Paris Underground is the book historical fiction authors should read first when researching notable of women in World War II. This is a powerfully emotional account of two 50-something women, Etta Shiber and Kate "Kitty" Bonnefous, who proved the many strengths of women, especially during wartime in occupied Paris.

These two unsuspecting "gray haired elderly ladies" risk their lives to help English and French men escape from the Gestapo. Kate actually does all of the planning, legwork, and making of connections while Etta is her faithful friend and companion who is to0 anxiety-filled to take a more active role. There are many characters in this book: family, soldiers, British and French escapees, and of course members of the Gestapo.

While at time the book gets to be a little slow, it is followed by harrowing is tales of the risks Kate and Etta took to help repatriate soldiers. It unknown exactly how many they helped, as is common in retelling of accounts things get exaggerated, but we do know that at least twenty men escaped and survived because of the bravery of "two old unsuspecting" women.

Kate and Etta are eventually caught by the Gestapo and imprisoned (we know this from the beginning of the book). The accounts a "martial rape" and brutality are extremely disturbing, especially because these accounts are first hand, not fiction.

Everyone should read at least one book like this, lest we forget the heinous crimes, brutality, torture, and deaths that occur during war, which all could be prevented.

Paris Undercover

A Wartime Story of Courage, Friendship, and Betrayal

By: Matthew Goodman

Publish Date: February 4, 2025

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine/Ballantine Books

History

#ParisUndercover#NetGalley

200 Book ReviewsProfessional Reader

I would like to thank both NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine/Ballantine Books for allowing me to read and review this book. All thoughts are my own.

Book Review:

I gave this book 3 stars. I feel bad about this rating because it is a piece of history I didn’t know about. This book had a lot of information, and it just didn’t flow right and at times it was hard to get through.

This book is about two women during the 2nd world war, and they created an escape route for Allied servicemen. I liked how he went into each of their background and their back story. I liked the friendship of both women. Even though they were opposites they still enjoyed being together and doing things.

Etta was a nervous lady who lost both her husband and her cousin in America. She met Kitty in Paris when she visited several times with her husband. She also had no clue how to take care of herself because her husband took care of everything.

Kitty is an outgoing person who has been married a couple of times and had one son. She owned a business where she met Etta. Just before Etta’s husband passed away, she promised him that she would look after her for him.

Etta moved in with Kitty before the war began. They traveled and had fun and owned three dogs which went with everywhere. When the war broke out Etta could have gone back to America, but she didn’t want to leave Kitty. Since America hadn’t joined the war, she figured she was safe.

Kitty tried to get Etta to leave and head back home because she knew that Etta had a Jewish background. Still Etta refused. Soon Paris is taken over by the Germans and that is where the story of this book is about.

The author did a lot of research and with help from other people; you can tell he really got into the history of it. I just wish he told the story in a more exciting way so that it didn’t feel like a history book. It is a story that needed to be told because we don’t always hear about the civilians who made a difference in this terrible war.

I would recommend this book with the warning it is slow going and there is a lot of violence. You would think that they would go light on the females, oh no they were just as mean with the women as the men.

Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley

I have said more than once, we need more productions that showcase what women and people of color did during World War II. In some ways, the story of Etta Shiber and Kate Bonnefous seems ideal for a streaming series.
Goodman’s book isn’t so much a biography of the women, but a look at what they did during the Second World War and the fallout from Shiber’s account of the work, an account that was published while Bonnefous was still imprisoned by the Nazis.
Shiber was American, and Bonnefous was an English woman who married a Frenchman. Prior to the war and after the death of Shiber’s husband, the two women lived together with their dogs in a Paris apartment. Once the Germans invaded, they fled and then returned. It was during Occupation that the two women decided to help British soldiers escape the death.
Though according to Goodman, it seems that Kate Bonnefous decided she would work to aid her countrymen, and Shiber went along with it. To be fair, Shiber had to a bit more to risk considering that she was also Jewish, though secular. But the driving force does seem to be Bonnefous. The two women do manager to aid a few soldiers before their discovery and arrest by the Nazis. Shiber was arrested in Paris before Bonnefous. Her status as an American does give her a bit of edge because she is eventually released for health reasons and allowed to return to the States. It is there that she writes an account of the work she and Bonnefous did. The problem was that the book was published while Bonnefous was still under arrested, making her more at risk to not only abuse but to be executed. The book was still published in both the US and Britian even after Bonnefous’s brother, worried about his sister, objected.
There are parts of the book that are extremely interesting – the escapes that Bonnefous arranges (sometimes with the help and funding of/from US officials), the discussion about the crafting of Shiber’s book and its accuracy – the two women still seem distance. This isn’t so much Goodman’s fault, more like available sources, but it does stand out. In some ways, the men that helped stand out a bit more, undoubtedly because there are more sources about them. Outside of Shiber’s book and what Bonnefous told family, there is no source that seems to be the voice of the women themselves. This is, strangely, particularly true of Shiber as Bonnefous comes across as the more interesting and active woman.
At times, there does feel like there should have been a bit more analysis, especially in regards to why Shiber wrote the book and whether or not it was strictly a money grab (and as she had little money, can you really blame her?).
Still the story is worth knowing and is ripe for adaption.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Random House Publishing Group, for this incredible book.

I love reading historical books from WW II , but this one was so different.

These two women Etta and Kitty are real heros. They were amazing, brave women whose story needs to be told over and over.

The book was incredible and I highly recommend.

This was a hard book to read because as a work of nonfiction it contained so much historical information. It started out slowly with lots of information that seemed extraneous to the overall story of Etta and Kate. But as their story began to take center stage it became more interesting, although at times it was still slow going. The second half of the book picked up with Kate’s story after Etta returned to the United States. I was appalled when Etta was tricked into allowing her memoirs to be published when unbeknownst to her the ghostwritten and overly sensationalized version ending up hurting the very person it intended to help. This well researched story is a welcome addition to World War II literature. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was so interesting. I became burnt out reading fiction about WWI and WWII. I thought I would try some non-fiction about two amazing women in France during WWII. The book seems to have been very well researched and factual. I enjoyed it so much. It was a definite departure from the many fictional stories, even those based on "true" experiences, that I have read. While reading this book, it felt as if I was getting a true feel about the heroines and life in France after the invasion of Germany. Kudos to the author for the eye opening. I appreciate the opportunity I was given to receive a complimentary digital ARC and give thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley. This review is my own opinion and not coerced in any way.

I expected PARIS UNDERCOVER by Matthew Goodman to be an interesting historical novel, but it was so much more. This book was a fact-based, riveting read about a pair of remarkable, middle-aged women roused from their comfortable lives to risk everything to save Allied soldiers in WWII Paris. Ultimately captured by the Nazis and imprisoned, they then live very different fates: Etta, the American, is freed during a prisoner exchange, returns to the US and writes a best-selling memoir during which she highlights the exploits and accomplishments of her flatmate Kitty who suffers under captivity for the rest of the war, receiving markedly worse treatment due to her notoriety as a resister, but never told the reason why. This book could make for deep discussions for book clubs -- and was well-written with an excellent pace and just the right amount of atmosphere. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

I'll be honest. I accepted an advanced read of this book thinking I was reviewing a fictional novel. What I got was so much better. Thank you Matthew Goodman for bringing these two women to life.

During the early days of Nazi occupation, Etta Shiber and Kitty Bonnefaus, two middle-aged women living in Paris, run an escape line out of their apartment. Eventually they are arrested, tried and convicted to life in prison. If the book had focused solely on their adventures, I would have been satisfied. Their story is amazing.

But what these women accomplished in Paris is only part of the story. The real drama takes place after Etta is released and writes a memoir. I don't want to spoil anything, so let's say thatthere was a lot of greed, deceit, and betrayal involved in getting Etta's book to market.

What I loved best about this story - besides the unpredictable twists the story took - was how Goodman fleshed out Etta and Kitty. Especially Etta. He does a marvelous job of painting a nervous, insecure woman who is easily led by stronger personalities. Because of his deft portrayal, the reader is able to feel sympathy - perhaps pity is a better word - for her as she sells out her friend.

All and all, this was a wonderful read. Anyone interested in WW2 should read it. I received an advanced copy of this title in exchange for this honest review. Thank You Netgalley.

Matthew Goodman obviously did a lot of research, but I’m not sure it should show so much. Neither Kate nor Etta truly came alive for me, although I did learn some things. Did you know the French used blue lights during the blackout and covered the windows in blue paint?

In researching the true story about two women helping to create an escape line in WWII occupied Paris, the author discovers some startling facts. Kate Bonnefous is a courageous heroine who somehow survives her captivity. But who is her friend Etta Shiber, really? And did what she do after her imprisonment ended betray and endanger her friend? Compelling read.

I love a great WW 2 historical fiction, but this was so much more , as it tells the true story. This book moves away from the HF genre and goes right to the facts. Goodman introduces us to Kitty Bonnefous and Etta Shiber, two women who helped men escape from the Nazis in Paris. Shiber is a widow and moves from New York to Paris, and Bonnefous. a French woman, is separated from her husband, when they meet.
This book is told from the point of view of the two women , both in their 60's, describing their efforts to help soldiers escape occupied France during the war. Their secret missions were dangerous, scary and horrifying. It was all very real. Their bravery was unbelievable. They were both arrested, in jail and the descriptions of those times were heartbreaking.
The book then follows the story of Shiber's memoir that she writes later and the questions surrounding where is Bonnefous?
The research that went into this book is amazing. Knowing that this is the story of these two brave, heroic women, is unimaginable.

3 1/2 rounded up to 4 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC .

I love it when I read a op and I learn something. This is based on the true story of Etta Shriber, an American Jew who was the first American woman to be imprisoned by the Nazis in Paris during WWil. Etta and Kate (Kitty) Bonnefous, a British woman, were flat mates in Paris. These ladies teamed up to get Allied servicemen out of Nazi holding camps.
These women were true heroes. If you like historical fiction, this book is for you!.

Paris Undercover is a remarkable book, so riveting I couldn’t put it down. It begins describing the history and friendship of two fairly unremarkable middle-aged women who decide after many life changes for each of them to share an apartment in Paris. With World War II soon raging around them, they begin to volunteer in different ways to support the resistance to the Nazis and Germany. What was so recently just an entertaining, social existence becomes deadly serious and dangerous. Among other things, Etta and Kate are heavily involved in helping to rescue British and French soldiers trapped behind enemy lines. Suddenly these two ordinary older women become strong, brave and daring freedom fighters.

Unfortunately, they are eventually captured by the Gestapo and put in prison. Etta returns to the United States after eighteen months in a prisoner exchange. Whenever anyone calls her a heroine, she redirects that admiration and declares Kate is the real heroine. She admires Kate; so far so good.

Etta publishes a memoir hoping to bring attention to Kate’s achievements, and it is at this point that this reader’s estimation of Etta starts to go down, because bring attention to Kate she does. And not in a good way. Kate is kept in prison for the rest of the war and knows nothing about this memoir, but it’s a bestseller and certainly the Germans become aware of it very quickly. The memoir is full of fabrications but also contains enough information about Kate that her identity is obvious and she suffers the consequences without having any idea what has suddenly prompted even worse than normal prison treatment; she is tortured in ways that are hard to even read about.

Even if Etta wanted to highlight Kate’s activity to give her credit she felt Kate was due, surely she was smart enough after her own wartime experiences – and time spent in prison – to have realized what would happen to Kate. Etta enjoys the success of a memoir, a movie and a peaceful life in the United States while Kate’s life is ruined. As you can tell from my review, Paris Undercover is a book that causes strong opinions and emotion. It’s fascinating reading both about the war in general and Kate and Etta’s activities in particular.

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group for providing an advance copy of Paris Undercover via NetGalley. It was an amazing read. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

Paris Undercover by Matthew Goodman

Based on the true story of Etta Shriber, an American Jew who was the first American woman to be imprisoned by the Nazis in Paris during WWII, this interesting account will hold your attention. Etta and Kate (Kitty) Bonnefous, a British woman, were flat mates in Paris. They began getting allied servicemen out of Nazi holding camps and created an escape route to freedom for these heroes.

It took much planning and cunning on their part, and while Kitty was the puppeteer, Etta also played a role in the freedom of many young men. It took a lot of secrecy, nerves of steel and many players to free these escapees.

Part II of the book relates how Etta’s story gets written, how much was truth or fiction, exaggerated or authentic. The reader is left to make that determination based on many who knew Etta or knew the others involved in her adventure. It is a worthwhile read if this is your genre. Four stars.

Paris Undercover by Matthew Goodman was a great historical fiction read and it was such an engaging well researched story.
A very interesting and entertaining book about 2 women in WWII.
The writing was so well done. I was glued to my Kindle.

Paris Undercover- A Wartime Story of Courage, Friendship, and Betrayal
By Matthew Goodman
Publication date: Feb 4, 2025

If you love the little-known facts about WWII and undercovering new stories about real life, strong women; grab your copy of Paris Undercover- A Wartime Story of Courage, Friendship, and Betrayal.

Kate (Kitty) Bonnefous was a woman of immense courage who risked her freedom and well-being to save others during a time of great evil in this world. Her loyalty and sacrifice are celebrated in this meticulously researched non-fiction book by Matthew Goodman.

Not only did Kitty offer haven for many British and US soldiers and aided in their escape from occupied France; she also was the bearer and distributor of key intelligence that saved many more.

During the war, Kitty was imprisoned with no knowledge of her on-going status. After the war, she was honored by three countries.

Learn more about Kitty’s heroism and how the betrayal from a dear friend led to her being twice sentenced to death and tortured at the hands of Nazi soldiers.

I loved reading about all sides of this true story. I felt for the women: Poor Etta was a victim of unscrupulous agents all because of her need to survive after her own brutal imprisonment. Kitty survived against all odds. Some friendships were lost and others gained.

Available now! Four Stars!

Net Galley and Ballatine Books have provided me with an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is a long read but very engaging.
Based on a true story of a British woman and an American woman living together in Paris when WWII reaches France.
The women are opposite in personality.
During the very early days of the war, Kitty sets about to help captured British soldiers escape France and form a safe route to travel.
Both women are arrested by the Gestapo and endure horrific treatment.
But when the American comes home part way through the war, broke, she makes a book deal that will endanger those still under German rule.
While every person who fought against the Nazis is a hero, the author of Paris Underground is really only the tip of the iceberg.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

Paris Undercover: A Wartime Story of Courage, Friendship, and Betrayal by Matthew Goodman is a compelling and meticulously researched narrative that delves into a daring wartime mission filled with unexpected twists and turns. This gripping tale unravels the complexities and challenges faced by the brave individuals involved, revealing a story that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Paris Undercover is a remarkable feat of historical investigation that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end, offering a unique perspective on the realities of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

What an interesting topic for a book. The story involves two friends , Kate Bonnefeus and Etta Shiber, who are living in Paris during the German occupation of WWII. Although middle-aged and seemingly provincial Red Cross volunteers, the two create a way for British soldiers caught in France to escape back to Britain. They are eventually betrayed and caught by the Nazis. Etta is sentenced to prison and Kate receives a death sentence which is ultimately commuted to life imprisonment.

As an American citizen, Etta is eventually released in a prisoner exchange., Once home, she writes a memoir of their experiences, using ghost writers who sensationalize the account, add events that never happened,, and exaggerate Etta,'s involvement. The book became a national sensation,, selected as a Literary Guild Book of the Month and made into a movie. Although Kate's name is thinly disguised, the Nazis figure out her identity. They subsequently subject Kate to excruitating torture and confinement in a concentration camp, where she remains until the war ends.

Goodman 's purpose in writing the book was to set the record straight regarding Kate's suffering and heroism. He definitely accomplishes this purpose as the last third chronicles Kate's imprisonment and life after the war during which she endured significant health problems caused by her imprisonment.

While the writing was clear and informative, there was way, way too much extraneous information. For example, Etta's cousin Otto is described in many pages- but he hears virtually no connection to the heart of the story. Every locale is described in excruciating detail - even the ones where the two women only dropped off a soldier and spent no additional time there. All this detail really slowed the pace of the story.

Goodman did extensive research for this book. Many footnotes and reference lists are included. However, iit seemed like he tried to incorporate every bit of it into the narrative, causing the reader to lose the main thrusts of it. Also, the writing style was very clinical and dry, thus events that could potentially have been tense and exciting were not. Yes, it is nonfiction. However, plenty of nonfiction works use compelling storytelling that engages readers. This book did not.
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This is a very interesting, well-researched, detailed account of two middle-aged women in Paris who aided service men out of Nazi occupied Paris and other parts of France. I found it to be a bit intense but was well-written and unflinching in its veracity. It took a bit of time to read as I couldn’t do too much at one time.

Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and author for this ebook ARC to read. All opinions are my own