The War Begins in Paris by Theodore Wheeler is a breathtaking spin on the goings-on of the journalists embedded in Paris as World War II began to take hold. Specifically, we’re brought into the world and mind of Mielle. An up-and-coming reporter, she is navigating the city of Paris and all of its distractions, resources, and denizens. Here she meets the notorious and storied journalist Jane Anderson, a woman who has seen so much in her life and career — and who has all the scars, both physical and psychological, to show for it.
As the world continues to turn, Jane’s objectively news-seeking eye begins to show signs of a steadily tilting lean in the wrong direction just as Hitler’s rise begins to take a sharp turn upward. Before long, Mielle realizes that the relationship she inadvertently created with Jane may be the necessary component for her subversion.
The War Begins in Paris is spectacular for many things — its truth-rich plotline, its spot-on descriptions of Paris, the atmosphere evoked in so many scenes at Capoulade, or at dinner at Maxim’s, or at a lush party at an apartment south of Sacré-Coeur. From there we travel into Germany, where the scenes shift as the narrative plays out. The pages pull the reader in immediately and deeply, leaving us quickly losing our true sense of time and space — while never stripping this story of its utter timelessness.
The War Begins in Paris
by Theodore Wheeler
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As Theodore Wheeler brings us through time and across countries in The War Begins in Paris, there are piles of questions to dive into, from the historical components to present-day parallels, the role of media in news, the value of alliances, and beyond. Get your book club together and have at these prompts to kick off conversation. As always, spoilers within! Tread lightly if you’ve not yet finished the book.
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In one of her visions, Mielle believes that her mission is clear — and that it’s to be completed with a side of champagne. While we do typically take any excuse or inspiration to pop a bottle of bubbly, today we’re staying a little more grounded with a straightforward French red — Rhone to be precise. Vin rouge flows freely through the novel, and if you’re going to imbibe along the way, we recommend this Andre Brunel Cotes du Rhone Villages Cuvee Sabrine. It’s bold and well-structured, with dark fruits and a touch of spice. Just the type of wine we’d imagine in the glasses of all the cast of correspondents in The War Begins in Paris.
There’s a birthday party scene in the novel — though it is no celebratory affair — where there occurs a distinct shift in tone. On the heels of Kristallnacht, those gathered at Capoulade knew that the world was tilting, and everyone was on edge with a sense of what may come. For dinner that evening, there’s a chicken fricassee, which we think is exactly the fitting sort of comfort food such an event would demand. If you’re lately feeling like something to warm your days and soothe your thoughts, we recommend tucking into this classic French stew recipe regularly.
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Author Theodore Wheeler has more than a decade’s worth of roots in reporting, and has seen his fair share. Events that transpired during more recent elections led him on a path to the story that served as the inspiration for his latest novel, The War Begins in Paris. To get his perspective on those events and how they led him to his excellent historical fiction novel, read on.
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