From the author of the runaway bestseller The Orphan’s Tale comes a remarkable story of friendship and courage centered around three women and a ring of female spies during World War II.
1946, Manhattan
Grace Healey is rebuilding her life after losing her husband during the war. One morning while passing through Grand Central Terminal on her way to work, she finds an abandoned suitcase tucked beneath a bench. Unable to resist her own curiosity, Grace opens the suitcase, where she discovers a dozen photographs—each of a different woman. In a moment of impulse, Grace takes the photographs and quickly leaves the station.
Grace soon learns that the suitcase belonged to a woman named Eleanor Trigg, leader of a ring of female secret agents who were deployed out of London during the war. Twelve of these women were sent to Occupied Europe as couriers and radio operators to aid the resistance, but they never returned home, their fates a mystery. Setting out to learn the truth behind the women in the photographs, Grace finds herself drawn to a young mother turned agent named Marie, whose daring mission overseas reveals a remarkable story of friendship, valor and betrayal.
Vividly rendered and inspired by true events, New York Times bestselling author Pam Jenoff shines a light on the incredible heroics of the brave women of the war, and weaves a mesmerizing tale of courage, sisterhood and the great strength of women to survive in the hardest of circumstances.
Audiobook, Unabridged
Published January 29th 2019 by Harlequin Audio
Source: Library
Three and a half stars: A novel of bravery, sacrifice and terror!
Grace Healey is hurrying along to work in Manhattan, New York. It is 1946, and the world is still recovering from the war, as is Grace after she lost her husband in the war. While in Grand Central Station, Grace finds an old suitcase. She peeks inside and finds photographs of women. Grace isn’t sure why she takes the photos, but in doing so she uncovers a bit of mystery and history. Grace learns the photographs belonged to a woman named Eleanor Trigg. Eleanor was the leader of a clandestine organization in Europe during the war. Eleanor recruited twelve young women who served as radio operators, spies and saboteurs. These twelve women seemed to have vanished. Grace feels compelled to learn their story. Who were this women?
What I Liked:
- The Lost Girls of Paris is a suspenseful and riveting read based on actual historical events during WWII. This is a book of bravery, sacrifice, betrayal and loss. I finished this book in awe of the many brave men and women who gave everything to ensure victory in the war.
- This book features three view points: Grace: a young woman in 1946 who stumbles across the mystery of the girls. I liked Grace, I appreciated her perseverance, her dedication and determination to take care of herself and move on with her life. Eleanor Trigg was fascinating. I loved that she fought to keep her girls safe at all costs and that she never gave up on them. I also appreciated that she was a foreign women trying to prove herself in war torn Europe to men who didn’t believe women could do the job. Eleanor is tough and fierce and she inspires some of the young women in her charge. My favorite of the trio was Marie. Marie is a single mother who joins Eleanor’s ring of spies. Marie is brave, kind and dedicated to her daughter. Even when things are at the worst, Marie does what is necessary.
- It was fascinating to follow the young women as they trained to be deployed into Nazi occupied Paris. There was nothing easy about their training or their jobs. These women were every bit as brave as the men fighting. I admired these girls and found myself wanting to know more about the real life women spies.
- I find that any book set during WWII is always terrifying. The horrors that occurred at the hands of the Nazis frightens me. These women were sent straight into the lion’s den. Marie even lived in the same building as the Nazi soldiers. Imagine having to live right next to the devil! I assure you this book has plenty of terror, suspense and danger.
- The ending was satisfactory. It wraps up the story, and most of the loose ends are done up.
And The Not So Much:
- I was disappointed when I reached the end to find that there was no author’s note or anything that discussed the actual basis for the story. I would have loved to know more about the real life inspiration behind the book.
- I struggled with Grace’s point of view. It wasn’t that I didn’t like her character, but I just wasn’t as invested in her part. It was also strange to have her narrative two years after the other narrators. I was also disappointed in her choice at the end. I respected it, but I wanted her to take that chance.
- I also didn’t like what happened with Eleanor. It was jarring to have that happen right at the beginning of the story. It felt like a big spoiler.
- After all was said and done, I wished that there had been a bit more of Marie’s point of view, especially regarding the events that happened at the end of her experience in Europe.
- I listened to the audiobook version. I appreciated that three narrators were used, but I have to admit, I didn’t think the narrator who voiced Grace’s part was a good fit. She was too upbeat and her voice felt out of sync with the others.
The Lost Girls of Paris was a fascinating story that takes the reader back to the end of WWII. This is a suspenseful and terrifying story of great sacrifice and bravery. I loved learning more about these women who gave everything to ensure victory. My hesitation with this one was that I wasn’t sold on Grace’s view point in 1946, and I was disappointed that there wasn’t any note at the end that discussed the real life inspiration for the book. Still if you are a fan of books set during WWII, this is one to read.
I borrowed a copy of this book from the library. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
