Paris 1944
A young woman's future is torn away in a heartbeat. Herded on to a train bound for Auschwitz, in an act of desperation she entrusts her most precious possession to a stranger. All she has left now is hope.
Santa Cruz 1953
Jean-Luc thought he had left it all behind. The scar on his face a small price to pay for surviving the horrors of Nazi Occupation. Now, he has a new life in California, a family. He never expected the past to come knocking on his door.
On a darkened platform, two destinies become entangled. Their choice will change the future in ways neither could have imagined…
Normally I would begin my review by writing the blurb in my own words. However, this one is so accurate and beautifully done there was simply no way I could make it better or more fitting of the story.
When I first began reading this book I didn’t actually like it much and couldn’t see myself continuing, but I persevered, and I’m so happy I did. It wasn’t until I had finished the book and came to write my review that I realised this is Druart’s debut novel, and I am absolutely blown away! The writing is outstanding and completely immersive, the moving between countries, timelines and characters is seamless, and the emotions it evokes are inspiring.
Each character is compelling and well fleshed out considering we are thrown headlong into this story. Often I find that in the haste to tell a fast paced story the author fails to develop background for the characters. Thankfully, this was not the case here. I felt endearment and empathy for each of them and their situations individually.
The ending brought a tear to my eye and was perfect for a reader who has become ardently invested in this journey. While Paris Slept is an emotionally moving story, filled with courage, selflessness and, above all, unconditional love. A story that shows the true cost and endurance of wartime. I highly recommend.
** Thanks to Headline, via NetGalley, for this ARC **
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