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The Paris Deception
From internationally bestselling author Bryn Turnbull comes a breathtaking novel about art theft and forgery in Nazi-occupied Paris, and two brave women who risk their lives rescuing looted masterpieces from Nazi destruction.
Sophie Dix fled Stuttgart with her brother as the Nazi regime gained power in Germany. Now, with her brother gone and her adopted home city of Paris conquered by the Reich, Sophie reluctantly accepts a position restoring damaged art at the Jeu de Paume museum under the supervision of the ERR—a German art commission using the museum as a repository for art they’ve looted from Jewish families.
Fabienne Brandt was a rising star in the Parisian bohemian arts movement until the Nazis put a stop to so-called “degenerate” modern art. Still mourning the loss of her firebrand husband, she’s resolved to muddle her way through the occupation in whatever way she can—until her estranged sister-in-law, Sophie, arrives at her door with a stolen painting in hand.
Soon the two women embark upon a plan to save Paris’s “degenerates,” working beneath the noses of Germany’s top art connoisseurs to replace the paintings in the Jeu de Paume with skillful forgeries—but how long can Sophie and Fabienne sustain their masterful illusion?
464 pages, Paperback
First published May 30, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
December 30, 2022
Terrific read! Two embittered women--one the scion of a defunct champagne house, now a widowed painter; the other a wallflower art restorer at a Parisian museum--cook up an audacious scheme as the Nazis take over France: smuggle "degenerate" modern art destined for a bonfire out of Paris, and substitute forgeries in its place. Will definitely be giving this one a cover quote.
June 23, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
I am becoming a fan of Bryn Turnbull's novels( The Woman Before Wallis, The Last Grand Duchess) and when I saw she had a new historical fiction coming out, it was an Insta-click.
Set in Paris during WWII, this is the story of Sophie, a museum restorationist, and Fabienne, her sister-in-law, a talented artist. Together the women will undertake a dangerous mission, right under the noses of their Nazi occupiers.
I fell for this narrative hard in the early Sunday morning hours. I loved the characters and there was a richly told story here. It was a bit of a slow burn in the beginning but it soon heated up. There were a lot of holding-your-breath moments. As I mentioned in my review of (Good Night, Irene), I have read a lot of WWII books but this one certainly stands out in the crowd- right up there with The Nightingale.
#TheParisDeception #NetGalley
Expected Publication Date 30/05/23
Goodreads Review Published 14/05/23
#TheParisDeception #NetGalley.
I am becoming a fan of Bryn Turnbull's novels( The Woman Before Wallis, The Last Grand Duchess) and when I saw she had a new historical fiction coming out, it was an Insta-click.
Set in Paris during WWII, this is the story of Sophie, a museum restorationist, and Fabienne, her sister-in-law, a talented artist. Together the women will undertake a dangerous mission, right under the noses of their Nazi occupiers.
I fell for this narrative hard in the early Sunday morning hours. I loved the characters and there was a richly told story here. It was a bit of a slow burn in the beginning but it soon heated up. There were a lot of holding-your-breath moments. As I mentioned in my review of (Good Night, Irene), I have read a lot of WWII books but this one certainly stands out in the crowd- right up there with The Nightingale.
#TheParisDeception #NetGalley
Expected Publication Date 30/05/23
Goodreads Review Published 14/05/23
#TheParisDeception #NetGalley.
June 15, 2023
WWII - Paris under German occupation.
In 1939 Sophie Dix and her brother fled Germany to Paris to escape the Nazis, but their safety was short lived because the Nazis have now arrived in Paris.
This historical fiction deals with the Nazi looting of art treasures from museums and abandoned Jewish homes after the families have fled for their lives.
The Nazi looting of art in Paris is well documented and there are several historical fiction and non-fiction books about it.
“The Paris Deception” delivers a readable story with likable characters.
Sophie works as an art restorer at the Jeu de Paume. Her brother marred aspiring artist, Fabienne, now a widow since Sophie’s brother was killed during his resistance work.
The sisters-in-law’s relationship was broken until Sophie devises a plan to fake original paintings to fool the Nazis and she needs Fabienne to create the forgeries, and assist in finding secure hiding places for the originals.
The writing is good and Sophie’s story is interesting, even as I kept comparing it to the known facts as rendered in many non-fiction books on the subject I found the book interesting enough to read to the end.
If you are not familiar with this despicable part of history this story will be a good introduction to the subject.
Just as an example – the character of Rose Valland is a real person who did in fact do her part to impede the Nazi efforts at great danger to herself and later worked with the real Monuments Men sent to Germany by FDR to locate stolen art and try to return them to their rightful owners. I recommend the movie “The Monuments Men” (2014).
I was glad to read this book by Canadian author and be able to give it a favourable review as I didn’t like the author’s first book at all.
In 1939 Sophie Dix and her brother fled Germany to Paris to escape the Nazis, but their safety was short lived because the Nazis have now arrived in Paris.
This historical fiction deals with the Nazi looting of art treasures from museums and abandoned Jewish homes after the families have fled for their lives.
The Nazi looting of art in Paris is well documented and there are several historical fiction and non-fiction books about it.
“The Paris Deception” delivers a readable story with likable characters.
Sophie works as an art restorer at the Jeu de Paume. Her brother marred aspiring artist, Fabienne, now a widow since Sophie’s brother was killed during his resistance work.
The sisters-in-law’s relationship was broken until Sophie devises a plan to fake original paintings to fool the Nazis and she needs Fabienne to create the forgeries, and assist in finding secure hiding places for the originals.
The writing is good and Sophie’s story is interesting, even as I kept comparing it to the known facts as rendered in many non-fiction books on the subject I found the book interesting enough to read to the end.
If you are not familiar with this despicable part of history this story will be a good introduction to the subject.
Just as an example – the character of Rose Valland is a real person who did in fact do her part to impede the Nazi efforts at great danger to herself and later worked with the real Monuments Men sent to Germany by FDR to locate stolen art and try to return them to their rightful owners. I recommend the movie “The Monuments Men” (2014).
I was glad to read this book by Canadian author and be able to give it a favourable review as I didn’t like the author’s first book at all.
June 11, 2023
Clear your night table, historical fiction lovers! This one deserves that coveted space.
Allow Bryn Turnbull to transport you to WW2 Paris where she’s written a superb story featuring a forger and an art heist.
As the story opens you’ll join the main character to witness a tragic event: the government-sanctioned destruction of ‘degenerate’ art in Berlin outside the Reichstag in March 1938. You’ll be in awe of Turnbull’s ability to fully immerse you into this spectacular story. As your senses are activated, and you’re sure you can smell smoke and see ash floating, you’ll be wondering if you really were there or not! In fact, I re-read the prologue to get lost in the exquisitely written account. At this point, I knew I was holding a masterpiece in my hands. I hadn’t even begun chapter one!!!
Once the author has your attention and managed to get you emotionally involved, you’ll be fast-forwarded to June 1940 and the Jeu de Paume, which has just been taken over by the ERR. It’s here you’ll meet Sophie Brandt, an art restorer, and her colleague, a real-life person, Rose Valland. These two strong women have teamed up to work with the German art commission responsible for the theft of thousands of art from Jewish families. In accepting the position, Sophie has had to choose between her principles or survival. Stradling the two options, Sophie realizes that she needs to seek the help of her estranged sister-in-law, Fabienne, a bohemian artist and political radical. When she shows up at Fabienne’s door with a stolen painting, she sets in motion an undertaking with incredible risk to them all.
This will be one of those books that cherish dearly. I’ve read many, many books about WW2 and the resistance. I’m always fascinated by the stories of courage and determination. What makes this book stand apart, is that Turnbull has highlighted those who didn’t formally join up. She shows us what resistance looked like for those who weren’t actually involved in fighting. Furthermore, Turnbull examines why some people chose to remain rooted where they were rather than flee and how this mindset divided families. Her writing always doubles back to remind readers of the humanity amidst such destruction. This added to the sumptuous writing and heartfelt research, makes this book stand heads above the others in a packed genre.
I’m eagerly anticipating my return journey to Berlin in this author’s fourth book due out next year.
I was gifted this copy by Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Allow Bryn Turnbull to transport you to WW2 Paris where she’s written a superb story featuring a forger and an art heist.
As the story opens you’ll join the main character to witness a tragic event: the government-sanctioned destruction of ‘degenerate’ art in Berlin outside the Reichstag in March 1938. You’ll be in awe of Turnbull’s ability to fully immerse you into this spectacular story. As your senses are activated, and you’re sure you can smell smoke and see ash floating, you’ll be wondering if you really were there or not! In fact, I re-read the prologue to get lost in the exquisitely written account. At this point, I knew I was holding a masterpiece in my hands. I hadn’t even begun chapter one!!!
Once the author has your attention and managed to get you emotionally involved, you’ll be fast-forwarded to June 1940 and the Jeu de Paume, which has just been taken over by the ERR. It’s here you’ll meet Sophie Brandt, an art restorer, and her colleague, a real-life person, Rose Valland. These two strong women have teamed up to work with the German art commission responsible for the theft of thousands of art from Jewish families. In accepting the position, Sophie has had to choose between her principles or survival. Stradling the two options, Sophie realizes that she needs to seek the help of her estranged sister-in-law, Fabienne, a bohemian artist and political radical. When she shows up at Fabienne’s door with a stolen painting, she sets in motion an undertaking with incredible risk to them all.
This will be one of those books that cherish dearly. I’ve read many, many books about WW2 and the resistance. I’m always fascinated by the stories of courage and determination. What makes this book stand apart, is that Turnbull has highlighted those who didn’t formally join up. She shows us what resistance looked like for those who weren’t actually involved in fighting. Furthermore, Turnbull examines why some people chose to remain rooted where they were rather than flee and how this mindset divided families. Her writing always doubles back to remind readers of the humanity amidst such destruction. This added to the sumptuous writing and heartfelt research, makes this book stand heads above the others in a packed genre.
I’m eagerly anticipating my return journey to Berlin in this author’s fourth book due out next year.
I was gifted this copy by Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
May 26, 2023
Sophie Dix and her brother Dietrich fled Germany for France, Sophie hated being a member of the Bund Deutscher Madchen and Dietrich had finished his compulsory Wehrmacht training. Now, her brother Dietrich is gone, the Germans have taken over Paris and Sophie is a qualified art restorer.
Sophie reluctantly takes a job at Jeu de Paume gallery, restoring damaged pieces for the German art commission known as ERR, she works in the Martyr's Room, modern works of art are stored here and Hitler isn’t a fan. In Germany degenerate art has been burnt, Sophie is worried the same thing will happen to oil and water colour paintings, and rare collages, sculptures and tapestries taking up space at Jeu di Paume.
Fabienne Brandt ran away from her family’s chateau and vineyard, to be an artist in Paris, after her husband was killed and she lost her passion for painting. Sophie arrives at her sister-in-law Fabienne's apartment with a stolen painting, she wants her to paint a copy and help save the original. With the right paint and old canvases Fabienne and Sophie start replacing original paintings with forgeries and Fabienne smuggles them out of Paris.
Fabienne arrives at Chateau Dolus, her mother isn’t happy to see her and her father is more forgiving. Working for her parents is Sebastien, she broke his heart when she ran away to Paris, she has to hide the paintings in the old chateau, hold her nerve, continue make regular visits home and deal with her feelings for Sebastien.
I received a copy of The Paris Deception by Bryn Turnbull from Edelweiss and HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review. It’s a well written, engrossing and interesting story about two women taking huge risks to save precious artwork from either being taken to Germany, swapped with other dealers or being destroyed. The story highlights the impact the Second World War and the Germans had on the art world, it’s estimated over 22,000 pieces passed through Jeu di Paume in four years, stolen from Jewish houses and bank vaults.
Using real and fictional characters, Ms. Turnbull explains what it was like to live in Paris at the time, the Germans constantly checking identity papers, Jewish people disappearing and being rounded up, food shortages, men being sent to Germany to work, and the penalties for helping the resistance or a Jewish person. Five stars from me, a historical novel for fans of art, with an emphasis on strong women role models and ethics.
Sophie reluctantly takes a job at Jeu de Paume gallery, restoring damaged pieces for the German art commission known as ERR, she works in the Martyr's Room, modern works of art are stored here and Hitler isn’t a fan. In Germany degenerate art has been burnt, Sophie is worried the same thing will happen to oil and water colour paintings, and rare collages, sculptures and tapestries taking up space at Jeu di Paume.
Fabienne Brandt ran away from her family’s chateau and vineyard, to be an artist in Paris, after her husband was killed and she lost her passion for painting. Sophie arrives at her sister-in-law Fabienne's apartment with a stolen painting, she wants her to paint a copy and help save the original. With the right paint and old canvases Fabienne and Sophie start replacing original paintings with forgeries and Fabienne smuggles them out of Paris.
Fabienne arrives at Chateau Dolus, her mother isn’t happy to see her and her father is more forgiving. Working for her parents is Sebastien, she broke his heart when she ran away to Paris, she has to hide the paintings in the old chateau, hold her nerve, continue make regular visits home and deal with her feelings for Sebastien.
I received a copy of The Paris Deception by Bryn Turnbull from Edelweiss and HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review. It’s a well written, engrossing and interesting story about two women taking huge risks to save precious artwork from either being taken to Germany, swapped with other dealers or being destroyed. The story highlights the impact the Second World War and the Germans had on the art world, it’s estimated over 22,000 pieces passed through Jeu di Paume in four years, stolen from Jewish houses and bank vaults.
Using real and fictional characters, Ms. Turnbull explains what it was like to live in Paris at the time, the Germans constantly checking identity papers, Jewish people disappearing and being rounded up, food shortages, men being sent to Germany to work, and the penalties for helping the resistance or a Jewish person. Five stars from me, a historical novel for fans of art, with an emphasis on strong women role models and ethics.
May 23, 2023
What I love most about WWII fiction is the the knowledge I gain about how wide spread the resistance to Nazi Germany was, from the Dutch assassins to those in Austria smuggling Jewish children out of Vienna, to the hero’s of The Paris Deception who were determined to protect Jewish owned artwork. The wide scope of those trying to do something, anything, to impinge upon Hitlers atrocities, all while having to have a front row seat, is incredibly powerful.
Bryn Turnbull does a masterful job at researching and representing the danger these women put themselves in as they fought the Nazi’s the only way they could. The immense heartbreak they suffer while doing so, further illustrate that no one in Europe, with the exception of the Nazi’s themselves, were truly safe.
My primary criticism is that the book felt too long considering the slow pace of the story, and I found myself having a hard time staying engaged the entire time. I also struggled a tad with the shifting points of view and timelines, particularly on audio.
Thank you HTP Books, Harper Audio and TLC Book Tours for the gifted copies in exchange for my honest review.
Bryn Turnbull does a masterful job at researching and representing the danger these women put themselves in as they fought the Nazi’s the only way they could. The immense heartbreak they suffer while doing so, further illustrate that no one in Europe, with the exception of the Nazi’s themselves, were truly safe.
My primary criticism is that the book felt too long considering the slow pace of the story, and I found myself having a hard time staying engaged the entire time. I also struggled a tad with the shifting points of view and timelines, particularly on audio.
Thank you HTP Books, Harper Audio and TLC Book Tours for the gifted copies in exchange for my honest review.
May 31, 2023
Atmospheric, alluring, and rich!
The Paris Deception is a vivid, engaging tale set in France during WWII that takes you into the life of Sophie Dix, a young art restorer who, after fleeing the rising Nazi rule in Germany, uses her position, knowledge, contacts, and help from her estranged, widowed sister-in-law Fabienne Brandt to help save and secure as much art as possible from the Jeu de Plume museum in Paris by creating forgeries and smuggling as many pieces as possible into hiding at the expense of her own safety and all those around her.
The prose is charged and tense. The characters are resilient, brave, and endearing. And the plot is a poignant tale about life, loss, family, secrets, desperation, danger, tragedy, grief, friendship, art, romance, and the horrors and hardships of war.
Overall, The Paris Deception is an immersive, captivating, informative tale by Turnbull inspired by real-life events that sweeps you away to another time and place and does an exceptional job of reminding you that survival and resistance of any form takes enormous strength, exceptional sacrifice, and unimaginable courage.
Thank you to Kaye Publicity for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Paris Deception is a vivid, engaging tale set in France during WWII that takes you into the life of Sophie Dix, a young art restorer who, after fleeing the rising Nazi rule in Germany, uses her position, knowledge, contacts, and help from her estranged, widowed sister-in-law Fabienne Brandt to help save and secure as much art as possible from the Jeu de Plume museum in Paris by creating forgeries and smuggling as many pieces as possible into hiding at the expense of her own safety and all those around her.
The prose is charged and tense. The characters are resilient, brave, and endearing. And the plot is a poignant tale about life, loss, family, secrets, desperation, danger, tragedy, grief, friendship, art, romance, and the horrors and hardships of war.
Overall, The Paris Deception is an immersive, captivating, informative tale by Turnbull inspired by real-life events that sweeps you away to another time and place and does an exceptional job of reminding you that survival and resistance of any form takes enormous strength, exceptional sacrifice, and unimaginable courage.
Thank you to Kaye Publicity for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 9, 2023
3.5 rounded up.
This was a well researched and written book about female friendship, resistance and art forgery during WWII as the Germans stole or burned priceless works of art deemed to be created by 'degenerates.'
Featuring Fabienne, a brave bohemian Parisian artist working to save the paintings she loves as well as her German born sister-in-law, Sophie, who struggles with her family's position in Nazi-ruled Germany who both want to resist the Nazis and save the art they love any way they can.
Great on audio narrated by Mary Jane Wells and recommended for fans of the movie The monuments men. Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and Librofm for early digital and audio copies in exchange for my honest review!
This was a well researched and written book about female friendship, resistance and art forgery during WWII as the Germans stole or burned priceless works of art deemed to be created by 'degenerates.'
Featuring Fabienne, a brave bohemian Parisian artist working to save the paintings she loves as well as her German born sister-in-law, Sophie, who struggles with her family's position in Nazi-ruled Germany who both want to resist the Nazis and save the art they love any way they can.
Great on audio narrated by Mary Jane Wells and recommended for fans of the movie The monuments men. Many thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and Librofm for early digital and audio copies in exchange for my honest review!
April 24, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance reader copy of The Paris Deception in exchange for a fair review. This review will appear on Goodreads immediately.
There are many ways we can resist. How do you hide something? In plain sight. This refrain echoes throughout the book. We meet two women with different backgrounds coming together to save the 'degenerate art' during WWII in Paris. Based on a true story but told through fictional characterization, we learn how Nazi's bought and sold art for the fuhrer. Some kept the works in private collections, some were stored, and some destroyed in a tragedy as big as the war. Daring acts of counterfeit, transporting and storing the art echoes how some hid Jews from certain arrest and death.
The book was well written and paced. The descriptions of the artwork and of the methods to counterfeit the art were appreciated. I'm at the place where I have read too many WWII historical fictions now to be shocked any more, by what people must have gone through to only survive. I am numb to the horrors of what the Nazis did to anyone in their target. I am terrified that in my own country, we are a split hair away from this happening again.
While the book was a 4* book, I think my brain is saturated with WWII. I love that art was used as the focus and felt it could have stayed there.
There are many ways we can resist. How do you hide something? In plain sight. This refrain echoes throughout the book. We meet two women with different backgrounds coming together to save the 'degenerate art' during WWII in Paris. Based on a true story but told through fictional characterization, we learn how Nazi's bought and sold art for the fuhrer. Some kept the works in private collections, some were stored, and some destroyed in a tragedy as big as the war. Daring acts of counterfeit, transporting and storing the art echoes how some hid Jews from certain arrest and death.
The book was well written and paced. The descriptions of the artwork and of the methods to counterfeit the art were appreciated. I'm at the place where I have read too many WWII historical fictions now to be shocked any more, by what people must have gone through to only survive. I am numb to the horrors of what the Nazis did to anyone in their target. I am terrified that in my own country, we are a split hair away from this happening again.
While the book was a 4* book, I think my brain is saturated with WWII. I love that art was used as the focus and felt it could have stayed there.
June 2, 2023
Beautifully written and well researched. I could not put it down. The story was a fascinating take on ww2 art history.
September 26, 2023
A compelling story that kept my interest from the start!!!
June 18, 2023
Fascinating Page Turner
This intricately plotted story imagines two women who took part in helping save great art, art which had been stolen from their owners. While the great tragedy of WWII deepens and affects them, their parents, and their neighbors in unimaginable ways, at the heart of the story are Sophie and Fabienne—linked only by their love of art and their love of a brother / husband. Their stories will make your heart ache with what they (and their friends and loved ones) went through and the choices they made. I wasn’t expecting it with a thriller, but I cried several times.
I both read and listened to the audio. The narrator really did a great job. She has such depth—she nails all the accents! (Even the American accent sounded just right, and I’m a tough critic for that accent, it often doesn’t land right when mixed in with these kind of books). It’s stories and narrations like this that keep me interested in WWII journeys.
This intricately plotted story imagines two women who took part in helping save great art, art which had been stolen from their owners. While the great tragedy of WWII deepens and affects them, their parents, and their neighbors in unimaginable ways, at the heart of the story are Sophie and Fabienne—linked only by their love of art and their love of a brother / husband. Their stories will make your heart ache with what they (and their friends and loved ones) went through and the choices they made. I wasn’t expecting it with a thriller, but I cried several times.
I both read and listened to the audio. The narrator really did a great job. She has such depth—she nails all the accents! (Even the American accent sounded just right, and I’m a tough critic for that accent, it often doesn’t land right when mixed in with these kind of books). It’s stories and narrations like this that keep me interested in WWII journeys.
January 3, 2024
I'm in the minority here with my two-star review. Unfortunately, this is the second Bryn Turnbull book that felt flat to me. Characters that were one-dimensional and cardboard, I didn't care about them. It also seemed like Turnbull was trying to cram a lot in. She had to put Rose Valland in the book (a real-life heroine who worked at the Jeu de Paume and unbeknownst to the Nazis, she kept meticulous records of where all the looted artwork went). But Valland was on the periphery of this book and was not important to the plot. Turnbull also added forgery into the mix, but there's not even much in there about the fascinating process of creating a fake painting. This book was also way too long, rushed through the years at the end, and just didn't do anything for me.
October 9, 2023
This was a struggle. The first half seemed to drag on forever. Then the second half barreled through the last few years of the war like a toddler with food in its mouth. Characters were blah. Let this serve as a reminder why I avoid wwii books.
September 29, 2023
So totally relevant when this very week investigators located 7 Egon Schiele artworks, looted by Nazis & returned them to his heirs.
June 28, 2023
The Paris Deception is a Historical Fiction story set around two young women who risk their lives in Paris during WWII to protect stolen artwork from falling into Nazi hands.
Sophie is an art restorer at the Jeu de Paume art museum in Paris. When the Nazis take over the city, she makes it her mission to save art pieces the Nazis have looted from the private collections of Jewish patrons and other pieces the Third Reich have deemed 'degenerate modern art' and have set for destruction.
This story was inspired by the real life of Rose Valland, a French art historian who worked at the Jeu de Paume museum in Paris and did all she could to stop the Nazis efforts. The main plot centres around Sophie who reaches out to her long-lost sister-in-law, Fabienne and asks the talented artist if she can create forgeries of artwork the Nazis have stolen so she can hide the originals in the hopes that they can be returned to their rightful owners at the end of the war.
This Historical Fiction slow-burn art heist story is well-researched with detailed descriptions of many art pieces but don't worry - you don't have to know your Picasso from your Dali or da Vinci to enjoy this book. I'm not an art aficionado by any means but I found myself googling a few of the pieces mentioned and this story has inspired me to watch the movie The Monuments Men and learn more about this topic.
The Paris Deception balances historical and artistic details with a story that includes the human side of war - complicated family dynamics, friendship and the resiliency and bravery of a small group of people who risked much to save art and culture as they did whatever they could to impede the Nazi's reign of terror and its future impact on the world.
June 12, 2024
What an amazing book!! The premise was delightful, the characters real and believable, and the story kept me hooked the entire time. An absolutely wonderful read.
June 7, 2023
Two strong female MC saving priceless works of art from being destroyed by Nazis. Loved it! Had a dash of romance, lots of courage and strength. This Canadian author is kick ass in what she produces, have loved all three of her books. Read if you like historical fiction.
March 27, 2023
This was a stunning and compelling read about the systematic looting of fine art by the Germans in World War II Paris. The story focuses on two sisters-in-law, still numb with grief in the loss of their brother/husband, who pull together to cleverly undermine the Germans' efforts. Sophie Brandt is a fine arts restorer working at the Jeu de Paume, formerly the museum of modern art and in wartime, the repository for cataloguing of German looted artworks. The rough handling of the paintings pillaged by soldiers calls for her expertise. Sophie's sister-in-law, Fabienne Brandt, is a fine arts painter. Together they mount an extraordinary effort to save the modern art which the Germans deem to be "Entartete Kunst" - "Degenerate Art".
With exquisite and painterly prose, author Bryn Turnbull has done a spectacular job of sharing the sights, sounds and smells of occupied Paris during the early 1940s. Her characters are richly developed and easily rooted for in their clever and brave efforts to salvage a tremendous part of the French culture. The research which Ms. Turnbull has done is nothing less than herculean. The details are fascinating and will linger with this reader for a long time to come. If you are a fan of well-written and well-researched historical fiction, then this is a book not to me missed.
I am grateful to MIRA (an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers) for having provided a complimentary e-copy of this book. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
ISBN: 9780369732712
Imprint: MIRA (an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers)
On Sale: May 30, 2023
Pages: 400 pages
With exquisite and painterly prose, author Bryn Turnbull has done a spectacular job of sharing the sights, sounds and smells of occupied Paris during the early 1940s. Her characters are richly developed and easily rooted for in their clever and brave efforts to salvage a tremendous part of the French culture. The research which Ms. Turnbull has done is nothing less than herculean. The details are fascinating and will linger with this reader for a long time to come. If you are a fan of well-written and well-researched historical fiction, then this is a book not to me missed.
I am grateful to MIRA (an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers) for having provided a complimentary e-copy of this book. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
ISBN: 9780369732712
Imprint: MIRA (an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers)
On Sale: May 30, 2023
Pages: 400 pages
June 11, 2023
WWII historical fiction about the Nazi art theft. Our two main girls are estranged sisters in law. Sophie is working at the Jeu de Paume when the Nazis come in and start pilfering the art. She enlists her sister in law Fabienne to start forging some of the pieces. That’s just scraping the surface of this one. There are a ton of different sub plots. I did enjoy this but I think it could have been shorter. Some parts started to drag and that’s where it lost me. I think if you’re interested in this bit of WWII/Rose Valland/The Monuments Men you’ll like this.
July 1, 2023
Terrific writing. Well-researched, riveting & surprisingly touching. I did not expect a story focused on saving artwork to be moving as well.
June 11, 2023
If you enjoyed The Winemaker’s Daughter or Woman On Fire, you will want to pick up this book inspired by the true story set in Paris and the Champagne region during WW2.
The real life inspiration for this book is Rose Valland who was a French art historian, member of the French Resistance, who secretly recorded details of the Nazi plundering of National French and private Jewish-owned art from France; and saved thousands of works of art at the Jeu de Paume in Museum. She is a minor character in this book as author Bryn Trumbull creates two wonderful women characters, Sophie and Fabieene, who she fictionalizes as also being part of the Resistance. Sophie is an art restorer and Fabienne is a painter - they share a painful past but join forces to try to save art and fight the Nazis in their own unique ways.
It took me a while to get into the story but by the middle I was invested in these characters and their mission.
Like all sorties about WW2 and the Nazis, this is a sad story with moments of utter misery and horror. I felt that Turnbull was sensitive with this subject and did not romanticize it.
Thank you to @harpercollinsca and @netgalley for an e-ARC of this book (published on 05/30/23).
The real life inspiration for this book is Rose Valland who was a French art historian, member of the French Resistance, who secretly recorded details of the Nazi plundering of National French and private Jewish-owned art from France; and saved thousands of works of art at the Jeu de Paume in Museum. She is a minor character in this book as author Bryn Trumbull creates two wonderful women characters, Sophie and Fabieene, who she fictionalizes as also being part of the Resistance. Sophie is an art restorer and Fabienne is a painter - they share a painful past but join forces to try to save art and fight the Nazis in their own unique ways.
It took me a while to get into the story but by the middle I was invested in these characters and their mission.
Like all sorties about WW2 and the Nazis, this is a sad story with moments of utter misery and horror. I felt that Turnbull was sensitive with this subject and did not romanticize it.
Thank you to @harpercollinsca and @netgalley for an e-ARC of this book (published on 05/30/23).
September 27, 2023
Elegant and emotional, a fast-paced, impressive duel POV story about two brave women who save some of the world’s most priceless works of art from the hands of the Nazis, and find a way back to each other, their friendship, and sisterhood. Super interesting background history to legal issues still facing lawyers today in reclaiming stolen works of art on behalf of Jewish collectors. Highly recommend, especially for WW2 history & art lovers!
July 10, 2023
Interesting World War 2 story focusing on art and the French occupation. I knew about books being burned by the Nazis but did not know that there was art they considered “degenerate” which was burned both in Berlin and in Paris.
This is an easy recommendation for anyone interested in novels form this time period. #indigoemployee
This is an easy recommendation for anyone interested in novels form this time period. #indigoemployee
July 18, 2023
I feel like I need a sixth star, and maybe a seventh, to properly express my admiration for this novel. It checks all my boxes: it's got the City of Lights, fine art, World War II, not just one but two types of heists, love without being a romance novel in disguise, and women kicking butt and taking names. Amazing. Unputdownable.
December 6, 2023
Best WWII fiction I’ve read in years. Nuanced, thoughtful and absorbing. Flew through it.
May 30, 2023
I know, many people are getting tired of WWII novels, but it was such an epic time that there are still many stories to tell. This one is worth reading about. You can read my full review here. http://tcl-bookreviews.com/2023/05/28...
March 2, 2023
After witnessing the destruction of books and paintings deemed “degenerate” by the Nazis in Berlin in 1939, Sophie Brandt determined that she would do all she could to prevent such an occurrence from happening again. Therefore, when she was offered the chance to return to her position as an art restorer at the Jeu de Paume, a museum in Paris where she had worked before the German occupation of the city, Sophie reluctantly agreed, seeing it as her chance to not only keep track of the whereabouts of art stolen by the Nazis, but to also prevent the destruction of “degenerate” works.
To further this latter goal, she reaches out to Fabienne, the estranged widow of her brother, Dietrich, who she blamed for his death. With Fabienne’s help forging the paintings, and hiding the originals, Sophie is able to replace the originals with the forgeries in an attempt to save the originals from the fate she witnessed in Berlin. The two grieving women soon forge a bond over their shared goal.
Fabienne, who had fled her parent’s chateau and its life of drudgery harvesting grapes to be sold to wineries, returned regularly to the chateau to hide the original paintings, feeling guilty for unwittingly involving her parents in her subterfuge. She also has to contend with her guilt over her treatment of Sebastian, the fiancé she left behind when she fled to Paris, who has remained at the chateau to help her parents with the vineyards.
The novel is filled with vivid descriptions of Nazi occupied Paris and the champagne region of France, as well as well-drawn sympathetic characters who do all they can to thwart the Nazis. In addition, there are moments of extreme tension as the two women attempt to escape discovery by the Nazis. Anyone who likes historical fiction with a hint of danger will enjoy this well-researched novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me an ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review.
To further this latter goal, she reaches out to Fabienne, the estranged widow of her brother, Dietrich, who she blamed for his death. With Fabienne’s help forging the paintings, and hiding the originals, Sophie is able to replace the originals with the forgeries in an attempt to save the originals from the fate she witnessed in Berlin. The two grieving women soon forge a bond over their shared goal.
Fabienne, who had fled her parent’s chateau and its life of drudgery harvesting grapes to be sold to wineries, returned regularly to the chateau to hide the original paintings, feeling guilty for unwittingly involving her parents in her subterfuge. She also has to contend with her guilt over her treatment of Sebastian, the fiancé she left behind when she fled to Paris, who has remained at the chateau to help her parents with the vineyards.
The novel is filled with vivid descriptions of Nazi occupied Paris and the champagne region of France, as well as well-drawn sympathetic characters who do all they can to thwart the Nazis. In addition, there are moments of extreme tension as the two women attempt to escape discovery by the Nazis. Anyone who likes historical fiction with a hint of danger will enjoy this well-researched novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for providing me an ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review.
September 25, 2023
Usually, a novel such as THE PARIS DECEPTION would be one that I am totally engrossed in, after all, it’s exactly my kind of book. Unfortunately, I found myself bored and just ready for it be over.
Perhaps I’ve read one too many stories about saving artwork during the war, because it really did feel like I’d read this all before. Nothing new was brought to me and both lead characters were a bit lackluster for my liking.
THE PARIS DECEPTION failed to draw me in and I think because it starts off so slow, it impacted the remainder of my reading experience.
Perhaps I’ve read one too many stories about saving artwork during the war, because it really did feel like I’d read this all before. Nothing new was brought to me and both lead characters were a bit lackluster for my liking.
THE PARIS DECEPTION failed to draw me in and I think because it starts off so slow, it impacted the remainder of my reading experience.
August 14, 2023
DNF again. Ditto the Paris Agent by Rimmer—only this one took twice as long to get into the homosexual agenda. I tried to overlook it until it became obnoxious in its persistence. Well written but not worth finishing— many other books on similar subject.
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