Review by JHMiller3198 -- VieVie La Fontaine
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JHMiller3198
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Review by JHMiller3198 -- VieVie La Fontaine
[Following is a volunteer review of "VieVie La Fontaine" by Linda Heavner Gerald.]
4 out of 4 stars
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VieVie LaFontaine by Linda Heavner Gerald is a historical fiction novel for adults. Set in Paris during the Second World War, there are numerous scenes of violence and bigotry which make this novel very inappropriate for younger audiences.
Young Mark Lichter is a German-born Jew living in Berlin. On hearing about Adolf Hitler’s rise to power, and the growing antisemitism in the country, his parents arranged for him to live with friends in Paris, where they hope he will be safe. When he arrives at the home of famous French General Louie LaFontaine, he is simultaneously captured by the beauty of his wife, VieVie, and shocked at their openly sensual lifestyle. As war descends upon France, Mark and VieVie live in quiet denial until the General is killed in battle defending France from the Nazi incursion. With their beloved Louie gone, they do their best to keep each other safe until the acts of brutality and inhumanity compel them to join the Resistance. It is a poignant and compelling tale of love, betrayal, fear, and above all, the hope of peace and equality which spans from the very first whispers of another war until many years after the war’s end.
I found the story to be both heartbreaking and inspiring. The indignities and abuses suffered by so many all across Europe during this dark period of history are naturally difficult to read, or even contemplate. The author’s choice to write this novel from the first-person perspective of a German Jew living in hiding in Paris, was especially effective at bringing home the sense of dread that must have gripped the entire country, not only those of Jewish heritage. I was also struck by the characters’ bravery in joining a movement such as the resistance, when even the hint of being associated was enough to warrant execution. The character of VieVie LaFontaine, as well, is exceptional. Her story, as told by the author, is one which engenders a sense of compassion and sympathy. This character, despite her flaws, exhibited incredible bravery in her role within the Resistance.
I was very impressed with the author’s writing style, and how completely immersive the story line was. I was unable to find any typos, errors in grammar, or any flaws at all. I did notice a lot of very short sentences, which I found less appealing, but it did not detract from the overall narrative of the novel.
Overall, I rate this book four out of four stars. The incredible story, with its compelling characters and impressive attention to detail, drew me in and held my imagination like few books I have ever read. While the subject matter seems like something we all wish to shy away from, or pretend never happened, the author does an amazing job of illustrating not only how resilient a country can be, but also why it is important that we remember such horrible events… So that we can avoid repeating the mistakes which led to such atrocities.
******
VieVie La Fontaine
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
VieVie LaFontaine by Linda Heavner Gerald is a historical fiction novel for adults. Set in Paris during the Second World War, there are numerous scenes of violence and bigotry which make this novel very inappropriate for younger audiences.
Young Mark Lichter is a German-born Jew living in Berlin. On hearing about Adolf Hitler’s rise to power, and the growing antisemitism in the country, his parents arranged for him to live with friends in Paris, where they hope he will be safe. When he arrives at the home of famous French General Louie LaFontaine, he is simultaneously captured by the beauty of his wife, VieVie, and shocked at their openly sensual lifestyle. As war descends upon France, Mark and VieVie live in quiet denial until the General is killed in battle defending France from the Nazi incursion. With their beloved Louie gone, they do their best to keep each other safe until the acts of brutality and inhumanity compel them to join the Resistance. It is a poignant and compelling tale of love, betrayal, fear, and above all, the hope of peace and equality which spans from the very first whispers of another war until many years after the war’s end.
I found the story to be both heartbreaking and inspiring. The indignities and abuses suffered by so many all across Europe during this dark period of history are naturally difficult to read, or even contemplate. The author’s choice to write this novel from the first-person perspective of a German Jew living in hiding in Paris, was especially effective at bringing home the sense of dread that must have gripped the entire country, not only those of Jewish heritage. I was also struck by the characters’ bravery in joining a movement such as the resistance, when even the hint of being associated was enough to warrant execution. The character of VieVie LaFontaine, as well, is exceptional. Her story, as told by the author, is one which engenders a sense of compassion and sympathy. This character, despite her flaws, exhibited incredible bravery in her role within the Resistance.
I was very impressed with the author’s writing style, and how completely immersive the story line was. I was unable to find any typos, errors in grammar, or any flaws at all. I did notice a lot of very short sentences, which I found less appealing, but it did not detract from the overall narrative of the novel.
Overall, I rate this book four out of four stars. The incredible story, with its compelling characters and impressive attention to detail, drew me in and held my imagination like few books I have ever read. While the subject matter seems like something we all wish to shy away from, or pretend never happened, the author does an amazing job of illustrating not only how resilient a country can be, but also why it is important that we remember such horrible events… So that we can avoid repeating the mistakes which led to such atrocities.
******
VieVie La Fontaine
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
