The Paris Architect: A WWII Historical Tale of Resistance and Survival

"A gripping page-turner...a riveting reminder of sacrifices made by history's most unlikely heroes." --Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of Sold on a Monday and The Ways We Hide
The unforgettable tale of a man who discovers that bravery can be built--one wall at a time.
From New York Times bestselling author and architectural historian Charles Belfoure comes The Paris Architect, a gripping World War II thriller where ingenuity becomes resistance, and every secret room tells a story of courage.
Paris, 1942. Lucien Bernard is ambitious and apolitical, focused on survival and professional prestige. But when he's commissioned to design an untraceable hiding place for a Jewish client, his architectural skill is weaponized against the Nazi regime. What begins as a well-paid challenge turns into a harrowing moral reckoning, with lives hanging on each design.
With nail-biting tension and deep emotional resonance, The Paris Architect is a powerful testament to the quiet heroism of ordinary people in extraordinary times.
BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
A
this book addressed an interesting aspect of the French occupation by the Germans but was sadly let down by its simplistic writing style.
This a lovely book. The idea that the Germans saw beauty in Paris during wartime is a real idea and something that I think a lot of us can appreciate. The hiding places were clever and I could relate to an architect coming up with these places. I can understand that Lucien would want to create architecture and I can only imagine that someone would want to take their mind off of their situations by throwing themselves the work that they are passionate about. Lucien is a person of character. Much of the book is about his character development and seeing people as people. I love Pierre in the story.
As much as there is nice detail about the Jewish culture, I would have enjoyed more details about the French culture (expressions, differences+)
The book is well written, kept my attention and I always wanted to read more. Having a different and novel story is appreciated.
I think that I did not spoil to much of the story.
A good read here.
Without a doubt it is necessary to suspend belief on some of the characters' motivation but it was a unique premise and, despite not the best writin,g a fast moving plot. A joy to read.
In one word: Excellent! Loved this book. I am recommending it to another of my book clubs because I loved it so much I want them to enjoy it as well and want to discuss it again! I look forward to reading something else by this author and hope it is just as engrossing and surprising. I love when an author thoroughly surprises me and this one did over and over. He developed his characters, especially his main character, in such beautiful and believable ways it was masterful. I was truly sad when I read the last page and knew the book was over.
K
Couldn’t put this book down - very fast and engaging read.
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.