The Black Swan of Paris: A WWII Novel

I loved this book and put it right beside my other favorites, The Book Thief, All the Light We Cannot See and the Nightingale. The story is unique in that a French Resistance Cell is actually a French touring singer, her manager, her maid and tour group . The characters are well developed and the writing makes you feel you are in the story . One of the aspects I enjoyed was that nothing was over done . The descriptions were vivid , the action was exciting but believable, and the love story was well written . Once again I am amazed at what courage, determination and strength the every day people showed during WWIl. This is a book I know I will read again.

The Black Swan of Paris i Is one of the most outstanding books that I've read about WW2. It kept me glued to it. I could not put it down and on the edge of my seat. The more I read the harder it became to put it down. It is historical fiction but it felt so real. I would have given the book 10 stars. The characters all had great believable . personalities. Karen Roberts is a fantastic author.

It took awhile for me to sink into this story but when I did I couldn't put it down. I am an avid history buff including all wars. I respect a fiction writer who gets the facts correct when referring to historical events. I instantly related to the protagonist being grief stricken as I have been too. Karen Robards has either suffered such is a or researched this issue very well. This book has well written characters, intrigue, action, adventure and of course love in many forms. I recommend this read for all the book lovers out there who can appreciate all the complications of a good war story. This book is certainly that!

If you like historical romances you will love this one. Very realistic characters that you will become attached to. It is set in Paris during WW II. The underground is dedicated to helping the Allies and has cells that spies on the Nazis. From books I've read the treatment of the Jews in this time are really like this book describes and even the non Jewish people are starving due to lack of resources while the Germans occupied France. It gives rise to the brave men and women of the resistance who many gave their lives to help free their people of the stronghold the enemy had on them. Intermixed is a supposed collaborator who through her singing talent paved the way to ensure the resistance could move more freely by acting as though she welcomed the occupation. Of course there is man meets woman but they don't click and rub each other the wrong way until they realize it is the attraction between them that is causing friction. Well written. Easy to read but mystery surrounds the two main characters as it is cleverly unveiled.

Great book. Recommended read

I really loved this book, could not put it down. Robards unfolds the story of three women in Occupied France during WWII – a mother and her two estranged daughters. Moving from the marshes of St. Malo to the glittering wartime theaters of Paris, this well-researched story is rich with suspense, emotion, bravery and romance (ah, the romance!). The writing is gripping, well-plotted and thought-provoking, asking one of the big questions of war – who is innocent, who is guilty? But at its heart, this is a story about family, and the lengths we will go to for love.

I liked how the author told of the life of this lady who was a star in musical shows in Paris who was also a spy for the French Resistance. I liked how the dangers and needs of life then were written.

They need to make this into a movie. I would watch it a thousand times. Karen Robard is an amazing author.

I rarely write book reviews but would give this a 5+ rating if I could. Firstly, a great story with strong characters, but the author has also captured the fear of the time and the bravery of ordinary people. I couldn't put this down and highly recommend.

Le livre nous garde sous tension presque du début à la fin.une histoire d amour se greffe au suspense , mais sans mièvrerie.

One of the best books I`ve ever read I thoroughly enjoyed so much I`ve read it twice..

I really enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it if you enjoy this genre.

Author claims to have devoted hours of study. She may have worked out the Americans landed on Utah beach but that is about it. Her knowledge of SOE or the resistance is poor. Laughably we are meant to believe key members of the resistance knew where the D-Day landing was actually going to be - they didn't for obvious reasons. They knew what to do when it happened.Too much clichèd romance novel rubbish and the final 15% is unbelievable.It could have been a very very good book as the premise is a good one. It was entertaining but I had to suspend disbelief, historical knowledge and skim passed the tawdry romance rubbish