*****5 Stars*****
**I was provided an ARC of this novel for an honest review and all opinions are my own.
I find it hard to believe that this was a debut novel. Mr. Belfoure has produced a fast paced thriller that not only brought the characters to life, but made me feel their emotions and produced a visceral reaction to what the atmosphere of Paris must have been like in Nazi occupied France during WWII. Life during WWII and the occupation was difficult at best, food was scarce and rationed, neighbor was against neighbor. You did well to stay to yourself and cast suspicion on everyone around you. Life was endured, not enjoyed. The dialog was at times uncomfortable, so hard to believe that people thought and felt that way about a group of people.
This is the story of Lucien, a struggling architect, trying to make a name for himself. This is also the story of inner conflict. When you first meet Lucien, he is really apathetic to the plight of the Jews, and scared to death of the Nazis. He is more concerned with the internal struggle of his wants and needs versus being turned in or caught and tortured and put to death, than what would become of the Jews he is helping to hide. Then, in a twist of fate, he becomes a double agent of sorts, designing factories for the Germans, all the while still helping Jews to hide. What happens is all to real. What happens will make you think. What happens will keep you reading this one through the night.
I give this one *5* stars. I am definitely a fan of Mr. Belfoure, and eagerly anticipate his next novel.
Currently available at Amazon.com: THE PARIS ARCHITECT
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