In 1938 Paris, legendary Opera singer Madeleine Moreau is a household name, but knows her years on stage are limited. While judging a competition for a spot in the conservatory, one up-and-coming singer, Yvonne Chevallier stands out among the rest. Not wanting to be passed by in her singing career, Madeleine denies Yvonne the top spot. In order to ensure she is never upstaged, Madeleine offers Yvonne a position of understudy. Even though Yvonne’s financial status and marriage are in jeopardy, she believes that it will help her career. But word grows that Hitler is rising to power and committing unspeakable atrocities in his wake. When Madeleine is invited to sing at a German festival, she hesitates but accepts the job. But once she learns that Hitler will be in attendance, she quits at the last minute, leaving Yvonne to take over. Given her talent, she unfortunately gets her big break behind enemy lines. And the media captures photos of her among Hitler and other well-known officials as she rises to fame in Germany. But this incident ruins her reputation back in France, preventing her from getting more roles in the Opera. When Germany invades France and Yvonne’s idealistic son is captured, Yvonne is desperate to secure his release by any means possible. Meanwhile, Madeleine struggles to thrive during the Occupation after backing out at the festival. And soldiers are rounding up Jews left and right – including their fellow well-known and respected performers of the arts. The Paris Understudy by Aurelie Thiele explores the rivalry between two women and the lengths they go to in order to ensure safety and security of their loved ones.
Book
After photos of Yvonne fraternizing with the Nazis surface, her son Jules despises her and their relationship begins to waver. Despite Yvonne’s wishes, he joins French forces but is unfortunately captured. Desperate to save him, newly-divorced Yvonne uses her connections to get him freed. But that favor comes with a price. So she finds herself on the arm of head of censorship for the Nazis. And he demands that she perform for the Germans again and again.
Meanwhile, Madeleine and her colleagues continue to side-step the new laws and cover for their Jewish peers at the Opera. This includes trying to secure safe passage to America for her former lover and his wife. As a married woman, she can’t quite take advantage of the same connections as Yvonne. Not that she would want to. Unfortunately her husband Henri has no qualms in doing whatever it takes to maintain his career as a conductor – which happens to involve working with Yvonne. Jules begins working as Madeleine’s assistant. And when Jules finds himself in trouble yet again, both women work on opposite sides to ensure his safety. While as readers we know how WW2 ends, our characters have to face the consequences of their actions during the war.
Review
Thiele challenges readers to question what sacrifices they would make for their career, art, families, and morals in The Paris Understudy. I felt for Yvonne and the position she found herself in with the Nazis. Even more, the choices she had to make for her son. If only he didn’t detest her for what she did to save him. Madeleine was also a compelling character. Her fear of losing her fame and imagined rivalry made her less likable. But she never compromised her morals as Hitler worked to exterminate an entire human race. The author’s delivery allows readers to imagine themselves in their position, scared for their well-being but having little choice of opposing the invading forces for fear of being targeted themselves.
The story is slow paced and was underwhelming at some parts. It picks up towards the end, but seemed rushed as we read the aftermath of the war and how the characters pay for their role in it. Nevertheless, those who enjoy historical fiction, especially during WW2 Europe and the civilian lives affected, will want to add this to their reading list.
Aurelie Thiele joins the Cantina Book Club Podcast to talk about her inspiration for the story and plans for future books. Keep an ear out for the interview in an upcoming episode and preorder The Paris Understudy, available September 10.
