The Porcelain Moon

This WWI story, set in 1918, follows Pauline, a young woman who moves from China to Paris with her uncle and cousin, Theo, to open an antique store. It also introduces Camille, a French woman who has lived her entire life in a small town. Against the backdrop of wartime challenges such as rationing, blackouts, and the ever-present fear of bombings, two love stories emerge. Theo enlists as a translator in Camille’s town, intertwining their lives, while Pauline embarks on a journey to find Theo and persuade his father to abandon plans for an arranged marriage that would send her back to China. Through these characters, the story explores cultural differences and family power dynamics.

This book offers a vivid portrayal of life in wartime France, capturing the constant fear of air raids, the struggles of rationing, and the disorienting experience of being in a foreign country. It also delves into the complexities of familial power structures and the challenges of fitting into a society vastly different from one’s own. Through its richly detailed narrative, I gained insight into the hardships of WWI and the personal resilience required to navigate such turbulent times.