A review by nixwolfwood
The Velvet Hours by Alyson Richman

4.0

This was a book club choice, so I probably would never have noticed it on my own. It’s not something that’s in my general interest, although I’ve been trying to become more open minded with the books that I read.

I found this story to be fascinating. I love how the author took a real life event and, after a couple years of research on the subject, wrote a believable story about it. This is a real life fanfiction, and that is glorious.

Although I didn’t expect to much care for this story, I am pleased to say I was a fool. I really enjoyed it. I really need to give historical fiction more of a shot.

This book tells the story of two women, Solange and her grandmother, Marthe. Two incredibly different people that are connected only by blood. But both of their stories were equally compelling.

The author painted a wonderful picture of Paris from two different generations, and that was fabulous. My favorite part of reading this is how I was introduced to the life of a demimondaine with Marthe. Because of that I have become more open minded about that time and type of relationships. And it is fascinating.

With Solange, it’s the beginning of German occupation in France during WWII. And her mother was Jewish, so she’s having to navigate that as well as her affections for a Jewish man. All while trying to stay safe and find a better life for herself. And there are all sorts of feels in her parts. And some are kind of cliche, but that’s okay. Because they fit perfectly and was absolutely necessary.

⅘ Platypires