Paris 1934: Victory in Retreat

by Paul A. Myers

Sorbonne student Sandrine covers news as a part-time reporter for an American paper in Depression-era Paris. She banters with the Americans at the local bistro as red wine flows and stories grow in the telling. Early in 1934, with public outrage at government corruption peaking, she witnesses street riots by Far Right leagues that overthrow two French cabinets. The Third Republic is threatened. Spring brings adventure as Sandrine listens to sweet assurances whispered in the soft light of a Paris cafe. Summer brings midnight dancing to le hot jazz at swanky Longchamps racetrack. Days later, Sandrine joins the hard-partying Americans as they drink and dance their way through the festive streets of Paris on Bastille Day. In the fall, dark secrets from the 1920s French occupation of the German Rhineland cloud the present as the rising Nazi menace in Germany reveals unspoken threats. Destinies intersect in October 1934 when a Yugoslav king arrives in France for an important state visit.

Genres: Historical Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2010

About the author

Paul A. Myers is the author of a series of historical novels set in Europe during 1920s and 30s, principally Paris. Currently he is working on a series The Fighting French about the French in World War II. He also wrote two satirical novels about Europe and the Greek bond crises of 2012 and 2015 . Earlier, he wrote a maritime history of the discovery of California.

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another well researched novel by this author. Set during the years following the Great War and leading up to WW II, this novel, based on historical facts, is a genuine example of historical fiction. I actually viewed some old newsreel footage on YouTube of an event that was critical in the novel. I'd never even heard of this event. Fascinating!!!!!

[Adelino Jose Rodrigues Soares de Mello · Rating 3 out of 5]

A failed attempt to write a new Great American Novel of American Expatriates in France in the 1930s.

The action takes place in Paris, not in the Riviera but the intention is the same.
For anyone who knows American literature, the United States or even France, the result is ludicrous.
The plot is as shallow as billiards table and characters even more stereotyped. If possible.
As a novel, I wouldn’t go further than one star.
But redemption is never far from the well-intended. The description of the “manifs” (the word wasn’t yet in use in the thirties), the riots, the atmosphere at Longchamp’s and upper-class venues or even more popular ones is excellent. Research is good, mainly descriptions of streets and places is excellent.
A lover of the XXth Century History, such as me is thrilled. Pity Monsieur Davignon (or how the hell the author spells the name) is far too excited about events that took place 10 days before, but never mind. A little historical dishonesty never harmed Hollywood.
The colour of the streets and the smell of the crowds give the book another two stars.
I feel I’m getting a bit soft, but then I heard the events being talked about by my father and grandfather. And I am a an avid William L. Shirer. The book owes these three people those two extra stars.

[Gricel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sandrine Durand is a vibrant young student and journalist covering the political and fashion scenes of Paris in 1934. Working for both a French and an American paper, Sandrine sees two sides to every story, reporting the straight facts for the Americans and the details for the French. Saucy and flirtatious, Sandrine is coming into her own and establishing her independence amidst the free-thinking citizens of Paris, but she is no ingenue. When opportunity strikes, Sandrine takes it.

The novel's rich detail evokes lively, early 20th century photographs of Parisian cafe scenes and cityscapes, bringing the era to life. The novel opens with mounting political turmoil, but Sandrine's presence adds a fun and lively quality to the story, balancing the dryer facts of the historical events that serve as the novel's background. Sandrine's French and American friends prove to be just as lively and intriguing as the hopeful journalist; the energetic bistro scenes between Sandrine and the American journalists at the Oasis were some of my favorite moments in the novel.

The first half of the novel takes some time to develop; much of the action revolves around a series of civil uprisings that occurred in Paris early in 1934. The story picks up when Sandrine and her friends are introduced. I found that I enjoyed the social aspects of the novel more than the political history, but I appreciated the insight that the historical details provided as I was unfamiliar with the history of Paris's pre-WWII politics.

Gricel @ things-she-read.org

[Kim Propp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished teaching my son (I'm a homeschooling Mom) about the French Revolution. This book came at a good time. I had a bit of insight into the historical aspect of the book before reading it. I think this would have been a hard read if someone didn't know anything about Paris's history. I enjoyed seeing the actual pictures in the book that showed my son and I the places we studied. It was nice to see actual historical events in a fictitious story. I would not have purchased this book on my own as this is not my usual genre. I won my copy. However, now I look forward to reading more of Paul Myer's books. I won this book on Goodreads.com. If you would like me to review your book, contact me at kymmeeee@yahoo.com.

[Albert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the story was well written, the details were the devil in this one. I appreciated the historical accuracy involved but I thought that the character introductions came late and kept the reader from getting into the character's story. Other than that it was a good story.

[Zera Putrimawika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and very amazing. The narrative of reportage in the ancient times is a very beautiful thing to be enjoyed in the form of a story:)