A Different Kind of WWII Story

The Paris Secret is told over three different time lines, WWII during the Nazi occupation of France, in 1962 when a young Valerie is returning to Paris to work in her grandfather’s bookstore and current day, when an aged Valerie is returning once again to Paris with a suitcase of photographs and memories. Sent away to live with relatives at age three, at the end of WWII, Valerie grew up in England, but never understood why her grandfather sent her away. Returning in 1962, posing as a potential employee for his book store, Valerie, is looking for the secrets of her past. This is a remarkable, well thought out and beautifully told story that’s much different than most other WWII stories. It’s not full of death camp stories of exiled Jews (which I have listened to and learned much from). Its not as gruesome as most other tales, although its sad and heartbreaking for those involved. It’s a personal tale of life in Paris at the time of the invasion, how it affected normal people, and about a few very heroic people who dared to challenge Hitler’s iron fist . . . and the price that they paid for it. Its about a France that no longer exists, that loved freedom and stood up against tyranny. The Paris Secret is a reminder that there are always two sides to every story, and its one of the best WWII books that I’ve come across.

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4 people found this helpful

Great, throughly enjoyed...

throughly enjoyed from strart to end. a soft read, if this is what you are looking for, as was i. each charter was significant and well developed _ i was definitely committed to the end.
BRAVO.

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1 person found this helpful

Very good story that won’t tax you with horrible details of ww2

Likable characters and good love story in two generations. War brings out the best or worse in people. I appreciated the lack of profanity and no gratuitous sex scenes. Will read more from ms Lilly graham

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1 person found this helpful

Very enjoyable, unique WWII novel

I had read a lot of heavy, sad WWII novels lately when I picked up this one. The story is unique, a side of the war I had not thought about. The performance by the narrator was excellent. A very enjoyable listen.

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1 person found this helpful

Moving story.

Had not really thought about the kids that were born to French mothers who had German fathers that were in the Nazi party. Some of the fathers were not horrible people but the public perception was that they were. Therefore, the children suffered.

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Well written and told story

I really enjoyed listening to this book. The narrator did a great job and was easy to
listen to. I have a lot of fiction and nonfiction WW2 books on audible and this was a nice change of pace story. I highly recommend.

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Must listen

I couldn’t put this one down. I loved the story and the characters. It was a different type of WWII historical fiction. It wasn’t the same predictable story that many are. Loved it!

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A bit too predictable!

Although interesting, it was a bit too predictable. I have read quite a few books about WWII and there is so much material that could have been used to make this book more interesting.

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very good book

very good book and very good narration! loved it! I'll need to look for this author and narrator in other books as well!

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surprised

Did not expect much but got a great story. Thoroughly enjoyed it! So many people affected in so many ways by war.

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