Why In Paris?

I was impressed with Of Gods & Boys so I was curious to read more of Harry F. Rey’s work. Why In Paris is an extraordinary piece of literature. He skillfully captures Paris before and during the Nazi occupation. Over and over I found myself caught off guard by bits of prose that spoke to my soul… thoughtful observations of human nature, relationships, and the challenging hopscotch of knowing oneself. The intersection of the Third Reich and the Parisian sex industry was fascinating, and in this well crafted thriller I had no idea how it would play out. But it is written so masterfully that I had no doubt it would be worth the journey.

* * * * *

In the late summer of 1936, a budding young photographer from Vienna named Anders travels to pre-war Paris. His mother sends him ostensibly to attend art school… and to survive as a Jew. But Anders is ready to explore his other secret: his sexuality.

Living with over-the-top escort, Claude, above Giovanni’s gay bar, Anders and Claude build their lives among the ruins of Bohemia in Montmartre. Anders soon falls for Jean, Claude’s bitter rival in the escort scene. Anders captures Jean’s beauty with his camera lens and sells the photos by the Seine to make a living. One buyer, a wealthy American socialite, David, comes along and presents Anders with a scandalous new venture.With David’s film camera, they set up a secret studio, capturing incriminating reels of the rich and powerful committing all manner of compromising acts.

As Paris falls to Hitler and the occupation takes hold, senior Nazis commandeer David’s mansion as their personal brothel. Anders and David begin secretly filming the Nazis’ trysts, scattering the evidence across Paris. Anders’s old flame Eilas returns to Paris as an SS officer, and Jean has hatched a plot with the Resistance to assassinate Eilas’s superior, the head of the SS in Paris.

Amidst betrayal, love, and blackmail, who will survive these plots is far from certain.

The Purple Fantastic Steam Rating gives this a 4 out of 5. This is definitely an adult story, though it is not gratuitous. The sexual references are simply frank. This 4 has more to do with the adult subject matter than any excessive descriptions. Arguably I could give it a 3… but the sensibility is adult. You can read more about the Steam Ratings on the About Page.

Description

In the late summer of 1936, a budding young photographer from Vienna named Anders travels to pre-war Paris. His mother sends him ostensibly to attend art school… and to survive as a Jew. But Anders is ready to explore his other secret: his sexuality.

Living with over-the-top escort, Claude, above Giovanni’s gay bar, Anders and Claude build their lives among the ruins of Bohemia in Montmartre. Anders soon falls for Jean, Claude’s bitter rival in the escort scene. Anders captures Jean’s beauty with his camera lens and sells the photos by the Seine to make a living. One buyer, a wealthy American socialite, David, comes along and presents Anders with a scandalous new venture.With David’s film camera, they set up a secret studio, capturing incriminating reels of the rich and powerful committing all manner of compromising acts.

As Paris falls to Hitler and the occupation takes hold, senior Nazis commandeer David’s mansion as their personal brothel. Anders and David begin secretly filming the Nazis’ trysts, scattering the evidence across Paris. Anders’s old flame Eilas returns to Paris as an SS officer, and Jean has hatched a plot with the Resistance to assassinate Eilas’s superior, the head of the SS in Paris.

Amidst betrayal, love, and blackmail, who will survive these plots is far from certain.

Additional information

book-author

Harry F. Rey

Format

Hardcover, Kindle Books, Paperback

Language

English

Publisher

Encircle Publications, LLC

Pages

296

Year Published

2022

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