- This delightful historical novel brings vividly to life the occupation of Paris by the Nazis in 1939, and how the locals coped, particularly the destruction of their work lives and the lack of food and other necessities. Their family, friend and colleague relationships were put under enormous stress. There was outright betrayal, plenty of dobbing, hatred of citizens deemed, often falsely, 'collaborators', and rank antisemitism. Ugly behaviour defined so much of French society during the war years. But on the other hand it also created close friendships and intimacy, and enabled courage and the spirit of resistance to emerge despite the risks.
- There’s something irresistible about a book that so emotionally engages you in the lives of its characters. This book achieves that benchmark in spades.
- We're also taken to the small town of Froid in Montana many years after the war where Odile, the main character from Paris, now lives. The author captures the parochialism of this small American town perfectly. It's 1983 at the height of the Cold War and the enemy is Russia.
- We're provided with rich details of the characters' family lives. Odile’s beautiful, loving relationship with her twin brother Remy, is just one example. The Paris library staff and their regular clients also add to the rich tapestry.
- Unfortunately the novel drowns a bit in sentimentality, despite toughening up at the end. Personal disagreements are too frequently dissolved in an instant. Such was the fragility of those stressful times.
- Nevertheless this is an exceptionally enjoyable read.
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