‘A really satisfying, easily read, fully engaging story, constantly requiring the reader to pause and wonder how they would have behaved in the circumstances. The constant reminder of the brutality and sheer human waste of the war is very powerful. And, of course, the matter of women’s rights, freedom and independence is never far from its heart.’ James Robertson, author of News of the Dead and winner of the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction.

‘The psychological impact of the war is fully realised in the small details … it’s in these moments we see not just Johnston’s thorough research but her eye as a novelist … [a] meticulously researched and generous novel.’ The Irish Independent

‘A novel that effortlessly weaves fiction into true history – entertaining and educating in one go. Flora Johnston places two Scottish sisters in the male-dominated world of war and high diplomacy in France at the end of World War One. She paints a vivid picture of a society beset with prejudice and chauvinism, in which women struggle to be taken seriously, and victorious European leaders divvy up the world after the war, while the men damaged by it come to terms with their fate. And there’s rugby in here too, and romance! A moving and uplifting novel – a great read.’ Angus Roxburgh, former Sunday Times & BBC Moscow correspondent and author of Moscow Calling.

‘This novel deals with the notion of peace – politically on the world stage and on a personal level – set against the backdrop of The Paris Peace Conference. … The author captures not only the relief of the end of the war but also the sense of futility and a deep frustration that lessons may not have been learned. This, we know only too well, is justified.
…. This is the kind of novel that brings history to life through an accessible storyline. Set against real life events it enables the reader to experience events through the characters and gain a sense of the terrible and personal consequences of war. There are poignant and heart-rending parts in this story that add a high degree of humanity to a sadly common experience..’ TripFiction

‘The Paris Peacemakers does exactly what I love most about historical fiction: throwing a light into a little-known but fascinating era of history, time-travelling the reader through the eyes of immensely relatable characters and leaving you wanting to know more.’ Liz Trenow, author of The Silk Weaver.

‘Her characters are so well drawn and they will, I know, stay with me for a long time. I found it a heart-warming story full of love, both familial and passionate, and it was a joy to read.’ Sue Lawrence, author of Lady’s Rock.

‘With characters crafted from the heart, The Paris Peacemakers shines a light on the role of women during and after the Great War, while reminding us that amid the quest for peace following conflict, personal and political wars rage on.’ Jacqueline Winspear, author of The White Lady.

‘Respect to Flora Johnston for this thought-provoking, moving novel. It observes the aftermath of the First World War from an original angle and evokes place and period beautifully. I loved it.’ Caroline Scott, author of The Photographer of the Lost.

‘A fantastic blending of personal histories and world affairs.’ Rob McInroy, author of Cuddie’s Strip.

‘The parallels with the Odyssey are gorgeous and remind us of the relentless march of history. I found courage in this story, the courage to create a new world out of a destroyed one. This may be a work of fiction, but we must never forget that all this really happened, as our world slides into relentless repeat.’ Susie Helme for the Historical Novel Society.