Mistress of the Ritz
by Melanie Benjamin
I’m honestly not obsessed with France, but here is another review of a tale set in the city of lights. This one finds the country once more in turmoil, only this time rather than internal strife, an invading evil force has seized control.
Just like Ribbons of Scarlet, this is a captivating tale centered about true events, only this time the heroine is a real-life American woman, who during World War II worked as a spy for the French Resistance.
The backdrop for this story is the elegant Hotel Ritz in Paris. The Ritz has everything; if they don’t, they’ll find it. Food, wine, flowers, beautiful accommodations, and the ambiance doesn’t end there. Only the Rich stay at the Ritz (it should have been their slogan); Ernest Hemmingway and Coco Chanel to drop a few names.
Claude Auzello, the hotel director sees to every need and his wife Blanche, known as the mistress of the Ritz, supports him in his duties. For many, their lives look glamorous, but behind closed doors trouble brews, and secrets fester.
Then in June of 1940 after a short vacation, Claude and Blanche return to a changed Paris. The Occupation has begun. The Third Reich’s flag flies over all the city, and Hermann Goëring and his Luftwaffe now call the Ritz home.
With their staff disrupted, and their beloved Ritz now part of the German rest and recreation package, Blanche and Claude discover they must obey or suffer the plight of many of their Jewish friends and co-workers.

