janamcwhirter's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
elle_loves_reading's review
4.0
This book was a gift from my book bestie, and I absolutely adored it!
The French Gift is a beautiful story of friendship, hardship, love, hope, survival, and the atrocities of war. Superbly written by an author new to me, I will definitely be adding more of her books to my ever growing TBR pile.
All the feels!
The French Gift is a beautiful story of friendship, hardship, love, hope, survival, and the atrocities of war. Superbly written by an author new to me, I will definitely be adding more of her books to my ever growing TBR pile.
All the feels!
laurammarkham's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Such a good plot twist!
traceyusmg's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
thain's review
4.0
This interesting take on the dual timeline WWII novel opens with a murder at a swanky party at a villa on the Cote d’Azur in 1940. The falsely accused maid is sent first to Fresnes prison and then to the Phrix rayon factory in Germany along with her cellmate, a journalist in the Resistance who is later known as a bestselling mystery writer. They struggle to survive harsh working conditions as the Allies draw closer to victory.
In the modern timeline, the widow of the mystery writer’s heir is approached by a documentary filmmaker who hopes to locate a lost manuscript. Secrets are uncovered, and the reader is clued in to what happened the night of the villa party. I did guess the main twist, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story.
In the modern timeline, the widow of the mystery writer’s heir is approached by a documentary filmmaker who hopes to locate a lost manuscript. Secrets are uncovered, and the reader is clued in to what happened the night of the villa party. I did guess the main twist, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the story.
jasminegalsreadinglog's review against another edition
4.0
The French Gift is a historical fiction set in different timelines with a mystery added in for the present generation to solve. This novel is the story of Josephine, Margot and Evie and their struggles, friendship and courage.
Set in beautiful France and Germany this novel while though not a true story is inspired by a real person. Margot and Josephine's friendship is very beautiful to read about and the courage these women portray in the dangerous and brutal circumstances is inspiring. Every novel I read about historical fiction centered around World War II makes me aware of a new fact and this novel highlighted the rayon factory which I was not aware of before. The fear of innocent women working in these acid factories comes through very clearly and is scary as well heartbreaking. A story of transformation, humanity, survival and true friendship this book is a 4 star read.
Set in beautiful France and Germany this novel while though not a true story is inspired by a real person. Margot and Josephine's friendship is very beautiful to read about and the courage these women portray in the dangerous and brutal circumstances is inspiring. Every novel I read about historical fiction centered around World War II makes me aware of a new fact and this novel highlighted the rayon factory which I was not aware of before. The fear of innocent women working in these acid factories comes through very clearly and is scary as well heartbreaking. A story of transformation, humanity, survival and true friendship this book is a 4 star read.
mandylovestoread's review against another edition
4.0
The French Gift was the second book by Australian author Kirsty Manning that I have read and I loved it. Devouring this heart breaking story of courage and will, of friendship and war in less than 24 hours. It is based on true events of WWII and it is a story that will inspire you, it did me.
Told over 2 time periods the story is based around Josephine Murrant. In the past we learn about her time as a prisoner first in France and then in Germany during the war. Her cellmate was a woman called Margot Bisset, a maid who has been accused of a murder that she did not commit. The 2 women endure harsh conditions during the years and they form strong friendship. Years later after Josephine's death, her niece by marriage is assisting with an exhibition honoring the life of the great French author. The hunt for an unfinished manuscript reveals a whole lot more than anybody bargained for.
It is a beautiful novel, set against the backdrop of wartime Europe and the present day Cote D'Azure. Once again, historical fiction is teaching me about these lesser known war heroes and I love it. I cried as I went on this journey with Josephine.
Thanks to Allen and Unwin for my advanced copy of this book to read. Released in Australia March 30th.
Told over 2 time periods the story is based around Josephine Murrant. In the past we learn about her time as a prisoner first in France and then in Germany during the war. Her cellmate was a woman called Margot Bisset, a maid who has been accused of a murder that she did not commit. The 2 women endure harsh conditions during the years and they form strong friendship. Years later after Josephine's death, her niece by marriage is assisting with an exhibition honoring the life of the great French author. The hunt for an unfinished manuscript reveals a whole lot more than anybody bargained for.
It is a beautiful novel, set against the backdrop of wartime Europe and the present day Cote D'Azure. Once again, historical fiction is teaching me about these lesser known war heroes and I love it. I cried as I went on this journey with Josephine.
Thanks to Allen and Unwin for my advanced copy of this book to read. Released in Australia March 30th.
gracieb3's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5