The Man Who Lived at the Ritz: A Novel by

I "found" this book while traveling through Europe, having difficulty finding books written in English. I was delighted it was so good and now won't let anyone borrow it unless they live nearby. Everyone I have loaned this to absolutely loves it. The story takes place in Paris, during the German occupation, where the "hero" is allowed to continue living at the Ritz hotel along with Coco Chanel. Ernest Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald also make appearances and contribute an interesting aspect to the story. Goering is in charge of Paris and plays tennis and socializes with the hero (forgot his name). When they play tennis, all balls must be hit near Goering's feet so he won't have to run to get his shot. Goering also has a morphine and cross dressing addiction. The Germans are plotting to steal a great deal of art from Paris for their private use so the book becomes a thriller. It reads as an accurate historical account of that time, involving the strategies and difficulties of the Germans in the war and their personal problems. It is laugh out loud funny at times. I loved this book.