Strong in Will: A First-Hand Account of Working for the American Embassy in Paris During the Nazi Occupation

The book "Marie-Louise Dilkes: A Memoir of Paris in the Time of the Occupation" is a unique perspective of life in Paris during the Occupation, written by the receptionist for the American Embassy, Marie-Louise Dilkes. It describes the chaos and fear of those facing an uncertain future, and the war-time journey of the American consulate in Paris.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2023
Publisher: Casemate Publishers

The book is divided into three parts: Part I, “The Conquest,” describes the initial days of the German occupation of Paris,including the chaos and fear that gripped the city. Dilkes describes how the German soldiers marched through the streets,seizing control of the banks,the telephone system,and the transportation system. They also began to round up Jews and other minorities,and set up concentration camps in the suburbs.

Part II, “The Occupation,” describes the daily life of the people in Paris during the occupation. Dilkes describes how the people struggled to survive,with food and fuel in short supply,and the constant fear of being arrested or deported. She also describes how the German soldiers treated the people,with brutality and violence.

Part III, “The Liberation,” describes the final days of the German occupation of Paris,including the liberation of the city by the Allies. Dilkes describes how the people celebrated the liberation,with parades and fireworks,and how the American Embassy staff returned to Paris after being forced to flee the city.

This book is a powerful and moving account of life in Paris during the Occupation. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history,especially the history of World War II. It is also a reminder of the importance of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
“Paris of today is not a happy ground for ill and dying or for those with frayed nerves and unquiet minds. It is for the brave of heart, the courageous, and the strong in will and in health. The times, so full of danger, must be lived by the ‘sword of the Spirit, with love and an inner calm. It is not possible otherwise.’

- Marie-Louise Dilkes, 30 August 1940

There have been many books written about life in Paris during the Occupation. What makes this book unique is that it is written from the perspective of the receptionist for the American Embassy in Paris, Marie-Louise Dilkes, who saw and experienced the chaos and fear of those facing an uncertain future. They walked through the door to the American Embassy looking for a sign of hope or a way out.

Marie-Louise Dilkes takes us through the conquest and occupation of Paris by German forces, and includes the war-time journey of the American consulate in Paris – from Paris to Lisbon, and Lyon to Bern and back to Paris. She ends with the triumphant return of members of the American Embassy staff after the Allies forced the German Army out of Paris.

The book is divided into three parts: Part I, “The Conquest,” describes the initial days of the German occupation of Paris, including the chaos and fear that gripped the city. Dilkes describes how the German soldiers marched through the streets, seizing control of the banks, the telephone system, and the transportation system. They also began to round up Jews and other minorities, and set up concentration camps in the suburbs.

Part II, “The Occupation,” describes the daily life of the people in Paris during the occupation. Dilkes describes how the people struggled to survive, with food and fuel in short supply, and the constant fear of being arrested or deported. She also describes how the German soldiers treated the people, with brutality and violence.

Part III, “The Liberation,” describes the final days of the German occupation of Paris, including the liberation of the city by the Allies. Dilkes describes how the people celebrated the liberation, with parades and fireworks, and how the American Embassy staff returned to Paris after being forced to flee the city.

This book is a powerful and moving account of life in Paris during the Occupation. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, especially the history of World War II. It is also a reminder of the importance of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.”

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636243788