Last Christmas in Paris was the book club read for December. I had passed it over a couple of times knowing I was tired of reading about World Wars in books. That was a mistake on my part. This book was more than just a book about war. This book was about people learning to live in a time of war. Wanting to hear the truth and wanting to make a difference. The book is written mostly in letter form with occasional telegrams and short connecting pieces between the years.
Thomas and Evie have known each other forever. Originally connected because Will and Thomas were best friends. Evie was Will’s younger sister. Both Will and Thomas join up to fight in WWI thinking the war will just last a few months. Evie starts corresponding with Thomas, WIll and Alice (bestie) during this time.
The letters allow for a deepening understanding of the people and places in WWI, but also of the main character. Sketchy information allows the reader to make connections and draw conclusions that are later answered. Despite all the time they write, Thomas and Evie do not share on true and uncompromising fact. They are in love with each other and have been most of their lives.
The novel does reach a climax with the war and misinformation, although the reader does recognize the truth in their heart about the main characters as hinted at in the short prose sections of the novel. The novel is written by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb. The two writers have collaborated and written other books together so their ability to emerge their portions is so smooth that you believe one person wrote the book.
I should not have passed this book over and I encourage people to read the novel. The letter allows the reader more information about the characters than they realize. The main characters make connections with the reader as well as each other with each passing letter. Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb is a great read!
