Review: ‘Girl on a Golden Pillow’ by Hugo Woolley.

Hugo Woolley’s ‘Girl on a Golden Pillow’ skilfully transports readers back to the tumultuous era between 1925 and 1939, immersing them in the earliest days of Nazi Germany. With a concise yet exciting storyline packed into its 250 pages, this wartime novel weaves a tapestry of suspense, action, and vivid descriptions which work together to keep readers engaged.

The story develops in the heart of Paris in 1940, during the early months of Nazi Germany's occupation of France. The 15-year-old Parisian Charlotte has inherited her wealthy grandmother's mansion in the city. Her joy is short-lived though, as the Schutzstaffel (SS) seizes the property and turns it into a "special facility" called La Palais to entertain high-ranking officers both from the SS and the Gestapo (secret police).

Refusing to give up her house so easily, Charlotte decides to conceal her identity and work for the Nazis as one of the female entertainers at the estate. Charlotte is defiant, despite the arrival of the invaders: "This is my house, and even full of strangers it is still my home.”

Charlotte's character is a study in contrasts: her outward beauty belies the scars of her abusive past, yet it is her inner fortitude that defines her. She is a symbol of defiance, refusing to abandon her home when the SS repurpose it, choosing instead to adopt a new identity and confront danger head-on. Her resistance is a subtle form of warfare against the invaders, asserting her presence in a place overrun by enemies.

In stark contrast, through the character of Jost Krupp, Woolley presents a chilling embodiment of the war's darker impulses. Krupp's psychopathy, first witnessed in his youth with a gruesome altercation, unfolds with a brutality that is both horrifying and fascinating. His actions are a stark reminder of the personal evils that contributed to the larger atrocities of the time. His presence in the narrative provides a human face to the ideology and actions of the Nazi regime, serving as a foil to Charlotte's innate goodness and resilience.

The novel’s strengths lie in its meticulous portrayal of settings and characters, coupled with a compelling plot that unfolds against the backdrop of rising Nazi power. The excellent descriptive writing, which I found particularly evident in the depiction of rooms and paintings, adds a layer of sophistication to the narrative. As Alice guides Joseph through the Barrett’s house, Woolley’s prose brings the scenes to life, allowing readers to visualise the richness and drama of the surroundings: ‘Each opulent chandelier had intricate clusters of glass and light, and hung a metre above the Louis Quinze tables below’. These moments of detailed description serve as testament to Woolley’s ability to capture the essence of the setting, immersing readers in the world he has crafted.

Woolley’s ‘Girl on a Golden Pillow’ not only excels in its storytelling but also impresses with its dedication to historical accuracy. The novel is meticulously researched, offering readers an authentic glimpse into the period. One notable aspect of this accuracy I found was reflected in the vivid descriptions of clothing, particularly the women’s, which not only serve as visual aids and markers of the era, but also as insights into each of the characters personalities and preferences/backgrounds, such as Alice wearing Stella’s pink dress to flirt with Joseph, which was ‘a little too short and slightly immodest’, and Theodora’s crucifix/knife charm allowing an insight into the danger Theodora frequently finds herself, despite the glamorous exterior. Woolley’s attention to detail shines through as he accurately captures the fashion trends of the time, allowing readers to envision the characters adorned in garments true to the period, and this authenticity creates a more immersive experience for the readers.

Moreover, Woolley integrated a couple of references to Hollywood actresses of the time, adding an extra layer of cultural richness to the narrative. These references serve as cultural touchstones, enhancing the reader’s connection to the characters and their environment. By incorporating the glamour and allure associated with Hollywood during the interwar years, Woolley elevates the novel beyond a mere historical account. The nod to the prominent figures of the silver screen not only adds depth to the characters and their appearances, it also underscores the societal influences prevalent during this period. In this way, the novel becomes not just a captivating story but a window into the style of a bygone era, enriched by the author’s commitment to historical accuracy and cultural nuances.

The characters in ‘Girl on a Golden Pillow’ are well-rounded. The dynamic ensemble cast contribute to the overall richness of the narrative with their diverse personalities and motivations. The novel introduces a plethora of characters but not to the point of confusion. Woolley skilfully weaves their individual storylines, creating a tapestry of lives that intersect and diverge.

The brevity of the novel, at 250 pages, might suggest a lack of depth, but Woolley manages to pack a considerable amount of action into this limited space. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of historical events, with tension escalating as Nazi Germany rises to power. The pacing is swift, maintaining a sense of urgency that propels the story forward. Each chapter leaves an indelible mark, always leaving the reader hungry for more. The paragraph endings at times exhibit a captivating succinctness that propels readers seamlessly into the next thrilling section or chapter, establishing a dynamic and fast-paced undertone throughout the overarching storyline.

One of the notable strengths of ‘Girl on a Golden Pillow’ is its ability to merge disparate storylines seamlessly. While the simultaneous unfolding of various plots may initially feel stop/start, the convergence of these narratives creates a captivating and cohesive whole. As the threads of the story intertwine, the reader is drawn into a complex web of intrigue and danger. Particularly in the latter part of the novel, when Charlotte must conceal her identity in the face of Nazi occupation, the narrative hits its stride, becoming virtually impossible to put down.

The prospect of this novel evolving into a series is an exciting one. The groundwork laid in ‘Girl on a Golden Pillow’ leaves readers eager to explore Charlotte’s future adventures and discover the fates of supporting characters like Bo and Christina. The potential for further character development and exploration of the geopolitical landscape during this tumultuous period adds an extra layer of anticipation for future instalments.

Overall, ‘Girl on a Golden Pillow’ is a well-written and enjoyable read that captures the intrigue and challenges of wartime Europe. Woolley’s ability to craft engaging characters, evoke vivid settings, and maintain a compelling narrative are the real successes of the novel. The overall impact of the story and the potential for future developments make it a promising start to what could be an enthralling series. As readers turn the final pages, they are left with a sense of anticipation, eagerly awaiting the next chapter of Charlotte’s journey and the unfolding drama of this evocative historical period.

The next instalment of the Charlotte’s War trilogy, ‘Charlotte’s War’ is available now.

The books are also available on the author’s website:  www.hugowoolley.com