Review of 'The Girl From Paris' by Ella Carey.
Novel due out January 4th, 2022
What an inspiring, moving story by Ella Carey! This was the first novel I have read by this author but I can see why her books are popular. I became quickly enthralled by The Girl From Paris from the opening page (Daughter of New York Book 3). Historical fiction is my favourite genre where strong female leads overcome the odds of the time. I also enjoy stories that include women fashion designers and their challenges and triumphs. This novel had all of these elements and more! It was filled with many surprises and numerous unexpected twists!
It is obvious Ms. Carey is a master of her genre and is passionate about France and its magnificent culture. With her apt descriptions, I was creatively transported to Paris and could visualise its beauty and wonder but also the trauma and losses of those present during the first World War. The story, though, does not remain here: it extends across the ocean to New York. With fashion as part of this novel’s fabric, it is not so unusual that aspiring talented Vianne, a seamstress from Paris, pursues her greatest dreams on freer shores.
The majority of the story is focused on Vianne, the centre star but others share the edges of her spotlight. Points of view from a few other key figures add significance to an already fascinating plot. Sometimes the characters’ actions affect Vianne—driving her in directions she may not have gone otherwise. At times a negative action brings about a positive reaction. Out of the ashes of war, beauty rises. Healing comes, too, in the wake of Vianne’s selfless acts. Her concern for others brings out the best in associate characters. Like the sun on the earth, her presence makes things grow. Her brilliant talent reflects in a way that brings other minor roles out into the light. We receive more information about these characters through their own words but we also see how much Vianne plays a part in their lives. The story is complex in many ways with layers that carefully unfold like a flower to reveal an illuminating lustrous whole.
Ms. Carey’s writing style made me feel very much a part of the story and sympathetic to Vianne. I came to love and appreciate this strong yet tender character. I felt her deepest losses (her family) when she was forced to leave her home in Paris but then rejoiced with each accomplishment she achieved on her personal journey. Through all the drama, she did not lose sight of her dreams to become a fashion designer. I particularly enjoyed reading about her beautiful designs: the sparkle and glamour of exquisite clothes that transform women. My heart also ached at the challenges of the past and how hard it was to be an independent woman with a career. So Vianne’s successes held an even sweeter element of victory.
Another admirable characteristic of Vianne is that she never puts her passion to design ahead of those she loves. She is faithful, caring, giving and never haughty or proud. Everything good that her parents taught her comes through in her actions. Her good deeds do not go unnoticed and her own strength fuels others to pick up the slack; freeing her to become the shining star she is meant to be. Of course, not without great challenges or obstacles.
The author has done her research well and utilised some critical events and important people from the past. Some of the inspiration is heart-breaking. Such as the betrayal of Edith Cavell, matron of nurses, (part of a secret underground network behind enemy lines) who helped English solders return safely home to England during the first World War. Also, the shell of the Paris Gun designed by Professor Fritz Rausenberger that hit the Saint-Gerais church causing the roof to collapse and kill eight-five worshipers during a Good Friday service. On the brighter side, figures like Emilie Grigsby seen as one of the most beautiful women in the world and vaudeville entertainer Josephine Baker who appeared in Vogue, both from lowly beginnings, achieved widespread fame yet remained forever generous and caring women to others.
I have not written much about the story’s plot for the joy is in allowing readers to experience this captivating tale for themselves. I will only say that after great personal loss Vianne leaves Paris with a heavy heart and heads to New York. Delightful surprise meetings of key figures set her life in motion from the moment she steps foot on the ship and off.
I urge everyone who loves stunning visual historical fiction to read this novel as your heart will take a journey from heartbreak to the heights of glory, to shock, surprise and then to hard earned happiness. Pick up a copy and fall under the spell of this enchanting story! I give The Girl From Paris a sparkling 5 stars.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a copy to review.
