The Postmistress of Paris: A Novel

By Meg Waite Clayton

AN INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER* A NEW YORK TIMES EDITORS' PICK* A GMA BUZZ PICK * AN INDIE NEXT PICK* AN AMAZON BEST OF THE MONTH PICK, LITERATURE AND FICTION*A PEOPLE MAGAZINE PICK The New York Times bestselling author of The Last Train to London revisits the dark early days of the German occupation in France in this haunting World War II historical fiction—a love story and a tale of high-stakes danger and incomparable courage—about a young American heiress who helps artists hunted by the Nazis escape from war-torn Europe. Wealthy, beautiful Naneé was born with a spirit of adventure. For her, learning to fly is freedom. When German tanks roll across the border and into Paris, this strong woman with an adorable dog and a generous heart joins the French resistance. Known as the Postmistress because she delivers information to those in hiding, Naneé uses her charms and skill to house the hunted and deliver them to safety. Photographer Edouard Moss has escaped Germany with his young daughter only to be interned in a French labor camp. His life collides with Nanée’s in this sweeping tale of romance and danger set in a world aflame with personal and political passion. Inspired by the real life Chicago heiress Mary Jayne Gold, who worked with American journalist Varian Fry to smuggle artists and intellectuals out of France, The Postmistress of Paris is the haunting story of an indomitable woman whose strength, bravery, and love is a beacon of hope in a time of terror.

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Published Oct 11, 2022

416 pages

Average rating: 6.68

41 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Gwendola
10/10 stars
I absolutely love this book the story was so heartbreaking and so heartwarming I loved all the details I thought like I was there in the mountains and the water I could smell things it was really awesome very well written
Bethany Ekins
2/10 stars
DNF
Natlamm
4/10 stars
There are better WWII historical fiction books IMO
meledden
10/10 stars
Inspired by a real life story, this is a beautifully written account of a wealthy American woman’s decision to stay in France in 1940 during the German occupation, and how her love for France, and a man she encounters, end up leading her down dark and dangerous paths in the name of liberty and patriotism. Clayton includes so many little details in her writing, many probably taken from real events, that the story felt incredibly real. Listening to this was also a real wake up call to how fortunate we are to live in a time of (relative) peace. I really enjoyed the immersion into multiple European languages - French, Italian, German - and the art content. The novel incorporates references to many of the surrealist artists of the time. I had not realized that their rebellion, though their art, got them into so much trouble with the Nazis. Imani Jade Powers and Graham Halstead do a great job of reading this audiobook. Powers' accents were excellent and really made the novel.