Paris is a city of culture, history, and beauty, and during World War II, it was also a city of war and resistance. The occupation of Paris by Nazi Germany from 1940 to 1944 was a pivotal moment in the war, and it has been the subject of countless books, films, and other works of art.
Paris is a city that has seen its share of history, and during World War II, it was a focal point of the conflict. As a result, there have been many novels written about this time period, each offering a unique perspective on the war and the city itself. Here are five notable WWII novels set in Paris:
“All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of a blind French girl named Marie-Laure and a German boy named Werner who become caught up in the war. While the novel takes place in several different locations, including Germany, France, and Saint-Malo, much of the action takes place in Paris. The novel captures the beauty of the city, even as it is being destroyed by war.
“The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah
This novel is about two sisters in Nazi-occupied France, one of whom is a member of the French Resistance. Although the novel takes place primarily in the French countryside, Paris is an important part of the story. In one particularly harrowing scene, one of the sisters sneaks into the city to deliver a message to the Resistance.
“City of Women” by David R. Gillham
This novel is set in Berlin during the war, but it also takes the reader to Paris, where the main character, Sigrid, goes to visit her mother. Paris is portrayed as a city of contrasts – on the one hand, it is a beautiful and romantic place, but on the other hand, it is a city full of danger and intrigue.
“The Paris Architect” by Charles Belfoure
This WWII novel is about a Parisian architect named Lucien who is hired to design hiding places for Jews during the war. The novel is set primarily in Paris, and it paints a vivid picture of what life was like in the city during the Occupation.
“Sarah’s Key” by Tatiana de Rosnay
A list about WWII novels set in Paris could not be complete without including Sarah’s Key. This novel is about a journalist named Julia who is researching the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup, in which French police rounded up Jewish families in Paris and sent them to Auschwitz. The novel follows the story of a young girl named Sarah, who was one of the children rounded up in the roundup. The novel is set in both contemporary Paris and in the city during the Occupation, and it offers a unique perspective on this dark period in the city’s history.
“The Velvet Hours” by Alyson Richman
This novel tells the story of Marthe de Florian, a courtesan who lived in a lavish apartment in Paris before the war. The novel is based on the true story of the apartment, which was discovered in 2010 after being sealed for decades. The novel explores Marthe’s life and the events that led to her sealing the apartment, including her relationship with a Jewish man during the war.
Each of these novels offers a different perspective on life in Paris during World War II. While some focus on the Resistance, others explore the Holocaust and the city’s everyday life during the war. All of them paint a vivid picture of the city during this difficult time, capturing both its beauty and its tragedy.
For example, “All the Light We Cannot See” juxtaposes the destruction of war with the beauty of Parisian architecture and culture. “The Nightingale” explores the bravery of French Resistance fighters, including those who risked their lives to help Jewish refugees. “City of Women” portrays the complex moral dilemmas faced by ordinary Parisians during the Occupation, including those who collaborated with the Germans. “The Paris Architect” offers a glimpse into the daily lives of those living in hiding, and the dangers they faced every day. And “Sarah’s Key” sheds light on a little-known chapter in the city’s history, and the lasting impact it had on the lives of those who survived.
Overall, these six WWII novels offer a unique perspective on life in Paris during World War II. They remind us of the enduring power of literature to capture the complexity of human experience, and the importance of remembering the lessons of history.
Whether you are interested in the Resistance, the Holocaust, or just the everyday lives of Parisians during this difficult time, there is a novel on this list that will transport you back in time and help you understand what it was like to live in Paris during one of the darkest periods in human history.
Through the eyes of characters like a blind French girl, a German boy, two sisters in Nazi-occupied France, a Parisian architect, and a journalist researching the Vel’ d’Hiv Roundup, we gain insights into the many different experiences of those who lived through this tumultuous time.
These WWII novels allow us to witness the beauty and tragedy of Paris, and to reflect on the bravery and resilience of those who fought against oppression and injustice. If you’re looking for a gripping and thought-provoking read that will transport you to another time and place, these novels are a must-read.