From a Sunday Times-bestselling author comes a heart-stopping countdown narrative of the liberation of Paris in 1944, a pivotal moment in WW2. When the Germans occupied the City of Light, millions mourned as the lamps went out. Four years later, liberation sparked an explosion of joy and relief, marking a celebration attended by all the notable figures of the time. General Charles de Gaulle seized this moment to craft a legendary narrative that would become part of French history. After enduring years of oppression, Parisians rose to reclaim their city, driving out the forces of darkness—at least, that’s how the story is often told. This fresh account of liberation is rich with revelations, capturing those thrilling days filled with suspense, danger, exhilaration, and vengeance through the perspectives of various participants, including Americans, French, and Germans, as well as resisters and collaborators. Notable figures like Ernest Hemingway, J.D. Salinger, and Pablo Picasso are featured alongside lesser-known individuals, such as a medic-turned-Resistance gunwoman and a French bluestocking who saved art treasures from Nazi looters. By delving into the complexities of the occupation, this gripping narrative reveals both the shame and glory of France during this tumultuous time, captivating anyone with a love for Paris.
