June 1940. German troops enter Paris.
The dark days of Occupation begin. How would you have survived? By collaborating with the Nazis, or risking the lives of you and your loved ones to resist?
The women of Paris faced this dilemma every day, whether choosing between rations and the black market or travelling on the Metro, where German soldiers had priority for seats. Between the extremes of defiance and collusion was a vast moral grey area which all Parisiennes had to navigate in order to survive.
Anne Sebba has sought out and interviewed scores of women, and brings us the unforgettable testimonies of both native Parisiennes and temporary residents: American women and Nazi wives; spies, mothers, mistresses, artists, fashion designers and aristocrats. The result is an enthralling account of life during the Second World War and the years of recovery and recrimination that followed. It is a story of fear, deprivation and secrets – and, as ever in the French capital, glamour and determination.