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amchris's review against another edition
5.0
This book. Unforgettable. Beautifully written. I’ll probably cry over this book for weeks!
"war makes us monsters or angels, but so too does love.”
"war makes us monsters or angels, but so too does love.”
loubraryoftheforest's review against another edition
4.0
A real ‘grabs you by the heart’ book, that I didn’t want to put down. I love a dual timeline and this one didn’t disappoint as we are flung from one era to another and back again, revealing the incredible story of a woman fighting to prove her talents in an age when men rule the world, and women are seen as toys to play with, objects of desire, and incapable of anything other than sex and homemaking. Based on real women and real events, this adds an extra element that just breaks my heart, to know how that generation fought to be heard, what they went through, what men put them through while their superiors turned a blind eye, we mustn’t lose their voices now. Alongside this we also have the story of war, of man’s suffering, and the light in the darkness, a man who leads his men with honour, bravery and respect, a man you just can’t help falling in love with. Both lead characters are just so brave and selfless, as heartache and tragedy inevitably follow them. Their story is revealed through them, and through the eyes of those who loved them. Loved this book. Only four stars as it was a little predictable at times, and the conclusion felt a little rushed, I can’t say more as it will spoil it, but overall I really enjoyed this read.
karen62's review against another edition
5.0
The best part of a Natasha Lester novel is the author notes at the end. The books are so very well researched and this one was no exception. I felt like I was right there in WW2 Italy and France with Jess seeing the war through her lens. I always learn a lot too. I knew it was hard for women doing a "man's" job during the 40's but never realized what they actually had to go through.
taegen's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
Based on the true story of Lee Miller, one of the first female photojournalists during World War II; this is historical fiction at its finest. Revealing the stark contrast between humans at their most evil and love at its most pure, The French Photographer is a gripping re-telling of the utter horrors of war, the fight for equality for women during this time and the incredible vulnerabilities and endurance of the human spirit. Natasha Lester will fill you with hope, teach you to love and forgive and she'll break your heart. In the vein of James Moloney's 'The Love That I Have', this is a story that will stay with you, its characters lingering in your thoughts long after you turn the final page.
Based on the true story of Lee Miller, one of the first female photojournalists during World War II; this is historical fiction at its finest. Revealing the stark contrast between humans at their most evil and love at its most pure, The French Photographer is a gripping re-telling of the utter horrors of war, the fight for equality for women during this time and the incredible vulnerabilities and endurance of the human spirit. Natasha Lester will fill you with hope, teach you to love and forgive and she'll break your heart. In the vein of James Moloney's 'The Love That I Have', this is a story that will stay with you, its characters lingering in your thoughts long after you turn the final page.
jove64's review against another edition
5.0
This book was so good I stayed up much later than planned to keep reading it and finish it. The themes are ones that generally interest me: women fighting to be considered fully human and thus capable of doing interesting and important work as well as having relationships; and chosen/found family.
This story is told from different points of view in different time periods. World War II gave women the opportunity to do work that might otherwise not have been open to them at all. However, their ability to do it, and to do it well, was still constrained by policies and cultural practices based in assumptions of women's weakness (and need for protection) and the sexualization of women. Of course, there are atypical individuals who support and enable women, but even they are constrained in their ability to affect the situation. (I'm a sociologist by training. This tension between structure and agency is ubiquitous.)
This story is beautifully written. It also does not shy away from some of the less pleasant ways that gendered power relations play out. Sexual harassment, petty administrative inconveniences and delays, and sexual assault are all present in this narrative, in ways that are consistent with how they play out in women's lives even now. The formal and informal ways that these barriers to doing their jobs are addressed also forms an important part of the narrative. The long term impact of those behaviours affects those even a generation or two removed.
A wonderful story that really makes you think.
This story is told from different points of view in different time periods. World War II gave women the opportunity to do work that might otherwise not have been open to them at all. However, their ability to do it, and to do it well, was still constrained by policies and cultural practices based in assumptions of women's weakness (and need for protection) and the sexualization of women. Of course, there are atypical individuals who support and enable women, but even they are constrained in their ability to affect the situation. (I'm a sociologist by training. This tension between structure and agency is ubiquitous.)
This story is beautifully written. It also does not shy away from some of the less pleasant ways that gendered power relations play out. Sexual harassment, petty administrative inconveniences and delays, and sexual assault are all present in this narrative, in ways that are consistent with how they play out in women's lives even now. The formal and informal ways that these barriers to doing their jobs are addressed also forms an important part of the narrative. The long term impact of those behaviours affects those even a generation or two removed.
A wonderful story that really makes you think.
trisha_thomas's review against another edition
4.0
This was an intriguing story about WW II and women in the battle - not on the battlefield, but how they helped in other ways. I don't normally fully enjoy war books but this one was well told, well written and really compelling. The addition to the story was the girl that starts at the medic station and the mystery that surrounds her. Also the male soldier that has a different side to the story. I really liked this one.
enigmadame's review against another edition
4.0
A great book I’m thankful to a friend for giving me. Much delicious food for thought, and a book list at the back as an inspired dessert. I would have appreciated more specific examples of what she was talking about or suggesting. This was the 2nd edition and I found myself looking forward to her “What I Know Now” sections as a self-reflective end of each chapter.
lauramcsherry's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The Paris Orphan
4.5 ⭐️
I haven’t picked up a lot of historical fiction and especially WWII books this year, but I heard this one was so different that I had to try it! It blew away my expectations of the story.
This story with multiple timelines and generations shows mainly the women photo journalists from WWII. I loved Jess and Dan’s story so much, making me cry at the very end.
The audiobook was done really well for those that like a good full cast!