Set in WWII German occupied France, The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel follows the story of two women: Juliette and Elise. One, because of her husband's involvement with the French Resistance, needs to flee Paris and leaves her daughter with her friend. After the war, Juliette moves to New York with her only remaining child, but Elise is still trying to find out what happened during the fateful bombing in the Paris district where many were killed.
The story is heart wrenching on so many levels with the treatment of their Jewish friend, the bombing by the allies who hit a Renault factory, taking with it many Paris suburb homes and shops, and the choices mothers make to protect their children.
The ongoing quest for power, fame and control affects so many lives whether it be during war or just the out of control actions of a lawless government. I wish people would just leave each other alone to live their lives.