April 2025
I love a Natasha Lester novel and this one, The Mademoiselle Alliance is my new favourite. It’s the incredible novelised story of a true WW2 hero; Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, the only woman to lead a resistance network in France, This novel not only gave me an insight into her bravery, but also the organisation, politics, logistics and the complexity of the machine that was the resistance.
I adore The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. It is such an epic masterpiece that stays with you of two sisters in occupied France struggling to survive. Beautifully done and completely unforgettable.
The White Mouse is Nancy Wake’s autobiography. Nancy Wake left Australia in her early 20s, eventually becoming the Gestapo’s most wanted person and one of the most highly decorated servicewomen of the war! Just an incredible book. Another one I read and could not believe how comfortable and safe my life is.
I adore Kelly Rimmer novels. It’s not just characters you love or the plot you are captivated by, its everything! The things we cannot say was one I did not want to return to the library. I loved it. Another WW2 story, but this explores the Polish experience, the Nazi occupation the fear and resilience felt at the time. It’s a beauty of a read and completely unforgettable.
I read When We Flew Away last year and am so glad I did. It’s a middle grade novel imagining Anne’s life from 1940-42, written by Alice Hoffman. I thought it was incredibly done, so poignant and thoughtful. Absolutely not just one for the kids in your life.