Scan barcode
A review by readingtimeatthezoo
The French Gift by Kirsty Manning
4.0
Wow, what an amazing read this was. One of those books that when I turned the last page I just sat there for a while and savoured what I had taken in and what I had experienced to let it all sink in.
The French Gift is steeped in historical fiction set amongst the atrocities of WWII and the forced labour camps that women were sent to work in as prisoners, whilst at the same time meshed with the present day and the world of historians and curators as they try to honour the past.
Beautifully written I was absolutely drawn to all the characters in this wonderful story. It’s 1939 and Margot is the maid at a stunning villa in France, which is host to the social party of the season. Margot’s life is turned upside down in the blink of an eye when she is thrown into the spotlight and into prison accused of a murder she didn’t commit.
Soon after in 1940, journalist and French Resistance fighter Josephine is thrown into prison by the Germans where she shares a cell with Margot. The two form a fast friendship and an unbreakable bond, which continues when they are transferred from the French prison to the labour camp in Germany where they are forced to endure the most horrific of conditions and circumstances.
Their story is heartbreaking and tragic, but it is also one of immeasurable strength and courage.
As a backdrop to these chapters is the present day world of Evie and her son Hugo. Evie runs a botanical bookshop in London and when Josephine dies, as her great niece, Evie is asked to help with an exhibition to showcase Josephine’s life.
I loved everything about this book, the dual timelines, the history, the rich characters and the wonderful friendships that played such an important role.
Definitely worth picking up.
The French Gift is steeped in historical fiction set amongst the atrocities of WWII and the forced labour camps that women were sent to work in as prisoners, whilst at the same time meshed with the present day and the world of historians and curators as they try to honour the past.
Beautifully written I was absolutely drawn to all the characters in this wonderful story. It’s 1939 and Margot is the maid at a stunning villa in France, which is host to the social party of the season. Margot’s life is turned upside down in the blink of an eye when she is thrown into the spotlight and into prison accused of a murder she didn’t commit.
Soon after in 1940, journalist and French Resistance fighter Josephine is thrown into prison by the Germans where she shares a cell with Margot. The two form a fast friendship and an unbreakable bond, which continues when they are transferred from the French prison to the labour camp in Germany where they are forced to endure the most horrific of conditions and circumstances.
Their story is heartbreaking and tragic, but it is also one of immeasurable strength and courage.
As a backdrop to these chapters is the present day world of Evie and her son Hugo. Evie runs a botanical bookshop in London and when Josephine dies, as her great niece, Evie is asked to help with an exhibition to showcase Josephine’s life.
I loved everything about this book, the dual timelines, the history, the rich characters and the wonderful friendships that played such an important role.
Definitely worth picking up.