I enjoy reading books about the World War II period from the perspective of people that are not soldiers, especially women. This book had two female protagonists, and half the of the book is told from the perspective of each of them.
At the heart of this book is truly just a story about two young friends and how much they care for each other.
Their paths diverge when the plane they are both on crashes. One is picked up by the Gestapo, and we all know that probably will not end well.
There is intellect, love, and intrigue woven into this story.
I have not read another book quite like it.
This books is almost like a puzzle to read, with new pieces being thrown to you here and there to discover the whole picture.
Despite one of the main characters being in prison, it was not as gory as it could be (thankfully).
There was a glimpse into the French Resistance, which was neat.
Although it was not my favorite World War II era book ever, it was still good and definitely unique.
One thing that I always think about when I read a book from this time is how ordinary citizens were thrust into hard times with tough decisions. What is just doing your job and what is participating in evil? I have been pondering that one since I read Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil by Hannah Arendt in college.
At one point one of the protagonists asks one of the officers keeping her prisoner, "What do you tell your daughter? When she asks you about your work, what truth does the lovely Isolde get out of you?"
And what was the truth? Did these people truly believe in the cause that involved them torturing and killing others? Did they feel trapped?
There are multiple perspectives in a story, and everyone has their own story. Hardly any story is told the same way twice.
If this sounds interesting to you, check out Maddie and Julie's stories.
"Truth is the daughter of time, not authority."
"This above all, to thine own self be true.'"
"I am the soul of verity," I repeated. "Je suis l'ésprit de vérité."
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