Set against the backdrop of the Nazi occupation of World War II, The Hotel on Place Vendome is the captivating history of Paris's world-famous Hotel Ritz-a breathtaking tale of glamour, opulence, and celebrity; dangerous liaisons, espionage, and resistance-from Tilar J. Mazzeo, the New York Times bestselling author of The Widow Clicquot and The Secret of Chanel No. 5 When France fell to the Germans in June 1940, the legendary Hotel Ritz on the Place Vendome-an icon of Paris frequented by film stars and celebrity writers, American heiresses and risque flappers, playboys, and princes-was the only luxury hotel of its kind allowed in the occupied city by order of Adolf Hitler. Tilar J. Mazzeo traces the history of this cultural landmark from its opening in fin de siecle Paris. At its center, The Hotel on Place Vendome is an extraordinary chronicle of life at the Ritz during wartime, when the Hotel was simultaneously headquarters to the highest-ranking German officers, such as Reichsmarshal Hermann Goring, and home to exclusive patrons, including Coco Chanel.
Mazzeo takes us into the grand palace's suites, bars, dining rooms, and wine cellars, revealing a hotbed of illicit affairs and deadly intrigue, as well as stunning acts of defiance and treachery. Rich in detail, illustrated with black-and-white photos, The Hotel on Place Vendome is a remarkable look at this extraordinary crucible where the future of post-war France-and all of post-war Europe-was transformed.
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoy reading historical fiction set during WWII, so I was definitely intrigued when I received this ARC. It explores a different perspective of the war: that of the rich and powerful, and set in the changing and elegant landscape of Paris, France. While I thought the book would only focus on this tumultuous time period, it also offers overviews of before and after the war for a complete picture of what the political and social landscape was, as centred around the Hotel Ritz.
The first half of the book seems a little disorganized to me, as within chapters timelines jump back and forth and events outside of the hotel/hotel’s patronage are discussed. The second half fully makes up for it and makes for interesting stories about people who stayed at the Ritz and their adventures associated with the hotel. Patrons were divided between politicians/German officers and creative types, though to (some) of their detriments they mingled. It’s insightful to read about familiar names such as Ernest Hemingway and Coco Chanel, and their parts in the war, but also about the general happenings and secrets.
A real account of war, love, and scandal, this nonfiction account of the Hotel Ritz’ varied history is an interesting and enlightening read.
