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While Paris Slept: A mother faces a heartbreaking choice in this bestselling story of love and courage in World War 2

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( 12,103 ratings, 1,274 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Set against the backdrop of occupied Paris in 1944 and post-war Santa Cruz in 1953, While Paris Slept follows a mother's desperate act to entrust her child to a stranger before being deported to Auschwitz. Years later, Jean-Luc, scarred both physically and emotionally by the horrors of Nazi occupation, faces unexpected confrontations with his past. Their intertwined destinies reveal the enduring strength of love amid war’s brutality.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers of historical fiction who appreciate emotionally charged narratives about war, love, and resilience. Fans of poignant family sagas and stories set during World War II will find this book deeply engaging.

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Perfect for readers of EARLY ONE MORNING and THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS, Headline Review's Lead Launch for Spring 2021 is a gripping, moving debut novel of courage, survival and the endurance of hope.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

On a platform in occupied Paris, a mother whispers goodbye. It is the end. But also the beginning...

"What a book... Emotional and heartrending...absolutely phenomenal. I was on tenterhooks throughout. A wonderful achievement" β€” Jill Mansell

THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER

Beautiful. Powerful. Unforgettable. A stunning portrait of the brutality of war and the tenacity of love. In the tradition of Virginia Baily's Early One Morning and M. L. Stedman's The Light Between Oceans.

Paris 1944

A young woman's future is torn away in a heartbeat. Herded onto a train bound for Auschwitz, in an act of desperation, she entrusts her most precious possession to a stranger. All she has left now is hope.

Santa Cruz 1953

Jean-Luc thought he had left it all behind. The scar on his face a small price to pay for surviving the horrors of Nazi Occupation. Now, he has a new life in California, a family. He never expected the past to come knocking on his door.

On a darkened platform, two destinies become entangled. Their choice will change the future in ways neither could have imagined.

Beginning on an ordinary day and ending on an extraordinary one, While Paris Slept is an unforgettable read.

"Both epic and intimate, this unexpected story had me completely and utterly enraptured. You'll have your heart in your mouth and tears on your cheeks as it reaches its rich, life-affirming conclusion" β€” Louise Candlish

"While Paris Slept made me think and cry and rage and smile at mankind's capacity for both beautiful, selfless love and terrible, heartbreaking cruelty. Prepare to be thoroughly engrossed in this compelling book" β€” Natasha Lester

"What a book, I absolutely loved it. An ingenious plot, wonderful believable characters and it moved me to tears. A fabulous read" β€” Lesley Pearse

"A heartbreaking debut. The novel delves into eternal questions: How far will we go to protect our child? Is love holding tightly or letting go?" β€” Janet Skeslien Charles, author of The Paris Library

"A powerful and poignant debut from a brilliant and bold new novelist." β€” Imogen Kealey, author of Liberation

EARLY 5 STAR READER REVIEWS FOR WHILE PARIS SLEPT...

"This book was beautiful β€” a book on love and courage demonstrated in different ways, showing that there is no one way to love or be brave. I was unable to stop reading *" β€” Goodreads reviewer

For fans of Sophie's Choice and Sarah's Key, While Paris Slept is an atmospheric delve into the complexities of human emotions during wartime.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

What a book . . . Emotional and heartrending . . . absolutely phenomenal. Jill Mansell praises its emotional depth and suspense. Woman & Home hails it as a perfectly paced, beautifully written tale of hope amid tragedy. Louise Candlish calls it rich, life-affirming and utterly enrapturing. Natasha Lester comments on its compelling exploration of human capacity for both cruelty and love. Praise also comes from Lesley Pearse for its ingenious plot and believable characters, making it a fabulous read.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781472267979

Publisher: Headline Publishing Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 January 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Headline Review

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 36.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 204.0mm

Weight: 354g

Pages: 512

About the Author

Ruth Druart grew up on the Isle of Wight, moving away at the age of eighteen to study psychology at Leicester University. She has lived in Paris since 1993, where she has followed a career in teaching. She has recently taken a sabbatical, so that she can follow her dream of writing full-time.

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