The Queen of Paris

My wife downloaded this book. I assumed I wouldn't like it because how many guys are really going to be interested in Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel and her perfume industry? But, I was wrong. I found the story very interesting and was unaware of the fascinating life that Coco lead. Based on real life, I thought the author did a great job of weaving in accurate historical facts. The book mostly covers the period of the late 1930's through the end of WWII, but it periodically goes back to her early years 25 years before to set the stage for how and why she made many of the decisions in the years of the war. During the war years the basic themes are how she struggles with the ownership rights of her iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume, how she extricates her son Andre, who has been conscripted into military service, from serving on the front lines, and her numberous relationships with the men in her life, past and present. This all become complicated because she is living in the Hotel Ritz in Paris while the city is being occupied by the German army and Luftwaffe high command. Coco has to tread a fine line because she loves her native France but must struggle with complex ethical issues that require participation with the German authorities.Coco is a complicated, calculating and at times a very cold woman, but the author was able to find a way to also make her human and which in many respects I found likable. She did what was necessary, sometime good...sometimes bad, to survive.Many books start off great and then seem to fade, this book was quite the opposite for me. It started off somewhat slow, perhaps because my expectations were low, but the story line continued to build right up to the end. It's one of those books that makes you think, "what would I have done in those same situations?" I highly recommend this book.

Pamela Binnings Ewen paints a picture of Coco Chanel as charming yet ruthless and manipulative as she fights for control of her Chanel No. 5. With the approach of WWII, her business partner Pierre Wertheimer relocated to America, taking the perfume’s formula with him. Chanel owned only a small share of the company and her efforts to regain control appeared futile. After the Germans entered Paris, she used her connections to appeal to Admiral Canaris, head of the Abwehr. Pierre was Jewish and the Nuremberg Laws prohibited him from owning any business, but her appeal to Canaris came at a price. It is one that she was willing to pay if she can also discover the fate of her son, a German POW.Ewen alternates her tale of Chanel’s war years with her earlier years. She was abandoned by her father as a child, became a mistress as a young woman and finally found love with Boy Capel. She believed that love would be forever, but was betrayed when she became pregnant and Boy later married another. Her design of hats finally opened up a future for her that led to her clothing and fragrances and brought the status and wealth that she would fight for.Chanel was not an easy character to like. As the people of Paris suffered during the occupation, she was unaffected by the food shortages and could not see what was going on around her. Life at the Hotel Ritz was comfortable for her and her sense of entitlement was constantly in evidence. Even so, she was an interesting personality whose name is still prevalent today. It is well worth spending the time with Coco Chanel. I would like to thank Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for providing this book for my review.

In The Queen of Paris, Pamela Binnings Ewen delivers a fleshed-out Coco Chanel - beyond the iconic fitted suit, dark curls and tainted reputation. We are presented with a real woman faced with almost impossible choices. The decisions she made may be distasteful, even abhorrent, but at least we can understand how she came to make those fateful decisions. Life is not tied up in a neat bow in The Queen of Paris. Chanel's early life, her doomed relationships and her drive to succeed all play a part in the dubious paths she chose to take. But part of us can now forgive her.

The author did a magnificent job of bringing real life emotion to all the characters in this book. Her portrayal of Coco Chanel drew you in as if you were living her life. One couldn’t help but see life through Coco’s eyes, the imagery was so real. I would have read the book in one sitting if my eyes hadn’t quit on me so late at night. This book is a jewel.

Most know some of the story of Chanel but this is the best I have read about her. It gives more insight into why she did some of the things she did. How she was robbed of her business. Showed her character and strength in times of stress and disaster. I was very impressed with her talents and determination to succeed. Very well written.

Full disclosure I know the author but excellent though now I don’t like Coco Chanel

I enjoyed this book very much because it showed the many sides of war though interesting characters. The Paris descriptions were delightful, and the love of scent is a great concept.Plus, a story of a strong business woman- survivor is always my favorite.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Couldn’t put it down to go to bed! Great job anxious to read more of her books

I loved the story, but being a huge, lifetime admirer of Coco, I knew certain factors already common knowledge, to be different than written in the book. I chose to let the mix up’s slide, and I’m glad I did. Read this marvellous book, including the authors notes, where she immediately addresses the very thing!