Welcome to Litsy!

History is messy, because humans are complex and this volume does a good job in showing the complex, messy, sometimes contradictory behavior of the humans in one part of France during a terrible time in history. The author shows us more than the heroics. The book follows many people, Jewish, Protestant and Catholic. It portrays as many sides of each of them as is knowable, and doesn‘t refrain from admitting when it cannot be known. A bit clunky ⬇️

This book is so needed right now! As shown above, people were slow to realize the enormity of the problem and to act. It‘s so similar to what I see going on right now.

#CharacterCharm @Eggs
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Spy

I saw this movie as a child when I was too young to fully understand it. The book is based on the true story of SOE agent Violette Szabo who was executed by the SS in 1945.

Another historical fiction with such a heartfelt plot. I really enjoyed reading the story even when the tears fell. The timeframe begins as the Germans start WWII. The winemakers of France are trying to save their country. The love and memories broke my heart. One of the best stories I‘ve read this year. 4.5/5⭐️

“We all make deals to stay alive.”

#OffMyShelf “started before”

A powerful novel about resistance in Nazi Germany based on true events-both depressing and hopeful to read now.

“As it was, we acted alone, we were caught alone, and every one of us will have to die alone. But that doesn‘t mean we are alone, Quangel, or that our deaths will be in vain.Nothing in this world is done in vain, and since we are fighting for justice against brutality, we are bound to prevail in the end.”

#whereareyoumonday

I‘m in Nazi Germany this week. Not a fun place. But I think this is going to be a good book - worth reading and a particularly timely reminder.

My book haul from our trip. Two were from the bookstore we visited and the rest were from the stores inside the various museums we visited. I may have gone overboard. But no regrets 😅