The Lost Girls of Paris
Book Review - The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff
Reading The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff at City Hall in St. Louis, MO
2019 is off to such a good start! I heard about this book from an author I follow on social media. I reached out to the publicist to request a review copy, something I don’t do very often since I already have a backlog of books to get through. But dang, that was a really good decision on my part. You might remember Pam Jenoff from her last book: The Orphan’s Tale. Let me tell you, The Lost Girls of Paris is going to be a hit, too. I absolutely loved reading this book.
Reading The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff at City Hall in St. Louis, MO
About The Lost Girls of Paris:
The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff, a New York Times Bestseller, is about a group of British female spies sent into occupied France to help the resistance. The young women were recruited single-handedly by Eleanor Trigg, a relatively unknown woman within the SOE (Special Operations Executive), but who ran the entire operation of female secret agents, and to whom the suitcase belonged. The story jumps around in time a bit, starting part-way through the war and ending a few years after the war had ended. Grace finds an abandoned suitcase with a stack of pictures belonging to Eleanor at the Grand Central Terminal in New York. She begins piecing the story together to find out who Eleanor was and who the girls are in the stack of pictures. During her quest, Grace is drawn to a young mother turned spy named Marie, who helps her find answers. You’ll love this book if you’re interested in WWII and want to know more about the female radio operators who contributed to the war efforts.
Reading The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff at City Hall in St. Louis, MO
You probably know by now that I read a lot of World War II books. I particularly enjoyed this one because it focuses on the role women played in occupied France. I liked the jumping back and forth through time - which is done quite a bit in historic novels, but author Pam Jenoff chose to keep the timeframes pretty tight. Grace finding the suitcase wasn’t 50+ years later, it was just a few years after the war had ended. So she was compelled to find out the stories of girls that would have been her contemporaries. I liked that little twist on a typical approach to historical fiction. The Lost Girls of Paris is published by Park Row Books.
Reading The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff at City Hall in St. Louis, MO
Pam Jenoff is a New York Times bestselling author celebrated for her deeply moving historical fiction centered on World War II and the powerful, often untold stories of women during times of war. A former diplomat with the U.S. State Department, Jenoff brings firsthand knowledge of international affairs and historical nuance to her novels. Her work often explores themes of courage, sacrifice, and the strength of female friendship in the face of adversity. In The Lost Girls of Paris, a young woman named Grace Healey passes through Grand Central Station and discovers an abandoned suitcase tucked beneath a bench. The suitcase belongs to Eleanor Trigg, a leader of a mysterious ring of female spies. As Grace’s mission overseas reveals a remarkable story of friendship, valor, and betrayal, she uncovers the fate of the women in the photographs—members of the resistance who never returned home. A skilled storyteller, bestselling author Pam Jenoff weaves unforgettable narratives of espionage, love, and resilience, featuring characters like the war widow turned young mother turned agent who risk everything for freedom.
Books Written by Pam Jenoff
The Lost Girls of Paris
Grace Healey, a recent war widow, finds an abandoned suitcase tucked beneath a bench in Grand Central Station. Inside are photographs of women who were part of a secret network led by Eleanor Trigg. As Grace investigates further, her mission overseas reveals a remarkable story of friendship, valor, and betrayal. Inspired by real events, this gripping novel highlights the bravery of women in the resistance who never returned home.
The Orphan’s Tale
Set during World War II, this story follows a young woman fleeing Nazi persecution who joins a traveling circus. There, she meets another woman hiding a dangerous secret. Their bond grows amidst the backdrop of danger and heartbreak. A tale of loyalty and sacrifice, it underscores the resilience of women forced into extraordinary roles.
The Diplomat’s Wife
Following The Kommandant’s Girl, this sequel tells the story of Marta Nederman, a woman who survives a Nazi prison and dreams of a new life. When her plans take a dangerous turn, she becomes entangled in Cold War espionage. Drawing on Jenoff’s own State Department experience, this thriller blends romance with political intrigue.
The Kommandant’s Girl
A young Jewish woman in Nazi-occupied Poland assumes a false identity to infiltrate enemy circles. Torn between loyalty and survival, she faces impossible choices. This debut launched Pam Jenoff as a New York Times bestselling author known for emotional depth and historical accuracy.
The Winter Guest
When twin sisters discover a wounded Jewish American paratrooper near their Polish village, they risk everything to hide him. As the war intensifies, both love and betrayal threaten their bond. This novel explores the power of familial love in a time of great uncertainty.
The Woman with the Blue Star
Inspired by true accounts of people hiding in sewers to escape the Nazis, this novel follows Sadie, a young woman in the Kraków Ghetto, and Ella, a Polish girl living above her. Their unlikely friendship transcends barriers and reminds readers of the human connections that endure even in darkness.
The Ambassador’s Daughter
In post-WWI Paris, Margot, the daughter of a German diplomat, becomes entangled in international politics and romance as she navigates her own identity and the shifting world around her. This historical tale delves into the cost of peace and the complexity of love in a recovering Europe.
Click here for my literary travel guide of St. Louis
I took photos for this book at the St. Louis City Hall.
As you might suspect from its name, St. Louis was founded by a French man (Pierre Laclede Liguest) so there is a lot of French influence today. For example, St. Louis City Hall French-style architecture was inspired by Paris’ Hotel de Ville (their city hall) along with “architectural elements of the Chateau de Chambord on the Loire River in France.” Thus I chose to take pictures here, the most Parisian place in St. Louis, for The Lost Girls of Paris.
St. Louis City Hall, located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, Missouri, is a stunning example of the city's rich history and architectural prowess. The building, which was completed in 1904, was designed by architect Harvey Ellis in the Renaissance Revival style.
One of the most notable features of St. Louis City Hall is its impressive clock tower, which stands at 180 feet tall and is topped with a copper dome. The tower is visible from miles around and has become an iconic symbol of the city.
Click here for a list of bookstores and coffee shops in St. Louis.
Inside, visitors can marvel at the intricate marble work, stained glass windows, and ornate woodwork that adorn the building's interior. The City Council Chambers, in particular, are breathtaking, with their soaring ceilings and grand chandeliers.
Over the years, St. Louis City Hall has served as a hub of government activity, hosting countless meetings, hearings, and ceremonies. Today, it continues to be a beloved landmark and a testament to the city's enduring legacy.
Click here for my St. Louis Restaurant Guide.
St. Louis, Missouri has a rich French history that dates back to the late 17th century when French explorers first set foot in the area. The city was named after King Louis IX of France and was a major trading post for French fur trappers and traders. The French influence can still be seen today in many of the city's architectural landmarks, such as the iconic Gateway Arch, which was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen but pays homage to the city's French heritage with its sleek, curved lines reminiscent of the St. Louis skyline. Additionally, the city's cuisine is heavily influenced by French cooking techniques, with many restaurants offering French-inspired dishes such as escargot and coq au vin. St. Louis' French history remains an important part of the city's identity and continues to be celebrated through various cultural events and festivals.
Reading The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff at City Hall in St. Louis, MO
Reading The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff at City Hall in St. Louis, MO
