A review by hokiegal2k
Mistress of the Ritz by Melanie Benjamin

4.0

I have been reading more historical fiction lately, and I really enjoyed Mistress of the Ritz. I was not aware of the Ritz’s history during WWII so this was informative enough to make me want to do a little more research into the topic. In the Author’s Note, Ms. Benjamin mentions that the Auzello’s were very much a real couple and that she was able to gather as many facts as she could while filling in some pretty big gaps. The story moved between Claude and Blanche really well; the pacing was good without feeling like you were starting and stopping between transitions. I like that the reader is given both of their perspectives on major events and turning points. It is hard to give too many details, for fear of spoiling some of the story, but this is definitely a book worth reading. The intensity of the story had me seeking out any moments I could in order to finish the book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.