Ruth Druart grew up on the Isle of Wight, leaving at eighteen to study psychology. In 1993 she moved to Paris, the city that inspired her to write While Paris Slept. There she pursued a career in international education and raised three sons with her French husband. She recently left her teaching position, so she can write full time while running her writing group in Paris. Sin embargo, lo que me ha desgarrado ha sido la frustración y el dolor de Sarah, que ve como el tiempo le ha robado a su hijo. El niño que recuperan no sabe ni entiende de las penurias que sufrieron sus padres ni de su enorme sacrificio. Ha sido criado en otro ambiente y ni se adapta ni quiere adaptarse. Si grande es el sufrimiento de Sarah, no menos grande es el de ese niño de nueve años que es Samuel. Buy from our bookstore and 25% of the cover price will be given to a school of your choice to buy more books. *15% of eBooks. Home > Furthermore, the author skillfully weaves historical events and real-life figures into the narrative, such as the Vel’ d’Hiv roundup and the role of the French Resistance. This adds depth and authenticity to the story, and highlights the bravery and sacrifices made by ordinary people during this dark chapter of history.

This book was beautiful – a book on love and courage demonstrated in different ways, showing that there is no one way to love or be brave. I was unable to stop reading *****’ While the first half of the book focuses on the historical aspect of 1944, the second half of the book plays out almost a decade later and is more of a family drama.

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What a book . . . Emotional and heartrending . . . absolutely phenomenal. I was on tenterhooks throughout. A wonderful achievement I have decided to give this book three stars only because I feel like historical fiction as a genre is oversaturated with World War Two novels. And while this was a compelling read, this book didn’t add anything particularly unique to this genre. But if you love World War novels, I highly recommend this book. A very strong story. Sebastian Kleinhaus no longer recognnises himself. Forced to join the Third Reich and wear a uniform he despises, he longs for a way out. Ruth Druart grew up on the Isle of Wight, moving away at the age of eighteen to study psychology at Leicester University. She has lived in Paris since 1993, where she has followed a career in teaching. She has recently taken a sabbatical, so that she can follow her dream of writing full-time.

Druart keeps suspense moving throughout, even as readers’ slowly gain knowledge about some of the characters’ fates. Jean Luc and Charlotte meet during WW2 when he is injured and brought to the hospital where she works. They're both young and trying to survive under German occupation. They both struggle with their consciences as they work for the Germans. Son muchas las emociones que me ha suscitado este libro. Rabia, como me ocurre siempre que leo una novela sobre la Francia ocupada, ante esa dobl Just some of the questions that are raised in this excellent novel. It is hard to believe that this is a debut novel, as it is written with a deft touch, and examines what is still a very taboo subject I France and even more so in Paris, the Nazi Occupation. This story will leave you breathless, hoping for the best and fearing the worst.Praise for While Paris Slept: A mother faces a heartbreaking choice in this bestselling story of love and courage in World War 2 The second half of the book is the most intense, as the tension builds and the heartbreaking choices that Jean Luc and Sarah must make become all too real. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions as you follow their journey and the sacrifices they make for each other. Recommended Reads about Race, Racism, and Demarginalizing History - Necessary Non-fiction You Should Read for Life-changing Insights and Impact Alongside their story is another of love, a French Jewish couple who are captured and taken to Auschwitz. A decision made means they have a passion to survive but is that enough?... Read Full Review

At times it felt over written and ‘cheesy’ but I had to listen to the end … else I’d feel complicit in their suffering. While Paris Slept originates in Paris during the Second World War, moving on to both Paris and California in the 1950s. It is a harrowing and extremely moving tale of the horrors of war and the strength of parental love. What a book, I absolutely loved it. An ingenious plot, wonderful believable characters and it moved me to tears. A fabulous read' Lesley Pearse As their stories unfold in alternating perspectives, While Paris Slept takes readers on a gripping and emotional journey of love, faith, and the unbreakable bonds of family. With heart-stopping moments of tension and heart-warming scenes of tenderness, this debut novel will leave you breathless and deeply moved. A frantic young mother, Sarah Laffitte, thrusts her weeks-old son into his arms. (This was that pivotal moment for me, when my breathing stopped.)

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Another aspect of the novel that stands out is the nuanced exploration of the characters’ emotions and motivations. The author delves into the complexities of human relationships, depicting the characters’ struggles with guilt, fear, and betrayal, as well as their capacity for love, forgiveness, and redemption. The story is told in (mostly) two places and time periods, Spring 1944, during the German occupation of Paris, and 1953 in the USA and in France.