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Book Review of Is Paris Burning?

Is Paris Burning?
Is Paris Burning?
Author: Larry Collins, Dominique Lapierre
Genre: History
Book Type: Hardcover
reviewed on + 14 more book reviews


People without a good knowledge of the liberation of Paris during World War II may not realize how important the French Resistance was in freeing the City of Light from the cruel grip of Nazi Germany. For four years, Parisians were starved, beaten and killed during the Nazi occupation of their beloved city. In August, 1944, the French Resistance, one faction led by Charles de Gaulle and one led by the Communists, marched into battle on the German-held streets of Paris, determined to get their city back.

This book, researched for three years by its authors Collins and LaPierre, reveals the behind-the-scenes thoughts and actions of the major, and minor, players, some of whom were still alive at the book's writing and available for interviews. We are introduced to Nazi generals and soldiers, to French Resistance leaders and followers, to American generals and the soldiers under them, to the hated collaborators, to French citizens living in fear and misery under the Nazis, and to Adolph Hitler who plans to completely blow up Paris if his military cannot keep the city from being returned to the French people. If you want to know more about the liberation of Paris than seeing the images of American soldiers being smothered by kisses from pretty Parisian girls, this is the book for you!