While Paris Slept by Ruth Druart

*** My Review ***

While Paris Slept is a poignant and heart-wrenching novel by author Ruth Druart that explores the depths of human suffering, resilience, and hope in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Set in the backdrop of World War II, the book follows the intertwined lives of two families and the devastating impact of war on their lives.

At the heart of the novel is the story of Charlotte, a young woman living in Paris during the German occupation. Charlotte is forced to flee her home with her newborn daughter, Vivi, and seek refuge in a small village in the south of France.

Meet Sarah, a young Jewish woman who is ripped away from everything she knows and loves in Paris, leaving her with nothing but a deep sense of despair and a precious, life-changing decision to make. Meanwhile, in California, Jean-Luc is haunted by the ghosts of his past and struggling to come to terms with the atrocities he witnessed during the Nazi occupation of France.

When these two strangers meet on a darkened platform, their fates become entwined in ways neither of them could have predicted. While Jean-Luc grapples with the demons of his past, Sarah must summon all her strength and resilience to survive the horrors of the concentration camp and hold onto the hope that one day she might be reunited with her family.

As their stories unfold in alternating perspectives, While Paris Slept takes readers on a gripping and emotional journey of love, faith, and the unbreakable bonds of family. With heart-stopping moments of tension and heart-warming scenes of tenderness, this debut novel will leave you breathless and deeply moved.

From the opening pages of While Paris Slept, Ruth Druart plunges readers into the harrowing reality of Nazi-occupied France. Through the eyes of Jean-Luc Beauchamp, a railway worker in Bobigny, we witness the horror of mass deportations of Jews to Auschwitz. Despite his misgivings, Jean-Luc must carry out his duties, even as he recognizes the evil he is enabling. When he encounters Sarah, a young Jewish woman on her way to certain death, he knows he must do something to help her, even if it means putting his own life in danger.

The story then jumps forward to 1953, and we see Jean-Luc living in Santa Cruz, California with his wife Charlotte and son Sam. But the past catches up with him, and he is taken in for questioning about his wartime role. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including Jean-Luc, Charlotte, and Sarah, as well as Sarah’s daughter, who has grown up in America but is still grappling with the trauma of her mother’s experiences.

With a firm grounding in fact, this book delves deep into the complexities of life under Nazi rule, depicting the atmosphere of tension and danger that pervaded Paris during those dark years. Jean Luc reluctantly follows orders, torn between his desire to survive and his unwillingness to work for the Third Reich. The impact this has on his health and personality is palpable, and as he sees abandoned personal items on the railway tracks, the poignant reality of the situation hits home.

As the story progresses, you’ll find yourself torn between Jean Luc and Sarah, their lives intertwined in ways neither could have predicted. Sarah’s perspective is the most heartbreaking of all, as she faces unspeakable suffering, pain, and loss. Her resolve to survive Auschwitz is nothing short of admirable, and when the truth of what Jean Luc does to help her becomes apparent, it’s a shocking and emotional moment.

The second half of the book is the most intense, as the tension builds and the heartbreaking choices that Jean Luc and Sarah must make become all too real. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions as you follow their journey and the sacrifices they make for each other.

What makes While Paris Slept so powerful is the way it explores the complexity of human relationships, particularly those forged under extreme circumstances. Jean-Luc’s struggle to reconcile his wartime actions with his current life as a loving husband and father is heartbreaking, as is Charlotte’s realization of the extent of her husband’s secret past. Meanwhile, Sarah’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as she endures unimaginable horrors and yet still finds the strength to hope for a better future.

Druart’s writing is beautifully evocative, transporting readers to the streets of Paris during the war and the tranquil beaches of Santa Cruz in the 1950s. She also does an excellent job of weaving in historical detail without overwhelming the narrative. But what truly sets this novel apart is the way it delves deep into the characters’ psyches, exploring their fears, hopes, and desires with sensitivity and nuance.

One of the strengths of the novel is the author’s ability to create a vivid and immersive setting. The descriptions of the French countryside, the narrow streets of Paris, and the bustling markets are incredibly detailed and evocative, transporting the reader to another time and place.
Furthermore, the author skillfully weaves historical events and real-life figures into the narrative, such as the Vel’ d’Hiv roundup and the role of the French Resistance. This adds depth and authenticity to the story, and highlights the bravery and sacrifices made by ordinary people during this dark chapter of history.

Another aspect of the novel that stands out is the nuanced exploration of the characters’ emotions and motivations. The author delves into the complexities of human relationships, depicting the characters’ struggles with guilt, fear, and betrayal, as well as their capacity for love, forgiveness, and redemption.

While Paris Slept is not just a novel about war and its impact on civilians, but also a tale of motherhood, family, and the resilience of the human spirit. The novel tackles themes of identity, belonging, and the importance of human connections, highlighting how we are all connected by a shared humanity, regardless of our background or circumstances.

Overall, While Paris Slept is a stunning and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. It’s a story of resilience, courage, and the power of love in the darkest of times, and it’s sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who lived through the horrors of the Second World War.