. It was disturbing on the same token how many people in France could not be trusted because they turned against people in their own Country to help the Nazi's. It became very difficult to know who to trust.
This story was heartbreaking and Madeleine Levy and her friend Claude and sister Simone were very heroic. I loved these characters and worried about their safety throughout the whole narrative. They were very noble and passionate about saving the Jewish children and smuggling them out of France as many Jewish children were displaced. Madeleine Levy and Claude and Simone were constantly putting their lives in jeopardy to save these children.
I would highly recommend reading this book if you enjoy reading about noble people who fought Hitler's killing machine and tried to sabotage his efforts to wipe out as many Jewish people in occupied France during World War II. These people were so brave and parts of this story is inspired by real factual history. We must never forget the vile and heartless acts of Hitler and his Nazi's to eradicate innocent people whose only crime was their ethnicity. This book was a fresh and original story about the young and helpless Jewish children in France and the kindness of those who tried to make a difference often putting their lives at risk. Enjoyable is the wrong word to describe reading this but it does offer hope of mankind resisting histories darkest enemies. I did love this book and loved the character's.
Publication Date: September 1, 2020
Thank you to Net Galley, Gloria Goldreich and SourceBooks Landmark Publishing for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
#TheParisChildren #GloriaGoldreich SourceBooksLandmarkPublishing #NetGalley
BY GLORIA GOLDREICH
I loved this biofiction about a young girl named Madeleine Levy. Madeleine loses her hearing at a young age but has learned how to read lips and can communicate very well. At a young age Madeleine dedicates her life along with her sister Simone and her good friend Claude to saving the Jewish children. She puts her life in jeopardy in occupied France for helping a lot of Jewish people. Her sister Simone who she is very close to is a master of forging fake identification papers and documents containing identifications that are false to help the cause. They are all part of the French resistance trying to thwart Hitler's campaign on killing as many Jewish people as he can.
This story had a very authentic and scary setting of occupied France by Germany. Danger lurked everywhere as many French citizens who tried to help save Jewish families who were ripped apart by the Gestapo who was everywhere. It was disturbing on the same token how many people in France could not be trusted because they turned against people in their own Country to help the Nazi's. It became very difficult to know who to trust.
This story was heartbreaking and Madeleine Levy and her friend Claude and sister Simone were very heroic. I loved these characters and worried about their safety throughout the whole narrative. They were very noble and passionate about saving the Jewish children and smuggling them out of France as many Jewish children were displaced. Madeleine Levy and Claude and Simone were constantly putting their lives in jeopardy to save these children.
I would highly recommend reading this book if you enjoy reading about noble people who fought Hitler's killing machine and tried to sabotage his efforts to wipe out as many Jewish people in occupied France during World War II. These people were so brave and parts of this story is inspired by real factual history. We must never forget the vile and heartless acts of Hitler and his Nazi's to eradicate innocent people whose only crime was their ethnicity. This book was a fresh and original story about the young and helpless Jewish children in France and the kindness of those who tried to make a difference often putting their lives at risk. Enjoyable is the wrong word to describe reading this but it does offer hope of mankind resisting histories darkest enemies. I did love this book and loved the character's.
Publication Date: September 1, 2020
Thank you to Net Galley, Gloria Goldreich and SourceBooks Landmark Publishing for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
#TheParisChildren #GloriaGoldreich SourceBooksLandmarkPublishing #NetGalley
June 15, 2020
Thanks to the publisher of the ARC of this book.
Another powerful World War II story. Historical fiction based on the life of Madeleine Levy, a young Jewish women from Paris, who risked her life with the French resistance and finding hiding places for Jewish children. Tragically like so many others, she was eventually sent to Auschwitz and died, but she did what she could to save others. I can't image always living in terror, but finding a way to keep going.
Madeleine didn't claim to be fearless, the book mentions the cloud of fear that hung over her, but she wasn't paralyzed by fear. I am sure most of the time she was terrified, because she heard stories about what was happening to other Jews and members of the resistance. She overcame in order to help others. Her life and bravery in the face of immense danger reminds me of the quotes by Franklin D. Roosevelt and Nelson Mandela “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.” and “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
This book comes out in September 2020 and I highly recommend to readers of World War II historical fiction. It is a powerful story of love, loss, family, tragedy, and people dedicated themselves to trying to save the lives of others!
Another powerful World War II story. Historical fiction based on the life of Madeleine Levy, a young Jewish women from Paris, who risked her life with the French resistance and finding hiding places for Jewish children. Tragically like so many others, she was eventually sent to Auschwitz and died, but she did what she could to save others. I can't image always living in terror, but finding a way to keep going.
Madeleine didn't claim to be fearless, the book mentions the cloud of fear that hung over her, but she wasn't paralyzed by fear. I am sure most of the time she was terrified, because she heard stories about what was happening to other Jews and members of the resistance. She overcame in order to help others. Her life and bravery in the face of immense danger reminds me of the quotes by Franklin D. Roosevelt and Nelson Mandela “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.” and “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
This book comes out in September 2020 and I highly recommend to readers of World War II historical fiction. It is a powerful story of love, loss, family, tragedy, and people dedicated themselves to trying to save the lives of others!
August 29, 2020
Absorbing, haunting, and deeply moving!
The Paris Children is a compelling, immersive, beautifully written tale set in France between 1935 and 1943 that takes you into the lives of the Levy family, especially Madeleine, a young Jewish woman who spent the majority of the war helping to hide and save as many Jewish children as possible.
The prose is authentic and perceptive. The characters are selfless, brave, and vulnerable. And the plot is a rich, poignant tale of life, loss, love, friendship, family, perseverance, survival, betrayal, courage, sacrifice, Jewish traditions, war, and the important role played by the Jewish scouts in the French Resistance.
Overall, The Paris Children is a beautiful blend of horrifying facts and evocative fiction. It’s a pensive, affecting, powerful tale by Goldreich that highlights humanities incredible ability to love and still be kind, compassionate, and resilient even in the face of unimaginable evil.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Paris Children is a compelling, immersive, beautifully written tale set in France between 1935 and 1943 that takes you into the lives of the Levy family, especially Madeleine, a young Jewish woman who spent the majority of the war helping to hide and save as many Jewish children as possible.
The prose is authentic and perceptive. The characters are selfless, brave, and vulnerable. And the plot is a rich, poignant tale of life, loss, love, friendship, family, perseverance, survival, betrayal, courage, sacrifice, Jewish traditions, war, and the important role played by the Jewish scouts in the French Resistance.
Overall, The Paris Children is a beautiful blend of horrifying facts and evocative fiction. It’s a pensive, affecting, powerful tale by Goldreich that highlights humanities incredible ability to love and still be kind, compassionate, and resilient even in the face of unimaginable evil.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2020
This is the story of Madeleine Lévy granddaughter of Alfred Dreyfus.
Madeleine is a social worker and a member of the French Girl Scouts.
As Paris is occupied she and her family flee to Toulouse where she and her sister and boyfriend join the Resistance. Their main mission is to save Jewish children and get them out of France to safety.
In spite of Madeleine’s severe hearing deficit she shows great courage and determination in her resistance work.
It’s a good story and one I would have enjoyed much more if not for the immense amount of unnecessary ‘filler’ which slowed the book down.
It took me forever to finish this book and it was tough going, not because of the story, but due to the writing.
Madeleine is a social worker and a member of the French Girl Scouts.
As Paris is occupied she and her family flee to Toulouse where she and her sister and boyfriend join the Resistance. Their main mission is to save Jewish children and get them out of France to safety.
In spite of Madeleine’s severe hearing deficit she shows great courage and determination in her resistance work.
It’s a good story and one I would have enjoyed much more if not for the immense amount of unnecessary ‘filler’ which slowed the book down.
It took me forever to finish this book and it was tough going, not because of the story, but due to the writing.
Read
March 17, 2020This was an amazing story of continuous struggle to protect Jews, especially children, before and during the occupation of Paris
May 4, 2021
Maggio recensione 42
I bambini di Parigi di Gloria Goldreich
Pag 384
Parigi, pochi anni prima dello scoppio della guerra.
I nazisti stanno iniziando ad invadere la Francia con le loro folli idee di pulizia etnica, e la giovane Madeleine, figlia di un eroe ebreo, inizia a capire che i tempi che verranno saranno molto duri per il suo popolo. Durante la lotta contro i tedeschi Madeleine si unisce sempre di più al partigiano Claude ed il loro amore crescerà mano a mano che porteranno avanti la loro lotta contro il potere nazista.
Madeleine cerca di combattere, di salvare più vite possibili, soprattutto bambini non piegandosi mai all’odio e non perdendo mai la speranza.
Il libro è ispirato alla vera storia della nipote di Alfred Dreyfus.
Devo dire che sono rimasta un po’ delusa da questo libro che aspettavo di leggere da tanto.
La storia è molto bella ma a mio avviso l’autrice ha dato troppo peso alla storia d’amore tra i due partigiani, rendendola quasi il tema principale a dispetto di un contesto storico così prepotente.
Ho trovato un po’ pesanti le tante ripetizioni di situazioni e sentimenti scritte e riscritte più volte che secondo me si potevano evitare.
Mi è piaciuta invece la descrizione delle parti di preparazione dei vari piani di sabotaggio ai nazisti e delle varie modalità con cui queste coraggiosissime persone hanno portato in salva davvero tantissimi bambini.
Mi è piaciuto anche il contrasto interiore di Madeleine che l’autrice è riuscita a rendere davvero bene. Coraggiosissima quando serve ma che si lasciava andare alla paura ed alla disperazione quando la sera, da sola, nascosta nelle varie case sicure, si abbandonava al suo dolore.
I bambini di Parigi di Gloria Goldreich
Pag 384
Parigi, pochi anni prima dello scoppio della guerra.
I nazisti stanno iniziando ad invadere la Francia con le loro folli idee di pulizia etnica, e la giovane Madeleine, figlia di un eroe ebreo, inizia a capire che i tempi che verranno saranno molto duri per il suo popolo. Durante la lotta contro i tedeschi Madeleine si unisce sempre di più al partigiano Claude ed il loro amore crescerà mano a mano che porteranno avanti la loro lotta contro il potere nazista.
Madeleine cerca di combattere, di salvare più vite possibili, soprattutto bambini non piegandosi mai all’odio e non perdendo mai la speranza.
Il libro è ispirato alla vera storia della nipote di Alfred Dreyfus.
Devo dire che sono rimasta un po’ delusa da questo libro che aspettavo di leggere da tanto.
La storia è molto bella ma a mio avviso l’autrice ha dato troppo peso alla storia d’amore tra i due partigiani, rendendola quasi il tema principale a dispetto di un contesto storico così prepotente.
Ho trovato un po’ pesanti le tante ripetizioni di situazioni e sentimenti scritte e riscritte più volte che secondo me si potevano evitare.
Mi è piaciuta invece la descrizione delle parti di preparazione dei vari piani di sabotaggio ai nazisti e delle varie modalità con cui queste coraggiosissime persone hanno portato in salva davvero tantissimi bambini.
Mi è piaciuto anche il contrasto interiore di Madeleine che l’autrice è riuscita a rendere davvero bene. Coraggiosissima quando serve ma che si lasciava andare alla paura ed alla disperazione quando la sera, da sola, nascosta nelle varie case sicure, si abbandonava al suo dolore.
March 20, 2020
My grandchildren really enjoyed the escapades of Madeline, one of the twelve little girls in two straight lines, who lives in a boarding school and has escapades in London, in Paris. When I saw this title, with a main character named Madeleine, I was curious. However, this is a story of a different kind of children, living in ccupied Paris during WWII, and the efforts to formulate a plan to save as many Jewish children as possible. Children who will be spirited over the mountains to Switzerland and to Spain by dedicated Resistance workers such as Madeleine Levy and Claude Lohman. Madeleine has lost much of her hearing due to a childhood bout with Scarlet Fever, but, throughout this agonizing story, operates as though she had no disability at all. This granddaughter of Alfred Dreyfus believes that "life is more frightening than death."
You will cheer for Claude and Madeleine and hold your breath as they offer comfort and strength to the most vulnerable victims of war, and do what they can to slow the Nazi war machine. Madeleine's sister, Simone, is a calligrapher who is expert in producing false documents, identity cards and ration tickets for this endangered species. The tension, the anxiety, the uncertainty will hold you hostage from premonitions of a hovering disaster until the final page.
Based on a true story, you'll cheer for the Resistance, hold your breath when there's a knock at the door, and throughout this book, these characters will steal your heart.
I read this EARC courtesy of Edelweiss and Sourcebooks. pub date 09/01/20
You will cheer for Claude and Madeleine and hold your breath as they offer comfort and strength to the most vulnerable victims of war, and do what they can to slow the Nazi war machine. Madeleine's sister, Simone, is a calligrapher who is expert in producing false documents, identity cards and ration tickets for this endangered species. The tension, the anxiety, the uncertainty will hold you hostage from premonitions of a hovering disaster until the final page.
Based on a true story, you'll cheer for the Resistance, hold your breath when there's a knock at the door, and throughout this book, these characters will steal your heart.
I read this EARC courtesy of Edelweiss and Sourcebooks. pub date 09/01/20
July 17, 2020
Based on a true story of Madeleine Levy, we watch as she works with other resistance members to save many of the Jewish children of France who are at risk for being sent to the labor camps or death. We get to see her relationship with her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings.
Overall a really cool idea for a book. Unfortunately it fell flat for me. First of all, the use of the French language, followed by the English translation kinda drove me crazy. The character development didn't work for me either. I tried to love Madeleine and her work, but the story wasn't fleshed out well enough for me. It felt as though it jumped far too much for me to feel fully invested in the characters. And I felt the Madeleine/Claude relationship just became redundant. Yes, I understand they miss each other. There was a lot of "mooning" over/about each other that bothered me. I wish we saw more of the actual travels across the mountains into safety. I think I liked Sabiene more than I liked her sister. Again- I love the premise of the story. Just didn't work for me. I stopped reading 2/3 of the way in, after starting to skim the story.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC for my honest opinion.
Overall a really cool idea for a book. Unfortunately it fell flat for me. First of all, the use of the French language, followed by the English translation kinda drove me crazy. The character development didn't work for me either. I tried to love Madeleine and her work, but the story wasn't fleshed out well enough for me. It felt as though it jumped far too much for me to feel fully invested in the characters. And I felt the Madeleine/Claude relationship just became redundant. Yes, I understand they miss each other. There was a lot of "mooning" over/about each other that bothered me. I wish we saw more of the actual travels across the mountains into safety. I think I liked Sabiene more than I liked her sister. Again- I love the premise of the story. Just didn't work for me. I stopped reading 2/3 of the way in, after starting to skim the story.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC for my honest opinion.
March 29, 2020
This book tells a story about courage, hope, friendship, family, love, loyalty. We follow the Levy family, specially Madeline. Madeline, together with Claude and many other Jewish people, form the Resistance agains the Nazi invasion during World War II, which has already started in other parts of Europe. As families start to arrive in Paris in an attempt to escape the concentration camps, these brave people will strive to save as many people as possible, specially the children being the hope for the future and a symbol of innocence.
The story is one sided, but Goldreich gives credit to all the other people who, without being Jewish, still believed in a free France and rebelled against the horrors the Nazi's were propagating. It does not focus on the gore, only mentioning the sufferings the Jewish people were going through, without barely any description of them. It is very moving and engaging, and it also tells stories of love which are based on the hope of a future and better world after the war.
The story is one sided, but Goldreich gives credit to all the other people who, without being Jewish, still believed in a free France and rebelled against the horrors the Nazi's were propagating. It does not focus on the gore, only mentioning the sufferings the Jewish people were going through, without barely any description of them. It is very moving and engaging, and it also tells stories of love which are based on the hope of a future and better world after the war.
March 31, 2020
The fictionalized story of Madeline Levy's life. Madeline was a French and Jewish woman who helped lead the Jewish resistance in France. This is a heartwarming and heartbreaking story of the best and worst in humanity. The writing is beautiful and I enjoyed the growth of Madeline's story as a leader in the resistance. This book highlights another key hero of the war and I'm thankful to have had an opportunity to read. Highly recommend!
May 30, 2024
Great story
But many French grammar and spelling mistakes!
But many French grammar and spelling mistakes!
September 27, 2020
another amazing book by my mama!!
March 21, 2020
The Paris Children by Gloria Goldreich is an excellent historical fiction that focuses on some of the Jewish Resistance groups in France that helped coordinate and smuggle Jewish children out of harm’s way and into safer countries. Madeleine Levy is a fearless young woman who has a heart of gold. She and her friend and eventual partner, Claude Lehmann, risked their lives over and over again selflessly to save others. I will stop there so that I so not give away the ending, but it was bittersweet for certain.
Madeleine was so brave, and I have a hard time imagining all of the terrifying things that she went through, and sacrificed. She even was able to do all of this despite the fact that she lost most of her hearing after experiencing Scarlet fever as a child. I was awed. There world truly needs more women like her.
This book is for anyone that enjoys historical fiction, strong female characters, and reading about resistance groups during WWII. Excellent book.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
Madeleine was so brave, and I have a hard time imagining all of the terrifying things that she went through, and sacrificed. She even was able to do all of this despite the fact that she lost most of her hearing after experiencing Scarlet fever as a child. I was awed. There world truly needs more women like her.
This book is for anyone that enjoys historical fiction, strong female characters, and reading about resistance groups during WWII. Excellent book.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
August 30, 2020
The Paris Children was an interesting story. Based on the life of Madeleine Levy, the story tells her life and struggles during the German occupation in France and her important role in helping children.
Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres. Each book I have read tells a different piece of the story and it is good to know about the real events and the real people. It is also sad and heartbreaking to read about those events but it is also necessary. As it is necessary to read about the good people that played an important part during WWII.
As I said, the story is interesting and I liked Madeleine, Simone, and Claude. The story is very detailed, sometimes a little too much. The pace is slow, too slow for me, it took me days and days of reading and I am usually a faster reader. Moreover, since the period the story covers is long, sometimes is just feels as if it has unnecessary things. I would have like if the story had less description or if moved a bit faster. In that way, it was not engaging. Nevertheless, I wanted to know about Madeleine’s role and so, I kept reading until the end.
I liked the book, and I recommend it if you, like me, are into Historical Fiction. It might be a little slow, but if you like to take your time it can be a great option.
Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres. Each book I have read tells a different piece of the story and it is good to know about the real events and the real people. It is also sad and heartbreaking to read about those events but it is also necessary. As it is necessary to read about the good people that played an important part during WWII.
As I said, the story is interesting and I liked Madeleine, Simone, and Claude. The story is very detailed, sometimes a little too much. The pace is slow, too slow for me, it took me days and days of reading and I am usually a faster reader. Moreover, since the period the story covers is long, sometimes is just feels as if it has unnecessary things. I would have like if the story had less description or if moved a bit faster. In that way, it was not engaging. Nevertheless, I wanted to know about Madeleine’s role and so, I kept reading until the end.
I liked the book, and I recommend it if you, like me, are into Historical Fiction. It might be a little slow, but if you like to take your time it can be a great option.
October 17, 2020
I know as I write this review that I am in the minority. I have read so many review that have such high praise for this book and I could only repeatedly ask if I was reading the same book. In no way am I saying this book is atrocious but it missed the mark for me. I found that I was forcing myself to continue with the book and WW2 historical fiction is one of my favorite genres.
Now you most likely want to know what I think is wrong with the book. I do think the story deserved to be told. Character development was poorly developed. I struggled to connect with any characters.
The writing just felt flat. It could possibly be blamed on the translation?
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
Now you most likely want to know what I think is wrong with the book. I do think the story deserved to be told. Character development was poorly developed. I struggled to connect with any characters.
The writing just felt flat. It could possibly be blamed on the translation?
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts & opinions are my own.
March 30, 2020
This is a story that is both terrifying and uplifting. A fascinating story of determination and bravery in the most difficult of times. I was filled with emotion and empathy while reading the story of Madeleine and her immense bravery to save the children during Hitler's savage reign of terror. That someone could be so brave is a testament to the true spirit of those who lived during that fateful era. This is a story that would be enjoyed by all those who have a passion for great historical fiction.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to read this book in advance of publication. My review is my own and is no way required by the publisher.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to read this book in advance of publication. My review is my own and is no way required by the publisher.
October 22, 2021
This book had amazing potential and could have been so much more. However, the characters were flat and the dialogue was dry.
September 25, 2020
WWI and WWII have given us such a lot of literature from both sides of the Wars and from every angle possible. This is another very good read dealing with the Resistance in France and with a particular emphasis on the Jews in France, trying desperately to look after not just their own French Jews but also lending a hand to those flooding into France seeking refuge before going on to safer shores.
Madeline and Claude are young people caught up in the violence and trying their very best to help their fellow men just escape. Madeline has been put in charge of saving children and this is fraught with danger and there is such a lot of emotion involved. The children know that they have lost their parents forever, taken before them brutally and their only hope is to escape. It is a sad story repeated over and over again in stories and each story is never boring, never repetitious as each child or adult facing the Nazis is unique.
I am so glad I got to know Madeline Levy through this book though I was sad that her ending was brutal. The grand daughter of Alfred Dreyfus a hero of WWI she and her family were earmarked by the Nazis very early on and their hopes for survival was poor.
For those who like history this is a must read.
Madeline and Claude are young people caught up in the violence and trying their very best to help their fellow men just escape. Madeline has been put in charge of saving children and this is fraught with danger and there is such a lot of emotion involved. The children know that they have lost their parents forever, taken before them brutally and their only hope is to escape. It is a sad story repeated over and over again in stories and each story is never boring, never repetitious as each child or adult facing the Nazis is unique.
I am so glad I got to know Madeline Levy through this book though I was sad that her ending was brutal. The grand daughter of Alfred Dreyfus a hero of WWI she and her family were earmarked by the Nazis very early on and their hopes for survival was poor.
For those who like history this is a must read.
January 11, 2022
I am grateful to Gloria Goldreich for writing this book, based on true story of Madeleine Levy during World War II. Prior to reading The Paris Children, I had not heard of this brave young woman. Madeleine was a courageous woman who joined the resistance against Hitler and was passionate about assisting young children to safety when Jewish people were being taken to death camps.
The Paris Children is a heart grabbing tale of hope, courage, perseverance, love, and tragedy.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
The Paris Children is a heart grabbing tale of hope, courage, perseverance, love, and tragedy.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2024
Madeleine Levy, is the granddaughter of WWI Jewish war hero, Alfred Dreyfus. Her family is highly regarded in France. It’s 1935 in Paris and Hitler is expected to soon occupy the city. Madeleine’s biggest concern is for the Jewish children of Paris and what may happened to them. Madeleine and her friend Claude work together to prepare for occupancy and how they can help these children. Both of them join the French Resistance movement. They begin to plan for and find safe hiding place, find supplies, and prepare them for a trek across the Pyrenees Mountains into Spain. Madeleine’ family, like many Jewish and French family do not want to believe that Hitler will invade Paris, but as tensions arise, and Jews are threatened, they decide that they must leave Paris and go to Toulouse, France. Nonetheless, Madeleine and her sister Simone travel to Paris to both work with the Resistance members and continue to work to remove children from the danger. Madeleine and members of her family become valuable to the Resistance. Madeleine especially helps, she passes herself as a non-Jewish woman who works with Toulouse authorities and gathers information about Nazi movement. She becomes extremely important to the cause, is a master of disguise, and protects her family while falling in love with Claude. When she must pull off a very dangerous assignment she does exactly what must be done. She and the Resistance save many lives and from both cities they fight for all French Jews. This story is based on a true family and events.
March 25, 2020
Brimming with historical insight and references!
This story takes place during WWII and when Hitler was in power. Madeleine Levy, our protagonist and heroine of the novel, is in the resistance. She is also a protector of lost children.
I've always marveled at the courage and bravery shown by individuals throughout the War. With the full knowledge of the consequences of their actions, they still push through and do what is right. This book is a novel of hope, valor, and inspiration. It's a novel about doing the right thing in the face of immense novel. Ultimately, it's a story of compassion for others and love.
This story takes place during WWII and when Hitler was in power. Madeleine Levy, our protagonist and heroine of the novel, is in the resistance. She is also a protector of lost children.
I've always marveled at the courage and bravery shown by individuals throughout the War. With the full knowledge of the consequences of their actions, they still push through and do what is right. This book is a novel of hope, valor, and inspiration. It's a novel about doing the right thing in the face of immense novel. Ultimately, it's a story of compassion for others and love.
August 16, 2020
I learned so much about the Jewish community in the city of Paris and how they created a system to help Jewish children get out of how these brave young people got the Jewish children out of Germany – occupied France.
The author showed how the Jewish community in Paris trained and went about learning the skills they need to help their owns. I was surprised by their antiquate plan. I hadn’t know about this before.
Madeleine Levy was a social worker and was able to help young ones escape their captives through proper channels because she was allowed to do certain things under the law as a social worker. Claude had a dangerous job as well. Each of them including Simone Madeleine’s sister risked their lives to help others. They were brave, dedicated, and passionate in their per suite. No one thought that Hitler would invade France, but it was a game changer when he did. All the things they had studied for and practiced in preparation was put into motion.
I enjoyed this story of ordinary people rising up to do amazing, fearless, intentional things. It’s a story of family, friendship, teamwork, courage, hope and love. The story became even more intriguing when I discovered this was a novel based on true events inspired by the countries fight for survival during WWII, during a time when children were abandoned, starving, and all of Paris was fearful. The author does not dwell on the gory details and the horrors the Nazi’s put people through.
This story will work well for your book club. There is so much to talk about and there is a tender love story between Madeline, and Claude I enjoyed.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
The author showed how the Jewish community in Paris trained and went about learning the skills they need to help their owns. I was surprised by their antiquate plan. I hadn’t know about this before.
Madeleine Levy was a social worker and was able to help young ones escape their captives through proper channels because she was allowed to do certain things under the law as a social worker. Claude had a dangerous job as well. Each of them including Simone Madeleine’s sister risked their lives to help others. They were brave, dedicated, and passionate in their per suite. No one thought that Hitler would invade France, but it was a game changer when he did. All the things they had studied for and practiced in preparation was put into motion.
I enjoyed this story of ordinary people rising up to do amazing, fearless, intentional things. It’s a story of family, friendship, teamwork, courage, hope and love. The story became even more intriguing when I discovered this was a novel based on true events inspired by the countries fight for survival during WWII, during a time when children were abandoned, starving, and all of Paris was fearful. The author does not dwell on the gory details and the horrors the Nazi’s put people through.
This story will work well for your book club. There is so much to talk about and there is a tender love story between Madeline, and Claude I enjoyed.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org
April 26, 2022
Frankreich, Ende der 30er Jahre: die jüdische Familien Lévy und Dreyfus fliehen vor den Nazis in Paris. Die junge Madeleine und ihre Schwester Simone schließen sich, wie ihre Brüder, Väter und Onkel, dem Widerstand an. Gemeinsam wollen sie so viele jüdische Kinder wie möglich aus Paris schmuggeln. Doch ihre Pläne sind lebensgefährlich...
"Die verschwundenen Kinder von Paris" war mein erster Roman von Gloria Goldreich und lässt mich zwiegespalten zurück. Das Buch behandelt ein sensibles und trauriges Thema, das streckenweise beklemmend und emotional dargestellt wird. Andererseits verliert sich die Autorin auch in kleinsten Details und kreiert Figuren, die vollkommen ohne Fehler und über alles erhaben erscheinen. Diese beiden Kontraste haben mir die Lektüre nicht einfach gemacht.
Im Mittelpunkt der Geschichte steht Madeleine Lévy. Sie gehört zur berühmten, jüdischen Familie Dreyfus und muss am eigenen Leib erfahren, wie hart und brutal die deutschen Besatzer mit der französischen, jüdischen Bevölkerung umgehen. Für die junge Frau ist schnell klar: Sie will in den Widerstand und ihrem Volk helfen.
Diese Einstellung empfand ich großartig und ich freute mich, mehr über die französische Resistance zu erfahren. Jedoch spielt diese nur eine kleine Nebenrolle. Madeleine und ihre Gedankenwelt, sowie ihre aufkeimende Liebe zu ihrem Jugendfreund Claude stehen klar im Mittelpunkt. Das empfand ich streckenweise befremdlich, da Madeleine teils sehr naiv und unbedarft über ihre Pläne sprach. Das ist im geschichtlichen Kontext durchaus glaubwürdig. Jedoch stilisiert Gloria Goldreich ihre Hauptfigur zu einer Heroin, der kein Fehler unterläuft, hoch. Dieser Ansatz beißt sich für mich mit der Naivität.
Der Stil ist toll und einfach zu lesen. Goldreich legt viel Wert auf die emotionale Welt ihrer Figuren und zeigt sich in ihren Beschreibungen einfühlsam. Das hat mir gut gefallen.
Zusammenfassend war mir die Story vor dem geschichtlichen Hintergrund zu seicht erzählt. Dennoch hat das Buch Potenzial.
"Die verschwundenen Kinder von Paris" war mein erster Roman von Gloria Goldreich und lässt mich zwiegespalten zurück. Das Buch behandelt ein sensibles und trauriges Thema, das streckenweise beklemmend und emotional dargestellt wird. Andererseits verliert sich die Autorin auch in kleinsten Details und kreiert Figuren, die vollkommen ohne Fehler und über alles erhaben erscheinen. Diese beiden Kontraste haben mir die Lektüre nicht einfach gemacht.
Im Mittelpunkt der Geschichte steht Madeleine Lévy. Sie gehört zur berühmten, jüdischen Familie Dreyfus und muss am eigenen Leib erfahren, wie hart und brutal die deutschen Besatzer mit der französischen, jüdischen Bevölkerung umgehen. Für die junge Frau ist schnell klar: Sie will in den Widerstand und ihrem Volk helfen.
Diese Einstellung empfand ich großartig und ich freute mich, mehr über die französische Resistance zu erfahren. Jedoch spielt diese nur eine kleine Nebenrolle. Madeleine und ihre Gedankenwelt, sowie ihre aufkeimende Liebe zu ihrem Jugendfreund Claude stehen klar im Mittelpunkt. Das empfand ich streckenweise befremdlich, da Madeleine teils sehr naiv und unbedarft über ihre Pläne sprach. Das ist im geschichtlichen Kontext durchaus glaubwürdig. Jedoch stilisiert Gloria Goldreich ihre Hauptfigur zu einer Heroin, der kein Fehler unterläuft, hoch. Dieser Ansatz beißt sich für mich mit der Naivität.
Der Stil ist toll und einfach zu lesen. Goldreich legt viel Wert auf die emotionale Welt ihrer Figuren und zeigt sich in ihren Beschreibungen einfühlsam. Das hat mir gut gefallen.
Zusammenfassend war mir die Story vor dem geschichtlichen Hintergrund zu seicht erzählt. Dennoch hat das Buch Potenzial.
August 16, 2020
This was a great story that was not told well. I felt like it had been translated poorly into English; the dialogue was stilted and terms were presented repeatedly in both French and English. And I do mean repeatedly. Once is great, twice is a nice reminder, more than that is really unnecessary.
Madeleine is involved in the Jewish Scouts in Paris and, together with her boyfriend, undertakes the saving of children as the Nazis invade and hold the country. It should have been a nail-biter. There should have been emotion and intensity, but I never felt it. I was disappointed.
My thanks to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Madeleine is involved in the Jewish Scouts in Paris and, together with her boyfriend, undertakes the saving of children as the Nazis invade and hold the country. It should have been a nail-biter. There should have been emotion and intensity, but I never felt it. I was disappointed.
My thanks to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2020
Gloria Goldreich – the award-winning author of about a dozen women’s and young adult novels – has taken an unusual approach in her newest, “The Paris Children.” She imagines the life of a granddaughter of Alfred Dreyfus, the Jewish-French army captain who was falsely convicted of treason in 1894 in an atmosphere of virulent French anti-Semitism, then exonerated 12 years later.
This novel’s protagonist, Madeleine Levy, has a dramatic story of her own: She risked her life saving Jewish children during the Nazi occupation of France.
The writing is pedestrian, but the story is inspiring and gripping. Just when it seems as if the Dreyfus family has finally moved past their patriarch’s history and settled into upper-middle-class life in Paris, France surrenders to Hitler’s troops – and the French anti-Semitism of l’Affaire Dreyfus comes roaring back.
Madeleine and her three siblings join the Resistance. Although Madeleine’s main task is to help smuggle Jewish children to Palestine, her duties expand until she is one of the regional leaders in Vichy France (the puppet state in the south of the country). Her boyfriend is also in the Resistance, disappearing for long stretches on dangerous but unspecified missions. To add to the pressure, Madeleine’s deafness, which was caused by a bout of scarlet fever when she was eight years old, is getting worse.
There are some great details about how to forge documents and train kids to tromp over the Pyrenees. Mainly, this is a solid story.
This novel’s protagonist, Madeleine Levy, has a dramatic story of her own: She risked her life saving Jewish children during the Nazi occupation of France.
The writing is pedestrian, but the story is inspiring and gripping. Just when it seems as if the Dreyfus family has finally moved past their patriarch’s history and settled into upper-middle-class life in Paris, France surrenders to Hitler’s troops – and the French anti-Semitism of l’Affaire Dreyfus comes roaring back.
Madeleine and her three siblings join the Resistance. Although Madeleine’s main task is to help smuggle Jewish children to Palestine, her duties expand until she is one of the regional leaders in Vichy France (the puppet state in the south of the country). Her boyfriend is also in the Resistance, disappearing for long stretches on dangerous but unspecified missions. To add to the pressure, Madeleine’s deafness, which was caused by a bout of scarlet fever when she was eight years old, is getting worse.
There are some great details about how to forge documents and train kids to tromp over the Pyrenees. Mainly, this is a solid story.
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