It’s been awhile since I have been able to recommend new WWII fiction, but I just finished and enjoyed this new book by Kristin Harmel: The Room on Rue Amélie.

I have read A LOT of WWII historical fiction and keep a running list of the books in that genre that I recommend. 

For better or worse depending on what type of books you prefer, Harmel’s new book is lighter reading than many of those in my list referenced above; it reads more like a romance, but its plot and themes are deeper being set in a turbulent and horrific time.

This book’s locational setting is mostly occupied Paris, where Ruby, an American expat there by marriage, helps with the resistance movement. While doing her part for the cause, she becomes entwined with a young Jewish girl and a RAF pilot. These three perspectives combine for a overall interesting and touching story.

Two recurring themes I always come across in this type of literature are 1) finding the good in the evil:

“In every place evil dwelled, good could also be found. It was a truth that kept the world moving forward, through all the wars, through all the terrible machinations of mankind.”

And 2) family is about more than blood especially in turbulent times.

At this point, I have read so much in this genre I am probably hard to impress. And though this book does not touch some of my favorites, it surprised me in several ways and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

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