As an architect, Lucien Bernard (a Gentile) longs for success, for awards and recognition. His marriage is failing, and France is under Nazi occupation. So when wealthy Monsieur Manet (also a Gentile) approaches him to design a hiding place for a Jew and offers a large sum of money, Lucien reluctantly agrees, despite fear of Gestapo reprisal. Soon, he is designing other hiding spaces in homes, as well as designing munitions factories. Lucien is a man who struggles with ethics, but not too deeply—he basically collaborates and rationalizes, he has a mistress and yet is outraged when his wife leaves him for another man. In some ways Belfour’s character development is shallow, yet the suspenseful story of the era carries the reader forward. The author portrays unbelievable hatred, evil, greed, betrayal, heroism and the human condition. As the story progresses, Lucien becomes a greater man, though the road is rough and he struggles to the end. His story involves a love interest, a rescued Jewish boy, and a friendship with a Nazi officer. The Paris Architect is a good read about the occupation, the Résistance, and human emotions. Almost a dozen Book Club members enjoyed a lively discussion, and hostess Lynn Leissler served refreshments afterward.