All the Flowers in Paris is Sarah Jio's tenth novel. I have read all nine of her works, and I was eager to devour All the Flowers in Paris. Ms. Jio said she has been wanting to write a novel set in Paris and this was her love letter to that city. It is a dual timeline novel that goes between 2009 and 1943. I was more attracted to the historical story than the modern day tale. I thought Caroline's narrative played out in an expected manner, though, it is a sweet, romantic story. Celine's tale is heartbreaking and spoke to the violence of some of the Nazi soldiers. We also see how neighbor's and friends would turn on other people especially if it would curry them favor with the German's. I wish the author had taken the time to capture the era. The story lacked historical details. I did enjoy the descriptions of Paris in 2009, the apartment on rue Cler and Madame Jeanty's café. I liked the flower motifs woven throughout the story. The last 20% of All the Flowers in Paris was the most intriguing as the action increased and we see how the various threads tied together. I thought All the Flowers in Paris lacked that special magical touch that I found in Sara Jio's earlier works. Unfortunately, All the Flowers in Paris was reminiscent other World War II novels that I have read. I did find a couple of inaccuracies in the story (an example is that at one point it is mentioned Caroline dislikes espresso and then it states she had one every day). I believe I was let down by my expectations. All the Flowers in Paris has hidden letters, nasty Nazis, blooming flowers, lost memories, the city of lights, and a woman searching for answers.
Two timelines; 1943 Paris during The Nazi occupation with Celine, her daughter Cosi and Father who own a Florist. Caroline in 2009 recovering from an accident with no memory of her life or who she is. Caroline finds a bunch of letters in her apartment and is fascinated by Celine's story.
This is an extraordinary written book and Celine's story tears at your heart. I found myself holding my breath as she makes choices to ensure her daughter's safety. The characters are well written and the ending was sad but uplifting and satisfying.
This is an extraordinary written book and Celine's story tears at your heart. I found myself holding my breath as she makes choices to ensure her daughter's safety. The characters are well written and the ending was sad but uplifting and satisfying.
