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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
I must admit I started this book because a)I've read Kelly Bowen's historical romance books and I like her as an author and b)I've been re-reading a book series that has some of its secondary characters who were part of the french resistance; so I was curious to read more regarding France during the Nazi occupation. I also remember seeing a photo of people working to evacuate the Louvre's art collection.
So I thought I would enjoy reading this, but I wasn't prepared with how attached I'd become to the story the author wrote. I must admit that my attention was entirely grabbed by Sophie and Estelle, and that I think that the weakest part of the book is the present (in one hand, I like that the present is included, because it's the hope, it's the legacy of what has been built, but the characters of Gabriel and Lia felt more like vehicles to know the story of the past so I didn't get a good enough grasp of them as themselves, and I also felt the romance the author created between them was unnecessary and a little forced).
I liked how the author showed different people through the story, and different ways in which people reacted to things. Of the connection between people, especially in those times, in which trusting must've been very hard, and doing what was right must've been scary but people chose to do it anyways, because, otherwise, how could you live with yourself if you hadn't.
I'm also always interested in how people use art on their stories to connect the present to the past (for example, Jessie Burton's book The muse), and I was happy to hear about the Degas' paintings! (we have one of them as part of the permanent exhibition at my country's national museum)
There is a part with "questions for readers" that serve as good conversation starters in discussing the book with other people.
There's also a bibliography of further reading that I'll definetely check out, so I can inform myself more.
My fav scene of the book is Sophie and Estelle standing in front of that painting.
So I thought I would enjoy reading this, but I wasn't prepared with how attached I'd become to the story the author wrote. I must admit that my attention was entirely grabbed by Sophie and Estelle, and that I think that the weakest part of the book is the present (in one hand, I like that the present is included, because it's the hope, it's the legacy of what has been built, but the characters of Gabriel and Lia felt more like vehicles to know the story of the past so I didn't get a good enough grasp of them as themselves, and I also felt the romance the author created between them was unnecessary and a little forced).
I liked how the author showed different people through the story, and different ways in which people reacted to things. Of the connection between people, especially in those times, in which trusting must've been very hard, and doing what was right must've been scary but people chose to do it anyways, because, otherwise, how could you live with yourself if you hadn't.
I'm also always interested in how people use art on their stories to connect the present to the past (for example, Jessie Burton's book The muse), and I was happy to hear about the Degas' paintings! (we have one of them as part of the permanent exhibition at my country's national museum)
There is a part with "questions for readers" that serve as good conversation starters in discussing the book with other people.
There's also a bibliography of further reading that I'll definetely check out, so I can inform myself more.
Spoiler
I must admit that I kept hoping to see another scene of Estelle with Jerome, I am happy that at least we know that they did end up together, but I would've liked maybe Estelle arriving to where he is and seeing him a few steps ahead, or her walking down the city he is supposed to be at, and Jerome getting closer to her and calling her by her last name.My fav scene of the book is Sophie and Estelle standing in front of that painting.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The story was absolutely captivating and I loved the multitude of strong, courageous female characters. I do think an additional 50 pages would be beneficial for character and plot development in the "present" aspect of the dual timeline-especially where the romance is concerned. Overall it's a beautiful, compelling showcase of the compassion, bravery, and sacrifices of the unsung female heroes of WW2.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Maybe 3.5, but rounded up because I did enjoy it. It was compelling, but a little too neatly wrapped up (for me - I know others love that!). My mom recommended it and it was on the library new releases shelf, so if she hadn't told me about it I probably wouldn't have read it.
4.5 stars
This was such a beautiful yet emotional read. While typically not a fan of historical fiction set during wartime, the synopsis absolutely intrigued me. The earlier chapters of the book, while a little difficult to follow due to the number of central characters, provided a great foundation to build this fascinating story. As the stories begin to interconnect, the dedication, strength and determination of these women is both riveting and poignant. Indeed, as a more sensitive reader, the scenes with the German soldiers were intense. These points in the book are over rather quickly and surely set the context of this story.
The author’s writing style was easy to read and enjoyable. The Paris Aparment is not only a highly engaging story, but the character development was extremely well done. I really felt as though I knew these women and their drive behind putting themselves in harm’s way. Without giving anything away, there is one particularly emotional scene which I found particularly difficult to read. However, the author tempered the shock value with a moving conclusion.
This was such a beautiful yet emotional read. While typically not a fan of historical fiction set during wartime, the synopsis absolutely intrigued me. The earlier chapters of the book, while a little difficult to follow due to the number of central characters, provided a great foundation to build this fascinating story. As the stories begin to interconnect, the dedication, strength and determination of these women is both riveting and poignant. Indeed, as a more sensitive reader, the scenes with the German soldiers were intense. These points in the book are over rather quickly and surely set the context of this story.
The author’s writing style was easy to read and enjoyable. The Paris Aparment is not only a highly engaging story, but the character development was extremely well done. I really felt as though I knew these women and their drive behind putting themselves in harm’s way. Without giving anything away, there is one particularly emotional scene which I found particularly difficult to read. However, the author tempered the shock value with a moving conclusion.
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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
Completely captivating: The women, the times, and the art.
From the very first paragraph, this book jumps right into the thick of it. It has been a long time since I have been engrossed into a plot so quickly, and it is a refreshing page turner to say the very least. The Paris Apartment by Kelly Bowen is the perfect book to transition into the spring and summer reading mood.
The story is centered around an apartment in Paris that Lia inherits from get grandmother. An apartment that doubles as a time capsule that has seemingly been left untouched since the end of the second World War.
What unfolds is a gripping back and forth account between two time periods that leaves you wanting more and more until the very last page. I've been fascinated with Paris every since visiting as a little girl, this take on it however, was something different than anything I have ever read before. I was hooked from BEGINNING to END.
This read has anything and everything a reader could want, history, great writing, mystery, love, and the every necessary journey of self-discovery.
After reading this, I am looking forward to reading Bowen's previously published novels as I anxiously await her to write another one.
Thank you to Forever Publishing, Grand Central Publishing, NetGalley, and of course, Kelly Bowen for this advanced reader copy.
The story is centered around an apartment in Paris that Lia inherits from get grandmother. An apartment that doubles as a time capsule that has seemingly been left untouched since the end of the second World War.
What unfolds is a gripping back and forth account between two time periods that leaves you wanting more and more until the very last page. I've been fascinated with Paris every since visiting as a little girl, this take on it however, was something different than anything I have ever read before. I was hooked from BEGINNING to END.
This read has anything and everything a reader could want, history, great writing, mystery, love, and the every necessary journey of self-discovery.
After reading this, I am looking forward to reading Bowen's previously published novels as I anxiously await her to write another one.
Thank you to Forever Publishing, Grand Central Publishing, NetGalley, and of course, Kelly Bowen for this advanced reader copy.
Originally reviewed at Books Etc.
If you asked me what I like to read about in World War II era historical fiction novels I would answer: Bletchley Park, the Special Operations Executive, and stolen art being returned to the rightful owners. The Paris Apartment included ALL THREE. I was in book heaven as I read Kelly Bowen's latest novel and was completely swept up in the story she told.
The synopsis doesn't fully cover all that this book is. You're drawn in at first with the mystery of the untouched apartment but there are many, many layers to that apartment and the lives it touched. It's hard to get into most of it because Bowen has weaved a story rich in history (as well as family secrets) and I don't want to give anything away. I'd rather you enjoy the reveals as I did.
There were four different perspectives in this novel which, for the most part, worked really well. I was most drawn to Estelle's storyline and it seemed to me like the others were just supporting characters, even though they were all important to the overall story. Estelle's timeline features Sophie and the actions of the two women were inspiring. I'm glad novels and movies are starting to showcase more of brave acts women did during WWII because a lot seems to be unknown about the female spies and resistance fighters. Estelle's granddaughter, Lia, and Gabriel, the art restorer she contacts, both tell the "present day" storyline. I use quotes because we'll find more and more that the present day is actually a few years ago, 2017 in this instance. This is because those who were adults during WWII are dying and soon there will be no one alive who fought in the war. So much information, such as what surrounds Bletchley Park and the SOE, is only just starting to come to light and I'm sure we're never going to be able to have a full picture. There are still lots of first person accounts that a lot of novelists reference so I think I'm going to have to dive into the non-fiction realm soon to get some more information myself.
I found there were a few instances where there was some Big Reveal - perhaps about a character's true intentions or how they were connected to the full storyline - that didn't have as much of an impact as I would have thought. Perhaps because I expected the revelations? Saw them coming? I didn't need them to be super obvious but sometimes it seemed like Bowen dropped in some information and then swiftly moved onto something else before fully explaining the importance of said information.
For anyone keeping track, this is my third "The Paris Something" novel I've read in the last few months. First I read The Paris Secret (review here), which I adored. Then it was The Paris Library (review here). All three were set during WWII and they all had dual timelines and multiple characters. Two took place in Occupied Paris and two had SOE spies. I've never been to Paris in person but thank goodness for books like this that still capture the magic of the city even during times of war.
This was Bowen's first foray into dramatic historical fiction, having written numerous historical romances in the past. I'm really looking forward to the next drama she writes and will definitely be looking into her romances, too.
I was totally captivated by Kelly Bowen's novel The Paris Apartment. Not only was the historical aspect incredibly fascinating, but the characters and their motivations were incredible and awe-inspiring. This novel is a must read for historical fiction fans.
*An egalley of this novels was provided by the Canadian distributor, HBG Canada, via NetGalley in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*
If you asked me what I like to read about in World War II era historical fiction novels I would answer: Bletchley Park, the Special Operations Executive, and stolen art being returned to the rightful owners. The Paris Apartment included ALL THREE. I was in book heaven as I read Kelly Bowen's latest novel and was completely swept up in the story she told.
The synopsis doesn't fully cover all that this book is. You're drawn in at first with the mystery of the untouched apartment but there are many, many layers to that apartment and the lives it touched. It's hard to get into most of it because Bowen has weaved a story rich in history (as well as family secrets) and I don't want to give anything away. I'd rather you enjoy the reveals as I did.
There were four different perspectives in this novel which, for the most part, worked really well. I was most drawn to Estelle's storyline and it seemed to me like the others were just supporting characters, even though they were all important to the overall story. Estelle's timeline features Sophie and the actions of the two women were inspiring. I'm glad novels and movies are starting to showcase more of brave acts women did during WWII because a lot seems to be unknown about the female spies and resistance fighters. Estelle's granddaughter, Lia, and Gabriel, the art restorer she contacts, both tell the "present day" storyline. I use quotes because we'll find more and more that the present day is actually a few years ago, 2017 in this instance. This is because those who were adults during WWII are dying and soon there will be no one alive who fought in the war. So much information, such as what surrounds Bletchley Park and the SOE, is only just starting to come to light and I'm sure we're never going to be able to have a full picture. There are still lots of first person accounts that a lot of novelists reference so I think I'm going to have to dive into the non-fiction realm soon to get some more information myself.
I found there were a few instances where there was some Big Reveal - perhaps about a character's true intentions or how they were connected to the full storyline - that didn't have as much of an impact as I would have thought. Perhaps because I expected the revelations? Saw them coming? I didn't need them to be super obvious but sometimes it seemed like Bowen dropped in some information and then swiftly moved onto something else before fully explaining the importance of said information.
For anyone keeping track, this is my third "The Paris Something" novel I've read in the last few months. First I read The Paris Secret (review here), which I adored. Then it was The Paris Library (review here). All three were set during WWII and they all had dual timelines and multiple characters. Two took place in Occupied Paris and two had SOE spies. I've never been to Paris in person but thank goodness for books like this that still capture the magic of the city even during times of war.
This was Bowen's first foray into dramatic historical fiction, having written numerous historical romances in the past. I'm really looking forward to the next drama she writes and will definitely be looking into her romances, too.
I was totally captivated by Kelly Bowen's novel The Paris Apartment. Not only was the historical aspect incredibly fascinating, but the characters and their motivations were incredible and awe-inspiring. This novel is a must read for historical fiction fans.
*An egalley of this novels was provided by the Canadian distributor, HBG Canada, via NetGalley in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are honest and my own.*
Imagine: you inherit an apartment in Paris and when you enter, it hasn’t been touched since WW1. I mean...SWOON!