The Artful Reader's Club
THE LOST GIRLS OF PARIS
by PAM JENOFF
February 23, 2019
Finally...a book worthy of reviewing. It's another Pam Jenoff book. This is what historical fiction is meant to be! Vivid. Inspirational. Poignant. The plot is intriguing. It tells the story of fierce women who served as British secret agents during WWII... members of the Special Operations Executive (S.O.E.,) a shocking and largely unknown piece of wartime history, bringing to light the immense bravery and determination these women had to venture into unknown territory, plant themselves as everyday French citizens, becoming part of Nazi-occupied French society. Putting their lives at risk, they connect with the local resistance members and, as radio operators and couriers, send back critical information and complete various goals of sabotage to undermine Germany's quest to conquer Europe.
The story drew me in from the start. It begins in 1946 Manhattan, when Grace Healey discovers a seemingly abandoned suitcase in Grand Central Station, containing photographs of 12 young women. She soon learns that the suitcase belongs to Eleanor Trigg, the leader of a group of female secret agents in London who were sent out on missions during WWII. Twelve of the women never returned home and what happened to them is a mystery until Grace decides to go looking for answers, armed with only the name of each woman, as written on the back of each photograph.
Based on true events, Pam Jenoff has created a mesmerizing story...one in which these young women become a beacon of strength, resilience and bravery beyond compare. This book is a tribute to all those unsung heroes who risked everything in order to build a society where we can live in freedom. Their sacrifices should always be remembered!
A memorable, beautifully written, suspense-filled book...highly recommended!
