“Goodnight from Paris” is inspired by the fascinating real-life story of Drue Leyton Tartière, a Hollywood actress, who left acting for a Frenchman and became part of the Resistance in Nazi-occupied France. Drue’s courageous actions – engaging in risky work broadcasting radio programs designed to shake America from its apathy, then assisting in the escape of over a hundred Allied pilots.
As per the author, much of this historical fiction is based on the facts of Drue’s life in France, many fictional characters and events were incorporated to shape the narration. Ms. Healey tells us she tried to adhere to the facts of her main character’s life as closely as possible but had to take some fictional leaps from time to time. Throughout this fascinating story, the tone given is a glimpse at Drue’s voice and personality. The conversations, letters and actual dialogue that appeared at the beginning of many chapters where obtained in both her autobiography and correspondence from the Holocaust Memorial.
We find a lot of very interesting characters some iconic and some composites of several people. The most important who played an pivotal role are her husband Jacques Tartière, Nadine her housekeeper, Jean Fraysse, head of Paris Mondiale as well as Drue’s possible lover, Ambassador Bullitt, a friend and many others. We also have scenes relating to her experiences at the Vittel internment camp that are based on her accounts as well as other American and British women who were interned there at the time. I could go on and one I will spare you.
The harrowing stories of Allied pilots landing, hiding and escaping enemy territory are heart breaking. By the end of the war, Drue had overseen the escape of a least forty- two American. British and Canadian pilots.....
This novel is a must read for historical fiction enthusiast.
Thank you, NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
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