This book creates a flowing narrative of what it was like to be a Parisian woman immediately prior to, during, and just after World War II. We learn of many individuals stories, how they coped, what they lost, and how the proceeded with life after war, or didn't. The author
…more clearly did her research, and presented a cohesive view of Paris society in all its layers, and encouraged the reader to contemplate the difficult choices faced by so many in such dire circumstances surrounding the Nazi occupation. However, I was hoping for a little more of a concentrated focus on fewer participants in the events described. Rather we are treated to a long, sometimes disjointed-feeling list of individuals and their experiences, although she was able to tie these short stories to a larger subject at hand--for example the experience of Jewish concentration camp survivors returning to their Paris homes. Altogether it was a good read, and very educational. I feel I've been to Paris in the 1940's and learned much about the various choices people were forced to make for survival of self, family, and country. (less)
