Inspired by the incredible true story of Lee Miller, Vogue model turned one of the first female war photojournalists, the new novel by the bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress
Manhattan, Paris, 1942: When Jessica May's successful modelling career is abruptly cut short, she is assigned to the war in Europe as a photojournalist for Vogue. But when she arrives the army men make her life as difficult as possible. Three friendships change that: journalist Martha Gellhorn encourages Jess to bend the rules, paratrooper Dan Hallworth takes her to places to shoot pictures and write stories that matter, and a little girl, Victorine, who has grown up in a field hospital, shows her love. But success comes at a price.
France, 2005: Australian curator D'Arcy Hallworth arrives at a beautiful chateau to manage a famous collection of photographs. What begins as just another job becomes far more disquieting as D'Arcy uncovers the true identity of the mysterious photographer -- and realises that she is connected to D'Arcy's own mother, Victorine.
Crossing a war-torn Europe from Italy to France, The French Photographer is a story of courage, family and forgiveness, by the bestselling author of The Paris Seamstress and A Kiss from Mr Fitzgerald.
PRAISE FOR NATASHA LESTER
'Lester deftly darts from Paris in 1941 to New York' The Australian Women's Weekly
'Weaves real characters, events, places and an obvious love of fashion into her captivating tale' Herald Sun
'A fantastically engrossing story. I loved it' KELLY RIMMER
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Based on a true story, this new novel by Natasha Lester is a must-read. Incredibly thought provoking and fascinating, this is one of those novels that stays with you long after you've finished it. - Justine (QBD)
Guest, 11/04/2019
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In an era rife with misogyny, the reader is guided through a woman's unrelenting struggle with the moral complexities and bitter legacy of war. War lasted forever for those who survived it, Natasha Lester's character Jess, endured suffering, witnessed horrors and demonstrated heroism. An enchanting, inspiring and courageous tale of sacrifice and survival through the injustices of war. - Sheridan (QBD)
Guest, 03/04/2019
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Inspired by the true story of vogue model turned war photojournalist Lee Miller, The French Photographer is historical fiction at its finest. A suspenseful re-telling of the horrors of World War II and the fight for women's equality, It combines love at it's most pure and humanity at it's most evil. The French Photographer will leave feeling full of hope, and will teach you to love and forgive. - Sophia (QBD)
Guest, 02/04/2019
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What an amazing read this is. Natasha Lester had done a wonderful book that had me going all the way through, from the first chapter to the last I could not put this book down.
The book is based on a true story and makes it all the more interesting to read, it also reflects how strange coincidence's in life can be and leads to something deeper in the story.
Love Fiona Mcintosh? Love this. - Kristin (QBD)
Guest, 02/04/2019
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Fans of Fiona McIntosh will love this account of a war photographer in World War 2 and the subsequent mystery being uncovered in France in 2005. Beautifully detailed and richly evocative, I highly recommend this! - Eleanor (QBD)
Guest, 01/04/2019
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Natasha Lester's novel The French Photographer is yet another stellar novel from the established author. Set in both Paris, 1942 and France, 2005, The French Photographer follows the lives of two enquisitive and charasmatic women searching for answers. Based on a true story during WWII this book is for lovers of historical fiction, particularly those interested the dynamics of women during WWII. - Liam (QBD)
Guest, 01/04/2019
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Based on the true story of Lee Miller the first female war photojournalist in WWII. Jessica May is assigned to capture the horrors of war in Europe but with success come at a price and herself and her photos are forgotten.
2005: Australian Curator D'Arcy Hallworth manages a collection of photographs in France. Fiindingone of her mother that begins a journey of finding the unknown photographer. - Ayano (QBD)
Guest, 01/04/2019
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When Jessica May is faced with a forced career change she jumps head first into photojourmalism on the front lines of WWII to tell the stories that matter most with a new perspective. 63 years later D'Arcy Hallworth is about to discover more about her family tree than anyone could hope to find on ancestry.com. An equally engaging and heartbreaking read and an historical romance not to be missed - Kimberley (QBD)
Guest, 01/04/2019
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Brace yourself for a vivid tale of the trials of war through the eyes of a strong woman.Natasha Lester captures the futility of war contrasted with characters who are shining glimmers of hope in a dark period of history.Clearly a lot of time and effort has been invested into the research of this novel.It is a must read for fans of Fiona Mcintosh!Do yourself a favour and buy this book today! - Elliott (QBD)
Guest, 01/04/2019
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Love how it goes from being in 1942 to 2005 and you slowly get to unravel the secrets. It keeps you on edge and eger to keep reading.
The characters in this story as such beautiful women who are determined to be heard in a time that women weren't heard well. Jess and Dan prove there is always room for forgiveness.
Truly a book that covers all aspects of life, war, love & forgiveness. - Elise (QBD)
Guest, 01/04/2019
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The French Photographer is a great book for anyone looking for a powerful strong novel. Within these pages holds the true incredble storey of Lee Miller who was one of the first female photo journalists during World War 2. Utterly captivating, this book will stay with you for a long time to come. - Courtney (QBD)
Guest, 01/04/2019
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This emotional story spans two generations of amazing women. Shining light of the horrors of war and the hypocrisy of female journalists in the era, we experience war through Jessica's camera lenses as she pushes past all barriers in front of her. The connections between these strong characters are vibrant and real drawing you into their lives. Lovers of Tattooist of Auschwitz will enjoy. - Penny (QBD)
Guest, 01/04/2019
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Based on the life of Lee Miller (you're going to want to Google her), this is historical fiction at its finest. While this book is beautifully written, it was knowing the real history and stories of the women that captivated me while reading. - Jessalyn (QBD)
Guest, 01/04/2019
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This book surprised me most when I realised the character Jessica May is based on the first female war photographer Lee Miller. I had no idea throughout the book and the author's flowing, lyrical writing style made this story something beautfiul to behold, even with the important undertone it has. For lovers of Fiona McIntosh and The Tattooist of Auschwitz, this will not disappoint. - Hannah (QBD)
Guest, 01/04/2019
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A truly wonderful historical fiction based on real events during World War II. This is a story of love and heartbreak. The telling of real crimes against women who wanted to be treated as equals in what was believed to be a mans world. You will feel their frustration and anger as they try to get their stories told. - Jessica (QBD)
Guest, 01/04/2019
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The French Photographer is inspired by the incredible true story of Lee Miller, photojournalist during WWII. This powerful story is told in two timelines, Jessica May, courageous war photographer and the strong willed D'Arcy, curator in moden day Australia. This book is well researched and perfect for lovers of historical fiction and romance. Intense, emotional & beautiful – have tissues ready! - Teila (QBD)
Guest, 01/04/2019
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The French Photographer is a book for all women who strive to be heard in a world that is all too ready to ignore them. Based on the real life of Lee Miller, a female photojournalist in WWII, this book is lovingly researched and told in graceful, heartfelt prose. It is stellar historical fiction, a wondrous kind of magic that stays with you well after the last page is turned. - Melanie (QBD)
Guest, 01/04/2019
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This was an amazing Book. The first book i have read from Natasha Lester, But definitely not the last. I got so emotionally invested in these characters that when i got to the end and realised what was happening i cried. I still cry just thinking about it. Nevertheless i would read it again... - Belinda (QBD)
Guest, 01/04/2019
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This is a fantastic example of historical fiction with purpose. The plot interweaves and unfolds between the alternating narration of Jessica- a model turned photojournalist during the height of World War Two- and D'Arcy- an Australian photographic curator in 2005. This is a novel which explores the dual suffering of women during war time, as well as the ways in which some fought against such. - Rebecca (QBD)
Guest, 01/04/2019
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The French Photographer is another great read from Australian author Natasha Lester. Set in two timelines, it follows Jessica and D'Arcy and the friendships and connections they make. Inspired by the true story of Lee Miller, if you enjoy historical romances then this should be on your to read list. - Kylie (QBD)
Guest, 01/04/2019
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Lovers of Fiona McIntosh will adore this heartbreaking World War 2 story. Told through the stories of three amazing women, The French photographer is a book you won't want to put down, and yet will want to savour every minute of reading it. Set between WWII and 2005 you will need the tissues the further you get into it. And Jessica is based off a real person, making it all the more powerful. - Jordanna (QBD)
Guest, 01/04/2019
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A utterly breathtaking read that will make then cry, laugh, and warm your heart. With a dual narrative Lester is able to navigate the war zones of 1942 and the more modern world of 2005. A tale of feminism during a time when the 'male hero' was prominent, Jessica May embodies a women that is smart on her feet, doesn't let men tell her what to do and isn't afraid to be in the thick of things. - Angelique (QBD)
Guest, 01/04/2019
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In The French Photographer, Natasha Lester elegantly captures the bizarre contrast of the glamour of 1940s New York and the grueling tragedies of war. Her descriptions of the sights and sounds of both worlds kept me immersed in Jessica's story and I found the book to be a fascinating view of a lesser-known and celebrated asoect f women's history and their contributions to the war effort. - Madeleine (QBD)
Guest, 01/04/2019
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Although not something I'd usually read, this book really surprised me as it was an emotional, fast paced and moving book that I found myself quickly consumed in. Told in two seperate timelines, this book follows the incredible story of model turned war photojournalist, Jessica May. This is definitely a book that will stay with me for a while and I highly recommend for any fans of Fiona Mcintosh. - Tia (QBD)
Guest, 31/03/2019
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Fall into an enchanting historictal tale about passion, hardship and bravery inspired by a true story.
Jessica May is a model turned photographer working through WW11 and D'arcy Hallworth is a curator in modern day Australia. Both women must navigate struggles and discover what lengths they will go to for love.
For fans of Fiona McIntosh this is your next historical delight. - Caitlyn (QBD)
Guest, 31/03/2019
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Natasha Lester has tangled my emotions and shattered my heart! Her new novel follows Jessica, a courageous and feisty woman in the horrors of WW II Paris who you can't help but love. It also follows D'Arcy, some 63 years later, who has unknown connections to Jess. Natasha's new novel lives up to and surpasses her previous works. This book should come with a free pack of tissues, its that powerful. - Stephanie (QBD)
Guest, 31/03/2019
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Based on the true story of Lee Miller, one of the first female photojournalists during World War II; this is historical fiction at its finest. Revealing the stark contrast between humans at their most evil and love at its most pure, The French Photographer is a gripping re-telling of the utter horrors of war, the fight for equality for women during this time and the incredible vulnerabilities and endurance of the human spirit. Natasha Lester will fill you with hope, teach you to love and forgive and she'll break your heart. In the vein of James Moloney's 'The Love That I Have', this is a story that will stay with you, its characters lingering in your thoughts long after you turn the final page. - Taegen (QBD)
Guest, 31/03/2019
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Historical fiction at its finest in this gripping re-telling of the horrors of war, the fight for gender equality & endurance of human spirit. Lester will fill you with hope, teach you to forgive & she'll break your heart. In the vein of James Moloney's The Love That I Have, this is a love story that will stay with you, its characters lingering in your thoughts long after you turn the final page. - Taegen (QBD)
Guest, 31/03/2019
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A powerful and moving book inspired by the true story of Lee Miller, one of the first female war photojournalists
Taking you on a journey from World War 2 following Jessica May, a war photojournalist for Vogue through to France 2005 where Australian curator D'Arcy Hallworth discovers that her mother has a connection with Jessica that she never knew. A must read for lovers of historical fiction - Amanda (QBD)
Guest, 31/03/2019
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The French Photographer is a book I wanted to devour in a day, but found myself trying to savour every last bit. Set in 1942 during WW2, The French Photographer follows Jessica who is thrown into the chaos to photograph Europe during the war. What follows is an undeniably beautiful story of connection and courage during the horrors of WW2. If you liked The Pearl Thief, this book is for you. - Emily (QBD)
Guest, 31/03/2019
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This unforgetable story will take you on a journey crossing continents and timelines. With two incredible heroines this book ties together seemingly unrelated plots in a culmination that will leave you breathless. - Simone (QBD)
Guest, 31/03/2019
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The French Photographer will take you on a beautiful journey spanning generations, its hauntingly romantic and heart wrenching all at the same time. The author has such a lyrical way of weaving prominent moments in history about brave women thorughout her stories
This novel follows the true life story of Lee Miller, Vogue model turned wartime photographer. Another captivating read by Aussie author Natasha Lester. - Belinda (QBD)
Guest, 31/03/2019
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This historical tale in creative storytelling presents a powerful social commentary on women's prowess in male-dominated environments. The French Photographer beckons , it is intensive and full of secrets, discoveries and heartbreak. Like wine and cheese, full-bodied and flavourful text concoct the perfect afternoon indulgence- only this one- you won't be left feeling guilty about. - Kaitlin (QBD)
Guest, 31/03/2019
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Natasha Lester had me hooked from the first page! I fell in love with Jess, with her sassy attitude and humourous quips. This showed me a side of the war that I hadn't thought of - what the women at the front went through. This is a book with everything; it made me laugh and it made me cry. A perfect read for the Easter holidays! - Alexandra (QBD)
Guest, 30/03/2019
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Prepare to be captivated by the sweeping historical snapshot Natasha Lester creates in The French Photographer. Perfect for fans of Fiona McIntosh and Kate Morton, Jessica's journey from successful model to WII photojournalist is a bittersweet tale told from intertwining perspectives of both past and present and I couldn't put it down... but I didn't want it to end! - Karen (QBD)
Guest, 30/03/2019
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The French Photographer is a powerful historical novel that could compete with the likes of Fiona McIntosh. Telling the story of 2 strong female leads, this book is moving, intense and unputdownable! Lester takes you from a war torn world in Paris in 1942, to modern day France in 2005. This is a tale of courage, passion, love and heartbreak, wrapped in divine historical fiction. A must read! - Chelsea (QBD)
Guest, 30/03/2019
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For readers who loved 'The Pearl Thief' you will love this engrossing story based on the life of Lee Miller.
Jessica is hired by by vogue to get a woman's perspective on the war in Europe, many years later her photographs connect her to an Australian family.
Natasha Lester draws you in, you are blown away by Jessica May and the strength it takes to report on war torn Europe during WW2. - David (QBD)
Guest, 30/03/2019
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A beautiful, emotional and moving story that was so hard to put down, the best bit it is based on a true story, that journeyed through World War 2 with Jess and Dan and then 2005 you got to know D’Arcy as she un-ravels some secrets that cause some more heartbreak but also opens hearts to forgiveness, keep the tissues ready. Definatley a contender for book of the year! - Monique (QBD)
Guest, 30/03/2019
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The French Photographer is a beautifully written book which pulls on your heart strings and then warms them up again. Highly reccomend. - Danielle (QBD)
Guest, 30/03/2019
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The French Photographer by Natasha Lester is based on the story of former Vogue model Lee Miller who became a foremost WWII photojournalist. An amazing insight into the secondrate treatment of women during and after the war. Her characters are heartwarming and if you like Fiona McIntosh you will love this beautiful but sometimes confronting read - Jan - Janet (QBD)
Guest, 30/03/2019
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The French Photographer by Australian novelist Natasha Lester, draws inspiration from the life of WWII photojournalist Elizabeth 'Lee' Miller.
As Jess, the main character of the story, is able to capture the war through her camera lens, Natasha Lester takes the reader on a emotional roller-coaster of love, happiness, tears, and sadness. A novel for fans of Heather Morris and Fiona McIntosh. - Elizabeth (QBD)
Guest, 30/03/2019
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I wasn't convinced that I would enjoy this book as it is not my usual genre. However, by the time I was at chapter 3, I was hooked. The author jumps right into the story and provides such an authentic look at wartimes and how woman were seen and often victims of stigmas of the time. This a great read and it really captivates the resilience, ever present in but sadly not often attributed to women. - Damien (QBD)
Guest, 30/03/2019
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This beautiful work of historical fiction brings together a fantastic blend of sexy drama and inspirational true life tales. Fans of Fiona McIntosh will love this - Marcelle (QBD)
Guest, 30/03/2019
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Crossing a war-torn Europe from Italy to France, The French Photographer is a story of courage, family and forgiveness. Readers of historical romance novels and epic plot twists will love The French Photographer. - Renee (QBD)
Guest, 29/03/2019
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A story of art & how it transcends time and place. Jess wants to show the stories of war-torn Europe - but hits obstacles because she's a woman. 60 years later, D'Arcy's job leads her to Paris to pack up the works of a famous photographer. A poignant, captivating narrative that would fit in good company with The Tattooist of Auschwitz and the historical fiction of Fiona McIntosh. A beautiful read. - Rosie (QBD)
Guest, 29/03/2019
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Watch out Fiona McIntosh, there's a new author in town!
Taking us from wartorn 1940s Europe to modern New York, 'The French Photographer' captured my interest the whole way through. The perfect read for a quiet night in (though I quickly found my mug growing cold as I got more and more invested in Jessica and D'Arcy's stories). Fans of 'The Pearl Thief', get your hands on this book! 5/5 stars - Emily (QBD)
Guest, 29/03/2019
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An inspiring and moving historical fiction based on the life of Lee Miller, Vogue model and photojournalist.Inspiring as it details the barriers put in place for women journalists who wanted to report from the front during WW2.
Told in dual timelines this story captivates the heart with both sadness and happiness as secrets are revealed. - Gina (QBD)
Guest, 29/03/2019
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Told in two timelines, history meets romance as 'The French Photographer' follows Jessica May, a photographer in WWII, and D'Arcy Hallworth, an Australian curator based in France in 2005. This well researched story features strong female characters that you will fall in love with as Natasha Lester takes you on an emotional journey with an ending so powerful you will be left speechless. - Megan (QBD)
Guest, 29/03/2019
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This story is definitely a powerful one, based on a true story of a female war photojournalist. The French Photographer has a dual timeline, based between the early 2000s and 1940s, following the main characters D'arcy and Jess. Jess is a model who decides to follow her dreams to become a war journalist.
D'arcy arrives in France to package a number of images for an exhibition.
Must read book! - Cassandra (QBD)
Guest, 28/03/2019
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This is a beautiful story told in two timelines. A story of courage, lost love, family and forgiveness and how a brave woman had to bend so many rules to make it in a man's domain. Knowing this is based on a true story, one can't help feeling the frustration for the women who were trying to make a difference during WW11. A great read, I enjoyed it immensely. - Jo (QBD)
Guest, 28/03/2019
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A great fictional read based on real women who dared to be photo journalists during WW2. Many, in command positions, believed that war was no place for women, so these courageous few had to fight for the opportunity to be treated in the same way as their male counterparts & allowed access to the Front. Dual storylines of Jessica in 1942 & D'Arcy in 2004. But what is the link between them? - Susan (QBD)
Guest, 28/03/2019
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Wow! Loved this story set in France during WW2, then later in 2004. A story of conflict, struggle, women's rights, war atrocities, and enduring love. Reading it is intense and emotional. If you like stories by Fiona McIntosh try this. - Kerryn (QBD)
Guest, 28/03/2019
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If you enjoy Fiona McIntosh, then you'll love The French Photographer. Australian writer, Natasha Lester has written a story that unfolds in two time lines. Jess May is a photographer for Vogue and is sent to the WWII front in France, and D'Arcy Hallworth is a curator in modern day Australia. A lovely story of brave women tackling war and sexism, this is a story of courage, family and forgiveness. - Mark (QBD)
Guest, 28/03/2019
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The main character of this amazing novel, Jess is based on real life war photojournalist and model Lee Miller. Jess had to put up with prejudice and sexism but was determined to show that your passion for the job was more important than your sex.So well researched that you can visualise the attrocities of war torn Europe.And so many twists and turns that you can't put this book down. A must read. - Peter (QBD)
Guest, 27/03/2019
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“The landscape of devastation is still a landscape. There is beauty in its ruins.”
“The French Photographer” Is a gripping tale of love, war, truth and misogyny. Based on famed WWII Photographer Lee Miller, Heroine Jessica May’s story is of a war fought not only with weapons, but words and pictures rendered starkly in black and white. A must read for fans of Fiona MacIntosh and Kate Quinn - Raychel (QBD)
Guest, 24/03/2019
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A piece of pure genius. The French Photographer is a wonderful drama grounded in family and bravery, inspired by the true story of Vogue model-turned war photojournalist Lee Miller. If you love your war-stories, this is your next-to-read. You'll feel entangled in war-torn Europe, which sounds terrifying but is actually, in the case of The French Photographer, an incredible experience. - Jaidyn (QBD)
Guest, 21/03/2019
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This a story of fabulous fun and heartbreaking sadness in times of war.
Set with the backdrop of a looming giant, the second World War, this is a beautifully written romance, set in both France and Australia. Historical fiction at its best!
Recommended for lovers of Fiona McIntosh's Pearl Thief and Chocolate Tin. - Karina (QBD)
Guest, 20/03/2019
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Based on the true story of Lee Miller, a vogue model who was one of the first female world war ll photographers. A lovely story based in two time lines. I would highly reccommend this book. From the author of the paris seamstress. - Louise (QBD)
Guest, 17/03/2019
