The Paper Girl of Paris

THE PAPER GIRL OF PARIS by Jordyn Taylor is a new young adult novel that is both a contemporary and historical fiction. The story is told from two perspectives— Alice in present day and Adalyn during WW2, the link between them being Chloe Bonhomme, Alice’s late grandmother and Adalyn’s sister. Having never known much about her grandmother’s childhood, Alice is surprised when Chloe wills her a secret Parisian apartment. Now, on top of trying to understand her mother’s depression and her father’s denial, Alice is determined to figure out why Chloe hid her past. With the help of her new French friend, Paul, Alice searches her grandmother’s old apartment, which no one has been in since the 1940’s, and finds Adalyn’s diary. Paul aids in translating it, and the truth is more than Alice could have ever expected. In fact, it may be what heals not only Alice’s family, but those from Adalyn’s past too.

This story is absolutely heartbreaking and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since I finished reading. The spirit of the book is so beautiful, and it’s made me consider how well I really know my own grandparents. In fact, it’s sparked multiple conversations, and I love when a work of fiction makes me think about life in a deeper and meaningful way. It also resonates strongly right now as it’s about human connections and the bonds between us, which some people may be strengthening or reexamining during this time of quarantine.

All the important questions are tied up by the end of the book, but I still have so many more. I want to know about Chloe Bonhomme. I want to know how she met the American soldier. I want to know about her zazou friends, and if she knew of her sister’s or her parents’ fate. When was she aware the apartment was hers? What made her keep it? How did she feel about Adalyn later in life? I understand that we, the readers, are made to share Alice’s experience, as she, too, probably wishes she could inquire about the same subjects, and in that way, the book is a perfect mirror to life. With that being said, I’d love to read a sequel, or prequel, to learn more about the woman who connected Alice and Adalyn. In the book, as it is, we don’t know too much about her character, since Adalyn kept a secret life from Chloe, and later Chloe kept her secrets from Alice.

With that being said, THE PAPER GIRL OF PARIS is an enchanting read set in an enchanting city with enchanting characters, surprising twists, and sweet romances. This book is a must-read for fans of ALEX & ELIZA and JOJO RABBIT.

The Paper Girl of Paris is written by journalist Jordyn Taylor and is set in both historical 1940’s and nowadays Paris. Since Paris is my favorite city, and I wanted to read something out of my comfort zone (historical fiction), I thought this book would be the perfect match to read!

Sixteen-year-old Alice goes to Paris in the summer with her parents to take a look at the apartment her grandmother left her. Nobody knew she had an apartment in Paris, and the whole family is in the dark about what they will find her. With Alice’s mom having a depression, it’s hard for Alice to function normally. And when they find the apartment - left untouched ever since 1940 - her mom doesn’t want anything to do with it. But when Alice finds the diary of the sister of her grandma she never knew existed, she has to choice but to embark on a journey that will lead her all through Paris.

At the same time, you’re reading about Adalyn, the sister of Alice’s grandmother, who’s living in occupied Paris during the Second World War. She’s done with the way the Germans are treating them, and she finds herself to be tied up into the underground network of the resistance. Not ever her sister - Chloe, Alice’s grandmother - knows this. And so a dangerous and fascinating story follows.

What I really love about The Paper Girl of Paris is how real everything is described. I’ve visited Paris multiple times over the last couple of years and I could see myself walking through the streets with Alice and later on Paul. I even imagine myself in 1940’s Paris just by the descriptions of Taylor. Clothing is described in detail which helps with imagining how living in Paris was during those year. For instance: no silk stockings were available.

The chapters are from either Alice’s of Adalyn’s perspective. Because the storylines fill each other up so wonderfully, there’s never a dull moment. However, sometimes, the jumps in time are ‘too easy’ (for instance: one day Alice is prepping for something and one paragraph later that thing she was prepping for was already happening - I missed some filling in between), and also her parents seem to be functioning as props most of the time. They are in Paris, but not really. But that may be a great description of Alice’s mother’s state of mind during their visit to Paris.

I loved reading both storylines and was surprised by how they ended up together. I think everything is tied up nice and neatly, no questions left unanswered. Just the way I like it. And I did tear up a little - it’s an emotional book!

The Paper Girl of Paris is a well crafted story that will keep you up all throughout the night. It’s emotional, it’s enchanting and lovable. You will love it!