Author: Jane Healey
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Release Date: 2023
Pages: 404
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: In Nazi-occupied France, an American film star takes on the most dangerous role of her life in a gripping novel about loyalty and resistance, inspired by a true story, from the Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Secret Stealers.
Paris, 1939. Hollywood actress Drue Leyton, married to Frenchman Jacques Tartière, lives as an expatriate in love. But when her husband is dispatched to Brittany to work as a liaison for the British military, Drue finds herself alone with her housekeeper, adrift and heartsick in her adopted city. With her career and fame forty-five hundred miles away, Drue accepts an opportunity that will change her life forever.
Befriended by seasoned wartime journalist Dorothy Thompson and urged on by political operative Jean Fraysse, Drue broadcasts radio programs to the United States. Her duty: shake America from its apathy and, as Nazis encroach and France is occupied, push for resistance and help from the US. As Drue and Jean fall under suspicion, Hitler sends his own message: when Drue’s adopted country is conquered, she will be executed.
In a Paris that is no longer safe, Drue’s political passion is ignited. She’s prepared to risk anything to fight the enemy no matter how dangerous it gets—for her, for everyone she loves, and for everything she’s fighting for.
My Review: Drue Leyton Tatiere is a Hollywood actress who was famous for starring in the Charlie Chan films. Drue has married a Frenchman and lives in Paris. When WWII breaks out, her husband leaves to fight in the war. Drue’s agent wants her to return to America, but Drue refuses. Instead, she gets a job broadcasting a radio station to persuade America to go to war. When France is conquered, Drue’s life becomes endangered. Drue is willing to do anything to risk her life to win France’s freedom and end the war.
I had never heard of Drue Leyton before. Thus, her story was very new to me. I loved Drue’s devotion to her husband, Jacques. Drue had many opportunities to go to America for safety and return to acting. However, she refused because she wanted to help her husband. Therefore, I admired Drue’s determination to fight for her cause. I found her to be very courageous, intelligent, and strong. She was a fascinating heroine, and I was intrigued to see what happened to her.
Overall, this novel is about love, war, and resilience. I really loved the characters in the novel. They seemed very realistic. My favorite was Dorothy Thompson, who was a famous journalist. I also found the radio aspect in the first half of the novel to be very intriguing. I did think that the middle part of the novel tended to drag. Nevertheless, Goodnight from Paris was very enthralling and entertaining. Mrs. Healy made war-torn France come alive! The story was very engaging, and it captured my attention within the first few pages. I also loved that the novel was told in first-person! Even if you are tired of the overwhelming amount of novels set in WWII, Goodnight from Paris is definitely a must-read! It has glamor, action, and romance! I recommend this novel for fans of The Queen of Paris, The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre, and Code Name Helene!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Comments
Post a Comment