Review by Iviss -- VieVie La Fontaine
-
Iviss
- Posts: 31
- Joined: 26 Jun 2017, 04:17
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 21
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-iviss.html
- Latest Review: Heartaches by H.M. Irwing
Review by Iviss -- VieVie La Fontaine
[Following is a volunteer review of "VieVie La Fontaine" by Linda Heavner Gerald.]
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
VieVie La Fontaine is a historical drama written by Linda Heavner Gerald. Told by a young Jewish man, Mark Lichter, this hunting story portrays the devastating effects of the World War II, its terror, denial and depravity of Europe, and what happens when human hatred reaches the boundaries of the extreme.
The main character is Mark Lichter, originally a Jew, whose life turns upside down with the outbreak of war. Finding himself in the house of old family friends, Louie and VieVie La Fontaine, in order to avoid the extermination of Jews, security, comfort and safety are ripped from his hands. Thrown into a life of glamour and entertainment, and experiencing the glittering lights of Paris, Mark is forced to change his identity and lifestyle completely, and to leave his beloved parents behind.
The crucial moment in a book occurs when Mike falls in love with VieVie, a bewitching French model, but also his caretaker. From that point, Mike involves himself in a life of debauchery and infidelity. Learning about his parents' tragic destiny and sacrifice, and overwhelmed by a sense of guilt, Mike's life becomes full of sadness, with only two things keeping him alive- his love for VieVie, and his artistic vision.
I genuinely liked the book for several reasons. Firstly, the story is very touching and it is impossible to be indifferent about it. The tragic destinies of most of the characters literally put me on the brink of tears. Secondly, the book contains a lot of historical facts about the Second World War, Jews and their tradition and customs, and the French resistance. For those of us who were born long after this war had ended, this book was a journey through all the events happening during the war, as if we were really there. Moreover, readers can learn about Paris and Parisian lifestyle, as well as about famous places and their tradition.
The only aspect of the book that I did not particularly like is the fact that there is maybe more history in the book than I expect, but this is not enough to spoil my impression about it.
Based on the fact that I was really moved while reading the book, and that I could learn a lot about this period of time, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I would definitely give it more if I could.
This book is complicated on some many levels. It intends to teach us that excessive greed and lust for power is not good and it will certainly bring only death and destruction. This story should be a reminder on terrible events and destruction caused by a madman's desire to rule the world. We will never be able to fully recover from the war, and the consequences can be felt even today. I recommend this book for fans of history, but I also suggest it to anyone, no matter the age. The history should not be forgotten, as this book is dedicated to all people who lost their lives in this war.
******
VieVie La Fontaine
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Iviss's review? Post a comment saying so!
4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
VieVie La Fontaine is a historical drama written by Linda Heavner Gerald. Told by a young Jewish man, Mark Lichter, this hunting story portrays the devastating effects of the World War II, its terror, denial and depravity of Europe, and what happens when human hatred reaches the boundaries of the extreme.
The main character is Mark Lichter, originally a Jew, whose life turns upside down with the outbreak of war. Finding himself in the house of old family friends, Louie and VieVie La Fontaine, in order to avoid the extermination of Jews, security, comfort and safety are ripped from his hands. Thrown into a life of glamour and entertainment, and experiencing the glittering lights of Paris, Mark is forced to change his identity and lifestyle completely, and to leave his beloved parents behind.
The crucial moment in a book occurs when Mike falls in love with VieVie, a bewitching French model, but also his caretaker. From that point, Mike involves himself in a life of debauchery and infidelity. Learning about his parents' tragic destiny and sacrifice, and overwhelmed by a sense of guilt, Mike's life becomes full of sadness, with only two things keeping him alive- his love for VieVie, and his artistic vision.
I genuinely liked the book for several reasons. Firstly, the story is very touching and it is impossible to be indifferent about it. The tragic destinies of most of the characters literally put me on the brink of tears. Secondly, the book contains a lot of historical facts about the Second World War, Jews and their tradition and customs, and the French resistance. For those of us who were born long after this war had ended, this book was a journey through all the events happening during the war, as if we were really there. Moreover, readers can learn about Paris and Parisian lifestyle, as well as about famous places and their tradition.
The only aspect of the book that I did not particularly like is the fact that there is maybe more history in the book than I expect, but this is not enough to spoil my impression about it.
Based on the fact that I was really moved while reading the book, and that I could learn a lot about this period of time, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I would definitely give it more if I could.
This book is complicated on some many levels. It intends to teach us that excessive greed and lust for power is not good and it will certainly bring only death and destruction. This story should be a reminder on terrible events and destruction caused by a madman's desire to rule the world. We will never be able to fully recover from the war, and the consequences can be felt even today. I recommend this book for fans of history, but I also suggest it to anyone, no matter the age. The history should not be forgotten, as this book is dedicated to all people who lost their lives in this war.
******
VieVie La Fontaine
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Iviss's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Heartaches by H.M. Irwing
-
TheRVMom
- Posts: 81
- Joined: 20 Aug 2018, 12:20
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 26
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-thervmom.html
- Latest Review: Undead Redhead by Jen Frankel
I too felt like there were a lot more historical facts than I expected in this book. You can really tell the author has a great love for history. The overwhelming amount of dates and facts along with the jumping around and repetition turned me off a bit. However, the storyline was just so wonderful that I couldn't walk away from it completely. Good review!
Latest Review: Undead Redhead by Jen Frankel
