Thanks to NetGalley for this free ARC (publication date: September 4, 2020) of this historical fiction novel.

This honest book review is my own.

Based on the true story of Madeleine Lévy (granddaughter of Alfred Dreyfus, Jewish World War I hero), this is the fight of the French Resistance when the Nazis overtook France. Madeleine knew the risks, but wanted to fight for what was right - helping bring Jewish children to safety and to resist the hatred taking over her beloved country by all means accessible to her. 

If you research this real-life woman (and it's also in the prologue), you know this story is tragic. But, even against the darkest hours, it shows the power of hope and the power of fighting back. 

It was a beautiful but very sad book, and this author wrote a lovely tribute to a very brave woman.

[4 out of 5 stars]

What a beautiful story! I absolutely loved the Paris Children by Gloria Goldreich. This book was inspired by the true story of a countries fight for survival during WWII. During this time, Paris was full of frightened, starving, and abandoned children. Madeleine Levy steps up as a guardian, and offers these poor innocent children love and protection during such devastating times. She never gives up, and shows everyone her unwavering strength and courage. I enjoy historically based novels and highly recommend this book!

I have read several book in the past month on Holocaust and the French resistance, based on true people/happenings but was very intrigued by this story as I have never known about the Jewish scouts or the Jewish French resistance and the huge part they played in saving Jewish children and committing sabotage. The characters are solid alive, causing one to have empathy for them. The action moves along quickly but still the story spends time developing the relationships within this Jewish family and how courageous they are. Based on a true woman, Madeline Levy, you are captivated by her determination, stamina and love, pulling all the time for her relationship with Claude. Family relationships so strong you feel part of them. Here is a part of history I was not familiar with and the courage it took for Madeline and others to smuggle the Jewish children to Spain or Switzerland until reaching Palestine.

Brimming with historical insight and references!

This story takes place during WWII and when Hitler was in power. Madeleine Levy, our protagonist and heroine of the novel, is in the resistance. She is also a protector of lost children.

I've always marveled at the courage and bravery shown by individuals throughout the War. With the full knowledge of the consequences of their actions, they still push through and do what is right. This book is a novel of hope, valor, and inspiration. It's a novel about doing the right thing in the face of immense novel. Ultimately, it's a story of compassion for others and love.

The Paris Children by Gloria Goldreich is an excellent historical fiction that focuses on some of the Jewish Resistance groups in France that helped coordinate and smuggle Jewish children out of harm’s way and into safer countries. Madeleine Levy is a fearless young woman who has a heart of gold. She and her friend and eventual partner, Claude Lehmann, risked their lives over and over again selflessly to save others. I will stop there so that I so not give away the ending, but it was bittersweet for certain.

Madeleine was so brave, and I have a hard time imagining all of the terrifying things that she went through, and sacrificed. She even was able to do all of this despite the fact that she lost most of her hearing after experiencing Scarlet fever as a child. I was awed. There world truly needs more women like her.

This book is for anyone that enjoys historical fiction, strong female characters, and reading about resistance groups during WWII. Excellent book.

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.

It barely seems possible, so many were killed in the War to end all Wars, how can there be talk of another? Madeleine Levy’s Jewish grandfather was a hero during that first terrible war, now as the Nazis march into Paris, Madeleine has a chance to be a hero herself. She sees terrified, hollow-eyed children all over the city, refugees from Germany and Hitler’s final solution. Unable to look away, she begins taking children in and smuggling them to safety. Claude, the young resistance fighter she’s fallen in love with, works tirelessly by her side in a world gone mad. How can anyone be expected to retain their sanity, let alone their compassion and grace? A deeply affecting story of our world in its darkest hours and those who were brave enough to rise above it

Although there are many books written about this disturbing period of time, the viewpoint in this novel is wonderful. From friendships to betrayals and then the comparison to contemporary times, makes us look at our actions in both times of calm and times of horrors.