The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel Summary
Overview of The Paris Daughter
In 1944 Paris, two mothers face impossible choices amid wartime bombings. Kristin Harmel's instant NYT bestseller weaves gut-wrenching history with maternal sacrifice, earning Goodreads recognition and Kate Quinn's praise as "gorgeous, gut-wrenching." What would you sacrifice to save a child?
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Key takeaways
Between Hope and Heartbreak: A Mother's Impossible Choice
In Nazi-occupied Paris, two mothers face the unthinkable. When American sculptor Elise LeClair's husband is killed by the Gestapo, she makes a devastating choice-leaving her three-year-old daughter Mathilde with her friend Juliette Foulon to save her from Nazi persecution. "You must leave Paris immediately," warns gallery owner Bouet, "but first, you must take Mathilde to the Foulons." As Elise whispers her final goodbye-"Under the stars, fate will guide us both home"-she walks away without looking back, her daughter's screams echoing behind her. This heart-wrenching separation sets in motion a tale of loss, deception, and the extraordinary lengths of maternal love. What would you sacrifice to protect your child? For these two women, the answer will reshape their lives across continents and decades, revealing that some bonds transcend even the most devastating circumstances.
When Worlds Collide: Paris Before the Storm
Sacrifice and Separation: The Darkest Hour
When Bombs Fall: The Moment Everything Changed
Rebuilding Lives on Foundations of Deception
Art Awakens Memory: The Truth Emerges
When Stars Guide Us Home: Love's Enduring Power
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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