Set in 2009 Paris, France, Caroline suffers memory loss after a bike incident. While searching for her past, she discovers letters in her apartment written by Celine from 1943 during German-occupied France. The reader is then taken on a journey to unearth the past of Caroline, and now Celine. Along the way, Caroline becomes romantically involved with a nearby chef, and meanwhile we see Celine’s romantic interests slipping away during the Nazi occupation. Notably, the motif of flowers is kept throughout the story to create an extended metaphor.
For the most part, the first half of this book was average. There were a few moments when it felt like the action was about to begin, yet no major occurrences or activities appear until over halfway. The story takes a considerable twist at around 80% and the story starts to take off, but at that point the book is almost over. I found the very last chapter, a two year follow up of the characters lives, very cliché.
There is little history incorporated into this story. It is not until nearly halfway that any historical aspect, other than simply being set in the past, starts to trickle into the plot. Even still, it is used as a prop rather than an emphasis. Likewise, some ideas and instances that transpire are also romanticized and not completely believable.
While much history is lacking and the overall story is too easy to follow for my taste, I found the mystery behind Caroline’s identity alluring which is what made me keep reading.
Pieces of this story reminded me too much of Sarah’s Key.
I recommend this novel to those who enjoy reading romances set in the past.
Many thanks to Random House Publishing- Ballantine, Sarah Jio, and NetGalley for this advanced read copy in exchange for my honest review.