The Paris Orphan

By: Natasha Lester

Narrated by: Merritt Hicks, Katherine Littrell, Johnathan McClain, Monia Ayachi

Length: 13 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

From the USA Today best-selling author of The Paris Seamstress comes "an emotional and sweeping tale" (Chanel Cleeton) that spans continents and crosses generations as an American soldier and an enterprising photographer brave occupied France in the midst of World War II to help give a little girl the one thing she's never had: a family.

New York City/Paris, 1942: When American model Jessica May arrives in Europe to cover the war as a photojournalist for Vogue, most of the soldiers are determined to make her life as difficult as possible. But three friendships change that. Journalist Martha Gellhorn encourages Jess to bend the rules. Captain Dan Hallworth keeps her safe in dangerous places so she can capture the stories that truly matter. And most important of all, the love of a little orphan named Victorine gives Jess strength to do the impossible. But her success will come at a price....

France, 2005: 50 years after World War II, D'Arcy Hallworth arrives at a beautiful chateau to curate a collection of famous wartime photos by a reclusive artist. It's the opportunity of a lifetime, but D'Arcy has no idea that this job will uncover decades of secrets that, once revealed, will change everything she thought she knew about her mother, Victorine, and alter D'Arcy's life forever.

"An emotional and sweeping tale set against the backdrop of World War II.... Rich detail, compelling characters, and an interwoven dual timeline make this an engrossing read for historical fiction fans." (Chanel Cleeton, USA Today bestselling author of Next Year in Havana)

"[A] splendid, breathtaking novel, full of mystery and passion...a must read!" (Jeanne Mackin, author of The Last Collection)

©2019 Natasha Lester (P)2019 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"An emotional and sweeping tale set against the backdrop of World War II, The Paris Orphan honors the courage and dedication of war correspondents through the lens of a captivating Vogue photojournalist. Rich detail, compelling characters, and an interwoven dual timeline make this an engrossing read for historical fiction fans." (Chanel Cleeton, USA Today bestselling author of Next Year in Havana)

"This is a splendid, breathtaking novel, full of mystery and passion. I didn't want to put it down, and when it finished, I wanted to start reading all over again. Natasha Lester has woven together the lives of two intriguing women from different eras who find they have much more in common than their bravery and talent. Skillfully told, this passionate tale reveals the best and worst of men, and women, dealing with the brutality of war, and one of the darker secrets of World War II. A must read!" (Jeanne Mackin, author of The Last Collection)

"5 stars! If I could give this wonderful story of two brave women set across generations 10 stars, I gladly would. Most highly recommended!" (Literary Soiree on The Paris Seamstress)

Another amazing history!

The determination and bravery of women in WWII! The history of female correspondents that had to fight to perform their outstanding work that after suffering the damages of war are finally recognized by this book.

Wonderful and breathtaking

This was better than I could imagine. A little slow at first but it helps lay out the entire story. Wonderful and breathtaking, honestly!

so Honest it seemed to be written from fact

After 1 chapter I was mesmerized by the characters,
Very well written and hard to turn off.
Changes at every turn - love - friendship - enemies and true respect....
Please listen or read it's worth the time ....

Omgosh!

I laughed. I cried. I loved it! I was hooked until the very, very last word.

A story that makes you feel war and romance

I loved the story even when it was slow at the beginning. It made me cry and feel the love between Dan and Jess.

Great story

Old Lady Jess’s voice did not work— at all…and unfortunately detracted from the story.

The Paris Orphan

Natasha Lester has written One of my all time favorite books!! I really loved how how she wove this web of intriguing plots of people and their relationships. Wow I cannot even say enough Dan and Jess - and Victorie! Then to have Darcie and Josh be added to this mysterious story!! WOW again - I can't quit thinking about everything that happened beautifully written !!

Very sad yet true theme

This book tore at my heart. Like THE NIGHTINGALE and ALL THE LIGHT and ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE and other historical fiction of WWII, it illuminates all the horrors of war. No one wins. Unlike the others Lester highlights the misogyny of the military, media, and the aftermath of war that women suffered. I found it timely as women’s rights are currently being eroded. Yes, women have improved lives, but the patriarchy is still predominant in worldwide society.

A must read

A wonderful, sometimes difficult, needs to be told story. I could not put it down.

great story

love how her books are so dimensional. As a photographer myself I was extra honored at the focus and importance of it throughout. her books always bring awareness to so many importance things threaded through a great story. I wish I was a photo journalist now!