Moonlight Over Paris
by Jennifer Robson
Publication Date: January 19, 2016
William Morrow
Paperback, eBook & AudioBook; 352 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
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Source: This book was given to me by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours in exchange for an honest review
Synopsis: An aristocratic young woman leaves the sheltered world of London to find adventure, passion, and independence in 1920s Paris in this mesmerizing story from the USA Today and internationally bestselling author of Somewhere in France and After the War is Over.
Spring, 1924
Recovering from a broken wartime engagement and a serious illness that left her near death, Lady Helena Montagu-Douglas-Parr vows that for once she will live life on her own terms. Breaking free from the stifling social constraints of the aristocratic society in which she was raised, she travels to France to stay with her free spirited aunt. For one year, she will simply be Miss Parr. She will explore the picturesque streets of Paris, meet people who know nothing of her past—and pursue her dream of becoming an artist.
A few years after the Great War’s end, the City of Light is a bohemian paradise teeming with actors, painters, writers, and a lively coterie of American expatriates who welcome Helena into their romantic and exciting circle. Among them is Sam Howard, an irascible and infuriatingly honest correspondent for the Chicago Tribune. Dangerously attractive and deeply scarred by the horror and carnage of the war, Sam is unlike any man she has ever encountered. He calls her Ellie, sees her as no one has before, and offers her a glimpse of a future that is both irresistible and impossible.
As Paris rises phoenix-like from the ashes of the Great War, so too does Helena. Though she’s shed her old self, she’s still uncertain of what she will become and where she belongs. But is she strong enough to completely let go of the past and follow her heart, no matter where it leads her?
Artfully capturing the Lost Generation and their enchanting city, Moonlight Over Paris is the spellbinding story of one young woman’s journey to find herself, and claim the life—and love—she truly wants.
My Review: After recovering from a severe illness that almost took her life. Helena wants to have a new beginning. She realizes that when she almost lost her life that she wanted her life to be fulfilling - to live with no regrets. She wants to find happiness and to fulfill her dreams. When her aunt invites her to stay in Paris, she quickly seizes the opportunity because she believes that Paris is where she can start anew. When she goes to France, she decides to pursue her dream to be an artist and enrolls in an art school. She also meets a journalist named Sam Howard. Throughout the course of this novel, Helena strives to find love and happiness.
I found Helena to be an interesting character. She is very bright and lively. I also thought that she is a very mature woman. She is a woman who has experienced pain, and has almost lost her life. I feel that she has learned from her personal struggles, and it makes her a strong woman to root for. Therefore, Helena is a very sympathetic figure, and it makes the reader want her to find her happiness. Helena is also very persistent, and is determined to make her dreams come true.
Overall, this book is about friendship, love, and choices. This book is about a young woman who is trying to find her self-identity. I really loved how it focuses on Helena’s personal struggles because it shows how strong Helena is. The characters are very complex, which makes them really human and real. This book is well-written. I love the setting which was Belle Epoque. I loved how she described Paris, the hotels, the parties, and the art society, and how she featured the Fitzgeralds in her novel. It made 1920’s Paris come alive. The book does start out slow, but eventually, I was captivated by the storyline and her descriptions. I recommend this book to anyone interested in Belle Epoque era and for fans of the movie, Midnight in Paris.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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Praise
“Returns with mastery once more to the World War I era…. This is a moving and memorable book.” — Pam Jenoff, bestselling author of The Winter Guest
“Meticulously researched and richly detailed, Moonlight Over Paris paints an enchanting picture… The elegance of Robson’s prose flows through every page, sweeping the reader from London’s aristocracy to the Parisian art scene and beyond… a heartwarming love story that left me aching for a journey back in time.” — Kristina McMorris, New York Times bestselling author of The Edge of Lost
“The vibrant whirl of the Paris art community is the ideal setting for this novel of healing and growth. Robson’s lovely prose allows the reader to savor the atmosphere of the Lost Generation, as well as the personal struggles of her characters.” — RT Book Reviews
“Robson is a master of evoking atmospheric detail that transports readers back in time and place. I loved every page!” — Renee Rosen, author of White Collar Girl
“Robson gives the concept of self-discovery amid the enchanting streets of Paris a fresh spin in Moonlight Over Paris. Delightful and romantic, readers will devour Robson’s latest work.” — Heather Webb, author of Rodin’s Lover
About the Author
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Monday, February 29
Review at With Her Nose Stuck In A Book
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Review at History From a Woman's Perspective
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