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A review by katymaryreads
The Schoolteacher of Saint-Michel by Sarah Steele
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This was a lovely book, by turns emotional, exciting and heart-rending. In the present day, Hannah is dealing with a recent break-up, her widowed father's failing health, and the guilt of an event in her past. A letter from her dead grandmother is unearthed as she is sorting through her father's papers, sending her to an old house in the Dordogne to find out the truth of her grandmother GiGi's past and her connection with the wartime schoolteacher Lucie Laval.
The story splits into two timelines, interweaving Hannah's story with that of Lucie and her contemporaries, ordinary men and women showing extraordinary courage in fighting the Nazis occupying their country and working beneath their noses to keep people - including the most vulnerable children - safe from the Nazis.
The atmosphere and characterisation throughout the book is excellent, and the story is beautifully told and researched. The tension builds as the book goes on. Whilst I did find it a little slow to start with, from about halfway through it becomes very difficult to put down as Hannah's and Lucie's stories come together to the climax of events.
Definitely recommended, particularly to anyone with an interest in World War II historical novels. I learnt enough about occupied France and the Resistance to make me want more - the author gives a couple of recommendations for further reading in her author's note that I will be checking out. A book that will stay iwth me.
With thanks to NetGalley and Headline for the advanced review copy in return for an honest review.
The story splits into two timelines, interweaving Hannah's story with that of Lucie and her contemporaries, ordinary men and women showing extraordinary courage in fighting the Nazis occupying their country and working beneath their noses to keep people - including the most vulnerable children - safe from the Nazis.
The atmosphere and characterisation throughout the book is excellent, and the story is beautifully told and researched. The tension builds as the book goes on. Whilst I did find it a little slow to start with, from about halfway through it becomes very difficult to put down as Hannah's and Lucie's stories come together to the climax of events.
Definitely recommended, particularly to anyone with an interest in World War II historical novels. I learnt enough about occupied France and the Resistance to make me want more - the author gives a couple of recommendations for further reading in her author's note that I will be checking out. A book that will stay iwth me.
With thanks to NetGalley and Headline for the advanced review copy in return for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Antisemitism
Moderate: Child death, Violence, and Grief