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The Last Hours in Paris: A Novel Hardcover – July 19, 2022

by Ruth Druart (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 634 ratings
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From the author of While Paris Slept comes a story of great love, betrayal, and redemption, set in WWII and 1960s France and England.

"Words are power. They can bring you down, lift you up, make your heart soar, make you fall in love. Or make you hate."

Paris 1944. Elise Chevalier knows what it is to love . . . and to hate. Her fiancé, a young French soldier, was killed by the German army at the Maginot Line. Living amongst the enemy, Elise must keep her rage buried deep within.

Sebastian Kleinhaus no longer recognizes himself. Forced to join the Third Reich and wear a uniform he despises, he longs for a way out. For someone, anyone, to be his salvation.

Brittany 1963. Reaching for the suitcase under her mother’s bed, eighteen-year-old Josephine Chevalier uncovers a secret that shakes her to the core. Determined to find the truth, she travels to Paris where she learns the story of a forbidden love as a city fought for its freedom. Of the last stolen hours before the first light of liberation. And of a betrayal so deep that it would irrevocably change the course of two young lives life forever.

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    448 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Grand Central Publishing
  4. Publication date
    July 19, 2022
  5. Dimensions
    6.4 x 1.7 x 9.3 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1538735210
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1538735213
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"A wonderful book—an involving, terrifying, heartbreaking story of the power of love and forgiveness."―Jill Mansell, Sunday Times bestselling author

"A wonderful, moving, sad, but ultimately uplifting book."―Lesley Pearse, Sunday Times bestselling author

"Engrossing . . . a tender, yet thrilling story of love and family secrets in a time of war, beautifully told."―Rachel Hore, Author of One Moonlit Night

"Ruth is an exceptional storyteller. She weaves brave female characters through fascinating storylines. Her level of detail brings the past back to life, shining a light in the darkness. Love, loss, bravery. She’s like my favorite history teacher ever! My new go to author. I recommend her to everyone."―Ericka Waller, Author of Dog Days

"These characters command sympathy . . . A vivid exposé of war and its dislocations."―Kirkus

"The four-year occupation of France by the Germans in WW2 must be one of the most intensively fictionalised episodes in history. It takes an inventive author to find a new perspective on this well-surveyed landscape. Ruth Druart is such an author . . . An engrossing and psychologically complex novel which helps to explain why the Occupation still so fascinates us."―Historical Novel Society

"[Ruth Druart] made me think and cry and rage and smile at mankind's capacity for both beautiful, selfless love and terrible, heartbreaking cruelty."

 ―Natasha Lester, Author of The Paris Secret, Praise for While Paris Slept

"[Ruth Druart is] a brilliant and bold new novelist . . . [she] fills each page with thrilling suspense, uncommon emotional depth, and fascinating characters."―Imogen Kealey, Author of Liberation, Praise for While Paris Slept

"Good people coping with an impossible situation are at the heart of Druart’s [writing]."―Publishers Weekly, Praise for While Paris Slept

About the Author

Ruth Druart grew up on the Isle of Wight, leaving to study psychology at Leicester University. She moved to Paris in 1993, where she enjoyed a career in teaching at Marymount International School of Paris before turning to writing full-time. She now runs a weekly writing group in a Parisian café.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing (July 19, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 448 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1538735210
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1538735213
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.43 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.4 x 1.7 x 9.3 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 634 ratings

About the author

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Ruth Druart

Ruth Druart

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I grew up on the Isle of Wight, where I spent many happy days on the beach swimming and reading; still two of my favourite pastimes. After studying psychology at Leicester University, I moved to London, then Paris - the city that inspired me to write.

Before turning to writing full-time, I taught at Marymount International School, and I completed a Masters in International Education, focusing on Third Culture Kids and their sense of belonging; a theme which runs through my debut novel, While Paris Slept. Both this book and my second novel, The Last Hours in Paris, are set during the occupation of Paris, but they are not about the war. They are about people and families. The Last Hours in Paris was inspired by my Great Uncle Wolfgang, one of the main characters being a German soldier billeted in Paris during the occupation, from where he is arrested and sent to the UK as a POW.

There's always room for a good story, well told. Knowing this gave me hope when I started writing While Paris Slept. I had the story; I just had to learn how to write it. So I started with the characters, writing from their perspectives, enabling he reader to get inside their heads as they face difficult choices and moral dilemmas. I like to write characters who are flawed and who do the wrong things for the right reasons, as many of us do.

I like to tell the story and then the story behind the story. I hope you enjoy reading them.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
634 global ratings
Full of emotion and intrigue
5 Stars
Full of emotion and intrigue
While Paris Slept is an immersive and beautiful story, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have read Ruth Druart’s next novel, now available, The Last Hours in Paris. Set between Paris in the 1940s and Brittany in the 1960s, The Last Hours in Paris is a story of war and sacrifice with a powerful love story embedded.The 1940s timeline is the story of Elise and Sebastian. They meet in a bookshop in Paris when Sebastian is stationed there. In the 1960s, Josephine seeks her birth certificate her mother does not want her to find. Her mother is hiding Josephine’s birth father from her, as well as quite a few other secrets.I loved The Last Hours in Paris just as much as Druart’s debut. It’s a story that takes its time in a delectable way. Somewhat quiet, full of emotion and intrigue, and I absolutely adored the characters. The author’s note and inspiration for the story is not to be missed. I’m eager for what’s next by this consistent author.I received a gifted copy.
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Top reviews from the United States

Scarlett
5.0 out of 5 stars Best book ever
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2024
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So engrossing, couldn’t put it down
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Judy
4.0 out of 5 stars A Avery good story -
Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2023
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I thought this was a great story - but not wanting to spoil it for other readers but I felt so sorry for the heroine - what. A life of sacrifice and sadness - I almost threw my kindle down at the ending!!
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A. Singer
5.0 out of 5 stars absolutely fantastic
Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2022
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This book grabbed me at the beginning and kept me enthralled throughout. A bittersweet triumph and different take from many of the WW2 novels that I’ve read. Romantic, sad, tense. This book has it all.
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G. P.C.
5.0 out of 5 stars WWII Page Turner
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2022
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Great, realistic, thoughtful story about a terrible time that those too young to remember cannot fathom. Excellent character development and pacing.
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kathy zakarian
4.0 out of 5 stars Parents, children, love, war
Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2022
Verified Purchase
This is the second book of Druart's that I've read. Both books were set in France which is always a draw for me. Her writing is accessible & plots are engaging. This particular book explores the idea of falling in love with the enemy but is actually about pure unconditional love.
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Olivia F.
5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful and consuming historical fiction read
Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2022
THE LAST HOURS IN PARIS is a beautiful and consuming read about love set amidst the end of World War II in Paris. The book begins in 1963 with a young girl, Josephine, who is about to find out that the story she has always been told about her father is a lie. Her mother likes her to stay close to home, and when she digs out her birth certificate to apply for a passport, she learns the truth of her father.

The story then takes the reader back to 1944 when Elise, Josephine's mother, was in Paris and working with the resistance. She meets a young German soldier, Sebastian, who is himself feeling lost in the war without a clear reason as to why he is involved, having been indoctrinated young but still not agreeing with the cruelty. As they get to know each other, Sebastian finds himself betraying the side whose uniform he wears. However, there are no happy endings to a war with so many atrocities.

This was an absolutely riveting read, and I ended up staying up late to finish reading it in one sitting. I could not put it down, absolutely consumed by learning about these people, their love, and the way that such relationships were treated as well as the fallout. The story shows the way that impact of the war has rippled throughout and beyond the time of war and makes clear the atrocities that were committed and why such grudges were held, with good reason.

The story is bittersweet with plenty of tearful moments. It's a really emotional read that is sure to give readers a hangover after the final page is turned. The book seems well-researched and features highly compelling prose that completely pulls the reader into the story of Elise, Sebastian, and Josephine. Highly recommend for people that enjoy consuming historical fiction, particularly historical romance with bittersweet endings.

Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
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Tarheelreader
5.0 out of 5 stars Full of emotion and intrigue
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2022
While Paris Slept is an immersive and beautiful story, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have read Ruth Druart’s next novel, now available, The Last Hours in Paris. Set between Paris in the 1940s and Brittany in the 1960s, The Last Hours in Paris is a story of war and sacrifice with a powerful love story embedded.

The 1940s timeline is the story of Elise and Sebastian. They meet in a bookshop in Paris when Sebastian is stationed there. In the 1960s, Josephine seeks her birth certificate her mother does not want her to find. Her mother is hiding Josephine’s birth father from her, as well as quite a few other secrets.

I loved The Last Hours in Paris just as much as Druart’s debut. It’s a story that takes its time in a delectable way. Somewhat quiet, full of emotion and intrigue, and I absolutely adored the characters. The author’s note and inspiration for the story is not to be missed. I’m eager for what’s next by this consistent author.

I received a gifted copy.
Customer image
Tarheelreader
5.0 out of 5 stars Full of emotion and intrigue
Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2022
While Paris Slept is an immersive and beautiful story, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have read Ruth Druart’s next novel, now available, The Last Hours in Paris. Set between Paris in the 1940s and Brittany in the 1960s, The Last Hours in Paris is a story of war and sacrifice with a powerful love story embedded.

The 1940s timeline is the story of Elise and Sebastian. They meet in a bookshop in Paris when Sebastian is stationed there. In the 1960s, Josephine seeks her birth certificate her mother does not want her to find. Her mother is hiding Josephine’s birth father from her, as well as quite a few other secrets.

I loved The Last Hours in Paris just as much as Druart’s debut. It’s a story that takes its time in a delectable way. Somewhat quiet, full of emotion and intrigue, and I absolutely adored the characters. The author’s note and inspiration for the story is not to be missed. I’m eager for what’s next by this consistent author.

I received a gifted copy.
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TowTruck & Wayward Reader
4.0 out of 5 stars Can enemies fall in love? Romeo & Juliette in WWII
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2022
Elise Chevalier is a spirited young woman who loses her fiance in the battle of the Maginot Line. She is full of anger toward the Germans. They have managed to invade every part of her life. Although not Jewish, her father is in Germany in a work camp. She, her younger sister, and her mother struggle to survive. Sebastian Kleinhaus is stationed in Paris as a translator. He, like many young Germans, belonged to Hitler Youth and join the army when the war began. As he watched his fellow countrymen behave in such obnoxious ways, he began questioning his loyalty. He was lonely and the Parisians were understandably unfriendly. A stop at a small bookstore changed everything. He met Elise and was drawn in to helping her on several occasions. While knowing that they should not, Elise and Sebastian fall in love. Will they be able to be together? Can their love survive the war?

Ruth Druart has taken the story of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliette and re-imagined it in a wartime setting. Set against the backdrop of WWII, will Elise and Sebastian be able to keep their love alive?

The first chapters of the book and the introduction to Elise did not enthrall me. I persisted and am so glad that I did not stop reading. The awkward beginning smoothes out and the remainder of the book is interesting. While much of the book is predictable, Ruth Druart interjects just enough charm and originality to keep the reader interested. This is a sweet love story in the midst of so much hatred.
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Top reviews from other countries

Kindle Customer Stacey Barnes
5.0 out of 5 stars Emotional and fantastic
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 6, 2023
Verified Purchase
Fantastic story bringing the true sadness and cruelty of the war and the segregation felt. A love story under tragic circumstances , I was routing for Sebastian and Eloise.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Another great story from this author
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 5, 2023
Verified Purchase
A dual timeline story between Paris 1944 and Brittany 1963. Elise and Sebastian meet at a very difficult time. Near the end of the war, can they find a way to live with the choices they've made?
One person found this helpful
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JILL GRIFFITHS
5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful & the best book ever
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 4, 2022
Verified Purchase
Wow what a powerful sad book. I had to keep putting it down as it was so sad. However, it was so brilliantly written that I felt that I was there. I didn’t want it to end as it wasn’t what I’d hoped for Elise.
2 people found this helpful
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Joy Kyakwita
5.0 out of 5 stars captivating novel
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 19, 2023
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I had to read this book in 2 days because I could not stop . I cried and smiled and concluded that one can only have one true love ..
One person found this helpful
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Natarajan
5.0 out of 5 stars recommended from heart, a must read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 9, 2022
Verified Purchase
One of the most beautifully written, touching rendition of a love story; Sacrifice, courage, love, emotions, tragedy, happiness, every flavour is there, balanced into a delectable, delicate, heart rending, but at the same time enjoyable and light reading. Am sure, will read it again many times over! Thank you Ruth Druart👌
2 people found this helpful
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