'And the Show Went On: Cultural Life in Nazi-Occupied Paris' by Alan Riding

LA Times review of a book examining the complexities of the arts scene in France during World War II

A lot has been written about the political, social and moral aspects of France under German occupation in World War II. Alan Riding, the former longtime New York Times cultural correspondent in Europe, now provides an arresting and detailed account of the French arts scene at the time.

"And The Show Went On" is a big story and insidiously troubling. Big because, in 1940, France was the world's art capital; unquestionably in painting, and to a large extent in film, music and literature. Troubling as a reflection of what was happening in the country as a whole. The German triumph was not just a defeat; it caused a collapse.

Full article at: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-alan-riding-20101212,0,4739306.story