Picture a British storyteller who whisks you to the heart of war-torn Paris, where love and sacrifice collide—meet Ruth Druart! This historical fiction author, hailing from the Isle of Wight, has captivated readers with her emotionally charged novels set during World War II. With a knack for weaving human resilience into gripping narratives, Druart’s stories linger long after the final page.
Now living in Paris, she draws from her expat life and fascination with history to craft tales that explore moral complexity and the enduring power of family. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s uncover the journey of this remarkable writer.
The Making of Ruth Druart
Ruth Druart grew up on the Isle of Wight, where sunny days were spent swimming and devouring books—habits that still define her. At 18, she left for Leicester University to study psychology, a foundation that later enriched her character-driven stories. In 1993, she moved to Paris, newly married to her French husband, and immersed herself in the city’s vibrant culture. Teaching at Marymount International School and raising three sons kept her busy, but the city’s wartime history sparked her imagination. Druart’s Masters in International Education, focusing on Third Culture Kids and belonging, shaped the themes of identity in her work. It wasn’t until she took a sabbatical that her dream of writing full-time took flight.
Ruth Druart’s Unforgettable Stories
Druart’s debut novel, While Paris Slept (2021), is a heartrending tale set in 1944 Paris and 1953 Santa Cruz. A young Jewish woman, facing a train to Auschwitz, entrusts her child to a stranger, intertwining two families’ fates. The novel’s dual timelines and themes of courage and hope earned praise, with translations in over 18 languages. Her second novel, The Last Hours in Paris (2022), inspired by her Great Uncle Wolfgang, follows Elise, a French resistance worker, and Sebastian, a reluctant German soldier, whose forbidden love unfolds against the Nazi occupation. This poignant story explores justice, parenthood, and retribution across the 1940s and 1960s.
Druart’s writing style is both epic and intimate, blending suspense with deep emotional resonance. Her meticulous research—drawn from survivor accounts and non-fiction like Hélène Berr’s Journal—brings authenticity to her portrayal of occupied Paris. Rather than focusing on the war itself, her novels center on people: their sacrifices, moral dilemmas, and unbreakable bonds. Readers are drawn to her vivid characters, from desperate mothers to conflicted soldiers, who navigate impossible choices with humanity.
Why Ruth Druart Matters
Ruth Druart has carved a niche in historical fiction by illuminating lesser-known facets of World War II, such as the role of French railway workers in Jewish deportations. Her stories resonate with readers for their universal themes of love, loss, and resilience, offering hope amid darkness. Critics, including Louise Candlish, have lauded her ability to enrapture with life-affirming conclusions. By running a writing group in a Parisian café, Druart also nurtures new voices, cementing her influence beyond her books. Her work reminds us that even in history’s bleakest moments, the human spirit endures.
- Key Works: While Paris Slept (2021), The Last Hours in Paris (2022)
- Notable: Her debut was translated into over 18 languages.
- Fun Fact: She started writing stories at age 11 about a girl gifted a monkey!
Snag While Paris Slept and dive into Ruth Druart’s soul-stirring historical fiction—your heart will thank you!