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A review by julan1027
Paris Never Leaves You by Ellen Feldman
5.0
When Paris is invaded by Germans, the day after she gives birth, Charlotte takes over a friend's bookstore. Many books have been banned, but there is still a strong desire from so many to embrace what books provide. Then a German officer begins to visit the shop and over time he buys an eclectic selection of books. Charlotte is determined to have as little interaction with this invader as is possible. However, he continues to behave in a respectful manner.
I don't want to say much more about the plot for fear of spoiling it for the reader.
For me the overarching theme of this book is survivor's guilt. Obviously the story includes the trauma of war and the trauma of loss. There are the struggles and choices that enable one to survive. There is is love of parents, children, friends, family, faith and country. But ultimately, it is about how to survive the fact that one has survived when so many others have perished, and how to forgive one's self for the choices that enable survival.
I found that I didn't want to set this book down. It is well-researched, well-written, thoughtful and thought provoking. At the end it left me wanting the story to go on for years. It wasn't necessary to love Charlotte or agree with all of her decisions to enjoy the story; for me that's part of what creates a thought provoking book.
I received this book free as a goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
I don't want to say much more about the plot for fear of spoiling it for the reader.
For me the overarching theme of this book is survivor's guilt. Obviously the story includes the trauma of war and the trauma of loss. There are the struggles and choices that enable one to survive. There is is love of parents, children, friends, family, faith and country. But ultimately, it is about how to survive the fact that one has survived when so many others have perished, and how to forgive one's self for the choices that enable survival.
I found that I didn't want to set this book down. It is well-researched, well-written, thoughtful and thought provoking. At the end it left me wanting the story to go on for years. It wasn't necessary to love Charlotte or agree with all of her decisions to enjoy the story; for me that's part of what creates a thought provoking book.
I received this book free as a goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.