Title: Explosion in Paris
Author: Linda Masemore Pirrung
First published April 9, 2009
408 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781440140747 (ISBN10: 144014074X)
Rating: 3.56
Overview
In “Explosion in Paris,” Angela Briann Scott refuses to let tragedy define her life. After the loss of her husband, she finds hope in the form of Ross Leigh Stafford, a man who embodies all the qualities her late husband lacked.
Set against the backdrop of France’s beauty, Angela reinvents herself and discovers her true strength and self-worth. With determination and unwavering spirit, she achieves great success and inspires readers to believe in themselves.
This heartwarming story will captivate readers from beginning to end.
About the Author
As someone who has lived 59 years, I believe that the elderly have a lot of wisdom to share. With age comes mellowing and understanding, and we tend to see life through more forgiving eyes.
One of my passions is writing, which keeps me excited about life. Another is analyzing what drives people.
Reading beautifully written books enlightens me and inspires me to create new flavors in life.
As a baby boomer, I am part of a group of women who are rediscovering adventure and change now that our children have left the nest. Looking back, we wonder what would have happened if we had taken a different road.
For example, I gave up my dream of becoming a French Interpreter when I married in 1971, and my husband and I moved to Howard County, Maryland to start our family. We have never regretted our move to the countryside.
Over the years, I managed to write my first book, Cracked Hearts, between family needs. I wrote the rough draft by hand and later typed it on a borrowed typewriter.
Then, I edited, rewrote, and retyped it twice more. For the final time, I used an old computer and constantly referred to Writer’s Digest.
Even if it had never been published, I was proud to have accomplished something of value.
In addition to writing, I started my own portrait studio business, Focus on Elegance by Linda, and a doll art business, Galerie des Enfants. I also spent six years babysitting my grandkids 12-14 hours a day, 3-5 days a week.
Then, I invested in a villa/studio and personal retreat, which I decorated in European classic splendor. As a photographer and artist, I love turning perfect moments into timeless masterpieces.
In the end, we are all searching for love and the perfect fairy tale. When it doesn’t come, we try to create it.
It’s important to respect others and give them some slack. Writing down my thoughts helps me sort out my feelings and understand what drives people.
Editoral Review
Explosion in Paris is a historical fiction novel written by Linda Masemore Pirrung, first published on April 9, 2009. The book is set in Paris in the early 1900s and follows the story of two sisters who find themselves embroiled in a political conspiracy that threatens to shake the foundations of French society.
Pirrung’s writing style is evocative and richly detailed, transporting the reader to the streets of Paris and immersing them in the atmosphere of the time. The book is steeped in historical accuracy, and Pirrung’s research is evident in the vivid portrayal of the city and its people.
The plot revolves around the events leading up to a real-life explosion that occurred in Paris in 1910, and the subsequent investigation that uncovers a web of political intrigue and corruption. The two main characters, sisters Caroline and Madeleine, are complex and well-developed, each with their own motivations and desires.
The setting of early 20th century Paris is beautifully rendered, and the political and social tensions of the time are woven seamlessly into the plot.
While the book is primarily a work of historical fiction, it also touches on themes of women’s rights, class struggle, and the corrupting influence of power. These themes feel especially relevant in today’s world, and Pirrung’s exploration of them is both nuanced and thought-provoking.
Explosion in Paris is not without its flaws, however. At times, the pacing can feel slow, and some of the secondary characters are not as fully realized as they could be.
Additionally, while the ending is satisfying, it does feel somewhat predictable.
Despite these issues, however, Explosion in Paris is a compelling and engaging read. Fans of historical fiction and political thrillers will find much to enjoy here, and the book’s exploration of timely themes make it a worthwhile read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and entertaining novel.
Overall, I would highly recommend Explosion in Paris to anyone looking for a well-written and engaging work of historical fiction. While it may not be a perfect book, it is certainly a memorable one, and its themes and characters will stay with readers long after the final page has been turned.
On a scale of 1 to 5, I would give Explosion in Paris a solid 4 stars.
