Mistress of the Ritz

Starred review from March 18, 2019
This impeccably researched, lyrically told historical about a brash American woman and her French husband during WWII is a remarkable achievement. Blanche Ross Auzello doesn’t care for being a proper, quiet wife, much to the dismay of her somewhat stuffy husband, Claude, the manager of Paris’s luxurious Hotel Ritz. In June 1940, Claude returns from military service to find that a host of high-ranking Nazi soldiers have commandeered the hotel as their Paris headquarters. For the next four years, he and Blanche play unwilling hosts to the Germans—and, unbeknownst to each other, both begin working in the French Resistance. They narrowly avoid disaster until immediately before the Americans liberate Paris, when Blanche gets into trouble Claude can’t resolve, and a shocking secret about Blanche’s past is revealed. Benjamin (The Aviator’s Wife) skillfully weaves in a host of historical figures—including Coco Chanel, alleged to be a Nazi sympathizer, and Ernest Hemingway—whose vibrant presences make Benjamin’s protagonists and engaging group of supporting characters shine all the more. Even readers who aren’t big fans of historical fiction might be swayed by this outstanding tale. Agent: Laura Langlie, Laura Langlie Agency.

AudioFile Golden Voice Barbara Rosenblat brings her inimitable style and incredible range to Benjamin's roman � clef based on an actual couple who were resistance fighters during WWII. Claude Auzello, manager of the famous Ritz Hotel in Paris, meets outrageous American Blanche Ross and pursues her so persistently that she marries him. Problems arise almost immediately. Claude has no plan to rid himself of his mistress, and Blanche's American independence irritates him. The Ritz, filled with charm and glamour, welcomes rich and famous clients, including Nazi sympathizer Coco Chanel and macho man of letters Ernest Hemingway. Rosenblat does everything right. No character sounds like any other, and not even the Nazis are caricatures. Rosenblat's high energy and remarkable characterizations make this a listening delight. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine