THE BLACK SWAN OF PARIS by Karen Robards

During the late stages of WWII in occupied France expectations for an Allied invasion are heightened, and the Nazis have intensified their ruthless grip. Genevieve is exiled from the family Chateau near Cherbourg, and emerges as the Black Swan, an internationally-known musical performer and somewhat reluctant spy under the auspices of Max her handsome British handler/pianist. When Genevieve learns the Gestapo has killed her father and captured Maman and smashed their resistance circle, she and her sister must overcome bitter estrangement to attempt a rescue. The streets of war-time Paris come alive, where scenes of Nazi oppression make the growing hopes of liberation seem illusory. The narrative masterfully blends in the backstory of Genevieve’s family which arcs from idyllic to heart-wrenching. Intrigue surrounding Maman’s fate develops masterfully with information sharing and concealment motivated by loyalty, family bonds and romance. Genevieve’s and Max’s relationship progresses with just the right note of love/hate espionage guesswork and sexual tension. One of my favorite reads of 2021.