Paris in Ruins by M.K. Tod Book Review - Blog Tour - Giveaway (US only)

Publication Date: March 30, 2021
Publisher: Heath Street Publishing
Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis

Paris 1870. Raised for a life of parties and servants, Camille and Mariele have much in common, but it takes the horrors of war to bring them together to fight for the city and people they love.

A few weeks after the abdication of Napoleon III, the Prussian army lays siege to Paris. Camille Noisette, the daughter of a wealthy family, volunteers to nurse wounded soldiers and agrees to spy on a group of radicals plotting to overthrow the French government. Her future sister-in-law, Mariele de Crécy, is appalled by the gaps between rich and poor. She volunteers to look after destitute children whose families can barely afford to eat.

Somehow, Camille and Mariele must find the courage and strength to endure months of devastating siege, bloody civil war, and great personal risk. Through it all, an unexpected friendship grows between the two women, as they face the destruction of Paris and discover that in war women have as much to fight for as men.

War has a way of teaching lessons—if only Camille and Mariele can survive long enough to learn them.

My Thoughts

Set during the Franco-Prussian War, Paris in Ruins covers the months the city was besieged by the Prussians and then when the Paris Commune, a revolutionary socialist group, were briefly in control. The story follows two families, the Noisettes and the de Crécys, through the activities of their daughters, Camille and Mariele respectively.

Although they come from similar backgrounds and Mariele is also Camille's brother's fiancée, the two young women do not know each other that well. Mariele thinks Camille is bold, intimidating and frivolous, while Camille considers Mariele timid. Both are determined to help their beloved and beleaguered city any way they can. Camille becomes a nurse and also gathers information on a group of radicals; Mariele helps to look after children from poor families who often go without food.

M.K. Tod's latest release successfully describes a city under siege with all the privations one would expect. She also brings into focus the social divide, which Mariele questions and in her own way does something about. Camille, too, sees the injustices around her and while she supports some of the radicals' views, she does not condone their methods.

I usually read novels set in Paris during World War II, so was instantly intrigued by this one set during the Franco-Prussian War. My knowledge of this period in French history is virtually non-existent, so I found this novel not only entertaining but informative as well.

Paris in Ruins is a great read and one I'm happy to recommend.



Where to Purchase

Amazon | B&N | Google Play | Kobo

Meet the Author

Paris In Ruins is M.K. Tod’s fourth novel. Mary began writing in 2005 while living as an expat in Hong Kong. What started as an interest in her grandparents’ lives turned into a full-time occupation writing historical fiction. Her other novels are Time and Regret, Lies Told in Silence, and Unravelled. Beyond writing novels, Mary’s award-winning blog, www.awriterofhistory.com features the reading and writing of historical fiction. When she’s not writing, or thinking about writing, you can find her hiking, golfing, traveling, or hanging out with friends and family. Mary is married and has two adult children and two delightful grandchildren.
For more information visit M.K. Tod's website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, March 30
Guest Post at Novels Alive

Wednesday, March 31
Review at Passages to the Past

Thursday, April 1
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Friday, April 2
Excerpt at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Sunday, April 4
Review at Carole's Ramblings

Monday, April 5
Review at Madwoman in the Attic

Tuesday, April 6
Excerpt at Reading is My Remedy

Wednesday, April 7
Review at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Thursday, April 8
Feature at Mia Reads

Friday, April 9
Review at Bibliostatic

Saturday, April 10
Review at Girl Who Reads

Monday, April 12
Review at Reader_ceygo

Tuesday, April 13
Interview at Reader_ceygo

Wednesday, April 14
Review at 100 Pages a Day
Excerpt at Wishful Endings

Thursday, April 15
Review at Unabridged Chick
Review at Books, Writings, and More

Friday, April 16
Interview at Unabridged Chick

Monday, April 19
Excerpt at Bookworlder

Tuesday, April 20
Review at A Darn Good Read
Review at The Enchanted Shelf
Review at Library of Clean Reads
Review at With a Book in Our Hands

Giveaway (US ony)

We have one paperback copy of Paris in Ruins up for grabs!
The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on April 20th. You must be 18 or older to enter. Enter HERE.