The Beasts of Paris by Stef Penney

'Anne is a former patient from a women's asylum... Newcomer Lawrence is desperate to develop his talent as a photographer... Ellis, an army surgeon, has lived through the trauma of one civil war and will do anything to avoid another bloodbath' This is the first book I have read by Penney, but will not be the last. Her research is fastidious, she brings the past to life. I felt like I was in war torn Paris when I was on a sun lounger in Florida. The descriptions of the animals will blow you away. One of the best books I read on my holiday and they were all crackers.

From the back

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.

A dazzling historical epic of love and survival, Stef Penney carries the reader captivated through war-torn Paris.