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jessicabeckett's review against another edition
2.0
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Tik Tok | You can find my review here.
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the author or publisher in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
On a surface level, I assumed that Paris Never Leaves You would be one of my favourite books of 2020. Yet, reading it, I always felt like something was missing. Plain and simple. And despite Ellen Feldman's lyrical prose, and stunning historical setting, there was just this constant nagging feeling that I was constantly missing something. An experience. An extra layer. Anything, really.
One of my biggest issues with Paris Never Leaves You is that I was overwhelmed with the beauty of Feldman's writing, and I didn't mind the central romantic themes, but I was so underwhelmed with--quite literally--everything else.
The characters were my biggest source of connectivity issues. I never found myself growing attached to them individually. I never found myself completely understanding what made them tick, where they were headed next, what their story would hold. I was... indifferent. And with every new development, even the one's that nearly engaged me, I just couldn't find myself drawn to much of anything.
Look, sometimes books don't work for us. Sometimes it's the reader's mood. Sometimes the story just isn't there cup of tea. In the case of Paris Never Leaves You, I don't think it's the book or the author's ability to weave stories. I genuinely liked the writing and I thought it had promise--but my mood seemed to hold me back from really and truly appreciating this one for what it was.
If you are a fan of historical fiction/romance, I think that this is the very sort of novel you will long to curl up with in your favourite coffee shop. Paris Never Leaves You truly will captivate many readers and, like Paris, will never leave them. Sadly, it didn't work for me.
As always, a copy of this book was provided by the author or publisher in exchange for my honest review. This does not effect my opinion in any way.
On a surface level, I assumed that Paris Never Leaves You would be one of my favourite books of 2020. Yet, reading it, I always felt like something was missing. Plain and simple. And despite Ellen Feldman's lyrical prose, and stunning historical setting, there was just this constant nagging feeling that I was constantly missing something. An experience. An extra layer. Anything, really.
One of my biggest issues with Paris Never Leaves You is that I was overwhelmed with the beauty of Feldman's writing, and I didn't mind the central romantic themes, but I was so underwhelmed with--quite literally--everything else.
The characters were my biggest source of connectivity issues. I never found myself growing attached to them individually. I never found myself completely understanding what made them tick, where they were headed next, what their story would hold. I was... indifferent. And with every new development, even the one's that nearly engaged me, I just couldn't find myself drawn to much of anything.
Look, sometimes books don't work for us. Sometimes it's the reader's mood. Sometimes the story just isn't there cup of tea. In the case of Paris Never Leaves You, I don't think it's the book or the author's ability to weave stories. I genuinely liked the writing and I thought it had promise--but my mood seemed to hold me back from really and truly appreciating this one for what it was.
If you are a fan of historical fiction/romance, I think that this is the very sort of novel you will long to curl up with in your favourite coffee shop. Paris Never Leaves You truly will captivate many readers and, like Paris, will never leave them. Sadly, it didn't work for me.
jensenwahlquist's review against another edition
3.0
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Who doesn’t love reading a book set in Paris? Throw in a bookshop and a behind the scenes look at publishing and I’m sold.
This book is set during WWII and flips back and forth between wartime Paris and post-war New York. If you’re thinking, “oh gosh another WWII book? Pick another decade!” You are not alone. I often feel the same way and tend to stay away from those books because once I’ve read one or two I feel like I’ve read them all. But I took exception with this one because of the bookish element. And the parts where the main character was working as an editor for a publisher, and during the war when she owned a bookshop, were the best parts of the book.
Unfortunately as far as WWII books go, this one isn’t very memorable or groundbreaking; however, I do think it stands on its own and does bring some interesting conflicts to the table. The decisions that the main character and those she meets during the war make bring some interesting ideas to the table I haven’t seen. I’d say if you can’t get enough of books set during WWII, check this one out. It may not stand out like some novels, but it’s still worth a read.
Who doesn’t love reading a book set in Paris? Throw in a bookshop and a behind the scenes look at publishing and I’m sold.
This book is set during WWII and flips back and forth between wartime Paris and post-war New York. If you’re thinking, “oh gosh another WWII book? Pick another decade!” You are not alone. I often feel the same way and tend to stay away from those books because once I’ve read one or two I feel like I’ve read them all. But I took exception with this one because of the bookish element. And the parts where the main character was working as an editor for a publisher, and during the war when she owned a bookshop, were the best parts of the book.
Unfortunately as far as WWII books go, this one isn’t very memorable or groundbreaking; however, I do think it stands on its own and does bring some interesting conflicts to the table. The decisions that the main character and those she meets during the war make bring some interesting ideas to the table I haven’t seen. I’d say if you can’t get enough of books set during WWII, check this one out. It may not stand out like some novels, but it’s still worth a read.
etherealfire's review against another edition
4.0
I won this ARC in a GoodReads Giveaway; many thanks to GoodReads and the publisher for this opportunity.
This book was written with a little different perspective from my usual WWII reads. I found myself reading it obsessively all day and into the early evening because I could not put it down. Charlotte's harrowing experiences mixed with her combined self-loathing, survivor's guilt and determination to protect her daughter at all cost was compelling and gut-wrenching. All in all a very satisfying, moving read.
This book was written with a little different perspective from my usual WWII reads. I found myself reading it obsessively all day and into the early evening because I could not put it down. Charlotte's harrowing experiences mixed with her combined self-loathing, survivor's guilt and determination to protect her daughter at all cost was compelling and gut-wrenching. All in all a very satisfying, moving read.
missyp's review against another edition
4.0
I've been reading historical fiction for about 48 years now, and World War II has been a frequent focus. So, I was very surprised when Paris Never Leaves You introduced an historical element that was new to me.
The narrative moves between Paris under occupation and New York 10 years later in 1954. During Charlotte's early life in Paris, she ran a bookstore that was owned by a family friend who had been sentenced to forced labor. In her New York life, Charlotte works for a publishing house run by the person who sponsored her to come to the US as a refugee from the war.
As Feldman goes back and forth between time and settings, readers have a sense of the daily low-level terror of life in Occupied France, which was regularly interrupted by moments of real horror. Charlotte's life in New York, with her now teenage daughter Vivi, is not fraught with danger, but she holds onto the trauma from the past.
I've been struggling with reading for the past 10 months (i.e., most of 2020), but Paris Never Leaves You didn't drag and my attention didn't flag. The story is compelling and leaves the reader thinking about morality and truth. This would make a terrific book discussion choice.
By the way, Feldman is also the author of another terrific work of historical fiction. [b:The Unwitting|18666058|The Unwitting|Ellen Feldman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1394413759l/18666058._SY75_.jpg|26490035] covers an interesting component of the Cold War and is set in literary New York City. The Unwitting also offers a story with questions about morality in the larger world as well as within in individual relationships.
The narrative moves between Paris under occupation and New York 10 years later in 1954. During Charlotte's early life in Paris, she ran a bookstore that was owned by a family friend who had been sentenced to forced labor. In her New York life, Charlotte works for a publishing house run by the person who sponsored her to come to the US as a refugee from the war.
As Feldman goes back and forth between time and settings, readers have a sense of the daily low-level terror of life in Occupied France, which was regularly interrupted by moments of real horror. Charlotte's life in New York, with her now teenage daughter Vivi, is not fraught with danger, but she holds onto the trauma from the past.
I've been struggling with reading for the past 10 months (i.e., most of 2020), but Paris Never Leaves You didn't drag and my attention didn't flag. The story is compelling and leaves the reader thinking about morality and truth. This would make a terrific book discussion choice.
By the way, Feldman is also the author of another terrific work of historical fiction. [b:The Unwitting|18666058|The Unwitting|Ellen Feldman|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1394413759l/18666058._SY75_.jpg|26490035] covers an interesting component of the Cold War and is set in literary New York City. The Unwitting also offers a story with questions about morality in the larger world as well as within in individual relationships.
loribreereads's review against another edition
Normally this type of book is right up my alley but I just couldn't get into this one. The dual timelines just didn't work for me and I couldn't get invested in the story.
abookwanderer's review against another edition
4.0
Paris Never Leaves You was a lovely surprise. I’ve had this ARC for months because the publishing date was pushed out thanks to Covid-19, but it was finally next on my list! I thought it was very well-written.
I’ve read a lot of historical fiction set during and around WWII. I keep thinking eventually the genre might grow repetitive to me, but I’m amazed how each book holds something new to learn. Feldman has done a marvelous job creating realistic characters, characters the reader can sympathize with but still be surprised by. I read this one quickly, devouring it within twenty-four hours.
While the story alternates between Charlotte’s time in Paris at the end of the war and the early 1950s in New York, I never became confused. I enjoyed that the timelines weren’t too far apart. That was a newer experience for me.
And the settings of a bookstore in Paris and the New York publishing world of the 1950s were maybe the best part of the story. As a reader, I always appreciate any glimpses into other bookish worlds.
I’ve noticed other readers have read this story as more of a romance than historical fiction, but it didn’t seem that way to me. There are romantic relationships in the book, but for me they were not the main point of the story. The theme is endurance, and Charlotte’s determination to assure her and her daughter’s survival, no matter what. I thoroughly enjoyed this inspiring story.
#popsugarreadingchallenge2020 (prompt #20)
I’ve read a lot of historical fiction set during and around WWII. I keep thinking eventually the genre might grow repetitive to me, but I’m amazed how each book holds something new to learn. Feldman has done a marvelous job creating realistic characters, characters the reader can sympathize with but still be surprised by. I read this one quickly, devouring it within twenty-four hours.
While the story alternates between Charlotte’s time in Paris at the end of the war and the early 1950s in New York, I never became confused. I enjoyed that the timelines weren’t too far apart. That was a newer experience for me.
And the settings of a bookstore in Paris and the New York publishing world of the 1950s were maybe the best part of the story. As a reader, I always appreciate any glimpses into other bookish worlds.
I’ve noticed other readers have read this story as more of a romance than historical fiction, but it didn’t seem that way to me. There are romantic relationships in the book, but for me they were not the main point of the story. The theme is endurance, and Charlotte’s determination to assure her and her daughter’s survival, no matter what. I thoroughly enjoyed this inspiring story.
#popsugarreadingchallenge2020 (prompt #20)
kaylasbookishlife's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Paris Never Leaves you is a historical fiction set in WWII France and just after the war in America. Charlotte is a refugee who survived the war with her daughter and is trying to start over in America.
I was really interested in Charlotte’s story, however I soon found myself confused and lost within the plot. While I love a dual timeline, I would find myself reading a chapter and then all of a sudden we were back in the past. It was a bit too chaotic for me.
Her character was also very, not sure the word for it, but she didn’t have feelings. Like at all. Not even towards her daughter. It was awkward to read.
Anyway, I’m happy to have finished this one as it’s been on my TBR for a while.
I was really interested in Charlotte’s story, however I soon found myself confused and lost within the plot. While I love a dual timeline, I would find myself reading a chapter and then all of a sudden we were back in the past. It was a bit too chaotic for me.
Her character was also very, not sure the word for it, but she didn’t have feelings. Like at all. Not even towards her daughter. It was awkward to read.
Anyway, I’m happy to have finished this one as it’s been on my TBR for a while.
gracey_reads's review against another edition
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The author alternates between New York in the 1950's and Paris in the 1940's in this compelling story about a publisher, Charlotte and her baby daughter, Vivienne. These two survive the German occupation of Paris during the WWII thanks to a mother’s determination and the kindness of a German soldier. Upon the end of the occupation and under the pretense that they are Jewish, the two are sponsored by acquaintances of Charlotte’s father and find a new life in the United States. Vivienne seeks and understanding of their past, her father, and her Jewish heritage by asking for more information from her mother who is reluctant to answer fearing she will have to start all over once again.
I found that I couldn’t put this book down. I needed to know who from Charlotte's past was trying to find her, what happens to the German soldier, does Vivi ever get her answers, and what happens with the triangle of Hoarce, Hannah and Charlotte. This was truly an enjoyable story that I would highly recommend.
Publication Date 06/02/2020
The author alternates between New York in the 1950's and Paris in the 1940's in this compelling story about a publisher, Charlotte and her baby daughter, Vivienne. These two survive the German occupation of Paris during the WWII thanks to a mother’s determination and the kindness of a German soldier. Upon the end of the occupation and under the pretense that they are Jewish, the two are sponsored by acquaintances of Charlotte’s father and find a new life in the United States. Vivienne seeks and understanding of their past, her father, and her Jewish heritage by asking for more information from her mother who is reluctant to answer fearing she will have to start all over once again.
I found that I couldn’t put this book down. I needed to know who from Charlotte's past was trying to find her, what happens to the German soldier, does Vivi ever get her answers, and what happens with the triangle of Hoarce, Hannah and Charlotte. This was truly an enjoyable story that I would highly recommend.
Publication Date 06/02/2020
jas16's review against another edition
3.0
In a time when concentrating is difficult I was thrilled with how easily I was drawn into this book and there was a lot I liked about it. The pages turned easily and the struggles of people dealing with the choices they made during wartime was compelling stuff. There was also things I didn't like as much, a romantic subplot that came out of nowhere and was not well developed topping that list. This is on the lighter side of historical fiction but sometimes that is more positive than negative and I am not sure I could have read a heavier WWII novel right now.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
mftaylor's review against another edition
4.0
I won a copy of this book but it does not alter my review in any way.
So glad I read this as I really enjoyed it and it's a not a book I would have likely chosen on my own. I tend to lean towards scary and thrillers, but this is a romantic drama.
The story alternates between Charlotte, living in Paris with her baby girl during WWII and then ten years later with them living in New York.
A wonderfully written book that deals with survival, love, and loss. The characters are well developed and you really get a sense of the people they are in the story. A definite recommended read.
So glad I read this as I really enjoyed it and it's a not a book I would have likely chosen on my own. I tend to lean towards scary and thrillers, but this is a romantic drama.
The story alternates between Charlotte, living in Paris with her baby girl during WWII and then ten years later with them living in New York.
A wonderfully written book that deals with survival, love, and loss. The characters are well developed and you really get a sense of the people they are in the story. A definite recommended read.