Review: "The Paris Architect" by Charles Belfoure

Charles Belfoure has written an action packed novel based on the German occupation of France during World War II. It centers on Lucien Bernard, a gifted architect who is short on money and work. He is offered a commission to design an ingenious hiding place for a Jewish couple trying to escape the Third Reich. The fee for taking this will enable Lucien to buy much needed food on the black market, it also means certain death if he is discovered. At first he wants nothing to do with this job, but if he doesn’t accept this, he also will not get the commission to design a factory for aircraft works. Greed wins out and he takes the commission. More and more work of both varieties come his way. He loves the challenge of designing the hiding places and it is a matter of pride to be able to outsmart the Nazis but he feels nothing for the Jews he is aiding. Then an unfortunate accident occurs and he realizes that they don’t deserve to be treated this way. He is shaken to his moral fiber and begins to work anew to help.

I enjoyed this book. The story line is well thought out and builds in suspense. In the beginning, the main character is not someone that is likable but he is developed into someone who is admirable but also remains human. The author’s writing about the brutality of the Nazi regime is believable but not so shocking that you don’t want to finish the story. There is plenty of suspense and intrigue and you will want to keep reading until the last page. The story will also give you pause to examine what you would do if faced with a similar situation.

Grab a nice comfortable chair, a blanket and this book and settle in for an emotional