Another publisher churns out another World War 2 novel. Here, we follow the fates of two children, an orphaned German boy and a blind French girl, through the build-up to war and into its consequences.
If I had to name my favourite novel about occupied France, it would probably be The Blood of Others by Simone de Beauvois. Let me be clear: this is not de Beauvois. But it is a cracking story, told with a kind of unflinching compassion. Major characters are not immune to death or disappearance. It touches gently on themes of compassion and beauty, but then also has a line of plot about an international Nazi jewel hunter. Something to grab you, something to hold onto. Recommended for those who want to read a Story.