Margot Rosenthal hates living in Paris; she'd rather be at home in Berlin, or back in London. However, her father is part of the German delegation that will sign the Treaty of Versaille in the wake of World War I, so there she is.Mostly, she hates the thought of marrying her wounded fiance, Stefan, and living the quiet life of a housewife. So, when she meets Polish pianist Krysia and her interesting circle of friends, she starts living a more exciting life -- perhaps moreso than she expects. And then there is the handsome naval officer, Georg, whom she is helping with translations of military documents related to the treaty.No one in this novel is quite what they seem on the surface -- including Margot and her father. The characters are all complicated, and nearly everyone has a secret they're keeping.The book is written in the first-person present, so the action feels immediate. The book is rich with historical detail and information on the socio-political climate of Europe during the early 20th Century.Having just returned from a visit to Europe that included a trip to Versailles, I was well able to envision the action and scenery described. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and, frankly, read it in the span of a weekend. Well-executed and interesting, with twists and complications at every corner, Margot's story kept me in its grip. Highly recommended.(Review based on uncorrected advance proof.)
