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Three reasons you should read this Contemporary and Historical Fiction:
- An American in Paris by Siobhan Curham weaves the past of World War II in France with the story of a present-day former influencer in a seamless way.
- Both the past and the present are amazing stories on their own, but when told together, they help bring each other to life in a new way.
- I felt the past shone a little bit brighter in the story, but watching it through present-day story eyes gave it a new perspective.
About An American in Paris by Siobhan Curham
Title: An American in Paris
Author: Siobhan Curham
Genre: Historical Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
As Nazi troops occupy the City of Lights, American journalist Florence is determined to do everything she can to save her adopted home and the man she loves.
Florence had arrived in Paris in 1937 and on a beautiful summer’s day, met and fell in love with Otto, a Jewish artist from Austria, who had fled persecution in his homeland. But as swastikas are draped along the city’s wide boulevards, everything Otto was running from seems to have caught up with him.
Both Florence and Otto begin lending their talents to the Resistance, working to sabotage the Germans right under their noses. Florence’s society columns that, before the war were filled with tales of glamorous Parisian parties, now document life under occupation and hide coded messages for those fighting outside France for freedom. While Otto risks arrest in order to pin up the anti-Nazi posters he designs by candlelight in their tiny apartment.
But with every passing day, things become more dangerous for Otto to remain in Paris. If Florence risks everything by accepting a secret mission, can she ensure his survival so that they can be reunited once the war is over?
My Review of An American in Paris:
Sage, an online influencer, has just ruined her so-called career. And while she’ll miss the money, she doesn’t really seem to care much. Well, the death threats and horrible comments on her social media are welcome to stop at any time.
But there’s a bright side to the debacle in a message from an American that says he may be connected to her past – and he has proof. So Sage takes off to discover her history, and along the way may just find out what she needs to know about herself as well.
Told in a dual POV between Sage (present-day) and Florence (WWII before and during the occupation of Paris), present an interesting story woven together by great love and great tragedy. The story of Frances and Otto is full of excitement, love, loss, and finding out what you are really capable of.
Frances’ and Otto’s story really seemed to take over the book. I think it would have been nice to see a little more from Sage in the present day. But we mostly just stop by to see how she is doing once in a while. The tragic romance of Florence and Otto is more than enough to make the book shine though. At times it just seemed like Sage was there because the author wanted this to be dual POV, and she didn’t really know what to do with her.
Florence led an extremely interesting and eventful life in Paris. Starting as a dance and ending up as an agent of the Britsh in France. Her journey from a fun-loving gal to a highly-skilled operative was all in the search for Otto their love. It was really amazing to see how strong their feelings were. And their dedication to each other was beautiful.
I don’t think I’ll ever look at a tree outside a window without crying and thinking of this couple. And if you read An American in Paris by Siobhan Curham, I don’t think you will be able to either.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
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