The Paris Secret

An Epic and Heartbreaking Love Story Set in World War Two

By: Lily Graham

Narrated by: Esther Wane

Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's Summary

The last time Valerie was in Paris, she was three years old, running from the Nazis, away from the only home she had ever known.  

Now as a young woman all alone in the world, Valerie must return to Paris, to the bookshop and her sole surviving relative, her grandfather Vincent, the only person who knows the truth about what happened to her parents. As she gets to know grumpy, taciturn Vincent again, she hears a tragic story of Nazi-occupied Paris, a doomed love affair, and a mother willing to sacrifice everything for her beloved daughter.  

Can Valerie and Vincent help each other to mend the wounds of the past? Valerie isn't after a fairytale ending, she only wants the truth. But what is the one devastating secret that Vincent is determined to keep from his granddaughter?

©2018 Lily Graham (P)2019 Tantor

A Different Kind of WWII Story

The Paris Secret is told over three different time lines, WWII during the Nazi occupation of France, in 1962 when a young Valerie is returning to Paris to work in her grandfather’s bookstore and current day, when an aged Valerie is returning once again to Paris with a suitcase of photographs and memories. Sent away to live with relatives at age three, at the end of WWII, Valerie grew up in England, but never understood why her grandfather sent her away. Returning in 1962, posing as a potential employee for his book store, Valerie, is looking for the secrets of her past. This is a remarkable, well thought out and beautifully told story that’s much different than most other WWII stories. It’s not full of death camp stories of exiled Jews (which I have listened to and learned much from). Its not as gruesome as most other tales, although its sad and heartbreaking for those involved. It’s a personal tale of life in Paris at the time of the invasion, how it affected normal people, and about a few very heroic people who dared to challenge Hitler’s iron fist . . . and the price that they paid for it. Its about a France that no longer exists, that loved freedom and stood up against tyranny. The Paris Secret is a reminder that there are always two sides to every story, and its one of the best WWII books that I’ve come across.

Great, throughly enjoyed...

throughly enjoyed from strart to end. a soft read, if this is what you are looking for, as was i. each charter was significant and well developed _ i was definitely committed to the end.
BRAVO.

Very good story that won’t tax you with horrible details of ww2

Likable characters and good love story in two generations. War brings out the best or worse in people. I appreciated the lack of profanity and no gratuitous sex scenes. Will read more from ms Lilly graham

Very enjoyable, unique WWII novel

I had read a lot of heavy, sad WWII novels lately when I picked up this one. The story is unique, a side of the war I had not thought about. The performance by the narrator was excellent. A very enjoyable listen.

Kept my interest

Like historical fiction with a good story and this book kept my interest! I’m ready for another book from this author

Alternative Occupation Love Story

Although the story becomes a bit predictable, it presents the complexity that arises when "the enemy" is actually found to be hating the war as much as those of the occupied city of Paris. This includes a young Parisienne by the name of Mireille. The author uses both flashback and current characters to weave the tale. It is poignant and ,entertaining, without giving way to heavy philosophy. The narration is excellent.
.

A wonderful short listen!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the characters in it. I enjoy books set in the WW2 era and this did not disappoint. I really liked hearing a little different main subject matter in terms of Valerie sharing her life story with a complete stranger on the train. While there was still obvious atrocities by the nazis, it was not about the prison and work camps. Just a lovely story about a woman finding her identity. Although I typically like a longer book to listen to- this was just right for the story. Any longer and it would have seemed dragged out.
The narration was excellent!

Good but could have been great

I thought the story was good but there were so many potential side stories or twists that just didn’t happen.

Love this book

What a beautifully written story that could easily be a true story. I highly recommend it.

Tedious! Deficult to finish. Not for me....

I finally had to stop listening....
it do not hook me....hard to jump from War time to the then present....

Easy listening

Not as good as I thought it would be. The write up was what I was drawn to and it sounded so good.. unfortunately not so for me.