The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure
384 pages, Hardcover
October 2013, Sourcebooks Landmark
Source: Sent for review by Nicole at Sourcebooks, ARC from NetGalley
Lucien is a Paris architect trying to make a living in Nazi occupied France. He is offered a job that would make him a lot of money but could also mean death. He has a hard time saying no to the money and to the challenge of making undetectable hiding places within homes for Jews.
My sister in law is an architect and my father in law studied architecture, so it has been fun reading this from somewhat of an architect's eye. Just the language used reminds me of my family as they discuss "elegant solutions" for buildings and "activating spaces".
Of course, the seriousness subject matter of the book is what really drew me in. Attempting to save the lives of people during a time when doing so would get you killed is frightening and interesting. I was totally invested in the characters, despite not really liking Lucien at the beginning. My heart pounded every time his did in fear that the Nazis were on to him.
This is a wonderful book, full of history and suspense. Quite an impressive debut novel. I look forward to reading Belfour's books to come.
For more info on the author and book visit the books WEBSITE.
My sister in law is an architect and my father in law studied architecture, so it has been fun reading this from somewhat of an architect's eye. Just the language used reminds me of my family as they discuss "elegant solutions" for buildings and "activating spaces".
Of course, the seriousness subject matter of the book is what really drew me in. Attempting to save the lives of people during a time when doing so would get you killed is frightening and interesting. I was totally invested in the characters, despite not really liking Lucien at the beginning. My heart pounded every time his did in fear that the Nazis were on to him.
This is a wonderful book, full of history and suspense. Quite an impressive debut novel. I look forward to reading Belfour's books to come.
For more info on the author and book visit the books WEBSITE.
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I've heard a lot of good things about this book, and I can't wait to read it. It says a lot to me that you want to read more by this author.
ReplyDeleteIt was really good and would have been perfect for WWII Challenge. :)
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