For those that know me, truly know me, know that one of my favorite genres to read, is historical fiction. More specifically, the WWII era. So, when I was browsing books at B&N one day, I came across this book. First, let me say, the cover is enough to hook me! It's gorgeous. Second, once my dad surprised me with it, I devoured it. Or, rather, it devoured me and kept me hooked til the end.
This book is not full of fluff and rhyme. Yes, there is a bit of romance woven in, but the author is taking the reader on a journey of self discovery. The reader is on a journey with the characters, feeling the heartache of the war, the pain, and sacrifice that went with running from the Nazi's and helping with the escape efforts of the pilots.
Each page turn, Harmel gives something more to the reader. She intricately weaves a story that you become a part of. Ruby, Charlotte and Thomas all make their way into the reader's heart. The depth of emotions is felt wholly, the detail to the history is vivid and clear.
Harmel's THE ROOM ON RUE AMELIE is a novel that all historical fiction lovers should grab. It will consume you and keep you until the last page is turned. If I could give this book a thousand stars I would. But, alas, I can give it 5 stars. This is a book that I won't forget and will be sharing with my friends many times over.
*This book was purchased by myself. All opinions, negative or positive, are my own.*
This book is not full of fluff and rhyme. Yes, there is a bit of romance woven in, but the author is taking the reader on a journey of self discovery. The reader is on a journey with the characters, feeling the heartache of the war, the pain, and sacrifice that went with running from the Nazi's and helping with the escape efforts of the pilots.
Each page turn, Harmel gives something more to the reader. She intricately weaves a story that you become a part of. Ruby, Charlotte and Thomas all make their way into the reader's heart. The depth of emotions is felt wholly, the detail to the history is vivid and clear.
Harmel's THE ROOM ON RUE AMELIE is a novel that all historical fiction lovers should grab. It will consume you and keep you until the last page is turned. If I could give this book a thousand stars I would. But, alas, I can give it 5 stars. This is a book that I won't forget and will be sharing with my friends many times over.
*This book was purchased by myself. All opinions, negative or positive, are my own.*
Where are my tissues? It was embarassing sitting there sobbing on my chair at the pool. Once again Kristin Harmel weaves an interesting tale taking us through the horrors of war and concentration camps. This book centers on Ruby, an American, and the life and family she makes for herself in France during the war.
WWII France. An American woman married to a French man gets involved with the Resistance working to hide downed pilots and helping with the escape line. Her husband dies early in the book and she is on her own. She also takes in a young Jewish girl and hides her when her parents are rounded up. And then she falls in love with one of her pilots. There is a prologue and an epilogue. The prologue is written with no names and leads you to believe it is one couple. In the prologue you realize it is a different couple. Well written and interesting.
Loved this story! Easy read, engrossing story, vivid characters and scenes, surprising ending. I wanted it to go on forever.
Excellent idea for a novel, and the history seems pretty accurate -- but this novel is written in such a simplified style that I felt I was reading something intended for grammar school kids. I also thought that period ambience was skimped; there was very little daily life detail that would ground the book in this period. I would almost call it dumbed-down. It is certainly a fast read. I think it might make a better movie, with visuals to fill out the aspects that felt missing.
