Friday, 8 June 2012

Flame of Resistance - Tracy Groot

Days before D-Day, in the town of Caen, Brigitte Durand has lost everything - her family, her freedom, her sense of worth. As one of the village prostitutes she knows she has defiled the name of her grandfather in turning his home in to a brothel - the only way she knows to survive Occupied France.

Keen to do something her life takes a turn when she is enlisted by the Resistance headed up by the infamous 'G'. He in turn already worn from the treacheries of the Third Reich is unsure to use enlist the downed American pilot Tom Jaeger. However, he has renewed hope upon meeting Tom - he is the spitting image of a true German - tall, blonde and blue-eyed.

Tom is asked to elicit information from Brigitte who uses her womanly wiles to entice information from the
bridge guards. However, with the French gestapo in cahoots with German army things don't go to plan and the Brigitte, Tom and G find themselves caught up in a frightening situation but know their courage to stand against what is wrong will hopefully help bring peace.

Groot's World War drama has a multitude of characters all who have their own battles - love, loyalty, remorse and regret. Brigitte is likable and even though she regrets her life as a prostitute her redemption in the eyes of God is when she puts herself in danger with the Germanic guards. Not only is she saving the life of Tom but also her sense of worth.

I enjoyed this novel especially Groot's excellent retelling of a horrific time in history. Although I expected a bit more interaction between Brigitte and Tom, I found that the story centered on not just them but Michel too. The author's description of a difficult time - rationing, little fuel - was realistic. This kind of detail combined with the fraught ending made for a compelling read. A recommended read.


I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Publishing. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive review.

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