The French Photographer in Aussie Readers

Apr 08, 2019 Brenda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, arc, own-read, war-military, aussie-authors, sent-by-publisher, reviewing-by-request, 2019-release

Jessica May’s modelling career stalled when she headed for Europe as a photojournalist in 1942. She was only allowed to the hospital camps – women couldn’t go near the front line – and while the male journalists had their own areas to send copy from, Jess and her friend Martha Gellhorn had to do the best they could. It would be the meeting by Jess of Dan Hallworth, paratrooper in charge of many men and well respected by those same men, that would change Jess’ ability within those pages of war, a Jessica May’s modelling career stalled when she headed for Europe as a photojournalist in 1942. She was only allowed to the hospital camps – women couldn’t go near the front line – and while the male journalists had their own areas to send copy from, Jess and her friend Martha Gellhorn had to do the best they could. It would be the meeting by Jess of Dan Hallworth, paratrooper in charge of many men and well respected by those same men, that would change Jess’ ability within those pages of war, and the stories and pictures that would make a difference.

When Jess first met Victorine, a sweet little girl who was being cared for at one of the field hospitals, she soon grew to love her. The daily horrors and cruelty that surrounded them all were eased just slightly as she held Victorine in her arms. Other women photojournalists joined Jess and Martha, among them Lee Miller – their work essential, and what the censors didn’t cut out, made it to publication.

When Australian curator D’Arcy Hallworth arrived at the chateau in France in 2005 to collate the photographs of an unknown photographer, she had no idea the shattering changes which were about to overtake her life. Her disbelief when she saw a photo of her own mother in among the relics of the past had her doubting everything she’d known of her life. D’Arcy couldn’t understand the connection of her mother to this long ago past – and she wasn’t sure if she was brave enough to pursue it either…

The French Photographer is the latest by Aussie author Natasha Lester and it’s absolutely heartbreakingly brilliant! I can’t believe this author can continue to improve her books, time and again – but this one, in my opinion, is her best yet! Based on fact, the descriptions of the war years, the different characters which grew on me – Jennings was a sweetheart; Victorine a delight – and the others who were despicable but so well drawn. But the three main characters – Jess, Dan and Victorine – were so very special. The French Photographer is a wonderful historical fiction novel by an author who is right on top of her game – and I highly recommend it.

With thanks to Hachette AU for my copy to read in exchange for an honest review.
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Mar 25, 2019 Helen rated it it was amazing

I have no idea where to start with this book, what an intensely, powerful, beautiful, emotional and moving story that was so hard to put down, yet I read slowly and savored every word, as I journeyed through World War 2 with Jess and Dan and then 2005 I got to know D’Arcy as she un-ravels some secrets that cause some more heartbreak but also opens hearts to forgiveness, keep the tissues ready.

Jessica May is modeling for Vogue in New York in 1942 she is a beautiful woman who is open and honest an I have no idea where to start with this book, what an intensely, powerful, beautiful, emotional and moving story that was so hard to put down, yet I read slowly and savored every word, as I journeyed through World War 2 with Jess and Dan and then 2005 I got to know D’Arcy as she un-ravels some secrets that cause some more heartbreak but also opens hearts to forgiveness, keep the tissues ready.

Jessica May is modeling for Vogue in New York in 1942 she is a beautiful woman who is open and honest and a very talented photographer and journalist as well and gets an assignment as a photojournalist in Europe to cover the war, here she meets many other female photojournalists and the way they are treated is hard to take, but friendships and strong bonds are formed with people like Martha Gellhorn and paratrooper Dan Hallworth, who actually knows how to treat these woman that get the stories told with heartfelt emotions, Jess gets photos that will still be printed years later they are beautiful and special, she also meets a little girl Victorine who is living in a field hospital and the special bond they have is amazing and special. But emotions run high, hearts are broken and yet love survives.

In 2005 D’Arcy Hallworth daughter of Victorine, is sent to a chateau in France to gather some photos from a famous collection to bring to Australia for an exhibition, this has D’Arcy uncovering who the photographer is and discovering the link that she has to this person. The photos are opening up so many emotions for D’Arcy making her wonder about the past and what she can do try and see some things right, and there is Josh as well someone for D’Arcy to lean on.

I don’t think I am going to forget this story for a long time to come, I am still tearing up thinking about what to write in this review, I can say that it is a book that is a must read, it really has left me speechless in its telling of a woman who was determined to be heard in times when woman weren’t heard well and the things that happened during a terrible time in history and then the love between Jess and Dan that although had so many things thrown at it did last for them both, I loved the courage and strength that was Jess and the forgiveness that was needed and given, yes this is one I highly recommend.
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Jul 11, 2020 Kira rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

I've been distracted by real life a little lately, so it took me a while to really get into this book. But once I started reading it properly, the pages flew by. This novel is so well written. I knew a little of the history, having read about Lee Miller's life a few years ago, but to see what it must have been like gave me even more respect for these women who braved some of the worst fighting the world has ever seen.

I loved the characters, including those who were based on real life war corres ...more

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Apr 28, 2019 Janine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: for-review

I was astounded at the amount of research that Natasha Lester has done for this story. This makes the story of Jess & Dan all the more interesting and unbelievable in parts to know that the horrors of individuals in war actually occurred. Natasha weaves a great tale in relating the story of Jess who was a high class model for Vogue and finished up as one of the most prominent female war correspondents and photographers during WWII.

The love story of Jess and Dan was heartbreaking, Both of them fa ...more

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Sep 19, 2023 Rhoda rated it it was ok

2.5 stars

When Jessica’s modeling career goes awry in 1942 she is assigned to the war in Europe as a photojournalist, where she discovers that the men plan to make her life as difficult in particular - one even more so than most. She does find friends in other female correspondents and Lieutenant Colonel Dan though.

In 2005, Australian curator D’Arcy arrives in France to pack a famous collection of photographs for an exhibition for a mysterious photographer, not realizing that the photographer ha ...more

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Sep 03, 2019 Tanya rated it it was amazing

The French Photographer by Natasha Lester is one of those wonderful books that completely draws you into the story and comes to life, staying with you long after the final page.

It is the story of Jessica May, Vogue model turned photojournalist during World War II. Whilst reporting on the war she comes into contact with soldier Dan Hallworth and war orphan Victorine.
It is also the story of art curator D'Arcy Hallworth, who is sent to France in 2005 to pack photographs to ship back for an exhibiti The French Photographer by Natasha Lester is one of those wonderful books that completely draws you into the story and comes to life, staying with you long after the final page.

It is the story of Jessica May, Vogue model turned photojournalist during World War II. Whilst reporting on the war she comes into contact with soldier Dan Hallworth and war orphan Victorine.
It is also the story of art curator D'Arcy Hallworth, who is sent to France in 2005 to pack photographs to ship back for an exhibition in Australia.

These two women's tales are woven together in beautiful ways. It's always tricky ready a book with dual timelines - do the stories work co-currently? Do both characters hold your attention? Lester does an amazing job on both fronts. They blend seemlessly together, working to create a wonderfully told story of love and loss.

Jess's tale is loosely based on that of Lee Miller, a Vogue model turned photojournalist (who I am now desperate to learn more about). Jess is just so inspiring to read. She's a woman who speaks out and stands up for herself when everyone wanted her silenced. She makes no apologies for who she is or how she lives her life. Her story is just so incredibly powerful and awe-inspiring. From a feminisit perspective, her story highlights exactly why we have the need for feminism and equality.

Through Jess's camera lens Lester shows us the good, the bad and the downright heartbreaking. She doesn't shy away from the bad - and let's face it there was a lot of bad - but she intersperses that with the good, the things that make us human, and that encourage us to keep going.

The details are so vivid, so intracite, she really does give the feel and emotion of the moment. I can't even imagine the depth of research that has gone into this novel, it just oozes with it.

I could sit here gushing all day. I've been up half the night mulling this book over in my mind. In the author's note at the back of the book Lester comments that this is the hardets book she has ever written. I can't imgine what went into creating this but I am so glad she did. This is just the ultime book. It's perfect. I wish every book I picked up could move me the way this one has. So although it may have bene hard for her to write, and parts hard to read, I am so glad she did. Reading this truly was a privilege.

Read The French Photographer. Prepare to be shattered and broken. But also, prepare to be blown away. Books like this don't come along every day. ...more

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May 14, 2021 Dzintra aka Ingrid rated it it was amazing

One of the best historical fiction books I have read. So much research has gone into this book by Natasha Lester about The French Photographer, the photo-journalist who is based on Lee Miller who was a Vogue model. A heart-breaking but also a wonderful read!

Thank You Natasha for such a poignant and descriptive book on the horrors of war and the aftermath on the families which still carries on today.

‘Every word I write is as difficult as tears rung from a stone’ - Lee Miller

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