How a certain perception can be wrong.
Synopsis
Two women. One heartbreaking secret.
Paris, 1943.
Sylvie Martone is the star of French cinema, and adored by fans. But as Nazi officers swarm the streets of Paris, she is spotted arm in arm with an SS Officer and her fellow Parisians begin to turn against her.
However Sylvie has a secret – one she must protect with her life.
Paris, 2020.
Juliana Chastain doesn’t know anything about her family history. While her mother was alive she remained very secretive about her past.
So when Juliana discovers a photograph of a glamorous French actress from World War Two amongst her mother’s possessions, she is in shock to find herself looking at her grandmother – especailly as she is arm in arm with a Nazi Officer…
Desperate for answers, Juliana is determined to trace the journey of her grandmother. Surely there is more to the photograph than meets the eye?
But as she delves into Sylvie’s past, nothing can prepare Juliane for the tales of secrets, betrayal and sacrifice which she will uncover.
A heart-wrenching story of love and war, perfect for fans of Pam Jenoff and Suzanne Goldring.
My review
When Juliana Chastain is clearing up her mother’s belongings, she finds a picture of a glamourous French actress. The picture is obviously taken during World War Two. Juliana is shocked when she discovers that the woman in the picture is her grandmother, the famous Sylvie Martone. And what shocks Juliana even more, is that Sylvia is arm in arm with a Nazi Officer.
Juliana is determined to find out if her grandmother was really sympathizing with the Germans. The more she learns from her grandmother’s past, the more it’s obvious that there is more to Sylvie than thought.
Even without World War Two, Sylvie’s story is a heart-breaking one. She always dreamed of becoming a actress, but the path towards becoming a famous and admired one, is not an easy one. I felt sorry for her for everything she went through.
And the way she was treated by those who should protect her, was truly despicable.
And when during the War the Nazi’s take a liking on her, she goes from a beloved actress to a despised by the people.
Of course people are always ready to judge someone else, without knowing the truth. Because the truth is very different than what we see.
What this story shows us that there is always more to story than what we think. They way someone acts is not always the way someone truly is.
I admired also Juliana determination to find out the truth. She senses that there is more to her grandmother, who she never knew. She does not stop when it becomes difficult. And yes, it was funny to read how the Sisters in the convent are helping her. I assure you, not all Sisters are what you think!
Yet I had sometimes the feeling of missing some bits. I think that for some situations it would have better to be giving more details to understand it better. And on other moments I had the feeling that the solution was found too easy, too accidental.
But overall I found this a nice read, with two timelines about two total different people. And it shows the courage of people during terrible times. And there is more to a story than we think.



























