L'ultima Volta Che Ho Visto Parigi (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
Thought this was going to be a fluffy romance set against Paris during WWII, but found that it was so much more. The main character; the kind of person really just looking for a good time, not wanting to get involved, just looking out for #1. Shows real human characteristics, real human flaws. You can love and hate her all on the same page. A real and unflinching look at what German occupation must have been like and how much blood was spilled, even in Paris during those dark years. Will look for more works from this author in years to come. Claire Harris Stone picks the wrong time to flee her husband in New York City for Paris. With the Nazis knocking at the door of France, Claire finds herself stranded without real papers once she reaches her destination. But she's enterprising, and she finds work as a florist's assistant and strikes a deal with the Resistance. Initially only concerned about her own needs, Claire begins to find her values changing as she continues to work with the Resistance operatives, especially Thomas Grey, an enigmatic English spy.I have to be in a certain mood to read this type of book. Although this book isn't strictly a romance (there's also a good deal of intrigue and, of course, history), there's just something about a historical romance set during WWII that just seems...off to me. But, apparently, I was in a mood to read it, because I devoured this book fairly quickly. I wasn't sure how likable the character of Claire would be, because she is exceptionally self-centered and conniving at the beginning. After a bit of a slow start, however, Claire begins to evolve and becomes much more enjoyable. Unfortunately, "the big mystery" is very transparent from the beginning. I'm sure the author tried to throw it in as a twist for the end, but anyone who didn't see that coming must've been blind. After reading "the reveal," I found myself thinking...wait, what? That was supposed to surprise me?There are also numerous comma splices in this book, which tend to set my teeth on the edge. I'm not sure if today's editors are lazy about them or just don't know what they are, but you might as well just decorate comma splices with huge blinking lights; they are incredibly distracting. Still, the book is a good way to spend an afternoon or too, and I'd recommend it to those who like this particular type of book.
What do You think about L'ultima Volta Che Ho Visto Parigi (2011)?
It wasn't a terrible book by any means, but I just wasn't getting hooked. So I chose to give it up.
—Kother
It was an ok book, nothing special and pretty predictable. Not one I would recemend to others
—sarahfhb
