The Paris Deception

Content warnings: antisemitism, war, Nazis, death of a spouse and parent, murder

Artist Fabienne and art restorer Sophie concoct a scheme to save modern art from the Nazis during WWII.

Sophie Brandt is a German posing as Swiss during World War II in German-occupied Paris. Sophie and her brother fled Germany as the Nazis were coming into power, and Sophie must keep her secret from the Nazis occupying Paris. Her work as an art restorer brings her into constant contact with the Nazis working in the Jeu de Paume. Seeing an entire room of so-called "degenerate art" that the Nazis will eventually destroy, Sophie hatches a plan to replace the works with forgeries.

Fabienne is a talented artist who left her country life for Paris at a young age. Sophie enlists Fabienne's help to forge the works of art and switches them. Fabienne takes the original paintings to her parents' home in the country for safekeeping, but her parents are hiding an even bigger secret than the stolen artwork.

Sophie and Fabienne's story is a powerful examination of non-traditional roles women could take to resist the Nazis during World War II. Highly recommended for WWII fiction readers and art enthusiasts who enjoy novels.

Bryn Turnbull holds degrees in Creative Writing, Professional Communication, and English Literature. She lives in Toronto.

Publisher: MIRA

Length: 448 pages

Release Date: May 30, 2023

Representation: lesbian main character, gay side character

I received an electronic galley copy of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.