The Paris Agent by Kelly Rimmer

*** Review ***

The Paris Agent by Kelly Rimmer is a gripping tale of family secrets set against the backdrop of World War II. Rimmer’s meticulous research shines through in this dense historical fiction novel, making it a great choice for fans of the genre. However, for those who are new to historical fiction, I would recommend starting with Rimmer’s previous work, “The Things We Cannot Say,” before delving into this intricately woven story.

The book follows the lives of multiple British SOE agents during WWII, alternating between the war years in France and post-war England in 1970. Rimmer expertly weaves together different perspectives, blending romance, action, history, espionage, and mystery. The reader is fully immersed in the emotions of the characters, experiencing their triumphs and battles alongside them.

Rimmer’s ability to evoke the physical and emotional pain experienced by her characters is truly commendable. The reader is drawn into their world, feeling the weight of their sacrifices and the depth of their courage. Amidst the backdrop of war-torn Europe, Rimmer highlights the importance of love and support from family, friends, and even a loyal dog.

The book is expertly written and deeply researched, capturing the essence of the time periods and the bravery of those who risked their lives as spies. The complex narrative, with its multiple points of view, is seamlessly woven together, making it easy for readers to follow along and become fully immersed in the story.

One aspect to note is that this is a book better suited for reading rather than listening, as the characters switch between their real and field agent names within chapters. It can be challenging to keep track of the characters without missing key details, leading to the need for occasional rereading of sections.

Noah’s quest to uncover the identity of the agent who saved his life adds a layer of mystery and suspense to the narrative. As Charlotte joins her father in the search, hidden secrets and unexpected twists come to light, leading them down a dangerous path. The presence of a double agent adds further intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the satisfying conclusion.

The strength of the book lies in Rimmer’s ability to create a powerful multi-timeline story that weaves multiple threads into an amazing tapestry. The attention to detail and the precision in which the story unfolds are reminiscent of centuries-old tapestries. However, it can take some time to distinguish between the characters, as their stories are often told using their code names. This is perhaps the only significant weakness in an otherwise remarkable piece of storytelling.

Furthermore, the book caters to a wide range of interests, appealing to fans of World War II historical fiction, those fascinated by the Special Operations Executive (SOE), and readers who enjoy intertwining romance and mystery storylines.

While the story is wrapped up neatly in the end, which may appeal to readers who prefer all loose ends to be tied off, some may find this level of closure a bit too tidy. Additionally, there is an LGBT character whose backstory could be seen as having been written with 2000s-era sensibilities, potentially deviating from period accuracy.

Another minor quibble some readers may have is the initial confusion caused by the alternating use of real and code names for the characters. However, this issue is quickly resolved with careful attention and does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the story. Nevertheless, these minor quibbles do not detract significantly from the overall strength of the WWII historical fiction narrative.

Kelly Rimmer showcases her talent for crafting emotionally charged stories in “The Paris Agent.” The pain and love experienced by the characters are vividly portrayed, reminding readers of the importance of familial and friend relationships. The story is complex, with multiple points of view, but remains easy to follow. Rimmer skillfully transports readers between different time periods, capturing the essence of Britain and France during the early to mid-1940s.

The Paris Agent is a thought-provoking tale that delves into themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the lasting impact of war. Through its vivid descriptions and engaging narrative, the book prompts readers to reflect on the contrasting forces of good and evil and the profound consequences of losing one’s freedom.

Kelly Rimmer once again proves her prowess as a master storyteller with “The Paris Agent.” Her ability to blend historical facts with compelling fiction creates a powerful and unforgettable reading experience. Fans of Rimmer’s previous works, as well as readers of WWII historical fiction, will find this novel to be a captivating addition to their bookshelf.

Overall, The Paris Agent is a beautifully written, well-researched, and emotionally resonant novel that will leave a lasting impression. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and resilience. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a compelling and immersive historical fiction read.