33 Place Brugmann

33 Place Brugmann by Alice Austen | Historical Fiction Novel Set in WWII Brussels

Format: Paperback
Pages: 368
Date of Release: 26 March 2026

“Beautiful and deeply engaging.” — Ann Patchett

A stunning debut that blends love story, mystery, and philosophical depth, 33 Place Brugmann is an unforgettable portrait of lives on the brink of transformation.

Set in Brussels, 1939, on the eve of Nazi occupation, this extraordinary novel unfolds within a Beaux-Arts apartment building — where eight households live side by side, unaware of how dramatically their world is about to change.

At its heart is Charlotte Sauvin, an art student who observes the rhythms of the building and its residents — from her close friendship with Julian Raphaël to the quiet lives behind each apartment door. But as war approaches, familiar routines fracture. Neighbours vanish, secrets surface, and ordinary people are forced into extraordinary choices.

Through multiple, distinct voices, Alice Austen crafts a powerful narrative of courage, identity, and human connection. As the shadow of occupation looms, each resident must decide: conform, escape, or resist?

Deeply empathetic and quietly hopeful, this is a gripping historical fiction novel about the resilience of the human spirit and the role of art, love, and community in times of crisis.

Why You’ll Love This Book
Critically acclaimed debut novel with strong literary praise
Rich WWII historical setting in Brussels
Multi-character, interwoven storytelling
Themes of love, courage, resistance, and identity
Perfect for fans of literary and historical fiction

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