The Barman of the Ritz: The #1 bestselling historical novel based on the true story of a Jewish barman at the Ritz in occupied Paris
About this ebook
'Philippe Collin is a magnificent storyteller. This novel fascinates at every turn.' Elle
When the Ritz becomes the Nazis’ favourite spot, its Jewish bartender has no choice but to keep working.
Paris, 1940. Despite the Occupation, the prestigious Ritz Hotel has managed to remain open. Its bar becomes a favourite spot for Nazis eager for a taste of French refinement. Its celebrated barman, Frank Meier, is forced to adapt to this new clientele. But he is hiding a secret that no one can find out: he is Jewish.
With every word and smile, the atmosphere becomes more and more suffocating. Yet Frank refuses to flee. With the unwitting help of the Nazis, Frank eventually uncovers secrets that help keep him and his loved ones alive — especially Luciano, his young apprentice, and Blanche, wife of the director of the Ritz and Frank’s impossible love — both of whom are Jewish too.
Betrayal, lies, and backstabbing raise the stakes for the bartender — with Frank always just one step ahead of fate.
Based on a true story, The Barman of the Ritz is as chilling as it is fascinating.
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About the author
A producer at France Inter for over twenty years, Philippe Collin studied history and has always maintained a strong interest in the field. In 2021, he created a series of historical podcasts that have been downloaded 40 million times. He is also a graphic-novel writer and co-author of Le Voyage de Marcel Grob (2018), inspired by the story of his great-uncle during the Second World War. The Barman of the Ritz , his first novel, has been translated into 30 languages and was a runaway bestseller in his native France, selling 350,000 copies to date.
Frank Wynne (Translator)
Frank Wynne is an Irish literary translator, writer and editor. He has translated more than a hundred French and Hispanic novels by authors including Michel Houellebecq, Patrick Modiano, Javier Cercas and Virginie Despentes. Over a career spanning more than twenty-five years, his work has twice earned him the Dublin Literary Award, he has been awarded the Scott Moncrieff Prize on three occasions and the Premio Valle Inclán twice. Most recently, his translation of The Annual Banquet of the Gravediggers Guild by Mathias Énard won the 2024 French-American Prize. He was the first translator to chair the jury for the International Booker Prize.
