Historical Fiction Book Club - Past Titles: "The Paris Architect" by Charles Belfoure

1. Moral Dilemmas:

   • Explore the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist, Lucien Bernard. How does his perspective on morality evolve throughout the story, especially in the context of designing hiding places for Jews?

2. Architecture as a Theme:

   • Discuss the significance of architecture as a central theme in the novel. How does Lucien's profession shape the narrative, and in what ways does it reflect the broader themes of the story?

3. Character Development:

   • Analyze the character development of Lucien and other key characters in the novel. How do their experiences and choices shape who they become by the end of the story?

4. Resistance and Collaboration:

   • Consider the different forms of resistance and collaboration depicted in the novel. How do characters navigate the complexities of their choices in a wartime setting?

5. Humanity in Times of War:

   • Discuss how the novel portrays the impact of war on humanity. Explore instances of compassion, resilience, and the struggle to maintain one's humanity in the face of brutality.

6. The Power of Art:

   • Explore the role of art and creativity, especially in the context of Lucien's architectural designs. How does creativity become a form of resistance and hope?

7. Personal Sacrifice:

   • Discuss instances of personal sacrifice in the novel. How do characters grapple with the sacrifices they make for the greater good or for the sake of others?

8. Friendship and Loyalty:

   • Examine the themes of friendship and loyalty in the relationships between characters. How do these bonds influence their actions and decisions?

9. Role of Women:

   • Consider the roles of female characters in the story, such as Adele and Isabelle. How do they contribute to the narrative, and what challenges do they face in wartime Paris?

10. The Nazi Occupation:

    • Analyze the portrayal of the Nazi occupation in the novel. How does the author depict the atmosphere of fear, surveillance, and oppression?

11. Redemption and Forgiveness:

    • Discuss the theme of redemption in the novel. How do characters seek or find redemption for their actions, and is forgiveness possible in the context of war?

12. Narrative Structure:

    • Explore the narrative structure of the novel, including the use of alternating perspectives. How does this enhance the storytelling and readers' understanding of the characters?

Paris in 1942 was a city under German occupation during World War II. The timeline reflects the events and conditions during this period:

• 1940: German Occupation Begins (June 14, 1940):

  • German forces occupy Paris. The city falls under Nazi control during the early stages of World War II.

• Vichy Government Collaboration:

  • The Vichy government, led by Marshal Philippe Pétain, collaborates with the Nazis, implementing policies that align with German interests.

• Anti-Jewish Laws and Persecution:

  • The Vichy regime enacts anti-Jewish laws, leading to the persecution of Jews in France. Restrictions on Jewish citizens intensify, and deportations to concentration camps increase.

• Roundup of Jews (July 16-17, 1942):

  • The Vel' d'Hiv Roundup takes place in Paris, during which French police, at the direction of the Germans, arrest over 13,000 Jews, including children. They are held at the Velodrome d'Hiver before deportation.

• Deportations to Concentration Camps:

  • The arrested Jews from the Vel' d'Hiv Roundup and subsequent actions are deported to concentration camps, primarily Auschwitz.

• Resistance Activities:

  • Despite the harsh conditions, the French Resistance begins to take shape. Resistance fighters engage in acts of sabotage, intelligence gathering, and other activities against the German occupation.

• Occupied Paris Daily Life:

  • Parisians experience the challenges of living under occupation. Food shortages, curfews, and restrictions on movement become a part of daily life.

• Allied Bombing:

  • Allied air raids target strategic locations in and around Paris to weaken German infrastructure and military capabilities.

• Growing Resistance Efforts:

  • The French Resistance intensifies its activities, and various resistance networks collaborate to oppose the occupation. Acts of sabotage increase.

• 1944: Liberation of Paris (August 25, 1944):

  • The Allied forces, including Free French forces led by General Charles de Gaulle, liberate Paris from German occupation. The liberation marks the end of the Nazi control over the city.

This timeline provides an overview of key events in Paris during 1942, highlighting the challenging circumstances faced by the city's residents under German occupation and the escalating persecution of Jews. The situation in Paris evolved as World War II progressed, leading to significant changes with the city's liberation in 1944.

• Professional Background:

  • Charles Belfoure is a practicing architect with a background in historical preservation. He has worked on the restoration of various historical buildings, which likely influenced his interest in historical settings for his novels.

• Architectural Career:

  • Belfoure's architectural career includes involvement in the restoration and renovation of historic buildings. His expertise in this field adds authenticity to his novels set in historical periods.

• Literary Works:

  • Charles Belfoure gained literary recognition with his debut novel, "The Paris Architect," published in 2013. The novel is a historical fiction work set in Nazi-occupied Paris during World War II and revolves around an architect forced to design hiding places for Jews.

  • "The Paris Architect" received positive reviews for its historical detail, moral dilemmas, and suspenseful storytelling. The novel explores themes of morality, collaboration, and the impact of war on individuals.

  • Belfoure continued his exploration of historical settings in his subsequent novels, such as "House of Thieves" (2015) and "The Fallen Architect" (2017).

• Writing Style:

  • Belfoure is known for his engaging and immersive writing style, which often combines historical accuracy with compelling narratives. His novels typically feature protagonists facing moral dilemmas in challenging historical contexts.

• Educational Background:

  • Charles Belfoure's educational background includes studies in architecture, which is evident in his professional career and the themes explored in his novels.

• Public Speaking:

  • In addition to his writing career, Belfoure has engaged in public speaking, participating in events related to literature, historical fiction, and architecture.

• Legacy and Recognition:

  • While "The Paris Architect" brought Charles Belfoure into the literary spotlight, his subsequent works have contributed to his legacy as a writer of historical fiction with a unique perspective rooted in his architectural background.