The Book Nook
Living a Secret Life
The title of Charles Belfoure’s 2013 novel reveals both the location and profession of Lucien Bernard, the central character. In “The Paris Architect”, the opening scene sets the tone for this famous city during German occupation in World War II. The story is based on true events and characters.
Like many French citizens, Lucien’s livelihood suffered greatly once war was declared. As conditions worsened, many Parisians fled to find work or a safer place to live. Those who chose to remain faced harsh rulers and a dwindling supply of food, clothing and nearly everything else. To augment their meager supplies some people risked condemnation for cooperating with German soldiers, while others risked their lives by defying them. Never a political animal, Lucien felt only ambivalence towards both the German invaders and the plight of the Jews. But that’s about to change.
As the book opens, Lucien is hurrying to a meeting with wealthy industrialist Monsieur Manet, hoping it will result in a much-needed job offer. Lucien learned early that architects rely heavily on repeat business and he’s eager to impress the man. Along the way, a shocking incident brings him to the attention of German soldiers and afterwards must rush to avoid being late.
Manet offers both flattery of Lucien’s work and a very lucrative job that sounds intriguing. He needs an architect to create a human-sized hiding place that can’t be detected by even a thorough search. When Manet asks Lucien how he feels about Jews, the goal of the project becomes obvious. So does the danger.
Lucien desperately wants to refuse, but the ridiculously high payment, coupled with the hint that more work will follow is far too tempting. After all, the project will give him much-needed money and if he does the job right, no one will ever suspect his role in hiding a Jew. To Lucien the reward is worth the risk.
He enjoys the challenge of fashioning a concealed space clever enough to fool others. His confidence and ability to keep calm when danger nears will also be tested. And there will plenty of it in the form of spies, rivals and Nazis bent on finding their prey.
Lucien is relieved when Manet delivers on his promise of more business, although it means he will be working for the enemy. This upsets his wife and could lead to severe punishments if he’s found guilty of collaboration. He plows ahead, certain he can avoid suspicion. The new projects put him in contact with a German officer who appreciates the finer points of architectural engineering. As their friendship builds, Lucien is unaware that folk in his circle of friends have connections to the Gestapo, pushing him even closer to peril
As the story unfolds, Lucien’s moral character will be challenged in several ways. Leading a double life isn’t easy, and the thought of being caught increases his fear. When disaster strikes, Lucien is filled with guilt and the story races to a dramatic conclusion.
The author shares Lucien’s profession and has written architectural histories, two of which won awards. This explains the level of details related to buildings and architecture which made it easy to picture the spaces described. This is the author’s first attempt at fiction, which may explain why some character descriptions felt stereotypical or simplified and why word choices didn’t match the decade. While a few scenes felt manufactured, there were also more realistic moments. Also nice was the idea of people suddenly faced with decisions of heroic proportions.
One reader who lived in Paris during the occupation noted that Belfoure oversimplified the hardships people endured. While unable to make the same claim, I felt the tone conveyed more a sense of inconvenience than suffering. Also unexplored was why many Parisians seemed eager to turn in their compatriots, including family members.
That reader also noted the many arbitrary rules imposed by German authorities. Failure to comply or even asking a question could result in severe reprisals, including beatings, incarceration or immediate execution. Some examples of this were provided in anguishing scenes related to the Nazi’s quest to capture Jews and steal their belongings, particularly works of art and other valuables.
On the plus side, there’s lots of tension and the storyline will reel readers in quickly. That’s good, because Lucien is not a sympathetic protagonist, especially at first. He’s smug, vain and self-centered. Readers who seek a good-hearted hero may be pleased by the transformation of his character, which is an integral part of the plot. The complexity of Lucien’s features and the author’s explanation of building techniques were highlights in this period piece.
As mentioned, this is story based on factual events during a remarkable period in history. The prose is never fancy or overdone and there are enough appealing ideas to prompt some stimulating book club discussions. Readers will also find there’s plenty of suspense and twists to keep the pages turning.
