Hachette Livre

Hachette Livre Reading Group Guides

Welcome to our Reading Group guide for April in Paris by Michael Wallner. We invite you to consider and discuss the following questions when reading this book:

  1. At the start of the novel, Roth absolves himself of responsibility in the Nazi occupation of France. In what ways is this shown? How conflicted is he by his allegiance to the Nazis?
  2. What do you make of the techniques used by Roth’s fellow Nazis to extract information from Resistance fighters? Why do you think he avoids using them himself?
  3. Although Roth is helping the Nazis interrogation of Resistance fighters, he detaches himself from their actions. Does he not consider himself a true German?
  4. Why does Roth want to blend in amongst the French people in Paris? What is he trying to escape from?
  5. As Roth becomes involved with Chantal and her French accomplices, he faces huge challenges to his identity. How does he respond? How does Roth’s character evolve as he deals with these experiences?
  6. Roth’s involvement with Chantal becomes central to him; he continues to think about her whenever they are apart. Why does Chantal mean so much to him? As a French Resistance fighter, what does she represent to Roth?
  7. What do you make of the representation of women in Turachevsky’s? How do the Nazi officers treat them? Do you see a link between their treatment of women and the exploitation of French people in general?
  8. How would you describe Roth as a protagonist? Do you think he is heroic in his involvement with Chantal and the booksellers? Or do you think he could have done more to help them?
  9. How do you think Roth’s position dramatises the political tensions occurring in France? Where do our sympathies lie at the end of the novel? Is it so one sided?
  10. As the novel progresses, Roth’s actions reveal a longing to break away from the Nazis. What holds him back? Is he is too weak, or does he have no choice but to comply?
  11. Do you agree with Roth’s actions? How could he have changed his outcome by acting differently? How do you think you would act in his position?
  12. What did you learn about the Resistance movement in France during this time? Do you think the novel has wider political implications?
  13. What do you make of Roth’s feelings towards the end of the novel? Do you sympathise with him? What do you think he will do after? What is about to happen in France?

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