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The Paris Assignment
A courageous wife, mother, and resister confronts the devastation of World War II in a heartbreaking and hopeful novel by the bestselling author of The Venice Sketchbook and The Tuscan Child.
Londoner Madeleine Grant is studying at the Sorbonne in Paris when she marries charismatic French journalist Giles Martin. As they raise their son, Olivier, they hold on to a tenuous promise for the future. Until the thunder of war sets off alarms in France.
Staying behind to join the resistance, Giles sends Madeleine and Olivier to the relative safety of England, where Madeleine secures a job teaching French at a secondary school. Yet nowhere is safe. After a devastating twist of fate resulting in the loss of her son, Madeleine accepts a request from the ministry to aid in the war effort. Seizing the smallest glimmer of hope of finding Giles alive, she returns to France. If Madeleine can stop just one Nazi, it will be the start of a valiant path of revenge.
Though her perseverance, defiance, and heart will be tested beyond imagining, no risk is too great for a brave wife and mother determined to fight and survive against inconceivable odds.
Londoner Madeleine Grant is studying at the Sorbonne in Paris when she marries charismatic French journalist Giles Martin. As they raise their son, Olivier, they hold on to a tenuous promise for the future. Until the thunder of war sets off alarms in France.
Staying behind to join the resistance, Giles sends Madeleine and Olivier to the relative safety of England, where Madeleine secures a job teaching French at a secondary school. Yet nowhere is safe. After a devastating twist of fate resulting in the loss of her son, Madeleine accepts a request from the ministry to aid in the war effort. Seizing the smallest glimmer of hope of finding Giles alive, she returns to France. If Madeleine can stop just one Nazi, it will be the start of a valiant path of revenge.
Though her perseverance, defiance, and heart will be tested beyond imagining, no risk is too great for a brave wife and mother determined to fight and survive against inconceivable odds.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2023
About the author
Rhys Bowen
115 books8,945 followersI'm a New York Times bestselling mystery author, winner of both Agatha and Anthony awards for my Molly Murphy mysteries, set in 1902 New York City.
I have recently published four internationally bestselling WWII novels, one of them a #1 Kindle bestseller, and the Tuscan Child selling almost a million copies to date. In Farleigh Field won three major awards and was nominated for an Edgar. My other stand-alone novels are The Victory Garden, about land girls in WWI and Above the Bay of Angels, featuring a young woman who becomes chef for Queen Victoria.
April 2021 will mark the publication of THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK--another sweeping historical novel of love, loss and intrigue.
My books are currently translated into 29 languages and I have fans worldwide.
I also write the Agatha-winning Royal Spyness series, about the British royal family in the 1930s. It's lighter, sexier, funnier, wicked satire. It was voted by readers as best mystery series one year.
I am also known for my Constable Evans books, set in North Wales, and for my award-winning short stories.
I was born and raised in England but currently divide my time between California and Arizona where I go to escape from the harsh California winters
When I am not writing I love to travel, sing, hike, play my Celtic harp.
Series:
* Constable Evan Mystery
* Molly Murphy Mysteries
* Her Royal Spyness Mysteries
Awards:
Agatha Award
◊ Best Novel (2001): Murphy's Law
Reviewer's Choice Award
◊ Historical Mystery (2001): Murphy's Law
I have recently published four internationally bestselling WWII novels, one of them a #1 Kindle bestseller, and the Tuscan Child selling almost a million copies to date. In Farleigh Field won three major awards and was nominated for an Edgar. My other stand-alone novels are The Victory Garden, about land girls in WWI and Above the Bay of Angels, featuring a young woman who becomes chef for Queen Victoria.
April 2021 will mark the publication of THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK--another sweeping historical novel of love, loss and intrigue.
My books are currently translated into 29 languages and I have fans worldwide.
I also write the Agatha-winning Royal Spyness series, about the British royal family in the 1930s. It's lighter, sexier, funnier, wicked satire. It was voted by readers as best mystery series one year.
I am also known for my Constable Evans books, set in North Wales, and for my award-winning short stories.
I was born and raised in England but currently divide my time between California and Arizona where I go to escape from the harsh California winters
When I am not writing I love to travel, sing, hike, play my Celtic harp.
Series:
* Constable Evan Mystery
* Molly Murphy Mysteries
* Her Royal Spyness Mysteries
Awards:
Agatha Award
◊ Best Novel (2001): Murphy's Law
Reviewer's Choice Award
◊ Historical Mystery (2001): Murphy's Law
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 863 reviews
August 7, 2023
3.5★s
Madeleine Grant, half French through her mother, was in Paris studying at the Sorbonne when she met Giles Martin, a young man whose casual way of life drew Madeleine to him, much against her will. After returning to London at Christmas to spend time with her father and step-mother, she informed them of her return to Paris. She and Giles married quietly, and the birth of Olivier followed. But when the war took hold, Giles sent Madeleine and Olivier home to England, declaring he would stay and join the Resistance.
As the Blitz took hold and London suffered through times of bombing, Olivier joined other children in being evacuated to the country. But disaster struck and a devastated Madeleine felt she had nothing left to live for, until she was approached by an officer, requesting her assistance in the war effort. Months of training saw her eventually head to France - she hadn't heard from Giles in years and didn't know if he was dead or alive. What followed was harsh, brutal and inconceivable, and Madeleine wondered if she'd ever see peaceful shores again.
The Paris Assignment by Rhys Bowen was, in parts at the beginning, a book I felt I'd read before. Some similarities, but I knew it couldn't be that as it's a new release. I enjoyed the last quarter of the book the most, and am having trouble articulating why it didn't gel with me as I thought it would. I've enjoyed previous books that I've read by this author, and although I read it completely, it was somehow "bland" in sections. Recommended to fans of historical fiction.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Madeleine Grant, half French through her mother, was in Paris studying at the Sorbonne when she met Giles Martin, a young man whose casual way of life drew Madeleine to him, much against her will. After returning to London at Christmas to spend time with her father and step-mother, she informed them of her return to Paris. She and Giles married quietly, and the birth of Olivier followed. But when the war took hold, Giles sent Madeleine and Olivier home to England, declaring he would stay and join the Resistance.
As the Blitz took hold and London suffered through times of bombing, Olivier joined other children in being evacuated to the country. But disaster struck and a devastated Madeleine felt she had nothing left to live for, until she was approached by an officer, requesting her assistance in the war effort. Months of training saw her eventually head to France - she hadn't heard from Giles in years and didn't know if he was dead or alive. What followed was harsh, brutal and inconceivable, and Madeleine wondered if she'd ever see peaceful shores again.
The Paris Assignment by Rhys Bowen was, in parts at the beginning, a book I felt I'd read before. Some similarities, but I knew it couldn't be that as it's a new release. I enjoyed the last quarter of the book the most, and am having trouble articulating why it didn't gel with me as I thought it would. I've enjoyed previous books that I've read by this author, and although I read it completely, it was somehow "bland" in sections. Recommended to fans of historical fiction.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2023
i don't generally read historical fiction. i'm not sure why--i like reading both history and general fiction, so it should be a perfect storm, but i've just never been interested in reading it.
until, of course, caitlin from about 6 months ago made this same observation and decided to branch out. and i do not always politically align with past caitlin's actions, but this time i'm really, truly glad she did.
it was my first rhys bowen book, but it will definitely not be my last.
i enjoyed all of the characters, specifically the protagonist, madeleine, from page one. the writing wasn't ever too flowery, but was still very informative. i must say, i am hardly the most knowledgeable on the second world war, but the dialogue and descriptions all made sense in it's context.
and, even more importantly than all that, it was interesting.
i think there is so much importance in stories like these, fictional or not, because no matter how many times i stopped like, "no way!" it was real. madeleine might not be, but someone lived a story just like hers, in a situation just like hers, and whether it's unbelievable to me or not is besides the point because it's both important context and just a wonderful way to write a story.
it's my first rhys bowen novel, and it will certainly not be my last, but as for now, i totally recommend this one.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc!!
until, of course, caitlin from about 6 months ago made this same observation and decided to branch out. and i do not always politically align with past caitlin's actions, but this time i'm really, truly glad she did.
it was my first rhys bowen book, but it will definitely not be my last.
i enjoyed all of the characters, specifically the protagonist, madeleine, from page one. the writing wasn't ever too flowery, but was still very informative. i must say, i am hardly the most knowledgeable on the second world war, but the dialogue and descriptions all made sense in it's context.
and, even more importantly than all that, it was interesting.
i think there is so much importance in stories like these, fictional or not, because no matter how many times i stopped like, "no way!" it was real. madeleine might not be, but someone lived a story just like hers, in a situation just like hers, and whether it's unbelievable to me or not is besides the point because it's both important context and just a wonderful way to write a story.
it's my first rhys bowen novel, and it will certainly not be my last, but as for now, i totally recommend this one.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc!!
August 9, 2023
Madeleine Grant is studying French literature at Sorbonne University, the lonely young English woman meets a charming Frenchman Giles Martin and he sweeps her off her feet. The couple marry, they have a son Olivier and when Germany invades Poland and Giles is concerned.
Giles has two reasons why he should be worried, he’s part Jewish and he’s also a communist, he wants to join the resistance and he thinks Madeleine and Oliver should go to England. Madeleine and Olivier reluctantly leave, she and Giles promise they will see each other again and once the war is over.
Madeleine gets a job teaching French at a secondary school, she has to make a difficult choice about Olivier, she discovers during a war nowhere is safe and mix ups can happen.
Madeleine is approached by the Baker Street Irregulars, as she can speak fluent French, she’s recently lived in France and they want to send women into the country and they can mix in with the population and won’t stand out as much as a man. Madeleine passes her training, she’s given a code name and flown to France. Once she lands Madeleine works as a courier and she passes on messages.
Madeleine discovers that being an SOE is dangerous, they warn everyone in training what the Germans are capable of and unfortunately Madeleine discovers this first hand. Madeleine won’t leave any stone unturned to find out what happened to her loved ones, she travels from London to Paris, and back again and even crosses the ocean to Australia.
I received a copy of The Paris Assignment from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for my honest review. Rhys Bowen has written a fast faced paced story about one women's quest for justice, the main character Madeleine never gives up, she’s brave and resilient. I did find the parts of the narrative set in France and during the war a little predictable and over the top. However, Ms. Bowen has done considerable research about what happened in Australia, I'm glad she draws attention to this subject her latest novel and three and a half stars from me. Due to be released on the 8th of August 2023 and please read and make up your own mind about The Paris Assignment.
Giles has two reasons why he should be worried, he’s part Jewish and he’s also a communist, he wants to join the resistance and he thinks Madeleine and Oliver should go to England. Madeleine and Olivier reluctantly leave, she and Giles promise they will see each other again and once the war is over.
Madeleine gets a job teaching French at a secondary school, she has to make a difficult choice about Olivier, she discovers during a war nowhere is safe and mix ups can happen.
Madeleine is approached by the Baker Street Irregulars, as she can speak fluent French, she’s recently lived in France and they want to send women into the country and they can mix in with the population and won’t stand out as much as a man. Madeleine passes her training, she’s given a code name and flown to France. Once she lands Madeleine works as a courier and she passes on messages.
Madeleine discovers that being an SOE is dangerous, they warn everyone in training what the Germans are capable of and unfortunately Madeleine discovers this first hand. Madeleine won’t leave any stone unturned to find out what happened to her loved ones, she travels from London to Paris, and back again and even crosses the ocean to Australia.
I received a copy of The Paris Assignment from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for my honest review. Rhys Bowen has written a fast faced paced story about one women's quest for justice, the main character Madeleine never gives up, she’s brave and resilient. I did find the parts of the narrative set in France and during the war a little predictable and over the top. However, Ms. Bowen has done considerable research about what happened in Australia, I'm glad she draws attention to this subject her latest novel and three and a half stars from me. Due to be released on the 8th of August 2023 and please read and make up your own mind about The Paris Assignment.
June 19, 2023
This is my third Rhys Bowen book - all three of them have been historical fiction.
My first reaction to this novel came in chapter 5, about 14% of the way along when Tante Janine is talking with Giles. I stopped, re-read the sentence, and put the book down. What the heck? Why was that claim even put in this novel? I had no respect for Tante Janine thereafter. I finished the book, but noted that there were several things included that should have been edited out; this would have helped the pacing.
One thing I’ve noticed is the ease with which Bowen writes. It’s fairly evident from the flow of her books that they are written by an accomplished author. I wonder in this case, though, if her comfort level meant that things were better understood in her head than put down on paper. There were many instances where more information or emotion would have taken the story to the next level. I did note that several times the ‘women’ sounded like ‘girls.’ In some cases, the conversation didn’t sound natural.
Bowen is also known as an author who pays attention to the details. I made note of the effort she went to in using British words and ways of expressing oneself, making this feel so authentic. With this level of commitment to reality, I wondered about the heroine’s new job. It seemed as though she just tripped into it and that the offer came from out of nowhere by someone that just appeared in the story from stage left. Regardless, it didn’t take away from the story. Just made me stop and pause.
I also smiled when I saw the front cover as it didn’t look like a bone-rattler to me!
Both narratives were interesting, but my heart was pulled more toward Olivier’s experience. I needed to keep reading to find out if the ‘mistake’ was ever corrected.
I really wanted to love this one, but instead, I just liked it.
I was gifted this copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
My first reaction to this novel came in chapter 5, about 14% of the way along when Tante Janine is talking with Giles. I stopped, re-read the sentence, and put the book down. What the heck? Why was that claim even put in this novel? I had no respect for Tante Janine thereafter. I finished the book, but noted that there were several things included that should have been edited out; this would have helped the pacing.
One thing I’ve noticed is the ease with which Bowen writes. It’s fairly evident from the flow of her books that they are written by an accomplished author. I wonder in this case, though, if her comfort level meant that things were better understood in her head than put down on paper. There were many instances where more information or emotion would have taken the story to the next level. I did note that several times the ‘women’ sounded like ‘girls.’ In some cases, the conversation didn’t sound natural.
Bowen is also known as an author who pays attention to the details. I made note of the effort she went to in using British words and ways of expressing oneself, making this feel so authentic. With this level of commitment to reality, I wondered about the heroine’s new job. It seemed as though she just tripped into it and that the offer came from out of nowhere by someone that just appeared in the story from stage left. Regardless, it didn’t take away from the story. Just made me stop and pause.
I also smiled when I saw the front cover as it didn’t look like a bone-rattler to me!
Both narratives were interesting, but my heart was pulled more toward Olivier’s experience. I needed to keep reading to find out if the ‘mistake’ was ever corrected.
I really wanted to love this one, but instead, I just liked it.
I was gifted this copy by Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 30, 2023
While spending a semester at the Sorbonne, British citizen Madeleine Grant falls in love with Giles Martin. Madeleine defies her mother and stepmother to return to Paris and Giles, whose wealthy mother also disapproves of the match. Despite that, they live a happy life with their son, Olivier, until war breaks out and the Nazis occupy France. Mother and child flee to London, while Giles remains in his homeland to join the Resistance. When the bombings start in London, it isn’t safe there either. Madeleine sends Olivier to the country only to be informed that he has been killed when his train is bombed. Despondent over her loss and wanting to do something for the war effort, she joins an elite group of French speaking women who are trained as spies and sent to France.
From Britain to France to Australia, this sweeping novel follows the Martin family through World War II and into the initial post war years. It is an enthralling tale of love, sacrifice, the horrors of war, and the hope that can spring from its end. Yes, there are quite a few convenient coincidences that are probably unrealistic, but they did make for a good story and I couldn’t put this book down, reading it late into the night.
Every time I read a historical fiction novel set in WWII, I think the same thing….how have we not learned from the mistakes of history?. People still gravitate toward narcissistic authoritarians and elevate them to positions of power. When will we ever learn?
This is only the second book I have read by prolific writer Rhys Bowen; I have enjoyed both of them.
For sensitive readers, there are some tough subjects here…sexual abuse, child abuse, and the atrocities of war.
Thanks to #netgalley and #lakeunionpublishing for the ARC.
From Britain to France to Australia, this sweeping novel follows the Martin family through World War II and into the initial post war years. It is an enthralling tale of love, sacrifice, the horrors of war, and the hope that can spring from its end. Yes, there are quite a few convenient coincidences that are probably unrealistic, but they did make for a good story and I couldn’t put this book down, reading it late into the night.
Every time I read a historical fiction novel set in WWII, I think the same thing….how have we not learned from the mistakes of history?. People still gravitate toward narcissistic authoritarians and elevate them to positions of power. When will we ever learn?
This is only the second book I have read by prolific writer Rhys Bowen; I have enjoyed both of them.
For sensitive readers, there are some tough subjects here…sexual abuse, child abuse, and the atrocities of war.
Thanks to #netgalley and #lakeunionpublishing for the ARC.
August 10, 2023
When Londoner Madeline Grant falls in love with French Journalist Giles Martin while studying abroad, and soon they are married and raising their son Oliver. With the threat of war looming over France, Giles sends Madeline and Oliver back to England, as he joins the resistance to fight the Nazis. When an accident claims the life of her son, Madeline decides to enter the war effort - as a spy with the SOE.
The aspect I love most about WWII era novels, is how they shows us the lengths ordinary citizens went to in order to overthrow Hitler and the Nazis. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 further highlights just how risky the SOE was to be a part of, particularly for women, and the extent to which the Nazis went to capture and torture anyone thought to be an officer. And like so many families during the war, the pain Madeline endured as she feared her loved ones had been lost, came through vividly the page.
What I liked most about Bowen’s latest is how accessible it is, even for those who aren’t necessarily fans of historical fiction. It is not bogged down in technical terms or the historical minutia that sometimes slows down the pace, and instead, is much more plot driven with interesting and relatable characters. I think this will ultimately allow for a larger audience to be able to appreciate it.
Read if you like:
•wwii fiction
•strong female protagonists
•Parisian setting
•emotional stories
•female spies
Thank you {partners} Amazon Publishing and Getredpr for my gifted copy.
The aspect I love most about WWII era novels, is how they shows us the lengths ordinary citizens went to in order to overthrow Hitler and the Nazis. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 further highlights just how risky the SOE was to be a part of, particularly for women, and the extent to which the Nazis went to capture and torture anyone thought to be an officer. And like so many families during the war, the pain Madeline endured as she feared her loved ones had been lost, came through vividly the page.
What I liked most about Bowen’s latest is how accessible it is, even for those who aren’t necessarily fans of historical fiction. It is not bogged down in technical terms or the historical minutia that sometimes slows down the pace, and instead, is much more plot driven with interesting and relatable characters. I think this will ultimately allow for a larger audience to be able to appreciate it.
Read if you like:
•wwii fiction
•strong female protagonists
•Parisian setting
•emotional stories
•female spies
Thank you {partners} Amazon Publishing and Getredpr for my gifted copy.
August 16, 2023
Rhys Bowen is a wonderful storyteller. I couldn't wait to get this book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. In the current deluge of WWII fiction, The Paris Assignment stands out as a real treat.
March 20, 2023
Historical fiction lovers will love and devour this book by Rhys Bowen. Madeline is studying in Paris when she meets and falls in love with Giles. They have a son, Oliver and then the war starts. Giles goes off to fight and Oliver goes to an orphanage to stay safe. Parts of this book were very hard to read and I felt so sad for those who endured the “orphanage farms” over in Australia. Just terrible and inhumane living conditions for these kids. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published August 2023.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2023
Another fine histfic novel by Rhys Bowen, a master of the genre. She makes us feel we are in the middle of the action as the MCs Madeleine and Giles fight against the Nazis and search for their lost young son. Pinned to the pages, I read through the night, wondering if the couple would survive and if they would ever find their child. Highly recommended!
September 22, 2023
I have been a big fan of Rhys Bowen forever and will remain so, but this book was not one of her best.
It’s a stand-alone featuring a female main character Madeleine.
Half-French/half English Madeleine is in Paris for one semester at the Sorbonne when Giles pretty much picks her up, not in a salacious way, but it’s still a pick-up in my book. Within the first chapter (10 pages) being in his company for no more than an hour or two she falls in love with him. He begs her not to go back to England but she goes anyway but decided to go back to Paris to be with him. They get married and have a son, Oliver.
WWII starts and Giles joins the resistance while Madeleine and their son go back to England.
From here on the story is set during WWII in France, England and Australia. To say more is to give away the plot so I’ll just say that it was an ok read.
Oliver’s story is the most interesting of all which reflects my 3-stars.
It’s a stand-alone featuring a female main character Madeleine.
Half-French/half English Madeleine is in Paris for one semester at the Sorbonne when Giles pretty much picks her up, not in a salacious way, but it’s still a pick-up in my book. Within the first chapter (10 pages) being in his company for no more than an hour or two she falls in love with him. He begs her not to go back to England but she goes anyway but decided to go back to Paris to be with him. They get married and have a son, Oliver.
WWII starts and Giles joins the resistance while Madeleine and their son go back to England.
From here on the story is set during WWII in France, England and Australia. To say more is to give away the plot so I’ll just say that it was an ok read.
Oliver’s story is the most interesting of all which reflects my 3-stars.
April 19, 2023
Sadly, the writing in this book felt awkward and underdeveloped. I was uncomfortable with the false way that communism was being presented. The quote “Jesus was a communist” was my last straw, and I decided to DNF around chapter 10.
October 29, 2023
This book upset me quite a bit due to the situation of the little boy named Oliver (actually spelled the French way) as he was lost after a bombing and ended up in an orphanage in Australia. At the end I understood much better why she wrote it this way as she writes:
Historical Note:
"If you have felt uncomfortable at reading what Oliver had to endure in Australia and feel I am exaggerating or overdramatizing his plight, I suggest you read many of the online accounts of what abuses orphaned children endured when they were shipped to these "farms" in Australia, often at the hands of nuns."
So this explains why she wrote it this way and it was very disturbing. These poor kids as they were treated like slaves and worked very hard without much to eat. I felt it was very outrageous. Then the nuns attempted to sell Charlie to a station so he could continue his life of being a slave and the Irish nuns would get a little richer. I got so angry. I heard bad things about nuns when we lived in Newfoundland and most of the population around us was Catholic. I saw what they did to the children's hand with their rulers. They were sadists.
His mother was a very good spy and also suffered during World War II for the work she did when she was dropped into France. I had never realized before how much starvation there was in France.
Historical Note:
"If you have felt uncomfortable at reading what Oliver had to endure in Australia and feel I am exaggerating or overdramatizing his plight, I suggest you read many of the online accounts of what abuses orphaned children endured when they were shipped to these "farms" in Australia, often at the hands of nuns."
So this explains why she wrote it this way and it was very disturbing. These poor kids as they were treated like slaves and worked very hard without much to eat. I felt it was very outrageous. Then the nuns attempted to sell Charlie to a station so he could continue his life of being a slave and the Irish nuns would get a little richer. I got so angry. I heard bad things about nuns when we lived in Newfoundland and most of the population around us was Catholic. I saw what they did to the children's hand with their rulers. They were sadists.
His mother was a very good spy and also suffered during World War II for the work she did when she was dropped into France. I had never realized before how much starvation there was in France.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2023
THE PARIS ASSIGNMENT by Rhys Bowen promised a gripping tale of love, war, and resilience, but unfortunately, it fell short of its potential. As a historical fiction enthusiast, I had high hopes for this book, but I found myself struggling to connect with the story. The multiple storylines and a vast timeline made it feel superficial, as the book barely scratched the surface of intriguing topics like the Australian orphan farms. Unnecessary chapters and slow pacing hindered my engagement, and the dialogue felt stilted and artificial, affecting my relationship with the characters. Although Madeleine's emotional journey with her son Olivier was touching, the other characters lacked depth and relatability. The rushed and unrealistic ending left me unsatisfied. While some readers might appreciate the book's positive aspects, I couldn't fully embrace this novel due to its missed opportunities and lack of immersive storytelling. On the other hand, I think the book cover is gorgeous... hence why they say you should never judge a book by its cover. Don't let my review deter you from reading this book... you might like it more than I did.
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March 25, 2024
A moving and page turning foray into the world of female lead spying missions in World War Two. Madeleine is half French, a mother and a wife, when she is recruited as a messenger working alongside the resistance in occupied France.
I really enjoyed this story and found myself thinking of it when I wasn’t reading. The author eloquently describes the settings of her story with just the right amount of historical significance, without getting detracted from the more mundane details. I thought she paid homage to the times very well. As a historical fiction lover, sometimes World War Two novels can fall a little flat, however I was kept on my toes with this one. I found the story was paced well and the characters felt realistic and sincere.
The ending felt a little rushed, but otherwise I did enjoy this book and will definitely be reading more by this author in the future.
I really enjoyed this story and found myself thinking of it when I wasn’t reading. The author eloquently describes the settings of her story with just the right amount of historical significance, without getting detracted from the more mundane details. I thought she paid homage to the times very well. As a historical fiction lover, sometimes World War Two novels can fall a little flat, however I was kept on my toes with this one. I found the story was paced well and the characters felt realistic and sincere.
The ending felt a little rushed, but otherwise I did enjoy this book and will definitely be reading more by this author in the future.
April 27, 2023
*I received this advanced reader copy from Net Galley in return for my honest review*
I wanted to like this one more than I did. For the entire book, I kept trying to find the positive but, overall, it ended up being just okay. I feel like I'm in the minority on this one. It got some really great reviews but as someone who reads a lot of historical fiction from this time period, this one fell very short. The plot and storyline had real potential but I felt like there was just too much going on. There were several stories taking place at the same time and the whole story covers a very wide timeline. This made it feel superficial to me. We were scraping the surface of some very good topics but never digging deep enough to really grab a hold of me. I was not familiar with the Australian orphan farms and I would have loved to have spent more time there.
There were some parts (even entire chapters) that I felt provided no value to the story. For example, there is an entire chapter where we follow Madeleine as she walks through the streets of London, eats lunch, contemplates going shopping, worries about some decisions she's made, etc. It felt like fluff and would benefit from serious trimming. It also felt really slow at times. I like historical fiction that is a little more fast paced. It just didn't capture my attention in the same way as other books with similar plots.
The dialogue, at times, had my eyes rolling so hard. It felt stilted and constrained. It just did not flow in a relaxed or natural way. I think this affected my relationship with the characters. I felt a strong emotional connection with Olivier but felt little connection with any of the other characters. They just didn’t feel real or relatable. I was also a little disappointed in the ending. It felt very rushed and a little too neat, tidy, and unrealistic.
I am grateful for having received this advanced copy from NetGalley in return for my review. Although it didn’t feel like a 5 star read for me, I feel it deserves a recommendation as others have seemed to really enjoy it.
I wanted to like this one more than I did. For the entire book, I kept trying to find the positive but, overall, it ended up being just okay. I feel like I'm in the minority on this one. It got some really great reviews but as someone who reads a lot of historical fiction from this time period, this one fell very short. The plot and storyline had real potential but I felt like there was just too much going on. There were several stories taking place at the same time and the whole story covers a very wide timeline. This made it feel superficial to me. We were scraping the surface of some very good topics but never digging deep enough to really grab a hold of me. I was not familiar with the Australian orphan farms and I would have loved to have spent more time there.
There were some parts (even entire chapters) that I felt provided no value to the story. For example, there is an entire chapter where we follow Madeleine as she walks through the streets of London, eats lunch, contemplates going shopping, worries about some decisions she's made, etc. It felt like fluff and would benefit from serious trimming. It also felt really slow at times. I like historical fiction that is a little more fast paced. It just didn't capture my attention in the same way as other books with similar plots.
The dialogue, at times, had my eyes rolling so hard. It felt stilted and constrained. It just did not flow in a relaxed or natural way. I think this affected my relationship with the characters. I felt a strong emotional connection with Olivier but felt little connection with any of the other characters. They just didn’t feel real or relatable. I was also a little disappointed in the ending. It felt very rushed and a little too neat, tidy, and unrealistic.
I am grateful for having received this advanced copy from NetGalley in return for my review. Although it didn’t feel like a 5 star read for me, I feel it deserves a recommendation as others have seemed to really enjoy it.
March 23, 2023
I have never read a Rhys Bowen novel before this one, but I will definitely look into her other works after reading The Paris Assignment. It’s hard to describe this novel without divulging too many details I think would be better left to discover for one’s own when reading it. In short, it’s a novel depicting the life of Madeleine, a French-British woman, during the Second World War. We begin by meeting her in Paris studying at the Sorbonne, where she meets the love of her life, Giles. They soon go on to have a child, a son called Olivier. Madeleine and Olivier travel to England as the war breaks out, whilst Giles stays in France to join the resistance. In England, tragedy strikes, and Madeleine’s life is changed forever, and she decides to join the ministry to help during the war.
This novel has several twists that I didn’t see coming which caused me to immediately have to blab on about the whole book and the emotional distress I was in to my fiancé. Trust me, you will be very upset!! I loved this story. It was emotionally captivating and very fast paced. That was, however, my one gripe with this novel, and why I did not give it 5 stars. Because of the length and how fast paced it was it almost felt rushed. The first few chapters almost felt like a different book because of this, it felt mostly added in for context. I wish it was longer so it would have had more space to breathe, for details, to revel in all the emotions and events. I think that would have made me feel much more immersed in the story.
I did really enjoyed the atmosphere the author was able to convey, and learning about the role of women in the war. This is something I now wish to read more novels about. 4.5 stars!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC
This novel has several twists that I didn’t see coming which caused me to immediately have to blab on about the whole book and the emotional distress I was in to my fiancé. Trust me, you will be very upset!! I loved this story. It was emotionally captivating and very fast paced. That was, however, my one gripe with this novel, and why I did not give it 5 stars. Because of the length and how fast paced it was it almost felt rushed. The first few chapters almost felt like a different book because of this, it felt mostly added in for context. I wish it was longer so it would have had more space to breathe, for details, to revel in all the emotions and events. I think that would have made me feel much more immersed in the story.
I did really enjoyed the atmosphere the author was able to convey, and learning about the role of women in the war. This is something I now wish to read more novels about. 4.5 stars!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC
July 8, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book fell flat for me. I have read a few other books on the subject of women spies recruiting during WWII. Huge sections and characters could have been omitted and the book would have been the same (what was the point in adding Portia as a character?)
More time should have been devoted to Olivier's story in Australia, as I haven't read much about that particular wartime scenario. The ending was too coincidental for my taste.
And what exactly was The Paris Assignment? Any assignment that Madeleine took did not happen in Paris, so I am not sure why the book was given this title.
There are better 'female WWII spy" books out there.
This book fell flat for me. I have read a few other books on the subject of women spies recruiting during WWII. Huge sections and characters could have been omitted and the book would have been the same (what was the point in adding Portia as a character?)
More time should have been devoted to Olivier's story in Australia, as I haven't read much about that particular wartime scenario. The ending was too coincidental for my taste.
And what exactly was The Paris Assignment? Any assignment that Madeleine took did not happen in Paris, so I am not sure why the book was given this title.
There are better 'female WWII spy" books out there.
August 28, 2023
Ms. Bowen is at her element when writing novels about our two World Wars.
Madeleine Grant meets Frenchman Giles Martin while studying at the Sorbonne in Paris. The novel begins in 1931. Giles is a journalist. They eventually marry and have a son, Olivier. When Paris is occupied by the Germans in 1940, Giles joins the Resistance.
Giles insists that Madeleine and Olivier leave Paris for London. She ultimately agrees with Giles' wishes.
Later Madeleine learns that her husband has been reported missing by his fellow agents in the Resistance. Madeleine approaches some agents in London and requests them to train her for the Resistance in France. They agree because they are in need of anyone, especially women, who are fluent in French. She decides to place her son in a Boarding School out of London due to the Blitz.
Unfortunately the train carrying Olivier and other students is bombed by the Germans. Olivier, however, survives. Ultimately, however and because his parents' whereabouts are unknown, Olivier is shipped to Australia. He is placed on a working farm operated by nuns. The nuns are cruel and abusive; and Olivier feels trapped.
Meanwhile Madeleine is captured by the Gestapo in France. Her husband has turned up and he volunteers to turn himself in if the Gestapo agrees to release Madeleine. It is agreed; of course the Gestapo refuses to honor Giles' request. Ultimately Giles is shot and killed.
Ms. Bowen is an accomplished story teller; and her recent novel lives up to her reputation to date.
Madeleine Grant meets Frenchman Giles Martin while studying at the Sorbonne in Paris. The novel begins in 1931. Giles is a journalist. They eventually marry and have a son, Olivier. When Paris is occupied by the Germans in 1940, Giles joins the Resistance.
Giles insists that Madeleine and Olivier leave Paris for London. She ultimately agrees with Giles' wishes.
Later Madeleine learns that her husband has been reported missing by his fellow agents in the Resistance. Madeleine approaches some agents in London and requests them to train her for the Resistance in France. They agree because they are in need of anyone, especially women, who are fluent in French. She decides to place her son in a Boarding School out of London due to the Blitz.
Unfortunately the train carrying Olivier and other students is bombed by the Germans. Olivier, however, survives. Ultimately, however and because his parents' whereabouts are unknown, Olivier is shipped to Australia. He is placed on a working farm operated by nuns. The nuns are cruel and abusive; and Olivier feels trapped.
Meanwhile Madeleine is captured by the Gestapo in France. Her husband has turned up and he volunteers to turn himself in if the Gestapo agrees to release Madeleine. It is agreed; of course the Gestapo refuses to honor Giles' request. Ultimately Giles is shot and killed.
Ms. Bowen is an accomplished story teller; and her recent novel lives up to her reputation to date.
July 20, 2023
The two great wars brought us so much good literature - each with a different perspective
all so different and all riveting reading. This was no different.
Maddie is one of the most conformist, mild souls you could envisage. Not one for confrontation,
anything for the sake of peace she goes along with her family plans in a plodding manner until
one day she decides to go as part of a study course to Sorbonne, falls in love with
France, finds a love of her own and makes France her home.
The story evolves from there, WWII breaks out, she and her young son forced to returnto England, her husband joining the Resistance and the heartbreak starts there. The story goes much
further than this with really heart breaking consequences which no person should be
called upon to bear.
The imagery throughout this book is the steadfastness to a cause, the stoic bearing of
misery still maintaining qualities of goodness isdifficul to imagine. Most people will
break under that pressure, just give up any attempt to be humane.
Powerful story
all so different and all riveting reading. This was no different.
Maddie is one of the most conformist, mild souls you could envisage. Not one for confrontation,
anything for the sake of peace she goes along with her family plans in a plodding manner until
one day she decides to go as part of a study course to Sorbonne, falls in love with
France, finds a love of her own and makes France her home.
The story evolves from there, WWII breaks out, she and her young son forced to returnto England, her husband joining the Resistance and the heartbreak starts there. The story goes much
further than this with really heart breaking consequences which no person should be
called upon to bear.
The imagery throughout this book is the steadfastness to a cause, the stoic bearing of
misery still maintaining qualities of goodness isdifficul to imagine. Most people will
break under that pressure, just give up any attempt to be humane.
Powerful story
March 13, 2024
Rhys Bowen is one of my favorite authors. I rated The Paris Assignment four stars, because the writing, and research is superb as always. However, this book is not one I will re-read, nor can I recommend it without caveats. I was depressed when I started this book, and the darkness, violence, and inhumanity of WWII did nothing to lift my depression.
I have friends who were displaced persons during WWII, and so I knew the era was truly dark, and those who survived forever marked. I know the courage so many characters in The Paris Assignment displayed was accurate. Ms. Bowen sheds much needed light on realities that can't be, that must not be forgotten, nor allowed to be repeated.
That being said, I am troubled by The Paris Assignment. I wish there had been more light to cast out the darkness. I wish the ending had not been so sudden and abrupt.
I have friends who were displaced persons during WWII, and so I knew the era was truly dark, and those who survived forever marked. I know the courage so many characters in The Paris Assignment displayed was accurate. Ms. Bowen sheds much needed light on realities that can't be, that must not be forgotten, nor allowed to be repeated.
That being said, I am troubled by The Paris Assignment. I wish there had been more light to cast out the darkness. I wish the ending had not been so sudden and abrupt.
July 15, 2024
Heartbreaking and hopeful novel of survival
I love historical fiction and this one is one of the better ones. While spending a semester at the Sorbonne in Paris Madeleine Grant, a London, meets and falls in love with Giles Martin. He convinces Madeleine to come to Paris to complete her studies after her Christmas break with her family in London. She returns to Giles despite her step mother's insistence of remaining in England. She soon becomes pregnant and marries Giles. They are blessed with a son who they name Olivier. They are quite happy until war breaks out with the Nazi occupation of France. Mother and child flee to England while Giles stays in France to fight for the Resistance. From here the novel follows the family through WWII and into post war years.
It is a tale of love, friendship, sacrifice and survival of the horrors of war and the aftermath. Bowen does a great job of showing the ugliness of war and the characters are described as resourceful, courageous and believable right to the end. I highly recommend this one.
I love historical fiction and this one is one of the better ones. While spending a semester at the Sorbonne in Paris Madeleine Grant, a London, meets and falls in love with Giles Martin. He convinces Madeleine to come to Paris to complete her studies after her Christmas break with her family in London. She returns to Giles despite her step mother's insistence of remaining in England. She soon becomes pregnant and marries Giles. They are blessed with a son who they name Olivier. They are quite happy until war breaks out with the Nazi occupation of France. Mother and child flee to England while Giles stays in France to fight for the Resistance. From here the novel follows the family through WWII and into post war years.
It is a tale of love, friendship, sacrifice and survival of the horrors of war and the aftermath. Bowen does a great job of showing the ugliness of war and the characters are described as resourceful, courageous and believable right to the end. I highly recommend this one.
August 22, 2023
The Paris Assignment is the newest WWII novel by Rhys Bowen. This novel follows Madeleine Grant, a courageous wife, mother, and resistance worker during WWII. When Madeleine meets Giles Martin while studying at the Sorbonne in Paris it is love at first sight. The two create a life together in Paris, get married and have a son, Olivier. They are looking forward to many happy years together when the Nazis start sweeping through Europe. In an attempt to keep them safe, Madeleine agrees to leave Paris with Olivier and return to London where he is tragically killed in a bombing raid. Madeleine has lost her son and has no idea if her husband is still alive. To avenge the loss of her family she volunteers to be sent to France as a spy. The events that follow are a sweeping tale of love, loss, sacrifice and remarkable courage. The characters in this novel are memorable and the emotions are raw and real. Bowen shows the ugly realities of war instead of creating a romanticized ending where everyone makes it out alive. This story is tense and emotional, I couldn’t put it down.
August 17, 2023
So far, this my favorite by Bowen. As a wife and mother Madeleine Grant is faced with some tough decisions.
Madeleine is studying French literature at Sorbonne University when she meets an falls in love with Giles Martin, who is a Frenchmen and they have a son Oliver.
Giles is hiding a few things. One is he is part Jewish and also a communist. He decides to join the resistance and sends Madeline and Oliver to England until the war is over. Madeleine becomes a teacher and makes a touch choice about Oliver, but something happens which changes her plans for him.
Madeline ends up training with the Baker Street Irregulars and given a code name to be a courier in France. They are told during training that this job is dangerous. She receives some horrible news and she is determined to get her family back together. She is willing to travel anywhere.
Oliver will go through hell and back as he is told some things that are not true and ends up with nuns. This novel touches on several atrocities of the war. Abuse is prevalent with is difficult to read. Will the family make it back together and survive this war?
Madeleine is studying French literature at Sorbonne University when she meets an falls in love with Giles Martin, who is a Frenchmen and they have a son Oliver.
Giles is hiding a few things. One is he is part Jewish and also a communist. He decides to join the resistance and sends Madeline and Oliver to England until the war is over. Madeleine becomes a teacher and makes a touch choice about Oliver, but something happens which changes her plans for him.
Madeline ends up training with the Baker Street Irregulars and given a code name to be a courier in France. They are told during training that this job is dangerous. She receives some horrible news and she is determined to get her family back together. She is willing to travel anywhere.
Oliver will go through hell and back as he is told some things that are not true and ends up with nuns. This novel touches on several atrocities of the war. Abuse is prevalent with is difficult to read. Will the family make it back together and survive this war?
March 18, 2023
I can understand why this author's novels are read so much! I also enjoyed this story particularly from the moment Madeleine went back to England and decided to fight against the Nazis. A lot of tension started then and I got completely immersed in the storyline and the plot kept my attention till the end! Good descriptions of pre-war Paris. The romance bit was for me not so interesting (beginning and end of the book). However, I will definitely go on reading this author's novels.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.
March 29, 2023
I was really excited to read this book and I’m so disappointed! It would have been a DNF but I felt like I had to finish it since I got it through NetGalley. The writing was so basic and hollow. The dialogue was cringeworthy. The plot was full of so many events that could have been exciting or emotional but they just passed by without making me pay attention or form a connection. Things worked out too conveniently, and their resolution could be seen from miles away. There are so many incredibly WWII books, but this book isn’t one of them.
August 27, 2023
Missed opportunities, combined with “been there and done that”, all wrapped up in Rhys Bowen’s excellent writing style, make for an uneven read.
It’s not often that I preorder a book. They are too expensive and usually underwhelming so I wait for early reviews to get a consensus, especially from reviewers I respect. Rhys Bowen has been an exception for me. I purchase most of her books on publication but after the last few, that might be changing.
THE PARIS ASSIGNMENT is a book I was looking forward to. Historical Fiction is a favorite genre. The plot is complex, which I also enjoy but unfortunately, only one of them was really developed. Maddie and her work as a spy received the bulk of attention. She’s a great character but there are thousands, maybe 10’s of thousands of stories about women spies during WW2…
What there are NOT thousands of stories about are Australia and the Catholic Orphan Camps. This is a terrible missed opportunity for readers to learn more about a little known aspect of history AND for developing this wonderful character of Olivier.
The other character and relationship opportunity that fell by the wayside was Giles and Maddie. After they happened upon each other in the forest, it’s preposterous to - argh, no spoilers here! You can believe me, a few more chapters would have made many readers much happier.
In recent weeks, I’ve read a few new books where the endings have been extremely abrupt. Is this the new affect writers are trying out, like the no quotes for dialogue from a few years ago or the it’s ok to start sentences with a conjunction nonsense? PLEASE STOP.
The remainder of the book is typically Bowen: excellent prose, snappy dialogue, quality secondary characters, good sense of time and place. Unfortunately, 2 of the 3 storylines needed an infusion📚
It’s not often that I preorder a book. They are too expensive and usually underwhelming so I wait for early reviews to get a consensus, especially from reviewers I respect. Rhys Bowen has been an exception for me. I purchase most of her books on publication but after the last few, that might be changing.
THE PARIS ASSIGNMENT is a book I was looking forward to. Historical Fiction is a favorite genre. The plot is complex, which I also enjoy but unfortunately, only one of them was really developed. Maddie and her work as a spy received the bulk of attention. She’s a great character but there are thousands, maybe 10’s of thousands of stories about women spies during WW2…
What there are NOT thousands of stories about are Australia and the Catholic Orphan Camps. This is a terrible missed opportunity for readers to learn more about a little known aspect of history AND for developing this wonderful character of Olivier.
The other character and relationship opportunity that fell by the wayside was Giles and Maddie. After they happened upon each other in the forest, it’s preposterous to - argh, no spoilers here! You can believe me, a few more chapters would have made many readers much happier.
In recent weeks, I’ve read a few new books where the endings have been extremely abrupt. Is this the new affect writers are trying out, like the no quotes for dialogue from a few years ago or the it’s ok to start sentences with a conjunction nonsense? PLEASE STOP.
The remainder of the book is typically Bowen: excellent prose, snappy dialogue, quality secondary characters, good sense of time and place. Unfortunately, 2 of the 3 storylines needed an infusion📚
August 2, 2023
Madeleine Grant is spending a semester abroad at the Sorbonne in France when she meets Giles Martin. At first, she isn't sure what to think of him, but she soon falls for him, and they eventually wed and have a son. But then war breaks and Giles joins the resistance, sending Madeleine and their son back to London.
After a tragic turn of events leading to the loss of her son, Madeleine decides to join the resistance and do her part, hoping that in some shred of luck she can find out if her husband is still alive. She'll soon learn, however, that this task is far more demanding than anything she's ever done in her life, but she's determined to make sure her efforts are not in vain.
Thank you GetRedPR for an advanced copy in exchange for a review!
I tend to shy away from historical fiction as this was my major in undergrad, and I often like to separate my personal reading from my school reading. However, when I was told about this one, I knew I had to sign up. It was a very unique idea and perspective, and it was a very good read in the end. Madeleine goes through a thrilling yet harrowing journey, and it was interesting to learn more about women's resistance movements in WW2. This was not one I would have read without being approached about an ARC, but I'm certainly glad I read it in the end.
The Paris Assignment releases August 8th!
After a tragic turn of events leading to the loss of her son, Madeleine decides to join the resistance and do her part, hoping that in some shred of luck she can find out if her husband is still alive. She'll soon learn, however, that this task is far more demanding than anything she's ever done in her life, but she's determined to make sure her efforts are not in vain.
Thank you GetRedPR for an advanced copy in exchange for a review!
I tend to shy away from historical fiction as this was my major in undergrad, and I often like to separate my personal reading from my school reading. However, when I was told about this one, I knew I had to sign up. It was a very unique idea and perspective, and it was a very good read in the end. Madeleine goes through a thrilling yet harrowing journey, and it was interesting to learn more about women's resistance movements in WW2. This was not one I would have read without being approached about an ARC, but I'm certainly glad I read it in the end.
The Paris Assignment releases August 8th!
August 9, 2023
The Paris Assignment by Rhys Bowen is a gripping Historical Fiction book about family, loss, grief and hope with bits of romance during WWII. It is set in France, England and Australia.
While studying in Paris Madeleine (Maddie) meets Giles who is a journalist. They are both young and fall in love. After their son Olivier is born the family decided that mother and son would move to England for safety. However, England isn't immune from the horrors, either. Maddie fights against the Nazis in her own way while Giles joins the Resistance in France. Tragedy happens and lives are forever changed. Loyalties are divided and people aren't all who they appear to be.
Though in my view this is not the strongest novel by Rhys Bowen she remains an auto-read for me. Her writing is consistently thoughtful and she doesn't shy away from the awful realities of war and life. I like the historical elements but the story itself sadly doesn't offer a lot of uniqueness. The romance isn't my favourite, either, but that's just me. It just wasn't convincing and I did not feel the connection I had hoped for.
My sincere thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this interesting book.
While studying in Paris Madeleine (Maddie) meets Giles who is a journalist. They are both young and fall in love. After their son Olivier is born the family decided that mother and son would move to England for safety. However, England isn't immune from the horrors, either. Maddie fights against the Nazis in her own way while Giles joins the Resistance in France. Tragedy happens and lives are forever changed. Loyalties are divided and people aren't all who they appear to be.
Though in my view this is not the strongest novel by Rhys Bowen she remains an auto-read for me. Her writing is consistently thoughtful and she doesn't shy away from the awful realities of war and life. I like the historical elements but the story itself sadly doesn't offer a lot of uniqueness. The romance isn't my favourite, either, but that's just me. It just wasn't convincing and I did not feel the connection I had hoped for.
My sincere thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this interesting book.
August 3, 2023
Another winner by the prolific Rhys Bowen. I had difficulty with the beginning of the book, but once Madeleine became a wife and mother it picked up and was hard to put down. We are taken to England, France, and Australia throughout the story, experiencing the terrible ravages and after effects of WWII. It’s an excellent book with love, adventure, depth, sorrow, and hope.
My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy. Available 8.8.23
My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy. Available 8.8.23
December 25, 2023
Each story I read about the brave men and women of the French Resistance, the more I marvel at the gumption and sheer determination against a raging, powerful, evil beast. The author did not glaze over any of the war crimes against humanity.
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