In Paris 1870, three wandering souls find themselves in a city set to descend into war.
Anne is a former patient from a women's asylum trying to carve out a new life for herself in a world that doesn't understand her. Newcomer Lawrence is desperate to develop his talent as a photographer and escape the restrictions of his puritanical upbringing. Ellis, an army surgeon, has lived through the trauma of one civil war and will do anything to avoid another bloodbath.
Each keeps company with the restless beasts of Paris' Menagerie, where they meet, fight their demons, lose their hearts, and rebel in a city under siege.
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Blue smoke swathes the avenue in drifting veils, making it hard to see, and there is a peculiar noise outside: a constant spitting and humming, as of angry insects.- PROLOGUE
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(Quercus, 6 July 2023, e-book, 352 pages, ARC from the publisher via NetGalley)
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I'm a huge fan of the author and couldn't wait to read The Beasts of Paris, slightly different from her other work. I really enjoyed how much details the author goes into for each character. I got a real sense of who they were, and their individual stories were gripping. The book alternates back and forth between Anne, Lawrence and Ellis until their lives gradually become entwined. This is a gripping, powerful read. I did not want the book to end.
