Thank you Simon Audio for the gifted audiobook.
The Barman of the Ritz by Philippe Collin is based on the fascinating life of Frank Meier, a celebrated barman known for inventing popular cocktails and being the consummate professional. In 1936 he wrote The Artistry of Mixing Drinks, and original copies are so rare they now sell for thousands of dollars.
Meier grew up in poverty but ended up rubbing elbows with the rich and famous: authors, playwrights, actors, politicians, and titans of business.
When the Nazis occupy Paris, the grand Ritz Hotel stays open, and its little bar becomes their favorite spot. Night after night, Meier keeps shaking cocktails for German officers while hiding the fact that he's Jewish.
Collin does a remarkable job contrasting the cruelty of the Occupation with the nightly festivities at the bar. You really get a sense of time and place, with socialites, artists, philosophers, moguls, and Nazi officers all passing through. Simon Paisley Day brings real gravitas to the narration, capturing both Meier's pride in his work and his terror that his secret will come out.
What I liked most is that Meier wasn't part of the Resistance. This is the story of an ordinary man trying to survive an extraordinarily dark and dangerous time. A great pick for historical fiction readers looking for something a little different. Out now! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Grab a copy from Bookshop.org and help an indie bookstore while you're at it.
If you enjoyed this review, you might be interested in my review of Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon.
About the Author
Philippe Collin has been a producer at France Inter for the past twenty years and holds a master’s degree in contemporary history. Since 2021, he has produced a series of historical podcasts that have been downloaded by more than forty million listeners. The Barman of the Ritz is his first novel. Follow Philippe on Instagram.
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