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The Paris Architect

400 pages, 2014

fiction

fiction

1382 books
Takeaways
Description

Like most gentiles in Nazi-occupied Paris, architect Lucien Bernard has little empathy for the Jews. So, when a wealthy industrialist offers him a large sum of money to devise secret hiding places for Jews, Lucien struggles with the choice of risking his life for a cause he doesn’t really believe in. 

Ultimately, he can’t resist the challenge and begins designing expertly concealed hiding spaces—behind a painting, within a column, or inside a drainpipe—detecting possibilities invisible to the average eye. But when one of his clever hiding spaces fails horribly and the immense suffering of Jews becomes incredibly personal, he can no longer deny reality. 

Written by an expert whose knowledge imbues every page, this story becomes more gripping with every life the architect tries to save. 

The Power of Transformation

In The Paris Architect, Charles Belfoure explores the transformation of the main character, Lucien Bernard. Initially, Lucien is a selfish man who only cares about his own interests. However, as he starts designing hiding places for Jews during the Nazi occupation, he begins to change. This book shows us that it's never too late to change and start doing the right thing.

The Importance of Courage

Belfoure's book highlights the importance of courage in the face of adversity. Lucien risks his life to save others, showing us that sometimes, we need to step out of our comfort zone and stand up for what we believe in. It's a great reminder to always be brave, even when it's hard.

The Impact of War on Individuals

The Paris Architect gives us a glimpse into the lives of people during World War II. It shows how war can change individuals and societies, often in devastating ways. It's a great book to check out if you're interested in history and want to see how it impacts people on a personal level.

The Value of Human Life

One of the key takeaways from The Paris Architect is the value of human life. Despite the danger, Lucien chooses to save lives, showing us that every life is precious. This book encourages us to respect and value all human lives.

The Role of Art in Society

Belfoure, being an architect himself, uses his book to explore the role of art and architecture in society. Lucien uses his skills as an architect not just to create beautiful buildings, but also to save lives. This book shows us that art can be more than just aesthetics - it can also be a tool for change.

Recommendations

1
authorMalcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell

journalistscientistauthor

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372 books

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