Published: July 23, 2013 by Greenleaf Book Group Press
I'm a little conflicted about this book. There were parts of it I really loved, but also parts that didn't quite click for. Overall though, I did enjoy my time with it.
Gracianna takes place in France during World War II. Except for the first part of the book the setting seemed a little off. I realize this is because it takes place in a small village in the mountains in Basque Country, and that within a small town time seems to stand still. So often I had to keep reminding myself that the story was taking place in the 1940s instead of the 1840s.
But then in second half of the book Gracianna, our main character as well as the book title, is in Paris and the pace picks up significantly. She gets involved in the French Resistance and I found that part fascinating. I actually had a Hebrew school teacher who was also part of the French Resistance, and while I've never knew the details of her story, I've always been a little curious. I can't imagine her story was that similar to the book, but I guess you never know.
The book is actually written by the great-grandson of the real Gracianna and inspired by true events. Except I can't help but wonder how much was embellished for the story. I just wish that there was a more detailed author's note that gave a better understanding on which events actually happened.
While I don't think this book was perfect (although that can be hard to find), I definitely am glad to have experienced it. And I do think it's well worth reading if you enjoy WWII set fiction, but especially if your looking to hear it from a lesser known point of view.
3.5/5
If this book piques your interest, then today is your lucky day! I have one copy to giveaway (in the US only). Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter. Good Luck!
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Disclosure: I was provided this book through Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.
Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!
I do enjoy WWII historical fiction. I'll have to keep an eye out for this one.
ReplyDeleteI do follow your blog but through feedly.
Thanks for entering and good luck! Technically you actually earned another entry for commenting if you want to click that option too.
DeleteI do enjoy WWII historical fiction as you know and I like books set in France so this does sound interesting! That is too bad that the author didn't finish with a note to explain what was based on actual experiences and what was embellished. I do love reading about the French Resistance movement.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think you'd enjoy at least pieces of it. Good luck!
DeleteNice review...I am almost done with the book and I LOVE it.
ReplyDeleteWe will never know what really went on will we? I am sure it was not pleasant at all.
THANKS for sharing.
I am on the tour for November 22.
Have a great weekend.
Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews
My Blog
I can't wait to hear what you think about it too!
DeleteI'm always interested in reading about the WWII time period since the town I grew up in is home to the National D-Day Memorial. I don't know much about the French Resistance.
ReplyDeleteI read frequently enough in this genre that I'd be interested to see how it stacks up against other books.
ReplyDeleteGracianna was a fascinating character, but like you, I wanted more information about what was fact and what was fiction.
ReplyDeleteI took it as mostly true with embellishment of course. :)
DeleteI also wonder what is fact or fiction in historical novels. I usually just hope the author did their research.
ReplyDeleteThis looks great. I love the family connection. I've always wanted to write about my ancestors, but unfortunately I know so little about them that it would be mostly fiction and I feel like that is unfair to them.