Title: Crossing on the Paris
Author: Dana Gynther
First published November 1, 2012
336 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781451678239 (ISBN10: 1451678231)
Rating: 3.4
Overview
Step back in time and embark on a journey from Paris to New York aboard the luxurious Paris ocean liner. Set in the aftermath of World War I, Dana Gynther’s Crossing on the Paris is a mesmerizing historical novel that follows the lives of three women from vastly different backgrounds.
Julie Vernet, a young French woman, yearns for adventure as she sets sail to escape her working-class life. Meanwhile, Constance Stone, an American wife and mother, embarks on a journey to Paris to bring back her bohemian sister Faith.
As the ship sets sail, Vera Sinclair, a rich expatriate, reflects on her colorful life in France and prepares for a quiet retirement back in America. These women’s paths cross in unexpected ways, and their stories intertwine in a powerful and unforgettable tale.
With the elegance of Downton Abbey and the drama of Titanic, Crossing on the Paris is a must-read for fans of historical fiction.
About the Author
Meet Dana Gynther, a historical fiction writer with a passion for France and Spain. Although originally from Alabama, she has also lived in Missouri, Massachusetts, Costa Rica, and France.
Dana’s first two novels – “Crossing on the Paris” and “The Woman in the Photograph” – were inspired by her own experiences in France. She spent nearly two years there after college and even earned an MA in French Literature from the University of Alabama.
However, Dana eventually settled in Valencia, Spain, where she has lived for over two decades. It was in Valencia where she found inspiration for her latest novel, “The Admiral’s Baths,” a multi-period historical novel set in the heart of the city.
This book was sparked by Dana’s translation of a website for a real-life monument, a 14th century public bathhouse. Dana’s love for history and her experiences abroad have shaped her writing and made her an accomplished author.
Editoral Review
Dana Gynther’s Crossing on the Paris is an exquisite piece of historical fiction that sweeps the reader back to a time of grandeur, romance, and tragedy. Published on November 1, 2012, it transports the reader to the glittering, hedonistic world of the 1920s, where three young women – Vera, Irene, and Honora – cross paths on the grand ocean liner, the SS Paris.
Gynther, a former flight attendant, uses her experience and expertise to bring the lavish world of luxury travel to life in this captivating novel that is rich in detail, drama, and character. Her impeccable research is evident in the intricate descriptions of the ship, the wardrobe of the passengers, and the various social norms of the time.
Crossing on the Paris offers a fascinating insight into the lives of some of the wealthiest and most privileged people of the era, including socialites, celebrities, and aristocrats, as well as the less fortunate. The story begins in England in the summer of 1921, where Vera Sinclair, a British socialite, boards the ship to escape the scandalous aftermath of her failed engagement.
Along the journey, she meets Irene, an American who is fleeing a loveless marriage, and Honora, an Irish girl who is searching for a better life in America. The three women soon form a close bond, but their journey is not without its troubles.
All three women carry their own emotional baggage, and their voyage is characterised by heartbreak, betrayal, and a desire for redemption. Gynther’s writing is both elegant and evocative.
Her vivid descriptions bring the opulence of the era to life, while the characters are expertly fleshed out and given unique voices that only add to the story’s charm. The pacing of the novel is impeccable, and the narrative unfolds at a steady, satisfying pace that will keep readers engaged throughout.
Crossing on the Paris offers an insightful look at the various lives of women in a time where women’s roles were stiflingly confined. Gynther employs the three women protagonists to showcase the challenges women faced at the time in their quests for independence, love, and happiness.
At its core, the novel is about the journey of self-discovery and the importance of forging meaningful connections with others. Despite its strengths, Crossing on the Paris is not without its faults.
Some readers may find the ending a bit predictable and clichéd. However, Gynther’s storytelling craft is so compelling that even the most cynical reader will find themselves willing to overlook this minor drawback.
In conclusion, Crossing on the Paris is an enthralling novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and those interested in the glamour and excess of the roaring twenties. Gynther’s writing is masterful, and her descriptions of the era are so compelling that readers will be transported back in time.
A highly recommended read, this book receives a score of 4.5 out of 5 for its excellent plotting, superb characterisation, and lively prose.
