A review by smalltownbookmom
Mistress of the Ritz by Melanie Benjamin

5.0

I’d heard this one was good and I’ve been meaning to read it for ages but it FAR exceeded expectations. I listened on audio and the narrator is EXCELLENT. I highly recommend it in this format. So much more than just another WWII novel. The main focus of the book centres around the complicated relationship between Claude and Blanche Auzello (real people) who fell in love in the 1920s and later come to live and work at the Ritz in Paris during the war. Little is known about the details of their lives so the author admits to taking creative liberties but this does not detract from their extraordinary experiences during occupied Paris. Both work in their own ways to help the Resistance without the other knowing, creating resentments and misunderstandings. The toll the war takes on their marriage is so well written, the war is merely secondary. Lots of fascinating historical details about the workings and famous patrons of the Ritz too. I LOVED everything about this book (stayed up late into the night finishing it because I just couldn’t put it down). Fans of Code Name Helene (another WWIi book based on a strong, real woman) should enjoy this too. The story builds to a tragic ending and the historical note at the end by the author adds extra details. HIGHLY recommend this one. Definitely going on my favourites list for 2021!