The Barman of the Ritz
Philippe Collin author Frank Wynne translator
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Transworld Publishers Ltd
Publishing:20th Aug '26
£18.99
This title is due to be published on 20th August, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
An Immediate Bestseller | A Bloomberg Best Book of 2025
'Philippe Collin is a magnificent storyteller. This novel fascinates at every turn.' Elle
When the Ritz becomes the Nazis’ favourite spot, its Jewish bartender has no choice but to keep working.
Paris, 1940. Despite the Occupation, the prestigious Ritz Hotel has managed to remain open. Its bar becomes a favourite spot for Nazis eager for a taste of French refinement. Its celebrated barman, Frank Meier, is forced to adapt to this new clientele. But he is hiding a secret that no one can find out: he is Jewish.
With every word and smile, the atmosphere becomes more and more suffocating. Yet Frank refuses to flee. With the unwitting help of the Nazis, Frank eventually uncovers secrets that help keep him and his loved ones alive — especially Luciano, his young apprentice, and Blanche, wife of the director of the Ritz and Frank’s impossible love — both of whom are Jewish too.
Betrayal, lies, and backstabbing raise the stakes for the bartender — with Frank always just one step ahead of fate.
Based on a true story, The Barman of the Ritz is as chilling as it is fascinating.
Quite simply brilliant. Philippe Collin’s The Barman of the Ritz is so beautifully written that we imagine ourselves in the real Frank Meier’s position, shaking creative cocktails for the new inhabitants of his beloved Petit Bar at the Ritz: Paris’s Nazi conquerors. This novel, based on the real heroics of this charming, creative, and emotionally complex man with a secret love and a hidden past, is a must-read not just for fans of WWII fiction, but for anyone who cares about freedom in today’s complicated world. * Meg Waite Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Train to London *
A great novel. * Le Parisien *
A fascinating character… * Augustin Trapenard, La Grande Librairie *
Mixing together his knowledge of the period with psychological insights (…) Collin has created a heady cocktail. * L'Express *
Philippe Collin is a magnificent storyteller. This novel fascinates at every turn. * ELLE *
Masterful… a sweeping waltz between history and fiction in one of Paris’ chicest palaces. * Le Journal du Dimanche *
ISBN: 9781529956399
Dimensions: 240mm x 156mm x 40mm
Weight: 750g
368 pages