Jaclyn’s Review: The Paris Model by Alexandra Joel

The Paris Model
written by Alexandra Joel
published by Harper Perennial, 2020

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, Target, Book Depository, Goodreads

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Did I enjoy this book? This story had a bit of a slow start for me. The plot jumped around a bit in terms of timeline and geography, so I struggled to figure out who was who and what was actually happening. I read this on vacation, so I had the time to keep reading past my confusion, and I’m so glad that I did. Even if you do not read this story for the actual plot, read it for the descriptions of life in Paris at the turn of the century and the amazing descriptions of the lives of those involved in high fashion. I was entranced by the models (the mannequins) and their unusual lives. This story had many different threads, but they all converged and wrapped up beautifully. Definitely worth the read.

Would I recommend it? I would recommend this book. It was a little confusing at first, but if you keep plunging ahead, the different plots and timelines start to converge and make sense. The overall story is beautiful and fun and glamorous.
 

 

About the book – from Goodreads: Sometimes you have to lose everything to find yourself … A stunning novel of love, betrayal and family secrets for all fans of Fiona McIntosh and Natasha Lester. After a devastating discovery, Grace Woods leaves her vast Australian sheep station and travels to tumultuous post-war Paris in order to find her true identity.

While working as a glamorous mannequin for Christian Dior, the world’s newly acclaimed emperor of fashion, Grace mixes with counts and princesses, authors and artists, diplomats and politicians.

But when Grace falls for handsome Philippe Boyer she doesn’t know that he is leading a double life, nor that his past might inflict devastating consequences upon her. As she is drawn into Philippe’s secret world of international espionage, Grace discovers both the shattering truth of her origins – and that her life is in peril.

Based on a true story, The Paris Model is a tale of glamour, family secrets and heartbreak that takes you from the Australian outback to the exclusive salons of Paris.

 

 
 

* This post contains affiliate links.

** This post first appeared on Every Free Chance Books (everyfreechance.com) on November 16, 2020.