While Paris Slept: A mother faces a heartbreaking choice in this bestselling story of love and courage in World War 2 cover art

While Paris Slept: A mother faces a heartbreaking choice in this bestselling story of love and courage in World War 2

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While Paris Slept: A mother faces a heartbreaking choice in this bestselling story of love and courage in World War 2

By: Ruth Druart
Narrated by: Luke Thompson, Frazer Hadfield, Heather Long, Jane Collingwood
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About this listen

On a platform in occupied Paris, a mother whispers goodbye.

It is the end.

But also the beginning.

Beautiful. Powerful. Unforgettable. A stunning portrait of the brutality of war and the tenacity of love. In the tradition of Virginia Baily's Early One Morning and M. L. Stedman's The Light Between Oceans.

Paris 1944

A young woman's future is torn away in a heartbeat. Herded on to a train bound for Auschwitz, in an act of desperation she entrusts her most precious possession to a stranger. All she has left now is hope.

Santa Cruz 1953

Jean-Luc thought he had left it all behind. The scar on his face a small price to pay for surviving the horrors of Nazi Occupation. Now, he has a new life in California, a family. He never expected the past to come knocking on his door.

On a darkened platform, two destinies become entangled. Their choice will change the future in ways neither could have imagined.

Beginning on an ordinary day and ending on an extraordinary one, While Paris Slept is an unforgettable listen.

©2021 Ruth Druart (P)2021 Headline Publishing Group Ltd 20th Century Fiction Historical Fiction Heartfelt

Critic Reviews

"What a book.... Emotional and heartrending...absolutely phenomenal. I was on tenterhooks throughout. A wonderful achievement." (Jill Mansell)

"Both epic and intimate, this unexpected story had me completely and utterly enraptured. You'll have your heart in your mouth and tears on your cheeks as it reaches its rich, life-affirming conclusion." (Louise Candlish)

"While Paris Slept made me think and cry and rage and smile at mankind's capacity for both beautiful, selfless love and terrible, heartbreaking cruelty. Prepare to be thoroughly engrossed in this compelling book." (Natasha Lester)
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Beautifully read by Ruth Druart.
A story which will make you smile and shed a tear as you journey with Sarah, David , John Charlotte and Samuel

Beautiful

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This was a truly beautiful story heartbreaking at the same time. Full of love, emotions. with such saddness. . The narrators we excellent as well. IT is abook well.worth a listen. if I could of given higher rating I would of. Found it hard to put down.

Heartbreaking,

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The book was so well written. Moved quickly through the lives of the characters. It was an honest account of the hardships suffered during World War II. A very personal story that evoked so much emotion.

Loved Every Minute

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This book is brilliant. Another untold journey of lives in France during WW11. An aspect I'd never considered. Heart wrenching.

An Incredible Insight

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I really enjoyed this book. It did get a little boring towards the end but wrapped up nicely. The narration of Luke Thompson made the audio experience fantastic. His voice is great to listen to but it’s his French/French accent that really made Jean—Luc Beauchamps come to life.

A beautiful story

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this was challenging and real... such a powerful and compassionate book explaining life and love.

so powerful

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I could not stop listening and literally 'read' it in one day. The plot is superb and the characters well-drawn and lifelike. The narrator is excellent.
I have pre-ordered the next book.

A beautiful story

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One of the best books I've listened to, so sad but what a beautiful ending.

heart wrenching

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I loved this book one of my favourites! Kept me captivated from start to finish! Felt the pain of all the parents involved.

Wow fantastic read!!!

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Considering the upheaval of the times during the second world war, and all the hyenas acts by the Nazis, I imagine such unusual things happened. Desperate measures to save a life of a baby is understandable the reluctance of them rescuers to return the child it’s also understandable. This is a very emotional story that is well told. The narrator is excellent so much emotion in the voice and correct pronunciation French all-round a brilliant story.

Quite an incredible story yet very believable

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