The bartender at the Ritz in Paris

When the Ritz becomes a favorite haunt of the Nazis, a Jewish bartender has no choice but to keep working. What no one knows is that, besides making cocktails, he also helps Jewish families escape. Based on a true story and a bestseller in France, Philippe Collin's *The Barman at the Ritz * is the greatest novel about the German Occupation.

Paris, 1940. Despite the Nazi occupation, the illustrious Ritz Hotel manages to remain open. The hotel bar soon becomes frequented by high-ranking German military officers, seeking to experience the famed French refinement. Frank Meier, the Ritz's most celebrated bartender, must adapt to the new clientele and keep a secret that no one will ever discover: he is Jewish.

Frank feels more suffocated with every word and smile he offers. Still, the bartender of Austrian origin, who fought for France in World War I, refuses to flee. Frank listens and acts discreetly, providing false documents to other Jews and contributing—even unwittingly—to conspiratorial activities. After all, who would suspect a bartender?

Betrayals, lies, and uncertainty make Frank's position more risky, but he is always one step ahead of fate.

With a fascinating narrative, The Bartender at the Ritz in Paris brings an unusual perspective on the Nazi Occupation in France, exposing the privileges of French high society, in addition to presenting us with Frank Meier's dilemma: what would be the perfect balance between resignation, which keeps him alive, and courage, which gives him a reason to live?

“With his undeniable storytelling talent, Philippe Collin takes us on a journey through the daily life of a masked theater.” – Le Figaro

“This book chronicles occupied France and is brilliant.” ― Le Parisien

“Passionate and didactic, Philippe Collin excels in the art of recreating the past.” — Le Monde

“The incredible story of a Jewish bartender at the Ritz who served Nazi customers.” ― Le Parisien

“By mixing his knowledge of the period and his taste for psychology, diluted in a skillfully constructed narrative, Philippe Collin creates an intoxicating cocktail.” — L'Express

“Philippe Collin is a magnificent storyteller. This novel captivates with every twist and turn.” — Elle

“A fascinating character…” ― La Grande Librairie