Book Blurb:
"All in all, it's a fantastic read. This is a true example of historical fiction at its best. Perfect for fans of novels about World War II, unsung heroes, and strong characters in an authentic setting. This is a touching, believable story you won't soon forget." - "Lost Family" by Katherine Williams receives five stars and the “Highly Recommended” award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company
"Lost Family is a gripping and entertaining tale, skillfully told — harrowing and heartwarming at turns — that explores the nature of history, family, and the sacrifices of those who came before." - Peggy Kurkowski, Independent Book Review
"Beautifully written, it is touching, funny, sad and uplifting – basically it has everything you could want in a good novel." - Kathryn Carruthers, A LoveReading Ambassador
"Katherine Williams’s intense focus on daily living under Occupied rule gives readers a solid sense of discovery, bringing history to life as the two characters field challenges in their lives and find their romances and family connections dovetailing between past and present events." - D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
"Katherine Williams masterfully crafts a story that is rich in detail, emotion, and suspense, drawing readers into a world where past and present collide. The characters are at the story's heart, with ingeniously explored inner struggles that drive the narrative forward." - The Book Commentary
"Lost Family by Katherine Williams captures the reader's attention from the opening page to the very last one with a twist in the tale that is unexpected and not what the reader is expecting." - Five Stars from Readers' Favorite
A bizarre encounter opens this gripping World War Two novel of love, betrayal, and new beginnings.
When an attractive associate tells Ben Griffiths that she has a vintage photo of someone who looks remarkably like him, he dismisses it as a clever pick-up line. Soon after, he discovers a painting among his late grandmother’s possessions. The artwork appears to have been painted in the same location as his colleague’s photo. This serendipitous discovery leads him on a journey to France, where a heartbreaking secret awaits.
In 1939 France, seventeen-year-old Amélie Maurois is a promising artist. She plans to attend art school in Tours, but the German invasion ends her dream. She instead channels her skills into forging documents, helping the persecuted to escape certain death. While on her mission, she becomes involved with a British agent. When her acts of resistance result in retaliation by angry neighbors, including threats and violence, her courage is tested. He finds her a safe place to hide, but no one knows if they will survive this war.
From the author of The Glovemaker’s War, Lost Family explores the horrors of life in Occupied France and its stories left unspoken.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/bAuvyCM
Author Bio:
Born on the Wirral peninsula in Cheshire, England, Katherine Williams moved to Larchmont, New York in her late thirties. Now retired, she lives in rural Connecticut where she likes to cook for friends and family, garden, write and walk with her dog in the surrounding countryside. The Glovemaker's War is her debut novel.
Editorial Review:
Ben Griffiths shook off his jacket, slung it on the stool behind him, and folded his lanky body over the shiny steel bar, deliberately turning his back on the people behind him. The young bartender was busy mixing cocktails, but he managed to get her attention and ordered half a pint of bitter. He pulled a face at the man seated to his right who was watching football on the TV.
“Sorry, mate,” the man said. “Your team losing, is it?”
“No, I’m glad United’s winning. It’s time City got a thrashing.” He shrugged. “I’m not bothered about either of them; I support Liverpool.”
“Why the glum face then?”
“You see those two women behind us?” Ben jerked his chin over his shoulder. “They keep looking at me. I’m worried I’ve offended them.”
“How did you do that?” The man glanced at the two heads that kept twisting in their direction. “I see what you mean; they do look very interested in you.”
“I fell asleep during a presentation they were giving earlier. I’ve never done anything like that before. I’m so embarrassed.”
From the first lines, we are drawn into this story and the rich imagery. We’re introduced to Ben and a bit of a mystery, as he’s stressing out at the bar over a mishap from earlier. This opening pulls us in making us wonder, who is Ben? Who are those women? It’s current times – 2020 in Chester, England. But we’ll be bouncing back in time by chapter two.
In Katherine Williams' stirring novel, Lost Family, we see a beautiful blend of historical fiction and contemporary drama. This is a story that intertwines the past and present, showing the interconnectedness of us all. Lost Family explores the legacy of family, love, and sacrifice, showing us that
Amélie swung back and forth on the rope swing, craning her neck around to peek across the field at him. He was sitting with her older sister Paulette and their friend Antoine. He’d tossed his jacket on the grass, and as Amélie watched him lazily loosen his tie and then light a cigarette, a hot flush warmed her cheeks. A cloud of aromatic smoke, together with the sound of their idle chatter, wafted towards her. Paulette’s laughter floated across the field as Antoine whispered something in her ear and she punched him playfully. Oh, how Amélie wished that she was older, that she was one of them. They were all so beautiful.
When she and her sister had been little, Amélie’s father had cut an opening in the skirt of a willow tree on the riverbank and hung the wooden seat from a high branch. She didn’t care that her friends said she was too old for such childish pastimes. Here on the swing, she knew that dreams were not reserved only for sleep.
Readers are engrossed in a complicated tapestry of historical intrigue and personal revelation from start to finish thanks to the skillful weaving together of the two timelines. We bounce from Ben in 2020 England to Amélie in 1940 France, as both begin to paint the picture of their lives. Only later will we see how they connect.
The book begins with a meeting that seems innocent enough at first, but it soon sets off a fascinating trip. A vintage photo of a guy who remarkably resembles Ben Griffiths, a contemporary art historian, is presented to him. Ben initially writes it off as a coincidence, but then his interest is aroused when he finds a painting among the belongings of his late grandmother that seems to show the same spot as the picture. He travels to France after making this coincidental finding, where he learns of a tragic tragedy that has been kept hidden for many years.
The story moves smoothly to 1939 France, where Amélie Maurois, at seventeen, aspires to study art in Tours. The German invasion breaks her dreams, but she finds new meaning in the resistance organization, where she uses her creative abilities to falsify documents and save lives. She forges a moving bond with a British spy who assists her quest, and her bravery and tenacity are evident as she faces the perils of occupied France.
With captivating intensity, the parallel storylines of Amélie and Ben come to life as Ben explores his family's past.
Lost Family has well-polished and expert formatting and editing, which make for a seamless and engaging reading experience. The writing style is straightforward and succinct, and each chapter is painstakingly written to preserve coherence and flow.
The book's layout makes for a better reading experience; readers are guided through the complex web of emotions and events by the book's smooth perspective changes and distinct chapter headings. This focus on detail makes sure that the narrative stays interesting and approachable while engrossing readers in the universe that Williams has so deftly constructed. But the real shining point of this book lies in the characters.
Williams is a master at creating likable, complex characters. Williams is a master at developing complex, multifaceted characters that have depth and realism. When Amélie Maurois encounters the horrors of war and the moral difficulties of resistance, her bravery and tenacity come through as a captivating heroine. Readers can relate to and admire her because of her inner strength and enthusiasm for art.
Ben Griffiths experiences a significant metamorphosis in the modern plot as he learns the truth about his family's history. His path of self-discovery is dotted by periods of reflection and development as he struggles with the burden of history and how it affects his identity. Ben's transformation from a dubious onlooker to a fervently engaged participant in his family's story is both credible and motivational.
The tale is made more intricate and nuanced by the supporting cast, which includes Ben's lively coworker and the mysterious British spy. The thoughtful development of each character adds to the novel's complex emotional landscape and strengthens the overall sense of realism in the story.
And the dialogue is well done, with conversations between characters helping to show us more of the story and the personalities of the characters.
Her mother hugged her. “I thought you’d be here. I know you’re disappointed by our decision, chérie. I’m sorry.”
“You don’t get it,” Amélie said despondently. She was surprised to see tears pooling in her mother’s eyes, too.
“I do, but you must understand that it’s our job to look after you. The Luftwaffe is bombing the city to pieces. You’re safer here in the country.”
“I’ve wanted to study there since I was ten when you took me to that exhibition. What am I going to do now?”
“I know, my darling. It’s my dream for you, too. I don’t know what to say. We thought that we’d be safe from another invasion. Maybe this is our destiny.”
Amélie clenched her fists tight. “Papa doesn’t think that. He believes we should fight les Allemands.”
“I know he does. But he’s too old to get involved.” Her mother reached for her hand and squeezed it. “Come on, let’s go; we’ve got Paulette’s wedding to organize. At least that’s something exciting to think about.”
It seemed unfair that Paulette had everything she wanted. Amélie knew it was churlish, but she just couldn’t feel happy for her sister when she had nothing to look forward to.
Williams's deft storytelling is evident in Lost Family's continuity. With each chapter unveiling new facets of the narrative and strengthening the ties between the past and present, the two timelines are deftly linked. The historical setting is well-researched and offers a striking background for the characters' tribulations and victories.
Williams' skill in fusing historical and modern aspects ensures that the story keeps its flow and cohesion throughout. As the complicated historical puzzle is gradually put together, readers are kept interested by the deftly constructed plot twists and surprises.
Lost Family has a gratifying and moving conclusion that embraces optimism for the future while paying tribute to the sacrifices made in the past. Ben faces a decision that will affect how he views family and identity when he learns the last details regarding his grandmother's heritage.
Williams gives readers a sense of closure and reflection with an ending that is both conceptually and emotionally rich. The novel's conclusion, which reflects the sacrifices made by those who have gone before and the legacy they leave behind, affirms the enduring power of love, bravery, and tenacity.
Lost Family is a brilliantly written story with a well-paced storyline that steadily increases suspense and intrigue. Readers are kept interested in both the historical and modern narratives by the dynamic structure created by the alternating timelines. The relationships between the past and present grow more evident as the story progresses, building to a powerful and fulfilling finale that unites the themes of bravery, love, and familial history.
Lost Family's plot arc is expertly written, with a well-paced narrative that consistently heightens suspense and interest. Readers are kept interested in both the historical and modern narratives by the dynamic structure created by the multiple timelines. The relationships between the past and present grow more evident as the story progresses, building to a powerful and fulfilling finale that unites the themes of bravery, love, and familial history.
*****
“Lost Family” by Katherine Williams receives five stars and the “Highly Recommended” award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company
Award:
To have your historical novel editorially reviewed and/or enter the HFC Book of the Year contest, please visit www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/book-awards/award-submission
Comments