Review: Sisters of the Resistance by Christine Wells (print/audio)

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks / Harper Audio

Published: June 8, 2021

Source: Print: Paperback via Publisher / Audio via Library

 

Summary: 

Two sisters join the Paris Resistance in this pause-resisting new novel inspired by the real-life bravery of Catherine Dior, sister of the fashion designer and a heroine of World War II France – perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Jennifer Chiaverini.

“As dazzling as a Dior gown! With a gorgeous blend of fashion, heartbreak, heroism, and love this book will transport you to France….” (Natasha Lester, New York Times best-selling author of The Paris Secret)

Paris, 1944: The war is nearly over, but for members of the Resistance in occupied France, it is more dangerous than ever before. Twenty-five-year-old Gabby Foucher loathes the Nazis, though as the concierge of 10 rue Royale, she does her best to avoid conflict – unlike her bolder sister Yvette, who finds trouble at every turn.

Then they are both recruited into the Resistance by Catherine Dior and swept into a treacherous world of spies, fugitives, and intrigue. While Gabby risks everything for the man she is hiding from the Nazis, Yvette must decide whether to trust an enigmatic diplomat who seems to have guessed her secret. As the threat of betrayal draws ever-closer, one slip could mean the deaths of many, and both sisters must make choices they might regret.

Paris, 1947: Yvette returns from New York to reunite with Gabby and begin life anew as a mannequin for Dior, who is revolutionizing fashion with the New Look. But first she must discover the truth behind Catherine’s terrible fate, while Gabby finds that there are many kinds of courage, and that love is always worth fighting for.

 

My thoughts:

It’s no secret I love historical fiction, so of course when I saw this book, I immediately requested it. I tried getting the audio of it from the publisher, but was only able to get the print, which was fine but then when I saw the library had the audio available, I grabbed it! Saskia Maarleveld is one of my favorite narrators and being able to toggle back and forth between the print and audio meant I was able to finish this one without any interruptions!

I feel that while there are so many books set during the wars, I can never get enough because there is always a new angle to be written about and this one is exactly that. Here we have two sisters who become involved in the Resistance movement during WWII in different ways without the other realizing it. I am always a fan of strong women being seen during this time and I think the author definitely gives us that. And what’s more, we also see how Christian Dior’s sister, Catherine had a role in the movement herself.

I really enjoyed this book and while I loved listening to it, I am glad I had the physical book on hand as the book does move back and forth from postwar in 1947 to during the war in 1944 and it takes a bit to get used to this short time hop and so I needed to refer to the print copy more than I would normally need to. I don’t know if that was just me not fully paying attention or if the book would have been better written perhaps in chronological order? But either way, I eventually got used to it and really did like the book.

 

Audio thoughts:

Saskia Maarleveld really did a great job with the audio of this one. I absolutely love listening to her narrate books and whenever I see that she is the narrator, I will try to listen. Her pacing and intonation are always spot on and she does she a great job giving characters their own unique voices. I really enjoyed this audio and was so glad it was available at the library!