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sharada_mohan 's review for:
The Paris Apartment
by Kelly Bowen
That was a captivating read! Definitely a treat for HF readers around WWII, even better if you are into art!
It’s 2017, in London Aurelia inherits her grandmother’s apartment in Paris and is flabbergasted to unearth all its hidden treasures of art, clothes and most importantly its secrets. She enlists the help of Gabriel Seymour to restore the artwork & trace its origins.
In the Nazi ruled Paris of 1942, Estelle Allard enjoys a glamourous world of her own. Yet, she is contributing to the resistance efforts in her own efficient way, risking everything to help Sophie, a British agent, in her mission.
As Gabriel & Lia begin to seek answers to the mystery of this apartment, they go on to reveal shocking past histories & connections between their own families.
The opening was a bit confusing with a lot going on & too many introductions. But slowly the clarity improved & the plot went onto become highly gripping. The author’s descriptions of the apartment, its opulence & elegance, the stories behind each of the paintings it housed, evoked a sense of genuine intrigue & awe.
The best part as with any good historical fiction, @kellybowen09 derives inspiration from real people & events. Fueling her imagination with them, she gives us a beautiful story to spotlight the invaluable contribution of women like Estelle & Sophie to the war efforts. Her research & style of writing are truly commendable.
Estelle & Sophie are the epitome of grit, intelligence, presence of mind & extraordinary problem solving abilities that were vital to the Resistance network. The sacrifices, struggles, challenges & some heart-wrenching tragedies they would have to endure, deserve all the recognition & respect.
Though the ending gives most of the answers the readers are desperate to find, it does not feel rushed, but well thought out & comes together seamlessly. However a few things felt too good to be true, but that did not hamper my satisfaction or joy!
It’s 2017, in London Aurelia inherits her grandmother’s apartment in Paris and is flabbergasted to unearth all its hidden treasures of art, clothes and most importantly its secrets. She enlists the help of Gabriel Seymour to restore the artwork & trace its origins.
In the Nazi ruled Paris of 1942, Estelle Allard enjoys a glamourous world of her own. Yet, she is contributing to the resistance efforts in her own efficient way, risking everything to help Sophie, a British agent, in her mission.
As Gabriel & Lia begin to seek answers to the mystery of this apartment, they go on to reveal shocking past histories & connections between their own families.
The opening was a bit confusing with a lot going on & too many introductions. But slowly the clarity improved & the plot went onto become highly gripping. The author’s descriptions of the apartment, its opulence & elegance, the stories behind each of the paintings it housed, evoked a sense of genuine intrigue & awe.
The best part as with any good historical fiction, @kellybowen09 derives inspiration from real people & events. Fueling her imagination with them, she gives us a beautiful story to spotlight the invaluable contribution of women like Estelle & Sophie to the war efforts. Her research & style of writing are truly commendable.
Estelle & Sophie are the epitome of grit, intelligence, presence of mind & extraordinary problem solving abilities that were vital to the Resistance network. The sacrifices, struggles, challenges & some heart-wrenching tragedies they would have to endure, deserve all the recognition & respect.
Though the ending gives most of the answers the readers are desperate to find, it does not feel rushed, but well thought out & comes together seamlessly. However a few things felt too good to be true, but that did not hamper my satisfaction or joy!