I have always been fascinated with World War II and have learned about it. This one takes place in Paris during the war, which is something I didn’t know a lot about. I loved learning a new side of this about the French Resistance, and how a city considered one of the most beautiful was during such a time. Clarisse was an amazing character, I couldn’t get enough of her. Her growth along the way is stunning. This has an alternating timeline, with some of the story based later after the war. I love how this weaves together, and the ending is a great surprise. Highly recommend if you like World War II historical fiction.

Wow! This book will take you to a place you are thankful you did not live in. A heartwrenching tale of WWII.

So beautifully written. Poignant. touching. thought provoking. Another masterpiece from this incredible author. Loved, loved, loved and very highly recommend to all.

This is a great historical fiction read which I will be thinking about for a while after finishing. For fans of The Nightingale and The Tattooist of Auschwitz- this marks such a special place in the historical fiction genre.

"‘But I’ve learned that if you can just find the grit to hold on and wait, life might just gift you with a future so incredible it makes you believe in magic and wonder again'

This was a beautiful, heartbreaking story that focuses on those who come together to stand against Nazism. Clarisse is an American photographer who is living in France with forged papers declaring her to be a French citizen. She witnesses a young Jewish girl being separated from her mother. This pushes Clarisse to document in pictures the inhumane acts being committed, to be used by resistance in their efforts. She leaves an abusive marriage and eventually falls in love with Louis , a handsome musician and zazou (a member of a French youth subculture of the 1930s, associated with swing music and large or garish clothes) who introduced Clarisse to the Resistance movement.

The writing is exquisite and the twists that Siobhan weaves in, have you pausing to process. What I loved and simultaneously hated was how Siobhan detailed despicable acts against the truly helpless, how some people feel that they are entitled to inflict heinous crimes against others, just because they are "better" than others.

Pick this up when you are in the mood for a brilliant historical fiction or if you want to cry your eyes out.

In 1942 Paris, an American photographer Clarisse Alarie witnessed something terrible and heart-breaking happening through her lens - a girl was carried into a truck by the Nazis. Clarisse went everywhere with this photo and tried to save her. Louis - the resistance fighter - introduced Clarisse to his underground team. Now Clarisse had a new mission to save the country through her lens.

An utterly emotional ww2 historical novel. Fast-paced, gripping and I was drawn into the story immediately starting at the beginning. I read this book in one seat which was totally one of the best ww2 historical novels I have ever read.

The secret photograph is an incredibly emotional read which is extremely eye opening and so gripping. I loved the characters I felt that I knew them and they are characters that will stick with me for a long time. Definitely need a tissue for this book as id tears in my eyes throughout.

This story drew me in from the very first page and I just couldn’t stop reading it. It presents the unique story of a photographer for the Resistance and her emotional journey and personal struggles through the war. At times I held my breath and at other times I shed a tear as I read this wonderful book. I couldn’t help but sympathize with and cheer on Clarisse as she encountered injustice, challenges, danger, romance and heartbreak. I recommend it to other Siobhan Curham fans and those who enjoy historical fiction.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book.

Powerful, heart-stopping, gut-wrenching, fast-paced and unforgettable are just a few words to describe Siobhan Curham’s newest novel which I was totally engaged in from start to finish. This author has a way of pulling you in from the first page and the Prologue certainly did that with its ‘staring straight into the barrel of a gun’ line! But oh, how my heart broke over and over as I became deeply and painfully invested in the lives carefully presented on the page.

The main story is set between 1942 -1945 in Paris. Clarisse is an American who keeps her identity and real nationality hidden while successfully living in Paris as a French woman. She is a fashion photographer but utilises her talents in another way during World War II when the Germans occupy the city. One day after something terrible happens before her eyes that clutches her heart, she is so shocked and heartbroken, that it sets her on a mission to join the Resistance. It all starts when she sees a Jewish mother and her child ripped apart. She takes a photo of the horrendous moment to never forget and to find a way to help those being attacked. She also finds a locket that belongs to the captured mother. Clarisse holds on to it hoping one day to return it to the child named Lillie. Clarisse wears it around her neck as a reminder to be strong and fight for those who have been wrongly treated by the Nazis.

Clarisse’s husband, an artist, is a horrible man. He is abusive, controlling, disrespectful and many other negative things. She wonders how she ever fell for him but at this stage she abhors him and the awful things he does to her. Once she meets Peacock (Louis), who is a part of the Resistance, and is introduced to its leader, she begins to find her feet and purpose. (He nicknames her Fire.) She wants to do something to fight back and help rid the city of the Nazis. This new friendship with Peacock rebuilds her self-worth and strength to not only be part of this network trying to free the city but also gives her courage to leave her husband.

This novel contains some witty banter between Fire (Clarisse) and Peacock (Louis) and I have to say it is much appreciated because it offers the comic relief necessary amid all the torture and despair present in this story. I loved how Louis always took a positive view of things so he definitely was an optimist and he made people happy with its music and viewpoint. For the city of Paris becomes so overwhelmed with sadness and fear during the German occupation, his bright light of joy cuts through the darkness of despair. It is easy to see how Clarisse loves him but her love also means she becomes vulnerable and temporarily weakened by the shocking events that surround him.

There are a number of victims she helps but only one other I will mention due to my deep emotional response. A little Jewish boy name Joseph really captured my heart (as he did Clarisse’s). I felt such a connection to this little guy, maybe because he reminded me of my own five year old grandson. I cannot tell what happens with him or I will risk giving something away. But I can say how I felt. I had such a devastating ache in my heart followed by a wave of tears at the events that involved him. I truly don’t think I will ever forget this little boy who was so courageous. He put his tender trust in Clarisse who adored him and she risked everything to get him to safety. The trials they faced gripped my heart and shook it fiercely.

The second timeline in the novel is 1985. Little things trigger the speaker’s painful memories— like a child’s cry. As the story progresses we learn much about this woman and by the end everything makes sense. It is impossible to discuss this section of the story without giving anything away. So, I will just say it is wonderfully complimentary to the WWII thread and provides a different perspective of the torture many endured and its after-effects. I can comment that the ending is powerful, fulfilling and even uplifting as the two timeliness and some of the characters come together in unison.

This is a story that demonstrates the destructive force of hate. Prejudice is awful. It fuels war, division, chaos, death and even disease. I had great difficulty reading The Secret Photograph because it is so painfully moving. Imagining the horrible things that the Jewish people and others faced during the Nazis reign is a difficult emotional journey to follow.

It is easy to feel anger toward those who were intentionally cruel, though. But there were others who grieved being on the wrong side. There is a moment in the story of one soldier who is forced to do a job that he does not want to do. ‘Sorry’ echoes from his lips and heart like a loud bell clanging throughout history as we must also remember there were some who did not want to be part of the horrible things imposed upon them. It was a nice touch to add this— as a reminder not to judge a whole group of people.

I highly recommend this novel but be prepared to cry. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.

The Secret Photograph
By: Siobhan Curham
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was my third book by this author and her historical fiction novels are top-notch.
Clarisse is in Paris when the Nazi’s are rounding up Jews. She witnesses a little girl scream as she is taken with her yellow star on her coat. Clarisse is mortified and is heartbroken that she cannot save the girl.

Clarisse is hiding her true heritage as an American living in Paris. She leaves an abusive relationship as she wants to make a difference. She is a photographer and wants to capture what is happening around her. She meets a resistance fighter named Louis who introduces her to the underground network.

Women and men are working to try and save so many and risking their lives. Clarisse discovers the cattle cars filled with children and where they are headed. She is still haunted by the little girl and is able to help out a little boy.

This story is powerful and emotional. Every story cannot be told, so the ones that can be MUST be told. The courage, resilience and situation so many had to endure, was horrific and inspiring at the same time. Every minute counts, and the resistance fighters changed so many lives.

Thank you to the author and Bookouture for having me in your tour.
#thesecretphotograph, #siobhancurham, #bookouture, #booktour, #bookreview, #stamperlady50, #bookstagram, #booksconnectus

Harrowing, haunting, tragic and heart-breaking. These are just a handful of words that describe The Secret Photograph by Siobhan Curham. I loved it. I cannot describe fully how Siobhan’s books make me feel, but I always close the book and wonder about how such monsters could have existed in the twentieth century.

Although a work of fiction, this latest stunner from Siobhan is based on real-life events and told from two viewpoints across two timelines. One is from Clarisse in the 1940s and the other....well I’m not telling you who tells the other story because I didn’t realise (as I’m sure was the intention) until at least halfway through the book, but it is told from someone living in France in the mid-eighties.

The work of everyone in the Resistance amazes me. How so many people put their lives on the line, day after day, to bring knowledge to the world about the atrocities of war and to try to bring justice for their country is incredible. There were also so many roles to play, I would never have thought a photographer would have been so beneficial and just goes to show that guns weren’t necessarily the only weapons.

If you’re interested in learning so much more about the Second World War than your teachers ever taught you, then pick up a copy of Siobhan’s latest book and immerse yourself in wartime France.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review The Secret Photograph by Siobhan Curham.

The Secret Photograph is probably one of the most heart wrenching books I’ve read based during World War 2. Oh my goodness this book nearly broke me at times. It is written so well and I could honestly feel the suffering some of these people including children went through as I read this book, having to stop a number of times to blink the tears away. And no that isn’t an exaggeration I really did have to, so moved was I by this emotional and at times heart breaking story. Curham has written a book that will have even the most hardened hearts wiping away a tear. This is an absolutely superb read with characters brought to life by the fantastic way this book is written. This is 100% a book for all the historical fiction fans out there and one that will be going into my top 10 reads for 2023. Just to add I loved the authors letter at the end about what and who gave her the inspiration to write this book and the fact it’s based on true events made it even more poignant. Without a shadow of a doubt this for me is a 5⭐️ read.

It always amazes me how far people are willing to go to save other people, especially strangers. It makes my heart lighter, knowing there are people out there like this. Clarisse Alarie lived in Paris during WWII. She uses her camera to take photographs to help the Resistance. I don’t want to give too much away, but this book is filled with action and hope. A must read!
This author mentions the Zazou subculture in France. I never knew about this topic, so I enjoyed learning something new. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This story had me reaching for tissues right from the start. It gave me a different view of WWII. My first book from Siobhan Curham and not my last!

Clarisse is finally living her dream. She’s in Paris and working for fashion magazines as a photographer. Even though the Germans have occupied Paris, Clarisse had been getting by and was not too bothered by their presence. Then one day a scene unfolds before her that shatters her bubble. The photograph she snaps next changes the lives of each person involved as a child is torn from her mother. What’s left behind is a locket while the rest of their lives are erased. Inspired by what she’s seen she vows to make a difference in her city for the better. Clarisse makes such a bold choice that leads her in a direction she never imagined.

As soon as I started the first page I was hooked. I wanted to get more and more each night as I read. Clarisse is an example to women everywhere to show the resilience we have in us. The plot continued to build and build and the ended shattered me. If you love historical fiction this is definitely the book for you!

In her new book, Siobhan Curham certainly gives her main character, Clarisse, a strong and steady voice which shouts with determination and strength from every page. Set during the occupation of Paris by the Germans during World War Two, The Secret Photograph, paints a vivid and realistic picture of the ethical dilemmas faced by photographers when trying to document the horrors of war. The brief prologue is tense and packed full of unease and danger as a woman and child hide in a cellar. How they got there and the reasons for this are not at easy to decipher but over the course of a fascinating story things slowly become clear and what unfolds is a remarkable tale of one woman’s aim to rid France of the brutality, hatred and barbarity executed by the Germans. The goal of liberty, equality and fraternity for all is what drives all of the characters on through the most desperate and harrowing of times.The further you read the more your appreciation grows at the situations and circumstances the characters place themselves in and most of all Clarisse becomes a tour de force through her photography and her willingness to place herself in unpredictable and dangerous situations.

Clarisse arrived in the City of Light from America several years ago under false papers. There is nothing left for her in America and she has made herself a new life as a fashion photographer but the city she has come to love so much has been stripped of its joy and panache as has Clarisse’s life. Married to an artist named Pierre she has come to the conclusion that she no longer loves him and in fact she can’t fathom why she was ever with him in the first place. She detests Pierre and no longer wishes to be controlled and dominated by him. An event soon sees her gone from his clutches and it is from this point on that Clarisse starts to come into her own. She explores the city taking photographs of what she witnesses as fashion is no longer a priority.

The round ups of foreign Jews living in France have increased and one morning she observes a woman being taken from her apartment with her daughter. She takes out her camera and clicks and the photo that results is what will inspire and drive her on throughout the book. The woman is left for dead and her daughter Lillie is taken by the Germans to the velodrome in Paris. Clarisse finds a locket left on the side of the street which is owned by Lillie. She is determined one day to reunite her with it and this becomes her talisman throughout the dark days that cover what was once a beautiful city filled with life, love and laughter.

The cruel and barbaric event that unfolded before Clarisse’s eyes are her driving force. It is what makes her wake up to the situations occurring on her beloved adopted city and now she makes a decision that she will do anything in her power to help all those persecuted by the Germans. For so long, she has felt helpless as the laws and persecutions increase but now she understands that her photography she is powerful and she an use it to inform people of what is happening and to aid the Resistance in their work. ’My true self had woken up and was refusing to go back to sleep’. This self that has arisen with Clarisse becomes like a roar and she is resolute in that what she does will help those who need it and will open the eyes to the general public as to what is occurring on the streets to everyday normal people who had never done anything wrong except to be a Jew.

The title of Fire is given to Clarisse by a man she meets who takes her to an underground club/bar and this word couldn’t be more apt for her. For as the story progress she burns bright and fierce and the intensity of her flame increases with each turn of the page.The man she meets - Louis, although she gives him the title of The Peacock, is nothing like anyone that she has encountered before. He is a member of the Zazous- a group of people who defy conventions. They love swing music and are free to dress in flamboyant and colourful outfits and do as they please. The Peacock is a fabulous symbol of colour and flair which is in stark contrast to the events unfolding in the homes and streets of Paris. Clarisse is instantly drawn to him and treasures his irrepressible spirit and words of wisdom. There is an instant attraction between the pair – ‘The peacock was like a ray of sunshine in human form and a welcome contrast to the darkness I could feel gathering all around’. Louis gives Clarisse the space and freedom to be, unlike Pierre and they admit they have feelings for one another. You just wish that they could be free to be together in normal circumstances without death, terrorism and suppression raging all around them.

Hitler is ‘stamping out imagination and hope and replacing them with cruelty and despair’. But the Peacock and his friends are determined that this will not continue and so Clarisse joins forces with the Resistance and will use her photographs to highlight what is going on and any information she gathers can be used by the underground momvement to aid them in their plots. Raymond is the man within the group who sends Clarisse on dangerous missions and at times I thought she was just so reckless and wasn’t wary enough with what she was doing or where she was venturing. That at any time she risked exposure and if she was caught then that was the end of her actions to help others. But I suppose this was all new to her as it was to so many others and she was finding her footing and she did become more conscious as she was provided with further tasks.

Joseph, Lillie and Natalia provide three sub stories within the main plot. I won’t go into any details but to say I loved how this was woven into the story and for the inspiration and courage it provided Clarisse with would be an understatement. There were so many little connections and meanings to be found from these characters and they gelled so well with the overall themes being explored and made Clarisse more aware of herself and her actions and motivations. Reuniting Lillie with her locket is what spurs Clarisse on through the most challenging of times. ’We were living in the middle of a nightmare that no one was waking from’. This nightmare only intensifies when Louis is arrested as things only go from bad to worse. Has Clarisse the strength to continue on with her work and rid France of the imposters who have taken over and reign with such abject fear and cruelty?

Throughout the story there are chapters dotted here and there from Paris in 1985. Initially, I thought I was so smug that I knew why they were there and what their purpose was serving. But boy I couldn’t have been more wrong and that twist that came, well I had to reread a line several times just to make sure I was reading things right because in my head I had it figured out and then with one word everything was turned on its head. It definitely put a new slant on things and in equal measure was heart-breaking and heart-warming but I loved how it slotted into the book as a whole. I was hoping for a certain conclusion but I got something surprisingly different. Was I disappointed? Admittedly I was but just for a minute or two until I realised it couldn’t have been any other way. The Secret Photograph is the second book published by Siobhan Curham this year. The Storyteller of Auschwitz was astounding and it was going to be an impossible job in my eyes to follow it up. The Secret Photograph doesn’t eclipse its predecessor but none the less it was a remarkable, inspiring and informative read.

Pictures can capture so much, especially things the average,person is not meant to see.
Clarissa, after leaving her insufferable husband, becomes involved in the French resistance and snaps photos of what’s really happening to the people being rounded up.
It’s a wrenching emotional read that will send chills through you and make you wish you could erase those Images from your mind.
It offers a different angle to historical fiction to a story that has been told many times but now it’s from the prism of a camera lens.

This is a powerful & poignant novel about the historical events in Paris during WWII. “A picture is worth a thousand words” is central to this story. It’s so emotive & heartbreaking, then heartwarming. It is beautifully written with such depth & description. The ending is wonderful. I highly recommend this book.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley & Bookouture. I am writing an honest voluntary review

Paris, 1942 the Nazis take over the streets of Paris, and there is chaos everywhere. Clarissa is a fashion photographer from America, living in Paris and knows the dangers in the city. She wants to help as many people as she possibly can. When she meets resistance fighter Louis, he introduces her to an underground network. They risk their lives everyday to end the occupation. Clarissa begins taking photos to gather evidence of the horrible crimes that are being committed. She takes pictures of the Jewish people including the children that are being captured and transported to horrible places. When Clarisse snaps a picture and captures the face of a terrified little girl, she knows she has to save the girl no matter what the risk.

The Secret Photograph written by author Siobhan Curham was a heartbreaking and gripping historical fiction. Curham does an amazing job of incorporating facts into her fictional stories, and that makes them even more heartbreaking. The unthinkable is true. This story had me in tears many times. This timeslip novel is one that I will not forget anytime soon. I enjoyed it from cover to cover and I could not stop reading from the moment I started. This unputdownable story is an absolute must read for historical fiction fans. Keep the Kleenex box nearby because you will surely need it. I wish I could give ten stars to this phenomenal story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I highly recommend it.

A deeply moving WWII novel, and one that will stick with me for a long time.
I got sucked into the plot immediately, and I didn't want to put it down. It is poignant and heartbreaking, and a true triumph of a novel. Highly recommend!