R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on + 1438 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Sometimes it's difficult to write about a book just after you finish it. For me, this was one. I still can't understand why more people haven't read it. Why isn't it popular and hard to find? Perhaps because it is the only book written by this gifted writer.
I'm not certain whether this novel should be classified as historical or historical fiction. Actually composed of two stories, she meant to write four, maybe five, when she was arrested by the German SS and sent to a concentration camp where she was executed. Her husband was executed later. Friends hid their two children who carried their mother's writing with them. It survived to be published first as this novel in France and later in English. Although she was Catholic, her parents were Jewish. It was a matter of survival when she fled Paris with other Jewish people and Frenchmen. While it was obvious that the Germans would occupy France, the author planned to document the French experience during the war.
The first part of the book, 'Storm in June', is obviously quite different from the latter part. Mass exit from Paris at the last minute describes people who were used to a life of luxury and others who lived an ordinary working life. How does one discern genuine friends from the those who strive only for themselves? How does one cope in chaos?
The second half, 'Dolce', depicts life in a small village under occupation.' How do the fleeing French live under occupation by the Germans? Some accept it and work with the Germans, others never accept the situation and still others resist until they die or are freed at the end of the war.
The stories are realistic. Some are heartbreaking while others are heart rending and downright scary. Yes, I found this book an intriguing read for one who has never lived under siege.
I'm not certain whether this novel should be classified as historical or historical fiction. Actually composed of two stories, she meant to write four, maybe five, when she was arrested by the German SS and sent to a concentration camp where she was executed. Her husband was executed later. Friends hid their two children who carried their mother's writing with them. It survived to be published first as this novel in France and later in English. Although she was Catholic, her parents were Jewish. It was a matter of survival when she fled Paris with other Jewish people and Frenchmen. While it was obvious that the Germans would occupy France, the author planned to document the French experience during the war.
The first part of the book, 'Storm in June', is obviously quite different from the latter part. Mass exit from Paris at the last minute describes people who were used to a life of luxury and others who lived an ordinary working life. How does one discern genuine friends from the those who strive only for themselves? How does one cope in chaos?
The second half, 'Dolce', depicts life in a small village under occupation.' How do the fleeing French live under occupation by the Germans? Some accept it and work with the Germans, others never accept the situation and still others resist until they die or are freed at the end of the war.
The stories are realistic. Some are heartbreaking while others are heart rending and downright scary. Yes, I found this book an intriguing read for one who has never lived under siege.
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