What a fascinating examination of a world at war and a marriage in crisis! Within the luxurious and glittering Paris Ritz Hotel, Claude and Blanche Auzello navigate a turbulent relationship fueled by cultural differences of their countries. She is American. He is French. The hotel, known for hosting the rich and famous such as Coco Chanel, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and others, the Ritz was a place to be. When the Germans enter Paris to occupy its finest hotels, their beloved Ritz is no longer safe. The two have secrets, live secret lives, and tread a line to keep the "guests" happy and their staff alive.
This book opens as Blanche and Claude meet. The reader gets to know the issues in their marriage through each character's inner thoughts, motivations and clandestine activities. Some reader may find the beginning slow, but I actually enjoyed its pace. The author took time to introduce each character and discuss their marital issues in each characterâs view. Each had misconceptions about the other and unable to communicate which affected them throughout their marriage, especially during a period of great danger. They loved each other, but did they really know each other?
Inspired by the real-life couple and the use of the Ritz during the invasion by the Nazi's during the war, it is largely a fictional portrayal of their lives. Even though little is know about the couple that these characters are based on, the contribution to the Ritz and the war effort have been documented along within the frame of the couple's marriage.
This book opens as Blanche and Claude meet. The reader gets to know the issues in their marriage through each character's inner thoughts, motivations and clandestine activities. Some reader may find the beginning slow, but I actually enjoyed its pace. The author took time to introduce each character and discuss their marital issues in each characterâs view. Each had misconceptions about the other and unable to communicate which affected them throughout their marriage, especially during a period of great danger. They loved each other, but did they really know each other?
Inspired by the real-life couple and the use of the Ritz during the invasion by the Nazi's during the war, it is largely a fictional portrayal of their lives. Even though little is know about the couple that these characters are based on, the contribution to the Ritz and the war effort have been documented along within the frame of the couple's marriage.
