A Bakery in Paris: A Novel

In the historical novel "The Breadwinner," set in nineteenth-century and post–World War II Paris, two fierce women of the same family, generations apart, find their futures in a bakery in Montmartre. Lisette Vigneau, a revolutionary National Guardsman, gives up her life of luxury to join the fight for a Paris of the People. Micheline Chartier, a nineteen-year-old baking academy student, is obsessed with finding her mother and creating a future for herself. They must grapple with loss, learn to accept love, and face impossible choices with courage and a belief that a bit of flour, yeast, sugar, and love can bring about a revolution.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

From the author of The School for German Brides comes a captivating historical novel set in nineteenth-century and post-World War II Paris. The story follows two fierce women of the same family, generations apart, who find their futures intertwined within the walls of a simple bakery in a tiny corner of Montmartre.

In 1870, the Prussians are at the city gates, determined to starve Paris into submission. Lisette Vigneau, a headstrong and willful young woman, resides in her parents' grand home in the Place Royale, right in the heart of the city. While awaiting the outcome of the war, she embarks on an excursion that unexpectedly brings her into the path of a revolutionary National Guardsman named Théodore Fournier. This encounter forever alters her destiny, prompting her to abandon her life of luxury and join the fight for a Paris of the People. Determined to make a significant impact, Lisette opens a small bakery with the hopes of providing a vital boon to the impoverished neighborhood during its time of need. However, as the city falls into famine and then rebellion, her resolve to relinquish the comforts of her past life is put to the ultimate test.

Fast forward to 1946, and nineteen-year-old Micheline Chartier is coping with the loss of her father and the disappearance of her mother during the war. Left to raise her two younger sisters, Micheline feels trapped and overwhelmed by the responsibility. A well-meaning neighbor enrolls her in a prestigious baking academy, with her entire life mapped out for her. However, Micheline feels inadequate and desperately seeks to find her mother, consumed by the desire to move on from the past and create a future for herself.

During her time at the academy, Micheline meets her classmate Laurent Tanet, a kind-hearted and talented baker. Laurent becomes a source of support and guidance for Micheline, helping her to confront her demons and begin to heal. As they navigate the challenges of their respective pasts and the uncertain future, both women must grapple with loss, learn to accept love, and make impossible choices armed with little more than their courage and determination.

Through their journey, Lisette and Micheline discover the power of resilience, the importance of family, and the transformative potential of pursuing one's dreams. The Bakery of Montmartre is a testament to the strength of women and the enduring spirit of hope in the face of adversity.

Weight: 296g
Dimension: 134 x 203 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780063247710