The Storyteller of Casablanca
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- Create Date：2021-09-10 00:51:17
- Update Date：2025-09-06
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- Author：Fiona Valpy
- ISBN：1542032105
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Summary
In this evocative tale from the bestselling author of The Dressmaker’s Gift， a strange new city offers a young girl hope。 Can it also offer a lost soul a second chance？
Morocco， 1941。 With France having fallen to Nazi occupation， twelve-year-old Josie has fled with her family to Casablanca， where they await safe passage to America。 Life here is as intense as the sun， every sight， smell and sound overwhelming to the senses in a city filled with extraordinary characters。 It’s a world away from the trouble back home—and Josie loves it。
Seventy years later， another new arrival in the intoxicating port city， Zoe， is struggling—with her marriage， her baby daughter and her new life as an expat in an unfamiliar place。 But when she discovers a small wooden box and a diary from the 1940s beneath the floorboards of her daughter’s bedroom， Zoe enters the inner world of young Josie， who once looked out on the same view of the Atlantic Ocean， but who knew a very different Casablanca。
It’s not long before Zoe begins to see her adopted city through Josie’s eyes。 But can a new perspective help her turn tragedy into hope， and find the comfort she needs to heal her broken heart？
Morocco， 1941。 With France having fallen to Nazi occupation， twelve-year-old Josie has fled with her family to Casablanca， where they await safe passage to America。 Life here is as intense as the sun， every sight， smell and sound overwhelming to the senses in a city filled with extraordinary characters。 It’s a world away from the trouble back home—and Josie loves it。
Seventy years later， another new arrival in the intoxicating port city， Zoe， is struggling—with her marriage， her baby daughter and her new life as an expat in an unfamiliar place。 But when she discovers a small wooden box and a diary from the 1940s beneath the floorboards of her daughter’s bedroom， Zoe enters the inner world of young Josie， who once looked out on the same view of the Atlantic Ocean， but who knew a very different Casablanca。
It’s not long before Zoe begins to see her adopted city through Josie’s eyes。 But can a new perspective help her turn tragedy into hope， and find the comfort she needs to heal her broken heart？
Reviews
Books By Your Bedside
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Thanks to Amazon Publishing for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review。Definite book cover judging going on here - it is just so beautiful and evocative or what I think most about Casablanca; the warmth， the smells and the sights。 I have always wanted to visit Casablanca and the way Fiona describes it， especially in the chapters set in the 1940’s， it seems more magical than I could ever have thought。 It doesn’t specify in the biography of the book as to whether Fiona has Thanks to Amazon Publishing for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review。Definite book cover judging going on here - it is just so beautiful and evocative or what I think most about Casablanca; the warmth， the smells and the sights。 I have always wanted to visit Casablanca and the way Fiona describes it， especially in the chapters set in the 1940’s， it seems more magical than I could ever have thought。 It doesn’t specify in the biography of the book as to whether Fiona has ever visited Casablanca herself， but her details are so exquisite， I find it hard to believe she hasn’t。 It can be confusing when a book flits from different time periods snd characters， but Fiona keeps it simple by sticking to just two main ones。 This makes it an interesting read， but you’re not forever flicking back to wrap your head round whose story you’re reading at that point。It seems very timely， particularly the chapters that focus on refugees and the war torn areas in Asia and Africa; it’s upsetting to be able to see modern parallels in reality。It is fast paced but gentle， explosive yet calming， heartbreaking but optimistic。 Every word has been thought through perfectly that it’s impossible to imagine any other author writing this story。 The two stories are interconnected so beautifully， and it pulls at your heartstrings at every chapter。This may well have been my first Fiona Valpy novel， but it sure won’t be my last。 。。。more
Sue
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I admit I did find The Storyteller of Casablanca quite slow at first but slowly the story came together and in the end it is one of those books that you don't want to end。 I think one of the reasons being that all that is stated is still true today， in the 1940's it was Hitler and the persecusion of Jews， today in countless countries across the world fear and religion cause so many to flee from their own country to try and find peace and safety elsewhere。 Some can pay and others can't and as in I admit I did find The Storyteller of Casablanca quite slow at first but slowly the story came together and in the end it is one of those books that you don't want to end。 I think one of the reasons being that all that is stated is still true today， in the 1940's it was Hitler and the persecusion of Jews， today in countless countries across the world fear and religion cause so many to flee from their own country to try and find peace and safety elsewhere。 Some can pay and others can't and as in this book it can cause so much misery and hardship even for those that have it so much easier than others。 I will definatley be reading more of Fiona Valpy's books as she has written a book well worth 5* and it made me think very hard about immigrants and why they do what they do。 。。。more
Louise Wilson
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Morocco， 1941: With France having fallen to Nazi occupation， twelve year old Josie has fled with her family to Casablanca， where they await safe passage to America。 Life here is as intense as the sun， every sight， smell and sound overwhelming to the senses in a city filled with extraordinary characters。 It's a world away from the trouble back home - and Josie loves it。Seventy years later: another new arrival in the intoxicating port city， Zoe， is struggling - with her marriage， her baby daughter Morocco， 1941: With France having fallen to Nazi occupation， twelve year old Josie has fled with her family to Casablanca， where they await safe passage to America。 Life here is as intense as the sun， every sight， smell and sound overwhelming to the senses in a city filled with extraordinary characters。 It's a world away from the trouble back home - and Josie loves it。Seventy years later: another new arrival in the intoxicating port city， Zoe， is struggling - with her marriage， her baby daughter and her new life as an expat in an unfamiliar place。 But when she discovers a small wooden box and a diary from the 1940s beneath the floorboards in her daughters bedroom， Zoe enters the inner world of young Josie。The stories dual timeline is set seventy years apart。 Set in Casablanca， Zoe's story is set in 2010 and Josie's in 1941。 When Zoe finds twelve year old Josie's diary， she becomes preoccupied by her story。 The two timelines are interwoven seamlessly as we learn of Zoe's marriage problems and Josie's family。 This is a descriptively written story that I was quickly caught up in。 The pace is steady with some wonderful characters。I would like to thank #NetGalley #AmazonPublishingUk and the author #FionaValpy for my ARC in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more
theliterateleprechaun
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This is an incredibly captivating five-star dual timeline historical fiction novel set in the exotic city of Casablanca in 1941 and then seventy years later。 Inspired by refugees fleeing Europe during the war years， Valpy explores the challenges they faced and highlights the migrant crisis in North Africa。 One timeline focuses on the Duval family as they arrive in Casablanca after fleeing Paris when the Germans invaded。 Removed from the war back home， the family settles into life in this excitin This is an incredibly captivating five-star dual timeline historical fiction novel set in the exotic city of Casablanca in 1941 and then seventy years later。 Inspired by refugees fleeing Europe during the war years， Valpy explores the challenges they faced and highlights the migrant crisis in North Africa。 One timeline focuses on the Duval family as they arrive in Casablanca after fleeing Paris when the Germans invaded。 Removed from the war back home， the family settles into life in this exciting city as they await onward passage to America。 Valpy makes this vibrant city come alive with such intensity that readers have no difficulty understanding daily life in this intoxicating port city。 The second timeline focuses on the Harris family who’ve accepted a five-year posting and recently arrived in Casablanca seeking a fresh start for their struggling marriage。 They move into the home previously occupied by the Duvals。 Valpy clearly paints a beautiful picture with words enabling readers to instantly immerse themselves in the culture and time frame。 The denouement is spectacular as Valpy merges the timelines and takes readers by surprise with a plot twist they won't see coming！ At first， I groaned when I realized I was reading an all too familiar ‘discovering a diary in present time and reading about past events，’ scenario， but thankfully Valpy was able to keep me interested with a spectacular plot， enchanting setting， and interesting characters。 Unique to this novel is the incorporating of Operation Torch， the expat experience， and the North African Migrant crisis。 My only issue was that I felt the 13-year-old Josie sounded far wiser than her years and didn’t seem to have a unique voice。 Publishes September 21， 2021I was generously gifted this advance copy by Fiona Valpy， Amazon Publishing UK， and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review。 。。。more
Carole
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I absolutely loved this book。 I have been given other books by this author which are currently on my TBR pile but they are now coming to the top。This story covers Zoe and Josie who have lived in the same house in Casablanca but 70 years apart。 Their lives are linked by a diary which explains the problems faced by Josie during the second world war as a refugee with a Jewish mother。 It also brings Zoe into the modern day world of refugees。 Fiona Valpy has an emersive way of story telling， I found I absolutely loved this book。 I have been given other books by this author which are currently on my TBR pile but they are now coming to the top。This story covers Zoe and Josie who have lived in the same house in Casablanca but 70 years apart。 Their lives are linked by a diary which explains the problems faced by Josie during the second world war as a refugee with a Jewish mother。 It also brings Zoe into the modern day world of refugees。 Fiona Valpy has an emersive way of story telling， I found her characters fully developed and caring about their lives。Thank you to TBC Reviewer group for my copy of this novel。 A must read 。。。more
Lisa
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Occasionally you read a book that upon completion of the last page you are so desperate to read on that you read the "Authors note"， the "Acknowledgements" and the "about the author" just to continue reading， This is one of those books。 Fiona Valpy tells two stories that are so beautifully intertwined。 Josie a 12 year old French refugee during WW2 and her experience in Morocco on her way to America， and Zoe， 2010 unhappily married expat in the same home some years later。 Valpys characters are wo Occasionally you read a book that upon completion of the last page you are so desperate to read on that you read the "Authors note"， the "Acknowledgements" and the "about the author" just to continue reading， This is one of those books。 Fiona Valpy tells two stories that are so beautifully intertwined。 Josie a 12 year old French refugee during WW2 and her experience in Morocco on her way to America， and Zoe， 2010 unhappily married expat in the same home some years later。 Valpys characters are wonderfully created and the colours and smells she describes in the streets of Casablanca have only strengthened my desire to go experience them for myself。 A beautifully crafted tale and I look forward to reading more of her books。 。。。more
Greta Halliday
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Wow， what a fabulous story。 For the past two days I feel as though I have lived in Casablanca， living the life of the characters， so vivid and detailed are the descriptions。 I have smiled， I have cried， so emotive is the storyline。 I love this authors writing ， the attention to detail， the descriptive writing and last but not least the skill in drawing the reader into the heart of the story。 Thanks to TBC and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this fabulous book。
Shirley McAllister
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The DiaryI loved the enchantment of Casablanca。 and the country of Morocco。 The Ocean views， the architecture， the ancient city and the famous history behind it all。 Not only was is a great story， it was a wonderful tour of the country as well。 Zoe and her husband move to Casablanca to have a fresh start to work on repairing their marriage。 Zoe finds it hard to fit in as an ex-pat in a foreign country it is all so different。 Then she finds the diary of a young Jewish girl from 1941 under a floor The DiaryI loved the enchantment of Casablanca。 and the country of Morocco。 The Ocean views， the architecture， the ancient city and the famous history behind it all。 Not only was is a great story， it was a wonderful tour of the country as well。 Zoe and her husband move to Casablanca to have a fresh start to work on repairing their marriage。 Zoe finds it hard to fit in as an ex-pat in a foreign country it is all so different。 Then she finds the diary of a young Jewish girl from 1941 under a floorboard。 It is the story of Jose， her parents， her sister Annette and her friends Nina and Felix。 Written in a diary by a 12 year old it is the story of their flight from Paris and their time in Casablanca while waiting to immigrate to America。The characters are wonderful and both Zoe and Jose are brave and both are sensitive people who care much for those they love。 I loved both of the stories and how they interacted with each other beyond the years。 It is surprising how much books and stories can affect a person and help them when they have struggles。 As it was in 1941 so it was in 2011 helping others helped them。 Friends and projects and a feeling of belonging to something worthwhile and important was very healing。The book ends with a twist that you will not see coming。 It is a great read， you will love it。 I recommend this book。 Thanks to Fiona Valpy， Amazon Publishing U。K。 and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy of the book for my honest review。 。。。more
Bookfan36
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Brief synopsis from the book cover:Morocco， 1941。 With France having fallen to Nazi occupation， twelve-year-old Josie has fled with her family to Casablanca， where they await safe passage to America。 Life here is as intense as the sun， every sight， smell and sound overwhelming to the senses in a city filled with extraordinary characters。 It’s a world away from the trouble back home—and Josie loves it。Seventy years later， another new arrival in the intoxicating port city， Zoe， is struggling—with Brief synopsis from the book cover:Morocco， 1941。 With France having fallen to Nazi occupation， twelve-year-old Josie has fled with her family to Casablanca， where they await safe passage to America。 Life here is as intense as the sun， every sight， smell and sound overwhelming to the senses in a city filled with extraordinary characters。 It’s a world away from the trouble back home—and Josie loves it。Seventy years later， another new arrival in the intoxicating port city， Zoe， is struggling—with her marriage， her baby daughter and her new life as an expat in an unfamiliar place。 But when she discovers a small wooden box and a diary from the 1940s beneath the floorboards of her daughter’s bedroom， Zoe enters the inner world of young Josie， who once looked out on the same view of the Atlantic Ocean， but who knew a very different Casablanca。It’s not long before Zoe begins to see her adopted city through Josie’s eyes。 But can a new perspective help her turn tragedy into hope， and find the comfort she needs to heal her broken heart？My rating:Plot: 4 out of 5 starsWriting: 4。5 out of 5 starsCharacter development: 4。5 out of 5 starsOverall: 4。5 out of 5 starsRecommended for readers of:Women’s FictionHistorical FictionReview: This is another story written over a dual time line。 The main timeline tells the story of Zoe an expat wife who has recently moved to Casablanca because of her husband’s job。 The second timeline tells the story of Josie a Jewish girl who fled to Casablanca during the Second World War with her parents to avoid the Nazi occupation。 Overall: The book is beautifully written， set in an exotic location， the scenery is described careful and with great detail。 This made it very captivating and vivid。 It felt like you were actually there。 The characters were complex but interesting。 Their actions were explained well， this made them realistic。 The plot was written with the right amount of suspense， mystery and intrigue this made the story captivating until the end。 Review copy provided by Netgalley at no cost to me。 。。。more
Pnina Savery
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This captivating book switches between the present life of an expat living in Morocco and the life of a refugee family living in Morocco during World War Two。 I loved how the author moved between the past and present， exploring the different time periods within the same setting。 The characters are beautifully developed， allowing for a strong connection and empathy between the reader and the characters。 I highly recommend this book， brilliant just like all of Fiona Valpy's books！ This captivating book switches between the present life of an expat living in Morocco and the life of a refugee family living in Morocco during World War Two。 I loved how the author moved between the past and present， exploring the different time periods within the same setting。 The characters are beautifully developed， allowing for a strong connection and empathy between the reader and the characters。 I highly recommend this book， brilliant just like all of Fiona Valpy's books！ 。。。more
Trina Dixon
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I absolutely love Fiona Valpy's books， they evoke nostalgia， compassion and empathy。 She takes you into the heart and soul of all the characters so well you feel that you are there with them rather than just reading about them on the page。In this novel we are among the hot and dusty streets of Casablanca both in 1941 and present dayPresent day， Zoe is a disillusioned wife who has gone with her husband to Casablanca for a couple of years as he has been based there with his job。 However she spends I absolutely love Fiona Valpy's books， they evoke nostalgia， compassion and empathy。 She takes you into the heart and soul of all the characters so well you feel that you are there with them rather than just reading about them on the page。In this novel we are among the hot and dusty streets of Casablanca both in 1941 and present dayPresent day， Zoe is a disillusioned wife who has gone with her husband to Casablanca for a couple of years as he has been based there with his job。 However she spends her days lonely， until she discovers a box under the floorboards。 In the box is a journal written by Josie in 1941。 The book alternates between Zoe and Josie's story。Well worth reading。 A definite 5 stars， only sorry I cannot give moreMany thanks to Netgalley and Lake House publishers for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review 。。。more
Mary
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The Storyteller of Casablanca is a historical fiction novel with a dual timeline。 In 2010 Zoe has moved to Casablanca with her husband because of his job。 She finds a diary hidden by 12-year-old Josie in 1941 during the WWII era。 Josie's family has fled France and is waiting for paperwork and passage to America。 This is the first WWII novel I have read where the setting is in Africa and I found very enjoyable。 Thanks to the author Fiona Valpy， Lake Union Publishing， and NetGalley for providing a The Storyteller of Casablanca is a historical fiction novel with a dual timeline。 In 2010 Zoe has moved to Casablanca with her husband because of his job。 She finds a diary hidden by 12-year-old Josie in 1941 during the WWII era。 Josie's family has fled France and is waiting for paperwork and passage to America。 This is the first WWII novel I have read where the setting is in Africa and I found very enjoyable。 Thanks to the author Fiona Valpy， Lake Union Publishing， and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for an honest review。 。。。more
Michelle S
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I really enjoyed this novel which entwines two tales set in Casablanca in two different decades。 It is the story of Zoe， a British expat who moves to Casablanca in 2010 for a fresh start with her husband。 Unhappy in her marriage and struggling to let go of some tragic events， she finds a journal and some mementos that belonged to 12 year old Josie， a French refugee during World War Two。 She becomes consumed by Josie’s story and the lust for life that comes out of Josie’s writing is in stark cont I really enjoyed this novel which entwines two tales set in Casablanca in two different decades。 It is the story of Zoe， a British expat who moves to Casablanca in 2010 for a fresh start with her husband。 Unhappy in her marriage and struggling to let go of some tragic events， she finds a journal and some mementos that belonged to 12 year old Josie， a French refugee during World War Two。 She becomes consumed by Josie’s story and the lust for life that comes out of Josie’s writing is in stark contrast with Zoe， who is losing her grip on reality。 A sad， but also heartwarming story， it touches upon the uncertainty of refugee life both in the context of the world war， but also in the times we live in as many people are still forced to flee their homes through war and poverty。 Grief and finding a way to move on after loss， are also central to the novel。 It’s a quick read and the Moroccan setting is captivating。 。。。more
Jeff
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One Book。 Two Stories。 Both Compelling。 This is a story with a LOT going on and a LOT of intricacies that it seems most （at least those on Goodreads so far， about 5 weeks before publication） miss out on touching on。 This is effectively *both* a historical fiction （which I think it will ultimately be marketed as） of a young Jewish girl in WWII who leaves a diary behind （where does that ring a bell？ ;） ） *and* a modern day psychological drama。 Valpy does a remarkable job of bringing a sensuous and One Book。 Two Stories。 Both Compelling。 This is a story with a LOT going on and a LOT of intricacies that it seems most （at least those on Goodreads so far， about 5 weeks before publication） miss out on touching on。 This is effectively *both* a historical fiction （which I think it will ultimately be marketed as） of a young Jewish girl in WWII who leaves a diary behind （where does that ring a bell？ ;） ） *and* a modern day psychological drama。 Valpy does a remarkable job of bringing a sensuous and visceral understanding of both periods of Casablanca and Morocco， and both periods and their relevant issues - WWII / Nazis / Resistance / Operation Torch and modern shipping conglomerates / expats / refugees / immigrants - are shown in a degree of realism not often seen。 Truly， either story could have been expanded a bit more - perhaps by extending out the later chapters of both - and stood equally well as standalone books。 Which is high praise， as few dual timeline historical fiction books can pull this off， in my own reading experience at least。 Truly a remarkable book， and very much recommended。 。。。more
Barbara
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The Storyteller of Casablanca provided a different take on the WW2 historical。 I knew very little about Morocco and the North African campaign， so I found this boom eye opening。 Valpy does a good job of weaving the duel timelines together。 I admit I was surprised when they suddenly intersected。 I confess I found the ending to both storylines rushed which diminished their emotional impact。 Valpy chose to tell what happened and as such I felt cheated out of some key confrontational scenes， particu The Storyteller of Casablanca provided a different take on the WW2 historical。 I knew very little about Morocco and the North African campaign， so I found this boom eye opening。 Valpy does a good job of weaving the duel timelines together。 I admit I was surprised when they suddenly intersected。 I confess I found the ending to both storylines rushed which diminished their emotional impact。 Valpy chose to tell what happened and as such I felt cheated out of some key confrontational scenes， particularly in the present day story。 Still， the book was a nice change of pace from London and Paris， and provided a wonderful travelogue of Morocco。 Valpy’s descriptions made the country come to life。 。。。more
Amanda Bennett
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Generally， I love Fiona Valpy’s novels， but this one was a little hard for me to get into。 Per the usual， I fell right into the past part of the dual timeline—in this case a little girl named Josie who has fled France with her family for Casablanca hopefully en route to the United States to escape German persecution。 With Fiona’s mother being Jewish， her family quickly saw the signs of more trouble to come and fled before being rounded up into a ghetto。 The contemporary timeline follows Zoe a re Generally， I love Fiona Valpy’s novels， but this one was a little hard for me to get into。 Per the usual， I fell right into the past part of the dual timeline—in this case a little girl named Josie who has fled France with her family for Casablanca hopefully en route to the United States to escape German persecution。 With Fiona’s mother being Jewish， her family quickly saw the signs of more trouble to come and fled before being rounded up into a ghetto。 The contemporary timeline follows Zoe a recent expat with her family to Casablanca， who clearly has mysophobia and is constantly washing her hands。 What is causing her extreme anxiety is the real question。 She does try to fit in with the wives of her husband’s associates in their tight-knit expat community， but finds better company in the form of a journal she finds beneath the floorboard of her home—Josie’s journal。Overall， the book was an interesting read。 Josie’s maturity was a little hard to believe at times as my daughter is her age， and I think the story might have been more believable from her older sister’s perspective。 I really struggled to connect to Zoe as a character。 She fell somewhat flat for me。 As with most books， the second half read significantly faster than the first。 I did enjoy reading about WWII from the continent of Africa， which was a first for me。 Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy for an honest review。 instagram。com/passionforprose 。。。more
Maria
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I’m a historical fiction junkie and I’ve read a lot of stories about WWII， but Fiona Valpy's novel， The Storyteller of Casablanca， is set in French occupied Morocco so I was very intrigued in this new setting。As is common in many historical fiction novels， this one has 2 parallel storylines: one following 12 year old Josie in 1941 and one following 20-something year old Zoe in 2010。 Both are set in Casablanca。 Josie’s family leaves their home in France to wait in French occupied Morocco until th I’m a historical fiction junkie and I’ve read a lot of stories about WWII， but Fiona Valpy's novel， The Storyteller of Casablanca， is set in French occupied Morocco so I was very intrigued in this new setting。As is common in many historical fiction novels， this one has 2 parallel storylines: one following 12 year old Josie in 1941 and one following 20-something year old Zoe in 2010。 Both are set in Casablanca。 Josie’s family leaves their home in France to wait in French occupied Morocco until they can get visas to enter America just as the Germans took over France。 She keeps a diary of her day to day events of what was supposed to be a temporary stay in Casablanca。 Her family is wealthy and privilege keeps her from experiencing many hardships。 But as the war progresses and their visas are delayed ， she discovers her father is involved in the resistance and Josie finds way to help her beloved Papa。 Meanwhile， In 2010， Zoe is trying to find her place with other expats in Casablanca as she deals with her personal grief and her crumbling marriage。 She discovers Josie’s diary in her new home and finds solace in Josie’s world。 Eventually both storylines collide for a predictable but satisfying ending。I really enjoyed Josie’s story。 Zoe’s story was ok until the end as her situation became clearer。 While so many suffered during the war， young Josie was well aware of how insulated she was from much of it due to her family’s wealth。 It was a unique perspective and contributed to the lighter feeling of this war-based novel。Thank you to NetGalley for this advanced e-copy of the novel。 This novel will be released in September 2021。This review can also be found on IG @maria。needs。to。read 。。。more
Karren Sandercock
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Josie Duval is a twelve year old Jewish girl living in Casablanca in 1941， Zoe Harris is staying in the same house in 2010 and their story has a dual timeline。 The two main characters are bound together when Zoe finds Josie’s diary， a trinket box， keepsakes， under the floor boards in one of the bedrooms and where they have been hidden for over seventy years。Guillaume， Delphine， Annette and Josie， flee France when the German’s invade Paris， they eventually arrive in Casablanca， and here they hope Josie Duval is a twelve year old Jewish girl living in Casablanca in 1941， Zoe Harris is staying in the same house in 2010 and their story has a dual timeline。 The two main characters are bound together when Zoe finds Josie’s diary， a trinket box， keepsakes， under the floor boards in one of the bedrooms and where they have been hidden for over seventy years。Guillaume， Delphine， Annette and Josie， flee France when the German’s invade Paris， they eventually arrive in Casablanca， and here they hope to get visas， pass the medical checks and immigrate to America。 Josie’s loves Casablanca， it’s warm climate， sights， culture， food， people， visiting the library and spending time with her new friend Nina。 The whole process is slow and tedious waiting for a boat to take them to safety， the war is getting closer to Morocco， the Duval's money is running out， German soldiers arrive and the families scared。Zoe and Tom Harris move to Casablanca for a fresh start， their marriage is struggling， other British expats live nearby and the wives make Zoe feel welcome。 However， Zoe becomes captivated by Josie’s story， she wants to discover what happened to the Duval’s and did they make it to America？ Zoe and Josie both meet interesting people while living in Casablanca， they both like to help others and feel a deep connection to the place。 The story is tied together by themes of hope， friendship， grief， and the importance of storytelling in Moroccan culture and it's deep history。The Storyteller of Casablanca will have you captivated from the very first page， a beautifully written story， I loved the main characters， Fiona Valpy weaves her magic once again， and what an emotional and unexpected ending。 I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review， if you enjoyed the Beekeeper’s Promise and I can guarantee you will enjoy reading The Storyteller of Casablanca and five stars from me。 https://karrenreadsbooks。blogspot。com/ 。。。more
Kate Eminhizer
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This is both a beautifully heartwarming and gut-wrenching story all at the same time。 Valpy uses exquisite narrative to describe both setting and place。 Each character has to cope with their own devastating loses and they each have to learn how to live despite those loses。 Josie loves the escapism that Casablanca provides from the horrors of WWII。 Zoe struggles to accept that Casablanca can provide a way forward after a life-altering event。 Valpy intertwines the storylines through Josie's hidden This is both a beautifully heartwarming and gut-wrenching story all at the same time。 Valpy uses exquisite narrative to describe both setting and place。 Each character has to cope with their own devastating loses and they each have to learn how to live despite those loses。 Josie loves the escapism that Casablanca provides from the horrors of WWII。 Zoe struggles to accept that Casablanca can provide a way forward after a life-altering event。 Valpy intertwines the storylines through Josie's hidden diary that Zoe uncovers underneath the floorboards of her home。 Readers may find the portions of the book told via the viewpoint of 12 year old Josie a bit unstimulating but one must remember that the character was a child。 Portions of Zoe's viewpoint also can be a bit hard to get through but that can be attributed to Valpy's skillful technique in waiting until the last possible moment to unveil Zoe's secret。 This book isn't a page turner。 It IS one that is to be savored and enjoyed。 I received a copy of this title via NetGalley。 。。。more
Amy
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers。 To view it， click here。 I loved the descriptions of Casablanca， but the story was a bit predictable and somewhat far-fetched。 I never really believed that the journal was written by a 13/14-year-old girl。 She should have made her more like 16/17 instead。 I had guessed there was something up with Zoe， but not until near the end did I figure it out。
Sarah Price
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Well I loved this， it could not have been more up my street。 Present day chapters， Zoe was all about the crafting （patchwork） and finding out about Josie， chapters about the past， Josie was in the midst of one of the most difficult times in history。I really liked how the chapters were laid out flitting between present day and going back in time through Josie's journals。 I can feel the excitement and anticipation that Zoe has reading Josie's journal and I just wanted to know what happened to her Well I loved this， it could not have been more up my street。 Present day chapters， Zoe was all about the crafting （patchwork） and finding out about Josie， chapters about the past， Josie was in the midst of one of the most difficult times in history。I really liked how the chapters were laid out flitting between present day and going back in time through Josie's journals。 I can feel the excitement and anticipation that Zoe has reading Josie's journal and I just wanted to know what happened to her and her family and friends all the way through。 I found that I was getting quite emotional in parts because of the things Josie went through but also knowing that this will have happened in some ways to people during that time makes it even more heart breaking。 I felt as Zoe did that she was friends with Josie through reading her words。 I felt the same with them both when reading this book。 Casablanca sounds like such an amazing place it made me want to visit。This book is a mix of heartache and joy and both women have been through so much in their own time periods。 When Zoe explains her loss and what she'd been through I got very emptional and I felt sorry for her， no wonder she could relate so much to Josie's Journal。 Brilliant book with some great surprises along the way and it was really interesting finding out about both women had been through their own heartache and they seem so similar。 。。。more
Books Mademoiselle
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I have never had a thought about the African side of the Second War。 I know the European part the best - maybe because I live here so this history affects me somehow and creates the world and the division that I know。 But Africa？ Of course， I remember from school that something was going on there but I have to admit （believe me， I'm truly ashamed） that I have never heard anything about Casablanca in that part of the time。A city such beautiful。 Known from the movies， books。 Full of energy， color， I have never had a thought about the African side of the Second War。 I know the European part the best - maybe because I live here so this history affects me somehow and creates the world and the division that I know。 But Africa？ Of course， I remember from school that something was going on there but I have to admit （believe me， I'm truly ashamed） that I have never heard anything about Casablanca in that part of the time。A city such beautiful。 Known from the movies， books。 Full of energy， color， vibrating。 For those looking for freedom。 But Casablanca has the second face。 Face full of the immigrants' tragedy - then and even now。 And it is easy to forget about it walking in the alley with the designer shops and living the best life。 Casablanca is something more than another breathtaking place by the Ocean。The book is not simple - dual timeline and the life of Josie and Zoe is full of difficult situations， even awakening， let's say。 The first part of their stories seems to be a little bit naive - they see only want they want to see。 They didn't realize how the world looks like outside their perfect bubble。 The wake-up call is like a cold shower。 Painful。 The second part of the book is much better。 There is an action， hard decision that often leaves them with a broken heart。 I have very mixed feelings。 I appreciate the story - the plot， twist， the idea， and the description of a hard time and everyday struggle。 But on the other side - it was hard to get into this book。 I just don't felt it at the beginning。 That was the main reason that it takes me so long to finish it。 Anyway， I'm going to read other books by Fiona Valpy。 I like her point of view， unusual topic and it could be worth to get to know other her stories。 。。。more
Liz
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The Storyteller of Casablanca is a heartwarming story of two women connected by a journal who lived in the same house 70 years apart 。 The story is told from dual timelines that are woven together seamlessly。 Zoe's husband gets transferred to Casablanca for work and this is a chance at a fresh start for them and their little girl， Grace。 By chance， Zoe discovers a box hidden beneath the floorboards in the attic that contains a journal from a young girl named Josie， who lived in the house in the The Storyteller of Casablanca is a heartwarming story of two women connected by a journal who lived in the same house 70 years apart 。 The story is told from dual timelines that are woven together seamlessly。 Zoe's husband gets transferred to Casablanca for work and this is a chance at a fresh start for them and their little girl， Grace。 By chance， Zoe discovers a box hidden beneath the floorboards in the attic that contains a journal from a young girl named Josie， who lived in the house in the early 1940s while waiting for the chance to board a ship to America with her family during WWII。 Josie's journal takes us through her life in Casablanca during that time and through this journey， helps Zoe to come to terms with her life and the hardships she was facing and find a path forward。The characters felt very realistic and you have to just fall in love with Josie and her beautiful approach to life。 I also didn't know anything about Casablanca during WWII so I liked this unique viewpoint， especially the vibrant descriptions of Casablanca both in the 1940's and the 2010 timeline。Thank you #NetGalley， Fiona Valpy， and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC of #TheStorytellerof Casablanca in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more
Tammy O
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Interesting look at life in Casablanca and Morocco during WW2。 *I loved Josie’s story and the tale of her family seeking refuge after leaving German occupied France。 Her friends in Casablanca were wonderful and the setting was fascinating。 The whole book could have been about Josie’s story。 *Zoe’s story is poignant but dull。 Her struggle is real and sad， but it took a long time to care about her。 In the end， she healed and grew by helping others。 Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers a Interesting look at life in Casablanca and Morocco during WW2。 *I loved Josie’s story and the tale of her family seeking refuge after leaving German occupied France。 Her friends in Casablanca were wonderful and the setting was fascinating。 The whole book could have been about Josie’s story。 *Zoe’s story is poignant but dull。 Her struggle is real and sad， but it took a long time to care about her。 In the end， she healed and grew by helping others。 Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review。 。。。more
Jess
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3。5-4 stars。 I love WWII historical fiction and I’m always excited to read something with a different perspective。 Set in Morocco， the story was different a “fresh” take on a time in history I’ve read a lot。 I absolutely loved Josie’s story and I could have read all about her and her family and left out Zoe’s story easily。 Zoe was harder to connect to- I had figured out the big “surprise” fairly early on and I found myself almost… annoyed that it was leading down the path for the big plot twist。 3。5-4 stars。 I love WWII historical fiction and I’m always excited to read something with a different perspective。 Set in Morocco， the story was different a “fresh” take on a time in history I’ve read a lot。 I absolutely loved Josie’s story and I could have read all about her and her family and left out Zoe’s story easily。 Zoe was harder to connect to- I had figured out the big “surprise” fairly early on and I found myself almost… annoyed that it was leading down the path for the big plot twist。 Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc。 。。。more
Leslie Harris
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book based Moroccan history。 The dual timeline including some actual facts had me gripped。 Connecting present day and World War 2， the well developed characters and beautiful descriptions transported me to another time and place。 I enjoyed every minute of this book and was surprised by the emotional twists and turns。 This was a first read by Fiona Valpy， but definitely won’t be my last。 Thank you to the publisher and #Net Galley for the e-copy of this book in exchange f I thoroughly enjoyed this book based Moroccan history。 The dual timeline including some actual facts had me gripped。 Connecting present day and World War 2， the well developed characters and beautiful descriptions transported me to another time and place。 I enjoyed every minute of this book and was surprised by the emotional twists and turns。 This was a first read by Fiona Valpy， but definitely won’t be my last。 Thank you to the publisher and #Net Galley for the e-copy of this book in exchange for a review。 。。。more
Caz
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I loved this book for invoking memories of my own travels in Morocco and learning more about Casablanca during the Second World War。 The tales of refugees past and present。I did not love the main character Zoe。 I recognise this is probably a very true portrayal of someone suffering from anxiety but something about her helplessness just irked me throughout the story and made me think I'd much rather just read a book that was just Josie's journal。 I understand the parallel stories but it felt jarr I loved this book for invoking memories of my own travels in Morocco and learning more about Casablanca during the Second World War。 The tales of refugees past and present。I did not love the main character Zoe。 I recognise this is probably a very true portrayal of someone suffering from anxiety but something about her helplessness just irked me throughout the story and made me think I'd much rather just read a book that was just Josie's journal。 I understand the parallel stories but it felt jarring to me。**Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for giving me access to this book in return for an honest review。 。。。more
Donna read。athon2021
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I kindly received an eARC advance copy of this book to read and review though NetGalley。 I have read several of Fiona Valpy’s other books set in France in WW2， and was excited to read this new one。 The Storyteller of Casablanca tells a story of Josie， a 13 year old half Jewish refugee from France in 1941 and Zoe， a British expat in 2010。 Zoe discovers a journal and wooden box under a loose floorboard in a room of her house in Casablanca。 As she reads the story left behind by Josie， she discovers I kindly received an eARC advance copy of this book to read and review though NetGalley。 I have read several of Fiona Valpy’s other books set in France in WW2， and was excited to read this new one。 The Storyteller of Casablanca tells a story of Josie， a 13 year old half Jewish refugee from France in 1941 and Zoe， a British expat in 2010。 Zoe discovers a journal and wooden box under a loose floorboard in a room of her house in Casablanca。 As she reads the story left behind by Josie， she discovers an old story of Josie’s family waiting to get their papers to travel to America during the war。 Zoe becomes involved in an expat community but also starts volunteering at a refugee centre for women and children。 The melting pot of culture in 1940 is not dissimilar to 2010。 There is an undercurrent of tension and sadness in both stories that only comes together right towards the end of the book。 The slow unveiling is worth it though。 The city is beautifully described in both women’s words。 。。。more
Hannah
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The Storyteller of Casablanca tells two intertwining narratives of two women who lived in the same house decades apart。 Josie is a teenager whose family has moved to Casablanca， Morocco to escape the Germans while Zoe is escaping her own traumatic past with a husband who has become a stranger。 Zoe discovers Josie's journal in the floorboards of her house and follows Josie's story as she adjusts to life as a refugee in Morocco。 Overall， I enjoyed this story， but I thought it was too long and that The Storyteller of Casablanca tells two intertwining narratives of two women who lived in the same house decades apart。 Josie is a teenager whose family has moved to Casablanca， Morocco to escape the Germans while Zoe is escaping her own traumatic past with a husband who has become a stranger。 Zoe discovers Josie's journal in the floorboards of her house and follows Josie's story as she adjusts to life as a refugee in Morocco。 Overall， I enjoyed this story， but I thought it was too long and that the storylines didn't pick up until about a third of the way through the book。 I'm not a huge fan of the two-storyline books， and while this book did a great job at weaving them together， the separate plot lines didn't really start until later in each story。 I did love the research done into Moroccan history and culture and hearing about the lives of the different refugee communities--that was so interesting and well done。 I just didn't find the plots themselves all that intriguing。 Of the two main plot twists （Zoe's and then the main one）， only one was a big surprise， although I did love it。This book could have been better if it was shorter and the plots were stronger and started earlier， but still a good read！ 。。。more
Paula Pugh
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