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Mistress of the Ritz

by Melanie Benjamin
Delacorte. May 2019. 384p. ISBN 9780399182242. $28; ebk. ISBN 9780399182259. F
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Romanced by an Egyptian prince, Blanche Ross arrives at the Ritz Hotel in Paris eager to tryst with her paramour. When he is delayed, hotel manager Claude Auzello shows Blanche around Paris. Soon Claude and Blanche are wed, but their marriage has issues right away. Claude does not understand Blanche's independent ways, and Blanche is hurt by Claude's taking of a mistress. They continue to fight and reconcile within the majestic walls of the Ritz. Their glittering fun with the rich and famous comes to an end when the Nazis invade Paris and move in to the hotel. The occupation puts stress on the already fractured marriage as both Blanche and Claude separately (and secretly) fight the Nazis.
VERDICT Benjamin (The Girls in the Picture) uses dual narratives and time lines to fill in the blanks in the little-known history of this remarkable couple. Unfortunately, by framing their history as a tempestuous love story the author then gives short shrift to their heroic wartime service. Equally problematic is Benjamin's sometimes sympathetic portrayal of Nazis and Nazi sympathizers. The author is popular, however, so expect demand. [See Prepub Alert, 11/12/18.]
Reviewed by Lynnanne Pearson, Skokie P.L., IL , May 01, 2019
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