Fair Stood the Wind for France by H.E. Bates
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I'll admit to taking this book from the shelf merely because the title enchanted me.
I read in one sitting, caught up in the atmospheric tense writing in which Bates brings to life occupied France during WW2, and the dangers undertaken by the French in harbouring British and other allies from the Germans at great risk to themselves. Bates also notes all the finer details too, which helps us sympathise with the wounded British aircrewman Franklin who is slowly falling in love with the daughter of the farmer who is sheltering him.
It is hard to believe that the same author also wrote the light frothy short stories relating the 'Larkins' adventures in 'The Darling Buds of May.' Only the Shakespearian references give the game away. To find an author with such depth yet lightness of touch just because the title appeals is one of the joys of loitering in second hand book shops.
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My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I'll admit to taking this book from the shelf merely because the title enchanted me.
I read in one sitting, caught up in the atmospheric tense writing in which Bates brings to life occupied France during WW2, and the dangers undertaken by the French in harbouring British and other allies from the Germans at great risk to themselves. Bates also notes all the finer details too, which helps us sympathise with the wounded British aircrewman Franklin who is slowly falling in love with the daughter of the farmer who is sheltering him.
It is hard to believe that the same author also wrote the light frothy short stories relating the 'Larkins' adventures in 'The Darling Buds of May.' Only the Shakespearian references give the game away. To find an author with such depth yet lightness of touch just because the title appeals is one of the joys of loitering in second hand book shops.
View all my reviews