Another brilliant, heartbreaking book by Siobhan Curham, set in World War II Paris. After reading her last book, I prepared myself with plenty of Kleenex before beginning this one...I still ran out.

This begins in 1943 and continues after the end of the war with the story told in two timelines. The heroine, Clarisse, is a photographer who begins taking clandestine photos on the streets as she sees what is happening to French Jews. This story highlights the dilemmas faced by photographers who document atrocities and trauma during historic events. Although painful to witness, these photos produce a visceral reaction in ways that words can't and that makes them vitally important. Clarisse bonds with each horrific photo she takes and carries the memories of those people with her.

This book perfectly conveys the soul-crushing experience of living under Nazi occupation with endless fear and relentless hunger. I felt the hopelessness of the Resistance members as they desperately tried to fight against the overwhelming strength of the German army. I reveled in the joy of the Zazou Parisiennes as they danced to Cab Calloway in outrageous fashion statements and I sobbed at the terror inflicted on innocent Jewish children. Although there are few happy endings for people in this story, it had the most perfect final chapter. Books like this are more important than ever, with anti-Semitism and fascism once more on display. So find a comfortable reading nook with plenty of tissues and read this newest release by Siobhan Curham. I loved it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are my own.