The Paris Orphan - Natasha Lester

The Paris Orphan

By Natasha Lester

  • Release Date: 2019-09-03
  • Genre: Historical Fiction
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 396 Ratings

Description

A "rich and riveting" New York Times bestseller based on the true story of a female journalist who defied all the rules while covering World War II (Publishers Weekly, starred review).
New York City/Paris, 1942: When American model Jessica May arrives in Europe to cover the war as a photojournalist for Vogue, most of the soldiers are determined to make her life as difficult as possible. But three friendships change that. Journalist Martha Gellhorn encourages Jess to bend the rules. Captain Dan Hallworth keeps her safe in dangerous places so she can capture the stories that truly matter. And most important of all, the love of a little orphan named Victorine gives Jess strength to do the impossible. But her success will come at a price...
France, 2005: Decades after World War II, D'Arcy Hallworth arrives at a beautiful chateau to curate a collection of famous wartime photos by a reclusive artist. It's the opportunity of a lifetime, but D'Arcy has no idea that this job will uncover decades of secrets that, once revealed, will change everything she thought she knew about her mother, Victorine, and alter D'Arcy's life forever.
Includes a reading group guide!
"An emotional and sweeping tale set against the backdrop of World War II...Rich detail, compelling characters, and an interwoven dual timeline make this an engrossing read for historical fiction fans." --Chanel Cleeton, USA Today bestselling author of Next Year in Havana
"[A] splendid, breathtaking novel, full of mystery and passion...a must read!" --Jeanne Mackin, author of The Last Collection

Reviews

  • The Paris Orphan started well but ended poorly

    3
    By slilly1ca
    The reason I am giving this book 3 stars instead of 2 stars is because the first two thirds of The Paris Orphan was very good. The characters were great, the storyline was compelling, and the research into female war correspondents was obviously done. I was hooked quickly and didn’t want to put it done. At some point, however, the relationships starting becoming one badly-written soap opera. Too much was unrealistic and not remotely believable and the ending was truly terrible. I ended this book angry at the author for starting such an interesting story and turning it into a mess. I would not recommend this book.
  • Read it!

    5
    By Optntdr13
    Well written, a great plot, and informative, too.
  • Great book.

    4
    By Erin--B0416
    I loved this book. It is a great mysterious romance. I enjoyed the historical aspect, also. I didn’t like the swearing and some of the sex depictions got a little more graphic than I like.
  • Loved it

    5
    By DehSoNice
    Every minute had me guessing and wondering what would happen next. It’s basically lovers who were never meant to be. So many twists and turns, you want it to be a happy ending, want everyone to succeed and do well in their lives, but this book shows that life is not always so magical and easy.