A bookstore in a French village is the center of this story told in 2 time frames. One is during the German occupation in WW2 where the proprietor of the bookstore writes out inspirational notes for her customers to keep their spirits up, but she wants to do more. The other time frame is a generation later where a father and daughter travel to the French village to find out more about her mother and the bookstore left to the daughter.

Are you a diehard bibliomane? Would you be brave enough to join a book club whose reading list was punishable by death?

Laurence Sidot, owner of The Book Dispensary in La Vallee du Cerf, France, sees herself as a literary pharmacist who prescribes reading material based on her customer’s ailments. When WW2 starts and the Nazis start banning books, Laurence fights back by joining French Resistance, helping the underground publishing company, and organizing a book club. Each book selected is a banned book and members are constantly aware of the danger in possessing it and so they meet in the utmost secrecy. The Resistance use her shop as a ‘letter box’ for passing along coded messages and as a refuge for Resistance members. Everything changes the day she decides to hide an American pilot.

Easily one of my favourite reads of 2022, Curham’s book is the perfect balance of historical fiction, romance and little known facts about wartime. I learned about nenette dolls, BOFs, Mae Wests, Les Editions de Minuit, Sorlot’s French edition of Mein Kampf, and the list of banned books the Nazis provided booksellers. The romance was believable, the dual timeline was expertly executed, and the love of books was prevalent. Dispenser of words! Reading for liberty! Fabulous anchors for a perfect read. I don’t ever want to forget what can happen if people turn a blind eye to hatred and prejudice and want to remember the courage of those who were willing to risk everything for the written word and liberty.

Curham’s book truly is a celebration of the power of the written word and the bravery of all those who fought for freedom.

“Lifelong friends are as easy to read as well-loved books.”

“Don’t you just love the way stories give us the ability to travel anywhere in the world, at any time in history?”

I was gifted this advance copy by Siobhan Curham, Bookouture, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

Duel timelines don't always work but this one did and beautifully! The story unfolds wonderfully, holding your attention to the very last page.
This is my first book by Curham, but it won't be my last!
Thank you Netgalley for giving me this book for my honest opinion.

The Paris Network is an interesting book. It's a quick light read, with some very heavy subjects. The story follows two different people, over two different 'timelines' and explores the French resistance to Nazi occupation. There's a heavy thread of literary references throughout, which I really enjoyed, and it doesn't shy away from the realities and the brutalities of the war. I found one of the main characters - Laurence - engaging and sympathetic but struggled with another - Jeanne - as she felt very one note and I couldn't really enjoy her elements of the story as much. I also felt the writing style was a bit weak and repetitive in points, but it didn't stop me from finishing the book, it simply took me out of the story a few times.

Overall, an enjoyable read and it piqued my curiosity. I'd love to read more books about the French resistance.

Wow! What a powerful story! I am at a loss for words but certainly not emotion for The Paris Network is written with such heart, care, skill and passion that you fall into its pages and become immersed in the experiences of the characters right from the start. You feel their pain, fear, desires, hopes and dreams. You are beautifully transported to a setting in France where a bookstore becomes a powerhouse for secret fight-for-freedom plans, a source of brilliant light for lost souls and a refuge of love for the lonely, during a very dark time. Much happens here behind these quaint unsuspecting walls in the past that spills over to the future.

This book is well presented in two timelines, both equally fascinating with Laurence (1939) from the past and Jeanne (1993) from the present. We also get Laurence’s father, Wendell’s , side of the story for he is the common thread between the two and plays an active part in both eras. His secret life (and love) from the past unfolds before Jeanne’s eyes during their journey to France. These revelations provide her with a new respect for her father as she learns more about who he is and his part in the war.

In The Paris Network we learn of the horrific effects of Hitler’s rule during World War II. Through the power of words, we are transported back in time and walk on streets that see bloodshed and death. We stand beside those who are innocent and watch them come to a terrible end. And we weep. As we watch Laurence and her friends go into hiding, become part of a resistance network and try to protect what precious items they still have, we wish this was enough to save them. But even knowing it is not, we cheer them on for surrender is never an option. For the message remains constant and unwavering. The remarkable strength of the human spirit and its will to be free shines like a beacon above the tragic losses. Even in the face of death, this group of resistant French citizens cling to hope and chant Liberty.

It is obvious from the start that Laurence is a very special woman. Her selfless acts and inner beauty make us appreciate her. She has a special gift of helping others through the power of literature. She writes prescriptions that include famous poems and book suggestions that suit the individual’s needs. Her bookstore is like a lighthouse. The source of her strength is her faith in the words of Joan of Arc: ‘I am not afraid. I was born to do this.’ A pendant with this inscription has been given to her by a man she loves who has gone off to fight the Germans. She whispers these words over and over to sustain her through the most trying moments.

This novel raises the question: why did the Nazis ban books? Why were they so afraid of them? As Laurence says, ‘Stories live on far longer than humans.’ ‘Stories give us the ability to travel anywhere in the world, at any time in history.’

Books play a huge part in The Paris Network providing code and comfort. And those who were facing persecution under the Germans, told and read stories to each other to keep hope alive. It was all they had to maintain courage and to rise above the misery that surrounded them. As our heroine, Laurence, says, “I can’t lose my faith in the written word. If I do that, I have nothing.”

Although I have not written much about Jeanne’s story, her part is important to Laurence’s legacy. Jeanne, an ex-cop, discovers her true heritage and her connection to this heroic woman. It is a fascinating revelation that provides the missing piece of her life.

What a captivating, heart jarring story about bravery and courage of the highest order. The experience of reading The Paris Network was one of feeling consumed by the plot and emotions of the characters. Incredible tension kept me on the edge of my seat. And although I cringed at the horror of Hitler’s orders and actions, and it broke my heart to see the devastation it brought to this little French town and its members, I could not look away from the page for a second. I was completely engrossed in the story from start to finish. I waited for the answers. And Siobhan carefully revealed the secrets and unknowns in the two timelines at the end.

This WWII story is creative and unique. A massive amount of research went into its writing and Siobhan delivers and weaves it beautifully throughout. But the greatest treasure amidst all the treachery and trials, is the love story between two characters caught in the throes of war from opposite sides of the sea (USA and France). Their chance happening delivers some precious moments when they are able to connect and create something beautiful, daring and lasting.

This historical novel is a must read. I highly recommend it. 5 Victorious Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a copy to review.

Thank you so much to the publishers of The Paris Network for letting me read a copy of The Paris Network. Having really enjoyed Siobhan Curham’s previous WW2 based novels, I was eager to read this one and it didn’t disappoint. I loved this book about the joy and comfort books can bring, and the importance of the part they played during the war against Germany. This enthralling story of bravery, camaraderie, love and heroism had me gripped from the start and throughout. A wonderful, engrossing, heartbreaking read.
PS I was also caught out, fully expecting Genevieve to turn out to be a member of the resistance too!

The Paris Network is truly an engrossing read. I love how the author uses books, words, and a bookstore in the plot. Jeanne discovers a secret upon the death of the woman whim she thought was her mother. Her mother was actually bookstore owner, Laurence, a member of the French Resistance. The narrative jumps from 1993 back to WWII until they collide with all the secrets revealed. I loved all the intrigue, secrecy, and stealth. Based on actually occurrences, I love how novels like this infuse hope for modern society.

I really liked the dual timeline. I liked the Main characters story. I liked that it was about how to resist in the small ways. And never let the fire die. I liked that it was about the small sunshines in a dark era. Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

Jeanne, Wendell and Laurence's stories really moved me. Sad, yet beautiful, it is set against the backdrop of one of the most horrific times in our history, that of WWII. Hitler's reign showed just how cruel man can be to man, yet in the end good triumphs over evil.
Laurence is a bookstore owner who wants to help fight the Nazis that have overtaken her small french country village. She does so by forming a book club with her closest friend and reading books banned by the Nazis. Feeling that this small act of resistance isn't enough, she becomes deeper involved with the resistance movement. Collecting persons and shipments dropped in a clearing in the forest, Laurence risks her life on each mission. One night she meets a pilot whose plane tail is on fire, little does she know what a role he will play in her future.
Present day: Jeanne always saw her mother, Lorilee as a cold, distant mother and her father as somewhat weak, always acquiescing to Lorilees's wishes, until after Lorilee's death, she finds the deed to a bookstore in France left to her, and the story she discovers from her father, Wendall will change her views of both her parents, and herself forever.
I loved the role books play in this story. The fact that simply by reading a book you were resisting the evil brought by Hitler is mind-blowing. Something so simple, something we do on a regular basis, casually, not thinking anymore when we choose a book to read other than whether it sounds interesting and entertaining., We surely don't think, will I be killed if caught reading this! This book shows how each and every small act of resistance counted, if took all of them, large and small to defeat evil and they succeeded.
I enjoyed every aspect of this novel, it moves fast, you fall in love with the characters and as a special bonus the author includes a reading list at the end which includes all the poems and books referred to throughout the novel! I love that they did this as I was stopping and looking up the lesser known ones as I came upon them while reading.
All in all a wonderful, sad yet somehow uplifting story, I recommend highly, this is one of the better WWII historical fiction I have read lately. I rank it up there with "The Lost Girls of Paris" and "The Black Swan of Paris", two of my favorite.
Thank you to Bookouture and Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.

With grateful thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
This book was one rollercoaster of a read, I've read a lot of similar books but this was something really special.
A poignant heartbreaking soul searching book rolled into one.
Laurence was one very special lady.

Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres and not only is this a heartbreaking beautifully written story., I found how important the lesser known acts of defiance were , Laurence may have felt She didn’t contribute that much to make a difference but she did and her sacrifice was so brave. The Author has gone to great lengths to research for this story and I’m looking forward to reading more of her books this year.

This story is just an utter delight to read. I preferred the ww2 storyline more than the other timeline but this didn't detract from the story. Packed with emotion, love, tenderness against the horror and brutality of war.
I love how reading is used as an escapism, a ray of hope and delight in these dark uncertain times. A strong female protagonist will always win with me too.
Poignant.

I really enjoyed this book, I was hooked in from the beginning. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book it is highly recommended.

1993: Jeanne’s mother has died and a brief comment from her aunt after the funeral leads Jeanne to talk to her father. What her father reveals to her is life changing. The woman who raised her was not her birth mother, but her father had agreed to never mention Jeanne’s actual mother when he married the woman who raised her. Jeanne finds out her real mother was a member of the French Resistance during World War II and that’s how her father met her. They decide to venture to the small village in France to learn more about her and the deed to her bookstore that was given when Jeanne was handed over to her father so many years ago.

1940: Laurence has just seen her love leave to fight the Germans. Before he leaves, he gives her a pendant of Joan (Jeanne) of Arc with an inscription on the back. She uses her time while he’s gone to try to be a support to her fellow villagers by prescribing pages in books to them to help with what ails them. When she receives word that her love was killed in a Luftwaffe attack and then Germans come and occupy her town, she fears she is losing hope. Then she hears General de Gaulle give an impassioned speech on her hidden radio once evening. She finds a connection to help the French Resistance, and her legend was born. Through her love of books, she is passed messages to listen for on her radio. One night, her message takes her to the field within the forest she explored as a child and she meets Wendell.

I found myself taking my time with this book because as fates were starting to be revealed, I found myself not wanting to release the main characters. I wanted to bask in their story and bravery. Written in a way that effortlessly weaves the two timelines together without confusion, The Paris Network is a magnificent piece of literature that takes place during World War II. As the first book I’ve completed in 2022, it bodes well for the type of books I see in my yearly journey into the pages of books. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#netgalley #arc #theparisnetwork #bookouture #siobhancurham

Wartime France: Laurence has said goodbye to her lifelong friend Luc,who has gone to war. She runs a bookshop and has sent him off with a poem to try and keep his heart uplifted. Soon the Germans have taken over and life very much changes for the small rural village. Laurence is determined that the Germans won’t get the better of her and hides her radio- a banned item- so that she can listen to the BBC and find out what is going on elsewhere in the world. Seeing the cafe owner shot in the square makes her determined to do something, anything she can to help the resistance, something she heard a man called General De Gaulle on the radio talk about.
USA 1993: Jeanne has just said goodbye to her mother for the final time when she learns of something that rocks her world. Soon afterwards, she and her father travel to France to find out more about Laurence and how her father met someone he is describing as the bravest woman he ever met.
I loved this, there is a tension between the pages and I took to both Laurence and Jeanne. Both very determined women and Laurence is certainly something very special. A book of hope and determination, of love and life and the ups and downs therein of whatever form. Of tough times that we now can't really imagine but through reading we can learn so much. A truly stunning memorable read.

#blogtour

A great page turner in the covid era... a great escape for an afternoon, a day at the beach, a vacation or plane read to divert ones thoughts from everyday life. And we think our life is difficult.. hats off to these who really did hard work.

THE PARIS NETWORK by SIOBHAN CURHAM is everything a reader wants in historical fiction. Meticulously researched story with believable and likeable characters. Excellent!

The Paris Network is a stunning and touching historical fiction about the French Resistance during WWII. Siobhan Curham beautifully weaves a dual storyline led by strong female characters filled with love, grief, bravery, history and mystery.

With its vivid world-building descriptions and its evocative prose, The Paris Network is an immersive book shining a light on the crucial role books, authors, and bookstores played during the 1939-1945 period. I particularly loved that Curham presented both the atrocious events and good-hearted relationships between the characters during this troubling wartime. It allowed for a more believable and accurate narrative of the events and the experience lived by the French resistance.

This book did not get a full 5 stars because I found Jeanne's story less poignant and compelling. Her character to be too naive when it came to her WWII cultural knowledge, and her dialogue was childish for a 50 years old and ex-detective.

This book is a must-read for historical fiction readers. The research behind this novel is impressive. I was thrilled to discover the lesser-known side of the resistance movement in France.

I cannot wait to read more by this author. This author has now become a go-to author. To have a book that is well written as well as entertaining is a delight. Reading is about escaping your world and entering another one. The word building was phenomenal in this book. Here I forgot about my own life and was immersed in the world created by the author. I would recommend this book.

This was a good read, it was well written with good characters a good storyline and a dual timeline which I love. The descriptions that were so vivid and evocative and the story was so well researched and so emotive. I couldnt put this book down, it was completely gripping right from the start and engaging all the way through right until the end. it was so poignantly beautiful and had moments of heartbreak and hope. this book was so enjoyable.