The book sounded great from the blurb but I failed to enjoy it and at times felt like giving up . I did however stick with it but I was glad to finish it

The story of a young woman falling in love for the first time. The story of a young woman recognizing something "higher", some meaning in life worth fighting for. The story of love and tragedy.
The story of mother. The story of daughter.

Fay Knox is coming to Paris in hope for the professional success as a violinist. Also to solve the mysterious words of her mother about the past. And this week will give her much more, as she will finally know her true story.

I quite liked this dramatic novel - dramatic in the meaning of succeeding to describe the suffering of Paris and its inhabitants during the Nazi occupation. The authoress had done wonderful work here. O could feel their suffering, the suffering of fast dehumanization of society, on my own skin. I have never thought of these dark memories hidden under the pretty cover of the City of Light, but I know now that they must be there.
The story of Kitty and Gene is simply touching and beautiful. As is the every story of heroes during the hard times. I commend Gene's courage - and O need to take notes!

Unfortunately, the story of adult Fay is not that catching (or it would be more stars given to this book in my review). Her own love story and the "modern" political upheavals are just not that interesting to me, I am sorry to say. The old drama is much more touching.

Still, I have enjoyed this book and got immersed into it, which does not happen every time for me!

And let me write two personal notes. First: thanks for the kind mentions of my (former, as it is not existing nowadays) country - Czechoslovakia and its sad betrayal by the Munich Agreement.
Second: I have been glad to find that the Catholic nuns and priests (the characters in this novel) were presented in kind, positive manner. This is not always the case nowadays. But their help and courage in these sad times should not be forgotten.