The Parisian Dancer: a promise made during dark and dangerous times

The Parisian Dancer by Doron Darmon is a World War II historical novel based on a true story. Paris, 1939. Helena Fotticelli is an aspiring stage actress in the bohemian quarter of Paris. Forced to flee her homeland, she dreams of stardom while dancing at the infamous Folies Bergère night club. She befriends Marek and Annette Oppenheimer, a young Jewish couple who live in the apartment above her, along with their two young sons. One day, Marek disappears and everything changes. Helena finds herself vowing to keep and protect the boys as if they were her own. As the Nazis strengthen their grip on Paris, she learns that even the best of intentions may not be enough to protect them. Will her promise cost her her life? 

I thoroughly enjoy World War II stories. I was intrigued by the premise of The Parisian Dancer and looked forward to reading it as it appeared on my TBR list. However, the writing style was hard to get through, the story itself was dull and the characters were completely unlikeable. I particularly did not like Marek and Helena, especially Helena. She is supposedly risking her life to protect these young boys and yet, she really doesn’t. There were gaps in the timeline with little or no explanation. The alternating points of view were distracting and confusing. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. I have read other World War II books that did a much better job with a similar premise. I do not recommend The Parisian Dancer. 

The Parisian Dancer is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook