The Paris Orphan
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- $22.99
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- $22.99
Publisher Description
A "rich and riveting" New York Times bestseller based on the true story of a female journalist who defied all the rules while covering World War II (Publishers Weekly, starred review).
New York City/Paris, 1942: When American model Jessica May arrives in Europe to cover the war as a photojournalist for Vogue, most of the soldiers are determined to make her life as difficult as possible. But three friendships change that. Journalist Martha Gellhorn encourages Jess to bend the rules. Captain Dan Hallworth keeps her safe in dangerous places so she can capture the stories that truly matter. And most important of all, the love of a little orphan named Victorine gives Jess strength to do the impossible. But her success will come at a price...
France, 2005: Decades after World War II, D'Arcy Hallworth arrives at a beautiful chateau to curate a collection of famous wartime photos by a reclusive artist. It's the opportunity of a lifetime, but D'Arcy has no idea that this job will uncover decades of secrets that, once revealed, will change everything she thought she knew about her mother, Victorine, and alter D'Arcy's life forever.
Includes a reading group guide!
"An emotional and sweeping tale set against the backdrop of World War II...Rich detail, compelling characters, and an interwoven dual timeline make this an engrossing read for historical fiction fans." --Chanel Cleeton, USA Today bestselling author of Next Year in Havana
"[A] splendid, breathtaking novel, full of mystery and passion...a must read!" --Jeanne Mackin, author of The Last Collection
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
In this sweeping historical adventure, two generations of women find their lives forever changed by World War II. In 1942, former model Jessica May leaves the New York high life to cover the European front as a photojournalist. The story then jumps to 2005, when an art dealer named D’Arcy is curating a trove of historical photographs in France and makes a shocking discovery about her own family—linking her with Jessica across time. Author Natasha Lester fills this romantic listen with rich details, grounding us in both the horrors of war and the beauty of vintage fashion. A quartet of narrators kept us glued to our earbuds with their thoughtful characterizations. We were inspired by the courage and creativity that propel both of the story’s compelling heroines. By the end, we felt like we were right there alongside Jessica and D’Arcy, navigating parallel journeys of bravery, loyalty, and love.
Customer Reviews
Could listen over and over
This is a wonderfully written, and spoken for audio, book! The details, character development, and story are amazing! Looking forward to reading many of the references noted in the author’s note.
Not That Great
I normally love her books. This one fell short. In the final chapters of the book, too much information is thrown at the reader, too many
dynamics that did not have any stand-alone appeal. I loved the story of Jess and Dan in wartime and the rest was both disappointing and unbelievable.