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smtriska's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
julie_h's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
tense
medium-paced
3.75
spatt856's review against another edition
3.0
The fact that it took me 8 days to finish says a lot about how I felt about this book. Honestly it just fell flat for me. I cared more about Emmy than either of the main characters.
quasmv01's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
4.0
I enjoyed the book but the ending was not as detailed as the rest of the book and author seemed rushed. Also the number of times the main character’s heart began racing and chest tightened was too repetitive and predictable.
worldsunlikeourown's review against another edition
4.0
Find this review and more on my blog at Worlds Unlike Our Own.
Thank you to the publisher, MIRA (Harlequin), and Edelweiss for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In wartime Paris, Genevieve Dumont is a celebrated singer favoured by the Nazis who uses her fame and the privileges she is afforded as an artist to help the resistance undetected – passing messages to allies, smuggling refugees across borders disguised as part of her troupe and more. The allied invasion is drawing closer when Lillian de Rocheford, Genevieve’s estranged mother, is captured. To prevent her from giving away any information, the resistance is prepared to go to any length to silence her. But Genevieve is determined to save her, and she and her long-lost sister Emmy must put aside their differences and find a way to cross the dangerous territory of Occupied France to save their mother’s life.
In an odd coincidence, this is the third book I’ve read this year that takes a look into the situation in France during World War II. The Paper Girl of Paris, which I read last month, was a great introduction to the workings of the Resistance in those years, but this book is on a whole other level, seeing as it is told from the perspectives of those actively entrenched in the movement. The Black Swan of Paris provides a much more up-close, behind the scenes look at the events of this time, especially those surrounding the planning of the Normandy landings which I had never read about in detail before.
Genevieve was a fantastic main character to follow. I adore spy stories and it was great to follow her journey from the glamour and glitz of Paris to her throwing herself into the thick of things as she navigates a very precarious situation to bring her family back together. Karen Robards does an excellent job at developing the characters and building up the tension in the story aptly depicting their emotions and thoughts during the harrowing experiences they go through. What really interested me though, was that the author took the time to talk about what normal French citizens went through during the Occupation, with the severe shortage of food and supplies, always at the risk of being arrested or killed by the Germans for any possible reason – and that’s not even mentioning the allied bombers.
Though this story is fictional, it does use real people and events whose contributions to the effort are well known. This book was obviously very well researched and the author truly brings this time period to life. Despite the core of the story being Genevieve’s journey to save her family, it doesn’t shy away from depicting the atrocities of the time, just as a warning for more sensitive readers.
The Black Swan of Paris is a book, in my opinion, that anyone can enjoy, even if they’re not a fan of history. Beautifully written and fast paced, while this is a departure from the usual fare of historical fiction, it is more mystery and adventure cleverly woven into the events of this time period, and is practically impossible to put down. Highly recommended!
Thank you to the publisher, MIRA (Harlequin), and Edelweiss for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In wartime Paris, Genevieve Dumont is a celebrated singer favoured by the Nazis who uses her fame and the privileges she is afforded as an artist to help the resistance undetected – passing messages to allies, smuggling refugees across borders disguised as part of her troupe and more. The allied invasion is drawing closer when Lillian de Rocheford, Genevieve’s estranged mother, is captured. To prevent her from giving away any information, the resistance is prepared to go to any length to silence her. But Genevieve is determined to save her, and she and her long-lost sister Emmy must put aside their differences and find a way to cross the dangerous territory of Occupied France to save their mother’s life.
In an odd coincidence, this is the third book I’ve read this year that takes a look into the situation in France during World War II. The Paper Girl of Paris, which I read last month, was a great introduction to the workings of the Resistance in those years, but this book is on a whole other level, seeing as it is told from the perspectives of those actively entrenched in the movement. The Black Swan of Paris provides a much more up-close, behind the scenes look at the events of this time, especially those surrounding the planning of the Normandy landings which I had never read about in detail before.
Genevieve was a fantastic main character to follow. I adore spy stories and it was great to follow her journey from the glamour and glitz of Paris to her throwing herself into the thick of things as she navigates a very precarious situation to bring her family back together. Karen Robards does an excellent job at developing the characters and building up the tension in the story aptly depicting their emotions and thoughts during the harrowing experiences they go through. What really interested me though, was that the author took the time to talk about what normal French citizens went through during the Occupation, with the severe shortage of food and supplies, always at the risk of being arrested or killed by the Germans for any possible reason – and that’s not even mentioning the allied bombers.
Though this story is fictional, it does use real people and events whose contributions to the effort are well known. This book was obviously very well researched and the author truly brings this time period to life. Despite the core of the story being Genevieve’s journey to save her family, it doesn’t shy away from depicting the atrocities of the time, just as a warning for more sensitive readers.
The Black Swan of Paris is a book, in my opinion, that anyone can enjoy, even if they’re not a fan of history. Beautifully written and fast paced, while this is a departure from the usual fare of historical fiction, it is more mystery and adventure cleverly woven into the events of this time period, and is practically impossible to put down. Highly recommended!
cockyspaniel's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
3.75
The character, Genevieve is a lovely character and believable however, the author diverges into long descriptions to provide background rather than developing the character. I felt like skipping a paragraph or two every page. I feel as though the editor was the one who did not do their job because this 475 page book should’ve been closer to 350. Otherwise, it was a nice read, not a great read, but entertaining.
courtneylleon's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kolson687's review against another edition
4.0
I find myself drawn to historical fiction set in WWII because it was “the deadliest conflict in the history of the world. The number of casualties- sixty to eighty million killed-the enormity of the devastation, the sheer cost in human suffering, adds up to a tragedy so staggering it’s almost impossible to fully comprehend.” (Author’s afterword).
The Black Swan of Paris did a great job transporting me to German occupied France. I was really drawn into the story and wanted to find out what happened next. It would make a great choice for a book club because there was lots to discuss. The romance was a bit drawn out in my opinion which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. Overall highly recommend.
The Black Swan of Paris did a great job transporting me to German occupied France. I was really drawn into the story and wanted to find out what happened next. It would make a great choice for a book club because there was lots to discuss. The romance was a bit drawn out in my opinion which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. Overall highly recommend.
josiethompson's review against another edition
5.0
I am a huge lover of WWII novels. This one was definitely one of the best that I've read in a while. It had everything you look for in a good story really. There was the history, which I really appreciated the accuracy of, there was the romance, the mystery, the family connection, the action, everything that keeps you on the edge of your seat, craving more and more of what this story has to offer. It was incredible. I do have to admit though that there were parts that made me physically anxious (which just reflects how well she did in writing this novel to the truest and most accurate point she could having not been there herself, that this horrible time and series of events would make anyone sick to their stomachs). Anyway, LOVED this book. It's most likely going on my top 10 list!