The Paris Understudy

Praise

A SEPTEMBER NOTEWORTHY BOOK BY THE WASHINGTON POST!

Praise for The Paris Understudy:
“This engrossing historical novel captures the tension between moral fiber, pride, and furthering one’s own interests.”
—Booklist

“A complicated morality tale with plenty of operatic intrigue and wartime history.”
—Kirkus

“Enjoyable summer reading for opera fans.”
—New York Journal of Books

“Thiele has written a powerful, suspenseful debut novel.”
—Historical Novel Society

“A simply riveting and deftly crafted read from start to finish.”
—Midwest Book Review

“A delightful contemporary novel that immerses readers in the enchanting world of Parisian theater, romance, and self-discovery.”
—Crossroad Reviews

“Those who enjoy historical fiction, especially during WW2 Europe . . . will want to add this to their reading list.”
—Cantina Book Club

“A captivating read . . . A story that will stay with me.”
—Just One More Chapter

“An intense WWII novel that will keep you reading along.”
—Red Carpet Crash

“The Paris Understudy is a captivating wartime story where ambition clashes with morality under the haunting melodies of opera. Historical fiction fans will delight in Thiele’s impeccable research and enriching atmosphere. An impressive debut where intrigue and sacrifice blend seamlessly with the music. Bravo!”
—Andie Newton, USA Today bestselling author of The Secret Pianist

“The Paris Understudy gives the reader an electrifying glance behind the curtain of one of the world’s most famous opera houses, following the ambitions of two talented and sometimes treacherous sopranos vying for center stage on the cusp of World War Two. The novel hits all the right notes for historical fiction lovers, and passages are written with such skill and passion that they will give the reader goosebumps.”
—Robert M. Eversz, author of the Nina Zero novels

“An engrossing tale about war and choices—wrong ones, right ones, yet always difficult ones. I was completely drawn in.”
—M. B. Henry, author of All the Lights Above Us

“A decadent feast reminiscent of Alexander Chee’s Queen of the Night, intense and dramatic as an aria, Aurelie Thiele’s The Paris Understudy is an engrossing, immersive portrayal of one woman’s quest to pursue her art against the violence and instability of World War II.”
—Monica Ferrell, author of The Answer Is Always Yes and You Darling Thing