Sebastian Faulks

The appearance of a pretty but troubled girl at a shabby hotel in 1930s France spells trouble for a married veteran of the Great War. Reprint. 60,000 first printing.

The Girl at the Lion D'or

A beautifully controlled and powerful story of love and conscience, will and desire which begins when a mysterious young girl arrives to take up the post at the seedy Hotel du Lion D'Or in a small French town in the mid 1930s.

The Girl at the Lion D'Or

Hazel Evans

I read this book after having read some of Faulks' more recent work (Birdsong, Human Traces and A Week in December) and I found it differed in many respects, but remained recogniseable to the author in the intelligence it demonstrates. 
However, I think that in The Girl at the Lion Lion d'Or, Faulks isn't trying to show off his intelligence, which makes the book feel more naturalistic. He weaves a story that keeps the reader engaged throughout.
I loved this book up until the very end, which ends on a disappointing cliffhanger, with nothing seemingly wrapped up. 
It is still a 5 star read that I would thoroughly recommend!