"The Barman of the Ritz brilliantly captures the tense, morally murky atmosphere of Nazi-occupied France. Richly researched and utterly absorbing, this World War II novel pulls readers inside Paris’s legendary Ritz Hotel - where every cocktail, every conversation, and every choice could change a life forever.” —Anne Berest, bestselling author of The Postcard

"A spellbinding novel of extraordinary elegance and moral depth. Philippe Collin reveals how humanity survives in dark times: not through heroics, but in the quiet, daily work of remaining oneself. In a world distorted by power and fear, this novel reminds us that our humanity is not something we possess, but something we practice, moment by moment, relationship by relationship. Philippe Collin is one of the essential moral historians of our time, and this is an unmissable book.” —Chris Cleave, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Little Bee and Everyone Brave is Forgiven

“Quite simply brilliant.... so beautifully written that we imagine ourselves in the real Frank Meier’s position, shaking creative cocktails for the new inhabitants of his beloved Petit Bar at the Ritz: Paris’s Nazi conquerors. This novel, based on the real heroics of this charming, creative, and emotionally complex man with a secret love and a hidden past, is a must-read not just for fans of WWII fiction, but for anyone who cares about freedom in today’s complicated world.” —Meg Waite Clayton, internationally bestselling author of The Postmistress of Paris and Typewriter Beach

“Philippe Collin is a compellingly brilliant storyteller.” —Phillipe Sands, author of East West Street, winner of the Ballie Gifford Prize

"A compelling story of entrapment and survival." —Kirkus, Starred Review

"An eloquent storyteller, Collin captures the weight of unthinkably difficult choices and in immersive historical detail, conjures the escalating tension, perils, and absurdities of the world at war from inside the Ritz Hotel." —Booklist, Starred Review

"As complex as one of Frank's signature cocktails, The Barman of the Ritz presents a multifaceted account of life under Nazi rule and a sensitive portrait of a man forced to make impossible choices." —Shelf Awareness

"[A] vivid debut...[Collin] does an excellent job of recreating daily life under the German occupation...This satisfying novel honors the memory of Meier and other brave Parisians who opposed Nazi rule." —Publisher's Weekly

International Praise for Barman of the Ritz

“A great novel.”—Le Parisien

“A fascinating character…”—Augustin Trapenard, La Grande Librairie

“Mixing together his knowledge of the period with psychological insights (…) Collin has created a heady cocktail.”—L’Express

“Philippe Collin is a magnificent storyteller. This novel fascinates at every turn.”—ELLE

“Masterful… a sweeping waltz between history and fiction in one of Paris’ chicest palaces.”—Le Journal du Dimanche