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So it seems the past few months have had a World War II theme to them, I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because of the hellscape that America is turning into right now, with a wanna be dictator running for president, the Middle East going up in flames {again}, and women losing all of their bodily autonomy {and some athlete celebrating it in a commencement speech, while discounting the fact that he speaks from a place of privilege}… Anyway, yeah, this has been quite the heavy reading month for me. I’m just happy to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every book I’ve read so far.
BOOK DETAILS
Title: The Paris Apartment
Author: Kelly Bowen
Publisher: Forever
Publication Date: April 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Paperback
Pages: 399
ABOUT THE BOOK (from the book)
London, 2017: When Aurelia Leclaire inherits an opulent Paris apartment, she is shocked to discover her grandmother’s hidden secrets – including a treasure trove of famous art and couture gowns. One obscure painting leads Lia to Gabriel Seymour, a highly respected art restorer with his own mysterious past. Together they attempt to uncover the truths concealed within the apartment’s walls.
Paris, 1942: The Germans may occupy the City of Lights, but glamorous Estelle Allard flourishes in a world separate from the hardships of war. Yet when the Nazis come for her friends, Estelle doesn’t hesitate to help those she hold dear, no matter the cost. As she works against the forces intent on destroying her loved ones, she can’t know that her actions will have ramifications for generations to come.
Set seventy-five years apart, against a perilous and a prosperous Paris, both Estelle and Lia must summon hidden courage as they navigate the dangers of a changing world, altering history – and their family’s futures – forever.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR (from his website)
Award-winning author Kelly Bowen grew up in Manitoba, Canada, and attended the University of Manitoba, where she earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in veterinary studies. She worked as a research scientist before realizing her dream to be a writer of historical fiction. Currently, Kelly lives in Winnipeg with her husband and two sons.
Learn more about her here. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
BOOK REVIEW
Initial Thoughts
If you’re an OG reader of my blog, you know I have a deep love for historical fiction, particularly anything dealing with World War II. And, in the last year or so, I’ve discovered that I’m particularly fond of split-time historical fiction. I enjoy the intersection of past and present and seeing how seeming unconnected events come together and influence different situations. It’s the former history instructor in me.
Anyway, back to the review…
I totally enjoyed this book. The story was well-written and flowed evenly, I didn’t notice any plot holes or things that made me go hmmmm… That’s always a good sign. There was some violence, but it fit within the story and made sense given the topic.
The characters were likeable and sympathetic, especially Estelle. Even the side characters were so well-developed that their stories were compelling and added to the emotional aspect of the story. I especially liked that this story was woman centered, with the female characters showing strength and resolve in the face of the most harrowing of situations.
At the heart of the story lies timeless themes that powerfully resonate with our present-day social, political, and cultural landscape. The narrative explores how ordinary individuals, when thrust into extraordinary circumstances, respond by protecting their neighbors and standing up to unimaginable cruelty. Woven throughout is the idea of discovering love amidst the most harrowing of conditions. In fact, I think love is the overriding theme of this novel: love of family, friends, romantic partners, and country.
Favorite Quote(s)
I became a reader. ‘The purpose of the books, she always said, ‘was not to learn what other people thought but to learn to think for myself’
Page 254
Final Note
This emotionally-charged account had an authentic, realistic quality that drew me in. Considering the many heroic tales from that era, the idea of a granddaughter unexpectedly uncovering her grandmother’s hidden past and feeling confused by it makes the story even more fascinating.
If you’re drawn to World War II historical fiction with elements of romance and family drama you’ll find this novel a captivating read. The many twists and turns throughout the story make it an excellent choice for book club discussions.
Trigger Warnings
Torture, Violence, Murder, Racism
IT’S YOUR TURN
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