While this is a fictionalized story based on pieces of the real “Postmistress”, this highlights yet another WW2 story you probably haven’t heard before of brave and sacrificing individuals trying their best to not let Hitler win. I had not heard about efforts to free intellectuals and artists at the beginning of the war prior to this.

2.5 ⭐️s rounded up. The storyline itself was ok and the look into the Dachau Porcelain Factory was an interesting one. But between the errors and the fatalistic and hard-to-swallow characters, it lost a lot of its shine for me.

The number of grossly poor decisions by Bettina especially but also Max, Richard, and their friends, did not feel believable, especially when they were all in their 30s, so not exactly young and naive. For people in their circles who had long been opposed to the rising Fascist and Nazi demands with their lifestyle choices, once it was apparent they could not escape Germany, it felt a little ridiculous that they wouldn’t hide and resist undercover, understanding the danger. But they decided instead the wisest decision was having intimate and submissive relationships with the SS. Twice. And in only one of them in a partial effort to resist. Mostly to hide. With the SS.

So much of the story became rather fatalistic and depressive, and there didn’t feel like a lot of redemption by the time it was done.

As for errors, I know ARCs have more edits they normally go thru but I’ve never seen an ARC with so many typos. It was unreal.

The other is that it was mentioned that Max (and his rabbit) had tattoos from Dachau. Except Dachau didn’t do that, only Auschwitz camps did. It made it feel poorly researched and looking for sensationalism for that to be added unnecessarily.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

A terrific portrayal at the stress and difficulty light skinned black Americans lived in when passing as white around the turn of the century, let alone the story itself of what Belle de Costa Greene accomplished. I can’t imagine the intense tension passing black people lived in when trying to simply have better and more opportunities only afforded to white people but also not abandon their heritage and families who do not pass, and not reject the concept of being proud of who you are.

Very well written and a great look at Belle de Costa Green’s life and the amazing things she accomplished as both a woman and an African American despite what both aspects of her life could have stopped her from achieving as JP Morgan’s librarian and art collector.

Beautifully descriptive and engrossing. Both Ava and Grace’s characters unfolded in an endearing way and while overall the end result wasn’t unpredictable, you didn’t know how it was going to do so. There was so much lovely detail with the perfumes and scents as well. Really enjoyed it.

Well I did not see that coming. There were times I was so annoyed with Sarah or Adam but in the end it made sense based on the conclusion.

There were a few things that didn’t feel realistic, but otherwise for sure kept me guessing and seemingly convinced of the truth only for it to throw another loop. A couple times there seemed to be too much going on but I get it, lots of red herrings, but there were some plot holes and things that looking back, still didn’t make sense. Also it was hard to believe Adam was that much of an idiot all the time…

Really enjoyed this fun quirky story about family dysfunction but ultimately love for each other that wins out despite hurt feelings and misunderstanding.

A great depiction of the America Library in Paris during WW2. The book dealt with beautiful correlations of books and how important they are, while drawing from writings to correlate to the characters feelings and struggles. It also looked at how much influence someone from a prior generation can make on children/teens and how much damage jealousy, shame and betrayal can do.