The description for this book is slightly misleading. The majority of this novel centers around romance rather than actions, experiences, and history. The story is told through flashbacks Henry has as a 92 year old man; so it alternates between his present time at 2014 and his past time with Elodie during WWII.
From the moment Henry crash lands behind Utah beach, he is rescued by Elodie, a member of the French resistance who is posing as a German nurse. While healing, he journeys with her and her resistance group across France. Most of their journey materializes while taking a group of refuge children across the Pyrenees. At times, a historical incident might occur but it is typically overshadowed by their budding romance. The story was very slow moving at times.
The character of Elodie seemed romanticized and fanciful. She had no flaws and was capable of anything without effort. From musician, to a sharpshooter, to a nurse, hero, linguist, tour guide, and the list goes on…her character was unbelievably unblemished. As a result, this caused her flawless character to seem unauthentic.
The most entertaining element of the novel was the character of 92 year old Henry. As a vehemently sarcastic, energized, and strong-willed 92 year old, his character was entertaining and whimsical. However, he was too often pining for his lost war love, Elodie. Everything reminded him of her- perfumes, songs, tastes, beaches, dogs, foods, semantics; and, the writing would sometimes fill a whole page at times explaining how he missed her so. At times, it felt extraneous. Again, too much romance for me.
I did like the ending.
3.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley, Blank Slate Press, and Norman G. Gautreau for providing me with a copy of this novel.
