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Paris 1944. Sebastian Kleinhaus no longer recognises himself. After four years spent fighting a war he doesn't believe in, wearing a uniform he despises, he longs for a way out. For something, someone, to be his salvation.
Brittany 1963. Reaching for the suitcase under her mother’s bed, eighteen-year-old Josephine Chevalier uncovers a secret that shakes her to the core. Determined to find the truth, she travels to Paris where she discovers the story of a dangerous love that grew as a city fought for its freedom. Of the last stolen hours before the first light of liberation. And of a betrayal so deep that it would irrevocably change the course of two young lives life for ever.
"Another wonderful book - it is an involving, terrifying, heartbreaking story of the power of love and forgiveness" - Jill Mansell, bestselling author of And You're Back
"Another fabulous book from Ruth. A wonderful moving, sad but ultimately uplifting book" - Lesley Pearse, Sunday Times bestselling author
Advanced Copy Galley Reviews...
- This is an outstanding book. It shows an understanding of human nature in the context of international events that makes this an absorbing and challenging read.
- Beautifully written book with a very powerful storyline. The reader is taken back to Paris during the occupation and is made to experience this from both sides.
- A really powerful story, very well written, with empathy and understanding.
- A powerful dual timeline novel that consumed me.
- Loved this book. Devoured the characters, marveled at the storyline And really didn't want it to end. So well written - highly recommend
- This book is so well written, bringing the story to life, it is heartbreaking but also uplifting and it will remain with me and I'm sure that it will be a book that I will reread.
-Firstly I would like to say what an amazing book the blurb just didn't do it justice. Outstandingly beautiful and extremely poignant. This is my first book by this author and certainly will not be my last I can highly recommend
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One woman must make the hardest decision of her life in this unforgettably moving story of resistance and faith during one of the darkest times in history.
Santa Cruz, 1953. Jean-Luc is a man on the run from his past. The scar on his face is a small price to pay for surviving the horrors of Nazi occupation in France. Now, he has a new life in California, a family. He never expected the past to come knocking on his door.
Paris, 1944. A young Jewish woman's past is torn apart in a heartbeat. Herded onto a train bound for Auschwitz, in an act of desperation she entrusts her most precious possession to a stranger. All she has left now is hope.
On a darkened platform, two destinies become intertwined, and the choices each person makes will change the future in ways neither could have imagined.
Told from alternating perspectives, While Paris Slept reflects on the power of love, resilience, and courage when all seems lost. Exploring the strength of family ties, and what it really means to love someone unconditionally, this debut novel will capture your heart.
"Historical fiction fans rejoice. A new voice has entered the arena and we think she’s one to watch...." Woman & Home - Best Books 2021
"Headline Review has pre-empted world rights to the debut novel from Ruth Druart, with 11 international rights deals following for the “remarkable read” Headline pre empts remarkable druart review - The Bookseller
"Both epic and intimate, this unexpected story of two couple's sacrifices in war-torn France had me completely and utterly enraptured. You'll have your heart in your mouth and tears on your cheeks as it reaches its rich, life-affirming conclusion." - Louise Candlish, author
"While Paris Slept made me think and cry and rage and smile at mankind's capacity for both beautiful, selfless love and terrible, heartbreaking cruelty. It is at once a story of wartime courage and desperation, and of the many ways in which war reverberates through people's lives for years after the fact. Prepare to question yourself and the characters in this novel, to wonder what you might have done in their place; in short, prepare to be thoroughly engrossed in this compelling book in which four adults and one child grapple with the true meaning of love and family." - Natasha Lester, New York Times Bestselling author
"What a book, I absolutely loved it. An ingenious plot, wonderful believable characters and it moved me to tears. A fabulous read'
- Lesley Pearse, Sunday Times bestselling author
"A heartbreaking debut. The novel delves into eternal questions: How far will we go to protect our child? Is love holding tightly or letting go?" - Janet Skeslien Charles, author of The Paris Library
"A powerful and poignant debut from a brilliant and bold new novelist. Expertly weaving together multiple story lines, author, Ruth Druart, fills each page with thrilling suspense, uncommon emotional depth, and fascinating characters. Fans of historical fiction should not miss this one." - Imogen Kealey, author of Liberation
While Paris Slept 2021 - UK, Australia, US, Italy, France, Spain, Germany Norway, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands, Portugal, Hebrew, Hungary, Romania,, Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, Brazil
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