A novel inspired by WWII history, starring British women, set in Paris.

I could not get my hands on this book fast enough.

After seeing it recommended by my local bookshop – Roundabout Books – and then in a matter of 12 hours listening to an interview with the author Pam Jenoff on NPR with Scott Simon, I was intrigued and wanted to learn more about this little shared part of WWII history and the women who risked their lives.

The Lost Girls of Paris was released this past week and is written by bestselling author Pam Jenoff, who is also a former U.S. foreign service officer who has worked at the Pentagon and State Department.  A story about a group of British female spies sent to France during World War II, the novel begins with character Grace Healey in New York City at Grand Central Station in 1946 when she stumbles over an abandoned suitcase. Finding dozens of photographs of different women, the name of Trigg is engraved on the suitcase, and it is her story that is told in The Lost Girls of Paris.

A hero’s tale focused on British women who had served in Special Operations Executive, deployed behind enemy lines to engage in sabotage and subversion. Trigg is inspired directly by one real-life woman who lived through this experience, Vera Atkins which Jenoff speaks about in her interview with Simon (click here to read or listen).

I must admit, when I read, I do prefer that I learn something about the world as either it is or was. And while I often look to nonfiction, if a book of fiction brings forth more knowledge and understanding about the world, especially aspects that already immediately have my interest, I am eager to read it, and such is the case with The Lost Girls of Paris. So much so, I could not wait for Friday’s This & That, and also wanted to give it its own full post. Perhaps this book has captured your attention as well, and if so, wishing you happy reading in the coming days and weeks.