And the Show Went On: Cultural Life in Nazi-Occupied Paris Audiobook

" Somehow I expected more from this book which covers the Nazi Occupation of Paris and how it affected the artistic community. I had already read Occupation by Ian Ousby which piqued my curiosity about the actions of those involved in the arts and maybe settle the question as to collaboration vs. trying to keep their work alive. But the question was not really answered, at least not for me. There were so many individuals in those pages, many of whom were only known to the French population, that I had trouble remembering who they were. Except for a handful, most of them worked in cooperation with the Nazis, some more blatantly than others, but were never called to task for what appeared as collaboration. The book does not paint a pretty picture of the Parisian artists' community and certainly does not take an apologist tone.....but it just did not capture my interest as I though it might. "

" Have read four chapters and the book is great reading. A very human story about a proud people facing the consequences of defeat and occupation and the struggles of the cultural elite to adapt to the new situation. "

" Scholarly, in-depth, and, frankly, a bit of a slog if you aren't already very interested in interwar and wartime French culture. The author likes to mention figures without always mentioning why they were important, although the people he does linger on are well fleshed out. Anecdotes are also deployed well, helping keep the reader interested, but again, only recommended for people with a strong interest in the subject. "

" I poured over this book, and found it fascinating, mainly because I was already researching this city and time. The book is very valuable in bringing to life one of the most unusual time periods of Paris. It is a must have resource for anyone who is interested in this period of the city. "

" Not a fan. Everyone else seems to have loved it but I just couldn't read it. "

" so much information, so little gripping narrative. i really wanted this to be so much better than it was. "

" I'm hooked so far "

" An interesting book that makes one think about how one would react if our country were occupied by a foreign power. There are no simple answers. Regarding the French fascists/collaborators however, one is chilled and sickened by them and their welcoming of the Nazis. "

" Too many lists; not enough musicians, singers, or composers. "

" Brilliant so far, I'm only on chapter 4 or 5 but its already startling and insightful !!! "

" I listened to this audiobook at work, and it took me three and a half days plus to finish. It's very interesing, but quite dry. "

" Good starting point for research - certainly led me to buying a lot more books on the topic. I'll see how it compares after I've read the rest. "

" so much information, so little gripping narrative. i really wanted this to be so much better than it was. "