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

Name: The Paris Architect: A WWII Historical Tale of Resistance and Survival
Rating: 7.93 (135 reviews)
ISBN: 9781402294150

By Charles Belfoure

ADD TO MY SHELVES

Recommend book

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

An extraordinary book about a gifted architect who reluctantly begins a secret life of resistance, devising ingenious hiding places for Jews in World War II Paris.

In 1942 Paris, architect Lucien Bernard accepts a commission that will bring him a great deal of money--and maybe get him killed. All he has to do is design a secret hiding place for a Jewish man, a space so invisible that even the most determined German officer won't find it while World War II rages on. He sorely needs the money, and outwitting the Nazis who have occupied his beloved city is a challenge he can't resist.

Soon Lucien is hiding more souls and saving lives. But when one of his hideouts fails horribly, and the problem of where to conceal a Jew becomes much more personal, and he can no longer ignore what's at stake.

"A beautiful and elegant account of an ordinary man's unexpected and reluctant descent into heroism during the second world war."--Malcolm Gladwell

Book clubs will pore over the questions Charles Belfoure raises about justice, resistance, and just how far we'll go to make things right.

Also by Charles Belfoure:
The Fallen Architect
House of Thieves

ADD TO MY SHELVES

Recommend book

BUY THE BOOK

Published Jul 15, 2014

400 pages

Average rating: 7.93

135 RATINGS

Community Reviews

Write a review...

anne ducastel

Jan 08, 2026

6/10 stars

this book addressed an interesting aspect of the French occupation by the Germans but was sadly let down by its simplistic writing style.

thebeveroo

Sep 28, 2025

8/10 stars

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.

Harrietaspy

May 04, 2025

8/10 stars

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.

AnneMercer

Apr 21, 2024

10/10 stars

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.

Kibbs

Aug 24, 2023

8/10 stars

Couldn’t put this book down - very fast and engaging read.

See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.

CREATE YOUR CLUB

More books by this author

The Fallen Architect: A Novel

House of Thieves: A Novel

Paris Architect, The by Charles Belfoure (2015-08-20)

The Faberge Secret