What do you think?
Rate this book
You Let Me Go
A secret family history of love, anguish and betrayal.
After her beloved grandmother Rozenn’s death, Morane is heartbroken to learn that her sister is the sole inheritor of the family home in Cornwall—while she herself has been written out of the will. With both her business and her relationship with her sister on the rocks, Morane becomes consumed by one question: what made Rozenn turn her back on her?
When she finds an old letter linking her grandmother to Brittany under German occupation, Morane escapes on the trail of her family’s past. In the coastal village where Rozenn lived in 1941, she uncovers a web of shameful secrets that haunted Rozenn to the end of her days. Was it to protect those she loved that a desperate Rozenn made a heartbreaking decision and changed the course of all their lives forever?
Morane goes in search of the truth but the truth can be painful. Can she make her peace with the past and repair her relationship with her sister?
After her beloved grandmother Rozenn’s death, Morane is heartbroken to learn that her sister is the sole inheritor of the family home in Cornwall—while she herself has been written out of the will. With both her business and her relationship with her sister on the rocks, Morane becomes consumed by one question: what made Rozenn turn her back on her?
When she finds an old letter linking her grandmother to Brittany under German occupation, Morane escapes on the trail of her family’s past. In the coastal village where Rozenn lived in 1941, she uncovers a web of shameful secrets that haunted Rozenn to the end of her days. Was it to protect those she loved that a desperate Rozenn made a heartbreaking decision and changed the course of all their lives forever?
Morane goes in search of the truth but the truth can be painful. Can she make her peace with the past and repair her relationship with her sister?
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2021
372 people are currently reading
3760 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Graham
22 books241 followersEliza Graham is an Oxfordshire-based UK author whose adult novels reflect her fascination with how historical events affect families..
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
June 23, 2021
Morane is really close to her grandmother Rozenn Caradec, as a child she loved visiting her house Vue Claire on the south coast of Cornwall and she thought she knew her grandmother well? At ninety six Rozenn passes away and she leaves her entire estate to Morane’s sister Gwen and Morie inherits only a silver compass that no one in the family ever has seen before. Morie has recently had a terrible time, now add this and did she do something to upset her grandmother?
When the sisters go through their grandmothers things, Morie finds some old photographs and a couple of pages of a letter. Morie assumes her grandmother must have left some clues behind, she knows Rozenn grew up in Paris, her father was a doctor, whenever they tried asking her about her life during WW II and she would change the subject. Morie decides to visit St Martin in Brittany France, nothing can prepare her for what she uncovers about her grandmother's past, the Guillou family and what happened to them during the Second World War.
You Let Me Go has a dual timeline it goes between present time and 1941. It’s a story about WW II, family, secrets, regret, suffering, lies, disloyalty and betrayal. It’s also about Morane discovering the truth about her beloved grandmother, coming to terms with what has happened in her own life, finally moving on and new beginnings. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and four stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
When the sisters go through their grandmothers things, Morie finds some old photographs and a couple of pages of a letter. Morie assumes her grandmother must have left some clues behind, she knows Rozenn grew up in Paris, her father was a doctor, whenever they tried asking her about her life during WW II and she would change the subject. Morie decides to visit St Martin in Brittany France, nothing can prepare her for what she uncovers about her grandmother's past, the Guillou family and what happened to them during the Second World War.
You Let Me Go has a dual timeline it goes between present time and 1941. It’s a story about WW II, family, secrets, regret, suffering, lies, disloyalty and betrayal. It’s also about Morane discovering the truth about her beloved grandmother, coming to terms with what has happened in her own life, finally moving on and new beginnings. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and four stars from me. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
March 17, 2021
This was a wonderful read about Rozenn and her family in WWII in France and about difficult decisions in very hard times and their ripercussions on her granddaughters in present times in England. There are secrets in Rozenn's past that she can't bring herself to speak about, not even to her closest granddaughter Morlane. When she dies Morlane is going to find out who her grandmother really was and what happened in Britanny all those years ago.
The narration is beautiful, with greatly described settings that bring you inside the story. Furthermore the taste of mistery throughout the book will keep you engaged from start to end. Also Clare's character will earn a special place in your heart.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The narration is beautiful, with greatly described settings that bring you inside the story. Furthermore the taste of mistery throughout the book will keep you engaged from start to end. Also Clare's character will earn a special place in your heart.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2021
Reading this book was like slipping on a pair of comfortable, well-worn shoes. It was a well-written read that I was immersed into very quickly.
Graham’s dual narrative follows Rosenn as she and her family leave an occupied Paris for the coast of Brittany. However, with Rosenn and her family is her disabled identical twin, and her weak, older brother, Yann. Yann has gone into hiding to escape being sent to the labour camps; a terrible illness has the family fearing that Yann will not survive. As the small coastal village seems to accept Rosenn and her family, there is the constant worry that Yann will be discovered.
Moving to present day, Rosenn’s granddaughters – Gwen and Morane – are mourning the passing of their grandmother. Puzzled by Gwen inheriting Rosenn’s Cornish barn conversion versus a compass for Morane, Morane is certain that there is more behind Rosenn’s decision. Whilst Morane is financially and emotionally strained, she determines to dig deeper into her grandmother’s past, culminating in a visit to Brittany to find out the truth at last.
Each chapter effortlessly switches between Morane and Rosenn’s story. We gradually learn about what happened during the occupation and I felt like I was sharing the journey of self-discovery with Morane. The descriptions of the coast, both Cornish and French, are idyllic and it proves a calming influence for both female protagonists during such a traumatic time.
I thought this was a very well-written narrative that interested me from the beginning. I was as curious as Morane to understand why Rosenn’s inheritance had been divided in the way that it had. As her past becomes clearer, decisions made more sense with even some surprises along the way as well. It was an immersive story and one that I could not wait to discover all of the answers to.
The theme of isolation and separation determines this narrative. Undeniably, so many experienced this during the Second World War and the fear from Rosenn’s family is palpable. Graham expertly recreates that sense of distrust and understanding the best allegiances through Rosenn’s acquaintances in the village. Furthermore, her relationship with her twin sister, Claire, is quite heart-breaking, especially when the story reaches its dramatic climax.
I do enjoy historical fiction, even more so when they switch between past and present. I could understand the emotions that Morane experiences in this narrative and loved watching her discover a new side to her French grandmother that she was completely unaware of.
With thanks to Lake Union Publishing, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Graham’s dual narrative follows Rosenn as she and her family leave an occupied Paris for the coast of Brittany. However, with Rosenn and her family is her disabled identical twin, and her weak, older brother, Yann. Yann has gone into hiding to escape being sent to the labour camps; a terrible illness has the family fearing that Yann will not survive. As the small coastal village seems to accept Rosenn and her family, there is the constant worry that Yann will be discovered.
Moving to present day, Rosenn’s granddaughters – Gwen and Morane – are mourning the passing of their grandmother. Puzzled by Gwen inheriting Rosenn’s Cornish barn conversion versus a compass for Morane, Morane is certain that there is more behind Rosenn’s decision. Whilst Morane is financially and emotionally strained, she determines to dig deeper into her grandmother’s past, culminating in a visit to Brittany to find out the truth at last.
Each chapter effortlessly switches between Morane and Rosenn’s story. We gradually learn about what happened during the occupation and I felt like I was sharing the journey of self-discovery with Morane. The descriptions of the coast, both Cornish and French, are idyllic and it proves a calming influence for both female protagonists during such a traumatic time.
I thought this was a very well-written narrative that interested me from the beginning. I was as curious as Morane to understand why Rosenn’s inheritance had been divided in the way that it had. As her past becomes clearer, decisions made more sense with even some surprises along the way as well. It was an immersive story and one that I could not wait to discover all of the answers to.
The theme of isolation and separation determines this narrative. Undeniably, so many experienced this during the Second World War and the fear from Rosenn’s family is palpable. Graham expertly recreates that sense of distrust and understanding the best allegiances through Rosenn’s acquaintances in the village. Furthermore, her relationship with her twin sister, Claire, is quite heart-breaking, especially when the story reaches its dramatic climax.
I do enjoy historical fiction, even more so when they switch between past and present. I could understand the emotions that Morane experiences in this narrative and loved watching her discover a new side to her French grandmother that she was completely unaware of.
With thanks to Lake Union Publishing, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2021
This book has everything I love it: a story following a home, the intertwining of family and a dual story line.
This story follows Rozenne growing up with her Dad as a doctor during the war.
The other storyline is from years and years later when Rozenne passes. She decides to leave her estate to only one of the Granddaughters ( when there are two) leaving the family to wonder. This leads one of the Granddaughters on an exploration of her families history for answers.
This book covers all kinds of issues including family lies, deception, fear from the war, strength and love.
What a beautiful cover! That drew me into the book immediately.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an ARC of this lovely book!
This story follows Rozenne growing up with her Dad as a doctor during the war.
The other storyline is from years and years later when Rozenne passes. She decides to leave her estate to only one of the Granddaughters ( when there are two) leaving the family to wonder. This leads one of the Granddaughters on an exploration of her families history for answers.
This book covers all kinds of issues including family lies, deception, fear from the war, strength and love.
What a beautiful cover! That drew me into the book immediately.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an ARC of this lovely book!
March 5, 2021
"People are their surroundings and surroundings become imprinted by the people who live there."
This was a wonderful story about family and regrets and what happened in a small island town when they were German occupied. I loved the historical information, something I hadn't read much about for this area. I loved the perspective of the two storylines - the current granddaughter and then the grandmother in her youth. It was a great way to tell the story. I was nervous we wouldn't get the final details but we do, and I loved them. Great story, well told.
An e-ARC was provided to me by the author and publishing via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
This was a wonderful story about family and regrets and what happened in a small island town when they were German occupied. I loved the historical information, something I hadn't read much about for this area. I loved the perspective of the two storylines - the current granddaughter and then the grandmother in her youth. It was a great way to tell the story. I was nervous we wouldn't get the final details but we do, and I loved them. Great story, well told.
An e-ARC was provided to me by the author and publishing via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
March 8, 2021
This book all the elements I love in a good read, it was set during the Second World War, a dual time-line and it was also in Cornwall!!! Wonderful, I throughly enjoyed this book and was sorry when I finished it so quickly. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
April 17, 2021
The story that unfolds in You Let Me Go is told in alternating chapters from the point of view of Rozenn and her granddaughter Morane, transporting the reader between Nazi occupied France in World War Two and present day Cornwall – the Helford River area to be precise. Having been fortunate enough to visit that part of Cornwall in the past, I could easily imagine the creeks described in the book.
For quite a while the reader knows more about Rozenn’s experiences than Morane does but it’s still interesting to witness Morane piecing together the fragments of information she discovers about her family’s history.
Beyond the obvious blood relationship between Rozenn and Morane, I admired the way the author introduced other more subtle connections between the two women such as their natural flair for design and appreciation for architecture. Most significantly, they share an abiding sense of guilt for their part in events that were, in some cases, not their fault. ‘Guilt could wind its fingers around you and refuse to let you go.’
The book also explores the often difficult relationships between siblings: the rivalry for parental affection; the burden of responsibility for care of younger members of the family; the similarities that can remind you only too painfully of your own shortcomings or flaws. At the same time, the story includes joyful family moments, often recorded in photographs or through treasured objects.
Being a historical fiction fan, I found myself particularly drawn to the parts of the book dealing with Rozenn’s wartime experiences and the realities of daily life under German occupation. However, I could also understand Morane’s curiosity about her grandmother’s past, if only as a distraction from the situation in which she currently finds herself – a failed relationship, financial worries and a struggling business. As Morane describes, ‘I felt an urge to delve into Rozenn’s past, find out who’d she’d been before she’d become an architect, a wife, a mother and grandmother’.
On her arrival in the Breton village to which her grandmother’s family fled from Paris during the war, Morane is perhaps fortunate to find people who were around at the time or can pass on the recollections of older family members. As the two storylines converge, the final pieces of the historical jigsaw fall into place revealing the complete picture, as well as some neat links between past and present. In fact, you could say Rozenn designed the perfect ending to ensure any rifts that might remain are healed.
You Let Me Go is an absorbing story of family secrets and how choices made in the past can reverberate down the years.
For quite a while the reader knows more about Rozenn’s experiences than Morane does but it’s still interesting to witness Morane piecing together the fragments of information she discovers about her family’s history.
Beyond the obvious blood relationship between Rozenn and Morane, I admired the way the author introduced other more subtle connections between the two women such as their natural flair for design and appreciation for architecture. Most significantly, they share an abiding sense of guilt for their part in events that were, in some cases, not their fault. ‘Guilt could wind its fingers around you and refuse to let you go.’
The book also explores the often difficult relationships between siblings: the rivalry for parental affection; the burden of responsibility for care of younger members of the family; the similarities that can remind you only too painfully of your own shortcomings or flaws. At the same time, the story includes joyful family moments, often recorded in photographs or through treasured objects.
Being a historical fiction fan, I found myself particularly drawn to the parts of the book dealing with Rozenn’s wartime experiences and the realities of daily life under German occupation. However, I could also understand Morane’s curiosity about her grandmother’s past, if only as a distraction from the situation in which she currently finds herself – a failed relationship, financial worries and a struggling business. As Morane describes, ‘I felt an urge to delve into Rozenn’s past, find out who’d she’d been before she’d become an architect, a wife, a mother and grandmother’.
On her arrival in the Breton village to which her grandmother’s family fled from Paris during the war, Morane is perhaps fortunate to find people who were around at the time or can pass on the recollections of older family members. As the two storylines converge, the final pieces of the historical jigsaw fall into place revealing the complete picture, as well as some neat links between past and present. In fact, you could say Rozenn designed the perfect ending to ensure any rifts that might remain are healed.
You Let Me Go is an absorbing story of family secrets and how choices made in the past can reverberate down the years.
March 8, 2021
This book had everything I love to read about, the Second World War, a dual time-line and a story that I could really get my teeth into. This was a first read by this author and I really enjoyed it. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
January 22, 2021
Now and then I need an escape from my usual crime/psychological thriller reads, I was browsing Netgalley and the book description for You Let Me Go caught my interest. Firstly, because I appreciate a book with a dual timeline, (one timeline is set in the present, and the other is set in Brittany during the German occupation in 1941) and secondly I love historical fiction so this book ticked both boxes for me.
Morane is left devastated when not only does she loose her beloved Grandmother Rozenn, but she learns her sister is the sole inheritor of the family home in Cornwall. Why did her grandmother turn her back on her? Perhaps the answers lie in an old letter Moran finds, which inadvertently takes her on a journey into her grandmother’s past, when Brittany was under German occupation. In her pursuit for the truth, she realises she never knew her grandmother at all as she uncovers secrets that tore a family apart.
I genuinely enjoyed Rozenn’s story, Graham brings her story to life, I especially liked reading about her life in Brittany. The descriptions of her family living in a small French village occupied by the Germans, made it obvious how hard life must have been for Rozenn, not knowing who you could trust, and living in constant fear. The choice she makes weren’t necessarily the right ones, but they were made in fear. Ultimately all she wanted to do was protect her family. I found it tragic that these choices led to devastating consequences that shattered a loving family into a million pieces. You Let Me Go has all the elements needed for an enjoyable read, deeply rich characters, engaging dialogue and a compelling story line. A poignant, heart-rending story about love, guilt and betrayal.
Morane is left devastated when not only does she loose her beloved Grandmother Rozenn, but she learns her sister is the sole inheritor of the family home in Cornwall. Why did her grandmother turn her back on her? Perhaps the answers lie in an old letter Moran finds, which inadvertently takes her on a journey into her grandmother’s past, when Brittany was under German occupation. In her pursuit for the truth, she realises she never knew her grandmother at all as she uncovers secrets that tore a family apart.
I genuinely enjoyed Rozenn’s story, Graham brings her story to life, I especially liked reading about her life in Brittany. The descriptions of her family living in a small French village occupied by the Germans, made it obvious how hard life must have been for Rozenn, not knowing who you could trust, and living in constant fear. The choice she makes weren’t necessarily the right ones, but they were made in fear. Ultimately all she wanted to do was protect her family. I found it tragic that these choices led to devastating consequences that shattered a loving family into a million pieces. You Let Me Go has all the elements needed for an enjoyable read, deeply rich characters, engaging dialogue and a compelling story line. A poignant, heart-rending story about love, guilt and betrayal.
March 29, 2021
Morane is very close to her grandmother, Rozenn, but when she dies Rozenn leaves her home in Cornwall to Morane's sister, Gwen. All Rozenn left Morane was a silver compass with her great-grandfather's initials engraved on the back. There was a strained relationship with her sister that was never really explained and the inheritance made it more so. Gwen's life was going great but Morane's not so much. While helping go through her grandmother's things she finds a letter and some photos that spurs her on to find out what Rozenn's life was like during the war, a time that Rozenn never spoke about.
The story is told from Rozenn's point of view in 1941 and the second is Morane's in the present time as she tries to find out about her grandmother. Just as I would become invested in the one story we would jump to the next. It went from view to view pretty seamlessly but I guess I'm getting tired of switching back and forth in books lately.
I found Morane to be kind of pathetic. She had some bad luck and felt sorry for herself most of the time. Rozenn had loved her husband but she was ambitious and became one of the few women architect's in the world designing factories. Along with that ambition I felt she was selfish and I hated the way she treated her sister. One thing that always drives me crazy in books is the spunky female who does reckless things, endangers others by taking needless chances and then is surprised when it all goes wrong.
All in all I did enjoy the book and even though I didn't like or identify with Rozenn or Morane I found them interesting. The small town of St. Martin's sounded beautiful with the views of the coast and the description of the homes.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon UK with providing me a copy of this book.
The story is told from Rozenn's point of view in 1941 and the second is Morane's in the present time as she tries to find out about her grandmother. Just as I would become invested in the one story we would jump to the next. It went from view to view pretty seamlessly but I guess I'm getting tired of switching back and forth in books lately.
I found Morane to be kind of pathetic. She had some bad luck and felt sorry for herself most of the time. Rozenn had loved her husband but she was ambitious and became one of the few women architect's in the world designing factories. Along with that ambition I felt she was selfish and I hated the way she treated her sister. One thing that always drives me crazy in books is the spunky female who does reckless things, endangers others by taking needless chances and then is surprised when it all goes wrong.
All in all I did enjoy the book and even though I didn't like or identify with Rozenn or Morane I found them interesting. The small town of St. Martin's sounded beautiful with the views of the coast and the description of the homes.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon UK with providing me a copy of this book.
March 11, 2021
★★★ 3.5 stars
What drew me to this book initially was the premise and two things I further noted - Cornwall and dual timeline. I seemed to be drawn to stories set in Cornwall, particularly one that is dual timeline. And the mystery to one's past sounded like an exciting aspect I looked forward to peeling away.
But...I won't lie. YOU LET ME GO is a slow starter. So slow I wondered when it was ever going to get there. I wouldn't say the first half of the story is superfluous because it does give you the background of what's to come. I just wish it got there quicker. It's not until the second half of the book, after Morie makes the decision to travel to Brittany to uncover the truth of her grandmother's past that things really start to get interesting. Does it make trudging through the first half worth it? I think so...eventually.
Devastated by the loss of her beloved grandmother Morane is equally at a loss to learn that her sister Gwen is the sole beneficiary to inherit Rozenn's beautiful home, Vue Claire, in Cornwall. All that Morie had been bequeathed was an old silver compass with initials engraved on the back. Feeling somewhat guilty, Gwen assures Morie that she would have the deeds changed to reflect both sisters as co-owners. But Morie refuses. Rozenn had her reasons...if only Morie could understand why.
Having suffered her own tragedies in recent times with an accident (not fully revealed till about halfway through), the loss of her business and partner, Morie is now struggling to rebuild her own business as a property manager rebuilding and renovating properties for clients. Her business is based in London but her heart is in Cornwall, and so she finds herself making any excuse to travel back to Vue Claire and help Gwen redecorate the house. It's while she is there that she makes a puzzling discovery. A single page from a letter in a hand Morie didn't recognise. The contents are equally puzzling as they don't appear to make much sense despite her name being mentioned. Who wrote this letter to Rozenn and why did the writer mention making contact with her? She has received no communication from anyone to do with Rozenn. So what is this all about?
The letter takes her back to some old photos she'd come across in an old album along with some sketches of birds and mice. It seems her grandmother had a deft hand at drawing though she never seemed to pursue it, choosing instead to become an architect. Some of the photos seem to puzzle her also...particularly two of Rozenn as a little girl in the 20s, sitting on a beach. In one she appears serious and contemplative whilst in the other she is beaming at the camera. And although the photos appeared to be taken on the same day, she is wearing two different bathing costumes. Why? It made no sense to Morie at all. Then when she discovers a second page to the letter it is then that Morie makes the sudden decision to travel to Brittany and to the village St Martin, which is mentioned more than once. What does St Martin have to do with Rozenn? And more importantly, what does it have to with her?
It's 1941 and eighteen year old Rozenn has had to leave all that she knows and love in Paris as she and her family travel to St Martin to live for an indefinite period. France under German occupation is a dangerous place and the family need special permits to travel to the village port of St Martin, a restricted zone. But they are desperate. Germany is bringing in forced labour for men of working age, and that includes Rozenn's brother Yann who has only just recovered from his time in a German camp. As French residents, they are required to register with the German authorities as to where they are living and while they are registered in St Martin, Rozenn's brother Yann is not. And so they keep him hidden in the outbuildings of the house on the cliff in which they now live...a far cry from the pampered lifestyle of their apartment in Paris.
In the village, Rozenn keeps to herself while not drawing attention to herself or her family but a woman with her looks is not forgotten in a hurry. She meets some of the locals - Luc, Martine and a delightful Irish woman, Madame O'Donnell. But she still yearns for Paris. Life in the house on the cliffs is primitive at best. In Paris she had a bidet; here the privy is in an outbuilding. But like her family, Rozenn had to make the best of things. It wasn't forever...just until they could get Yann to safety. Her doctor father didn't appear to be making any headway with this so Rozenn made enquiries with local boy Luc about fishing boats aiding an escape. It was a dangerous move, as Luc reminded her, for if they were caught...but Rozenn's family were desperate. It wouldn't be long before the Germans discovered an unregistered man living in their outbuildings and then they would all be punished.
The boat was to take Yann to Britain, where he could maybe join the Free French and fight for their freedom, but on the night of the escape things go horribly wrong...changing the course of Rozenn's history of which she would never speak again.
So what became of Yann? And Rozenn's family? And their primitive house on the cliff? How had Rozenn come to be in England? And why would she never talk about it? And what is it about St Martin that holds the secrets to Rozenn's past?
After the initial first 50%, I couldn't put the book down. But that first half was dreadfully slow and seemed to be weighed down with a few unnecessary aspects and could have moved a little quicker had they been removed. For example, Theo. I don't understand the point of his presence at the beginning. It didn't go anywhere, it wasn't integral to the story and then he was barely mentioned throughout the rest of the book...so why was it even there? And the constant referral to Morane's "accident" throughout the first half without actually saying what it is until she gets to France...what's the big secret? Again, not integral to the story. It was just an incident which occurred that didn't seem to be wholly important, except to keep Morie from actually moving forward. Once it was revealed, I was like...so, that's it?
That being said, YOU LET ME GO is a compelling tale taking us back to the past as well as keeping us in the present. It alternates between 1941 and the present day in each chapter from Rozenn's and Morane's perspectives. There is one chapter from Rozenn's sister Claire's perspective towards the end but apart from that, it is Rozenn and Morane's story. At first I was confused as to where I was as there was no "header" as such to each chapter letting the reader know in which era the chapter is set, but after a while you become familiar with how the story is told and it no longer becomes an issue...but at first it was.
Although I didn't much care for Rozenn, her story was intriguing but she wasn't very nice to her sister and she was a bit of a snob. The villagers could see it and the reader can see it. The turning point for her was probably the escape which was more than likely a penultimate time in her life. I think part of Rozenn remained as such because even after her death she seemed to be unreachable. No one, not even her son or granddaughters, knew anything of her past apart from the fact she came from Paris. Was she ashamed of the part she played in whatever became of her family? Did she feel guilty that they may have all been captured and thus suffered at the hands of the Germans while she got away? Guilty that it was meant to be Yann's escape, not hers? I don't know. Rozenn was a closed book both during her life and after her death.
I wasn't particularly enamoured with Morane either, but I applaud her doggedness at seeing her journey through. She got her answers in the end as did the reader. She just she seemed to be submerged in her misfortune a little too much whilst refusing help from those around her. And then when she found something to sink her teeth into she kept second guessing herself. I don't know - maybe it was that, maybe it wasn't. It's just something about her didn't endear me to her.
I did, however, thoroughly enjoy the second half of YOU LET ME GO which was intense and had me engaged from 50% onwards. I found myself trying to work out what went wrong, what happened and what it all meant. There were twists and even I didn't guess how it would end.
If you love your books quick and fast-paced, then this one isn't for you. The beginning is very slow and did not really start until about 50% but if you are patient, I promise it will be worth it in the end.
I would like to thank #ElizaGraham, #RachelsRandomResources, #Netgalley and #AmazonPublishing for an ARC of #YouLetMeGo in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
What drew me to this book initially was the premise and two things I further noted - Cornwall and dual timeline. I seemed to be drawn to stories set in Cornwall, particularly one that is dual timeline. And the mystery to one's past sounded like an exciting aspect I looked forward to peeling away.
But...I won't lie. YOU LET ME GO is a slow starter. So slow I wondered when it was ever going to get there. I wouldn't say the first half of the story is superfluous because it does give you the background of what's to come. I just wish it got there quicker. It's not until the second half of the book, after Morie makes the decision to travel to Brittany to uncover the truth of her grandmother's past that things really start to get interesting. Does it make trudging through the first half worth it? I think so...eventually.
Devastated by the loss of her beloved grandmother Morane is equally at a loss to learn that her sister Gwen is the sole beneficiary to inherit Rozenn's beautiful home, Vue Claire, in Cornwall. All that Morie had been bequeathed was an old silver compass with initials engraved on the back. Feeling somewhat guilty, Gwen assures Morie that she would have the deeds changed to reflect both sisters as co-owners. But Morie refuses. Rozenn had her reasons...if only Morie could understand why.
Having suffered her own tragedies in recent times with an accident (not fully revealed till about halfway through), the loss of her business and partner, Morie is now struggling to rebuild her own business as a property manager rebuilding and renovating properties for clients. Her business is based in London but her heart is in Cornwall, and so she finds herself making any excuse to travel back to Vue Claire and help Gwen redecorate the house. It's while she is there that she makes a puzzling discovery. A single page from a letter in a hand Morie didn't recognise. The contents are equally puzzling as they don't appear to make much sense despite her name being mentioned. Who wrote this letter to Rozenn and why did the writer mention making contact with her? She has received no communication from anyone to do with Rozenn. So what is this all about?
The letter takes her back to some old photos she'd come across in an old album along with some sketches of birds and mice. It seems her grandmother had a deft hand at drawing though she never seemed to pursue it, choosing instead to become an architect. Some of the photos seem to puzzle her also...particularly two of Rozenn as a little girl in the 20s, sitting on a beach. In one she appears serious and contemplative whilst in the other she is beaming at the camera. And although the photos appeared to be taken on the same day, she is wearing two different bathing costumes. Why? It made no sense to Morie at all. Then when she discovers a second page to the letter it is then that Morie makes the sudden decision to travel to Brittany and to the village St Martin, which is mentioned more than once. What does St Martin have to do with Rozenn? And more importantly, what does it have to with her?
It's 1941 and eighteen year old Rozenn has had to leave all that she knows and love in Paris as she and her family travel to St Martin to live for an indefinite period. France under German occupation is a dangerous place and the family need special permits to travel to the village port of St Martin, a restricted zone. But they are desperate. Germany is bringing in forced labour for men of working age, and that includes Rozenn's brother Yann who has only just recovered from his time in a German camp. As French residents, they are required to register with the German authorities as to where they are living and while they are registered in St Martin, Rozenn's brother Yann is not. And so they keep him hidden in the outbuildings of the house on the cliff in which they now live...a far cry from the pampered lifestyle of their apartment in Paris.
In the village, Rozenn keeps to herself while not drawing attention to herself or her family but a woman with her looks is not forgotten in a hurry. She meets some of the locals - Luc, Martine and a delightful Irish woman, Madame O'Donnell. But she still yearns for Paris. Life in the house on the cliffs is primitive at best. In Paris she had a bidet; here the privy is in an outbuilding. But like her family, Rozenn had to make the best of things. It wasn't forever...just until they could get Yann to safety. Her doctor father didn't appear to be making any headway with this so Rozenn made enquiries with local boy Luc about fishing boats aiding an escape. It was a dangerous move, as Luc reminded her, for if they were caught...but Rozenn's family were desperate. It wouldn't be long before the Germans discovered an unregistered man living in their outbuildings and then they would all be punished.
The boat was to take Yann to Britain, where he could maybe join the Free French and fight for their freedom, but on the night of the escape things go horribly wrong...changing the course of Rozenn's history of which she would never speak again.
So what became of Yann? And Rozenn's family? And their primitive house on the cliff? How had Rozenn come to be in England? And why would she never talk about it? And what is it about St Martin that holds the secrets to Rozenn's past?
After the initial first 50%, I couldn't put the book down. But that first half was dreadfully slow and seemed to be weighed down with a few unnecessary aspects and could have moved a little quicker had they been removed. For example, Theo. I don't understand the point of his presence at the beginning. It didn't go anywhere, it wasn't integral to the story and then he was barely mentioned throughout the rest of the book...so why was it even there? And the constant referral to Morane's "accident" throughout the first half without actually saying what it is until she gets to France...what's the big secret? Again, not integral to the story. It was just an incident which occurred that didn't seem to be wholly important, except to keep Morie from actually moving forward. Once it was revealed, I was like...so, that's it?
That being said, YOU LET ME GO is a compelling tale taking us back to the past as well as keeping us in the present. It alternates between 1941 and the present day in each chapter from Rozenn's and Morane's perspectives. There is one chapter from Rozenn's sister Claire's perspective towards the end but apart from that, it is Rozenn and Morane's story. At first I was confused as to where I was as there was no "header" as such to each chapter letting the reader know in which era the chapter is set, but after a while you become familiar with how the story is told and it no longer becomes an issue...but at first it was.
Although I didn't much care for Rozenn, her story was intriguing but she wasn't very nice to her sister and she was a bit of a snob. The villagers could see it and the reader can see it. The turning point for her was probably the escape which was more than likely a penultimate time in her life. I think part of Rozenn remained as such because even after her death she seemed to be unreachable. No one, not even her son or granddaughters, knew anything of her past apart from the fact she came from Paris. Was she ashamed of the part she played in whatever became of her family? Did she feel guilty that they may have all been captured and thus suffered at the hands of the Germans while she got away? Guilty that it was meant to be Yann's escape, not hers? I don't know. Rozenn was a closed book both during her life and after her death.
I wasn't particularly enamoured with Morane either, but I applaud her doggedness at seeing her journey through. She got her answers in the end as did the reader. She just she seemed to be submerged in her misfortune a little too much whilst refusing help from those around her. And then when she found something to sink her teeth into she kept second guessing herself. I don't know - maybe it was that, maybe it wasn't. It's just something about her didn't endear me to her.
I did, however, thoroughly enjoy the second half of YOU LET ME GO which was intense and had me engaged from 50% onwards. I found myself trying to work out what went wrong, what happened and what it all meant. There were twists and even I didn't guess how it would end.
If you love your books quick and fast-paced, then this one isn't for you. The beginning is very slow and did not really start until about 50% but if you are patient, I promise it will be worth it in the end.
I would like to thank #ElizaGraham, #RachelsRandomResources, #Netgalley and #AmazonPublishing for an ARC of #YouLetMeGo in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
March 21, 2021
Evocative, emotional and the transitions from one timeline to the other compelled me to read on.
YOU LET ME GO is more than historical fiction, this is a dual timeline story that brings it bang up to date. Admittedly, it’s a slow burner, but all of that background info only adds to the story as a whole. I guess it could be a little trimmer, but I’m not complaining because, for me, all those details really pay off once the second half gets going and Morane (Morie) heads off to Brittany to look into her grandmother’s past.
Morie had always been closer to her grandmother Rozenn, much more so than her sister, Gwen. It , therefore, came as no surprise to see her portray similar traits to Rozenn as the truth unravelled. This made Rozenn’s decision to leave her Cornwall home entirely to Gwen such a mystery. It made little sense, if any, and proved to be the catalyst for Morie’s trip to France. Was she peeved? You bet. Did she struggle to hide her feelings? Absolutely. Which is why putting some distance between herself and her sister seemed to be the right thing to do …before she could say something she might later regret.
Morie, you see, had had her own fair share of troubles up to that point – a horse riding accident, a failing business due to her partner’s gambling addiction. So this news from Rozenn’s will was the nail in the coffin. By going to France maybe she would be able to understand her grandmother’s decision.
Arriving in St Martin, the village from which her grandparents left France for Cornwall, Morie met up with ancestors of villagers who knew Rozenn and Luc. There was some initial reluctance to tell Morie anything, and the puzzle seemed to be missing more pieces than ever until she met with Madame O’Donnell, whose father remembered Rozenn’s family. It was during a conversation with him that Morie discovered her grandmother was not an only child – that she had a brother and a twin sister. So why had she kept their existence a secret all these years?
Piecing the past together, Morie encountered yet more surprises. Including one that would change her own life forever, and which proved her grandmother had made the decision about the Cornish house for a very good reason.
The second half of the book became compelling reading. The author paced the chapters perfectly, swapping point of view at critical times that meant I just had to read on. By the end, I had an inkling as to what was to come for Morie, and it was just as delightful and emotional as I expected.
Neither Morie nor Rozenn are the most instantly likeable of women, but their personalities grew on me and I thoroughly enjoyed how the story came to its conclusion. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves dual timelines and who can hang in through the slow start. It’s worth it.
YOU LET ME GO is more than historical fiction, this is a dual timeline story that brings it bang up to date. Admittedly, it’s a slow burner, but all of that background info only adds to the story as a whole. I guess it could be a little trimmer, but I’m not complaining because, for me, all those details really pay off once the second half gets going and Morane (Morie) heads off to Brittany to look into her grandmother’s past.
Morie had always been closer to her grandmother Rozenn, much more so than her sister, Gwen. It , therefore, came as no surprise to see her portray similar traits to Rozenn as the truth unravelled. This made Rozenn’s decision to leave her Cornwall home entirely to Gwen such a mystery. It made little sense, if any, and proved to be the catalyst for Morie’s trip to France. Was she peeved? You bet. Did she struggle to hide her feelings? Absolutely. Which is why putting some distance between herself and her sister seemed to be the right thing to do …before she could say something she might later regret.
Morie, you see, had had her own fair share of troubles up to that point – a horse riding accident, a failing business due to her partner’s gambling addiction. So this news from Rozenn’s will was the nail in the coffin. By going to France maybe she would be able to understand her grandmother’s decision.
Arriving in St Martin, the village from which her grandparents left France for Cornwall, Morie met up with ancestors of villagers who knew Rozenn and Luc. There was some initial reluctance to tell Morie anything, and the puzzle seemed to be missing more pieces than ever until she met with Madame O’Donnell, whose father remembered Rozenn’s family. It was during a conversation with him that Morie discovered her grandmother was not an only child – that she had a brother and a twin sister. So why had she kept their existence a secret all these years?
Piecing the past together, Morie encountered yet more surprises. Including one that would change her own life forever, and which proved her grandmother had made the decision about the Cornish house for a very good reason.
The second half of the book became compelling reading. The author paced the chapters perfectly, swapping point of view at critical times that meant I just had to read on. By the end, I had an inkling as to what was to come for Morie, and it was just as delightful and emotional as I expected.
Neither Morie nor Rozenn are the most instantly likeable of women, but their personalities grew on me and I thoroughly enjoyed how the story came to its conclusion. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves dual timelines and who can hang in through the slow start. It’s worth it.
June 24, 2021
This is an amazing read. The novel encompasses and interweaves two timelines, and does so seamlessly. The characters are well developed and the story is one that will grab you right from the beginning.
There is one bad thing about this book - that it had to end :(
I could have kept right on happily reading this book.
There is one bad thing about this book - that it had to end :(
I could have kept right on happily reading this book.
July 9, 2022
Two granddaughters are grieving for Rozenn Guillou Caradec, their dearly loved grandmother but only one granddaughter has inherited the home in Cornwall. Morane (Morie) wants to be happy for her sister Gwen but can't escape the twinges of jealousy as she remembers that her grandmother did seem almost desperate to communicate something to her during that last visit but simply could not. Was Morane's grandmother trying to teach her one more lesson in leaving her an old silver compass?
A mesmerizing account of a grandmother's past that is beautifully interwoven with the present as Morane discovers remnants of a letter hinting that there are answers simply waiting to be revealed. I felt my heart beating faster in wonder as it seemed that the answers were in St. Martin, France but how could Morane travel at a critical time for her business? I was totally absorbed with each step and with each decision of Morane's wanting to read as quickly as possible ever hopeful for the grandmother's past to be understood and yet reading carefully mindful that I was invested in the ease of her granddaughters' grieving hearts.
I found this expression of grief very meaningful as it captures so many heartfelt feelings that are hard to admit and share with others.
My sincere thanks to Eliza Graham and Lake Union Publishing (Amazon US) for my complimentary digital copy of this title, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
#YouLetMeGo #NetGalley
A mesmerizing account of a grandmother's past that is beautifully interwoven with the present as Morane discovers remnants of a letter hinting that there are answers simply waiting to be revealed. I felt my heart beating faster in wonder as it seemed that the answers were in St. Martin, France but how could Morane travel at a critical time for her business? I was totally absorbed with each step and with each decision of Morane's wanting to read as quickly as possible ever hopeful for the grandmother's past to be understood and yet reading carefully mindful that I was invested in the ease of her granddaughters' grieving hearts.
I found this expression of grief very meaningful as it captures so many heartfelt feelings that are hard to admit and share with others.
“Everything I thought I wanted most was gone and I didn’t yet know how to replace it, to fill my life up again.”The transition between the past of WWII and present-day is so skillfully written that there are no knots in the threads of the storytelling. It is one of the most beautiful compositions portraying the intricacies of daily life in WWII while presenting a story transitioning seamlessly between past and present. Historical fiction this flawless helps us as readers understand the choices made were difficult as each choice made could change the possibilities of survival, choices made by family members could be different dependent on their role (parent/child/sibling) or relationship (parent/child, parent/parent, sibling/sibling, doctor/patient, friends), and that each person can experience the same event but have different remembrances and different ways of coping to move beyond the traumatic experiences.
My sincere thanks to Eliza Graham and Lake Union Publishing (Amazon US) for my complimentary digital copy of this title, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
#YouLetMeGo #NetGalley
January 23, 2021
I went in to this book not exactly knowing what I would expect by the ending.
I won’t lie, it is a slow starter. For the first 40% of the book, it felt as though it was written for the reader to bide their time whilst the story grew in the background, which was so disappointing. However, once this point was reached and one of the characters, Morane, had made the decision to go to Brittany to discover the truth of her Grandmothers past, things really good interesting!
The chapters took turns in telling the reader either about the past, present or future. Most of these were based on Rozenn, was a Parisian who went to live in St Martin with her parents, twin sister Claire and her brother Yann. Yann was meant to have gone back to Paris or reported himself to duty to help the Germans, but the family kept him hidden at home. Rozenn who could see the troubles and problems that were being faced with this, found a local boy, Luc who was to help Yann get across the sea to Britain. However, on the night of the escape, things went awfully wrong, and the suspense of the last few chapters made it all the more thrilling when it finally came out.
Morane, was Rozenn’s granddaughter, who after discovering a letter hidden in her late grandmothers bedroom decided to investigate further. Morane went to the house where Rozenn and her family lived, and found out the truth which lie, ironically, between the family homes four walls.
I’ve kept this review rather sketchy, because honestly, you need to read it to understand why this book was such a good read! The only disappointing side, was the build up was too long which could disengage people to keep going. If you are going to read this book, give it the chance! Keep pushing through, because honestly, I have been going round my house for the last two hours yelling ‘OH MY GOD, I DIDN’T SEE THAT HAPPENING’.
I won’t lie, it is a slow starter. For the first 40% of the book, it felt as though it was written for the reader to bide their time whilst the story grew in the background, which was so disappointing. However, once this point was reached and one of the characters, Morane, had made the decision to go to Brittany to discover the truth of her Grandmothers past, things really good interesting!
The chapters took turns in telling the reader either about the past, present or future. Most of these were based on Rozenn, was a Parisian who went to live in St Martin with her parents, twin sister Claire and her brother Yann. Yann was meant to have gone back to Paris or reported himself to duty to help the Germans, but the family kept him hidden at home. Rozenn who could see the troubles and problems that were being faced with this, found a local boy, Luc who was to help Yann get across the sea to Britain. However, on the night of the escape, things went awfully wrong, and the suspense of the last few chapters made it all the more thrilling when it finally came out.
Morane, was Rozenn’s granddaughter, who after discovering a letter hidden in her late grandmothers bedroom decided to investigate further. Morane went to the house where Rozenn and her family lived, and found out the truth which lie, ironically, between the family homes four walls.
I’ve kept this review rather sketchy, because honestly, you need to read it to understand why this book was such a good read! The only disappointing side, was the build up was too long which could disengage people to keep going. If you are going to read this book, give it the chance! Keep pushing through, because honestly, I have been going round my house for the last two hours yelling ‘OH MY GOD, I DIDN’T SEE THAT HAPPENING’.
March 8, 2021
The book was OK, not my favorite. I would give it 2.5 stars. The beginning was very slow and I found it hard to get into the story. I didn't care for the characters- Rozenn and Morane. Rozenn wasn't very nice to her sister. I didn't understand the scene with Theo. It didn't fit in and seemed unnecessary, plus he's barely mentioned throughout the rest of the book. If Yann was really trying to hide from the Germans, he did a horrible job of it. His family risked everything for him and he does the opposite of keeping himself hidden. I'm certain everyone in the small community knew he was there. Morane refused any help from her family, even though she obviously needed it. She reminded me so much of Rozenn. The story didn't become interesting until Morane visits France and all is finally revealed about the family.
Recommend giving the book a try, it just wasn't for me. I loved "The Lines We Leave Behind" and look forward to reading more books by the author. I love the cover of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Amazon Publishing UK through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Recommend giving the book a try, it just wasn't for me. I loved "The Lines We Leave Behind" and look forward to reading more books by the author. I love the cover of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Amazon Publishing UK through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 27, 2021
WWII, Past & Present, Sisters & a Love Story
I found this to be a compelling WWII historical fiction novel worth my time. It started off slow but it was well worth my time to finish it. Morane is the protagonist who goes in search to discover her grandmother, Rozenn's secrets. At the same time she is searching for answers as to why her sister inherited the family home. A story of family secrets, love & guilt. I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
I found this to be a compelling WWII historical fiction novel worth my time. It started off slow but it was well worth my time to finish it. Morane is the protagonist who goes in search to discover her grandmother, Rozenn's secrets. At the same time she is searching for answers as to why her sister inherited the family home. A story of family secrets, love & guilt. I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
March 28, 2021
This is a story told in a dual timeline. One during the German occupation of France and one in the present day.
Rozenn Guillou Caradec is Morane "Morie" Caradec's grandmother who died and left Morie's sister her home and Morie with a silver compass. Resentment aside for her grandmother's slight, Morie finds a partial letter and puzzling photographs that lead Morie to Brittany, France, where her grandmother met her grandfather. A grandfather Morie knew little about along with many other shocking secrets her grandmother held.
In 1941, Rozenn is pulled from Paris to reside in St. Martin in Brittany with her family as they learn to ration their food and keep clear of the Germans who are stationed nearby. Her loyalty to her family is strong as she tries to keep the secrets that could get them arrested. Meeting the handsome and local, Luc Caradec, will change her life forever as her actions that one shameful and fateful night will eventually come to light.
When Morie finds her grandmother's cryptic letters that refer to her temporary home in France, she is determined to find out about Rozenn and what she was hiding. What she finds in the beautiful St. Martin, is a house similar to Rozenn's house in Cornwall, a few nosy, but friendly locals, and a story about sacrifice and betrayal.
Rozenn and Morie are very similar. They are independent, strong, and stubborn women. Their love of architecture and creating beauty is a big part of their lives. And their personal lives are filled with regrets and remorse for things past. Rozenn's story is filled with sadness and some happy moments, but I felt she was a lonely woman throughout her life. She loved her son and her granddaughters and she enjoyed her job, but her guilt from the past weighed on her. Morie also had misfortunes that left her alone and regretful as she strived to keep her head above water and worked hard to have at least a civil relationship with her sister. But as Morie discovers the truth and receives a precious gift that only she would appreciate, it brings closure to her life.
Ms. Graham does a wonderful job placing the reader in Brittany, France with the Germans patrolling the beach and unrolling barbed wire, and in Rozenn's home on a small creek off the Helford estuary on the south coast of Cornwall. Her characters are complex and her plot is intriguing and mysterious, so much so that this reader couldn't wait to find out Rozenn's story and how it related to Morie.
Thank you to Ms. Graham for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
Rozenn Guillou Caradec is Morane "Morie" Caradec's grandmother who died and left Morie's sister her home and Morie with a silver compass. Resentment aside for her grandmother's slight, Morie finds a partial letter and puzzling photographs that lead Morie to Brittany, France, where her grandmother met her grandfather. A grandfather Morie knew little about along with many other shocking secrets her grandmother held.
In 1941, Rozenn is pulled from Paris to reside in St. Martin in Brittany with her family as they learn to ration their food and keep clear of the Germans who are stationed nearby. Her loyalty to her family is strong as she tries to keep the secrets that could get them arrested. Meeting the handsome and local, Luc Caradec, will change her life forever as her actions that one shameful and fateful night will eventually come to light.
When Morie finds her grandmother's cryptic letters that refer to her temporary home in France, she is determined to find out about Rozenn and what she was hiding. What she finds in the beautiful St. Martin, is a house similar to Rozenn's house in Cornwall, a few nosy, but friendly locals, and a story about sacrifice and betrayal.
Rozenn and Morie are very similar. They are independent, strong, and stubborn women. Their love of architecture and creating beauty is a big part of their lives. And their personal lives are filled with regrets and remorse for things past. Rozenn's story is filled with sadness and some happy moments, but I felt she was a lonely woman throughout her life. She loved her son and her granddaughters and she enjoyed her job, but her guilt from the past weighed on her. Morie also had misfortunes that left her alone and regretful as she strived to keep her head above water and worked hard to have at least a civil relationship with her sister. But as Morie discovers the truth and receives a precious gift that only she would appreciate, it brings closure to her life.
Ms. Graham does a wonderful job placing the reader in Brittany, France with the Germans patrolling the beach and unrolling barbed wire, and in Rozenn's home on a small creek off the Helford estuary on the south coast of Cornwall. Her characters are complex and her plot is intriguing and mysterious, so much so that this reader couldn't wait to find out Rozenn's story and how it related to Morie.
Thank you to Ms. Graham for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
May 15, 2021
Morane was passionately loved and in turn loved her grandmother Rozenn. She also loved the house in Cornwall, so she was stunned (as was the family) when the house was left to her sister Gwen. Morane cannot understand what her grandmother expected her to feel but at the same time she has an understanding that there is more to this inheritance that meets the eye.
At a very rocky place in her personal life, Morane decides to be impetuous, put aside her failing business and pursue the few clues left behind to go to Brittany and there discovers such a hidden history of her grandparents, a history that not even their son, Morane's father knew about.
Discovering an uncle, an aunt whom no one knew about, finding out details of her grandmother's work during the Nazi occupation of Brittany and the shameful secret that she hid till the very end, not disclosing it even at the end though a muttered word on her deathbed was only discovered in hindsight by Morane much later.
The story of the Guillou family unravels slowly - how the war affected them all and how it changed the course of their own family history. The descriptiveness of the area of Brittany is wonderful, characterization is spot on - each one was very different to the other despite being one family and close knit at that.
At a very rocky place in her personal life, Morane decides to be impetuous, put aside her failing business and pursue the few clues left behind to go to Brittany and there discovers such a hidden history of her grandparents, a history that not even their son, Morane's father knew about.
Discovering an uncle, an aunt whom no one knew about, finding out details of her grandmother's work during the Nazi occupation of Brittany and the shameful secret that she hid till the very end, not disclosing it even at the end though a muttered word on her deathbed was only discovered in hindsight by Morane much later.
The story of the Guillou family unravels slowly - how the war affected them all and how it changed the course of their own family history. The descriptiveness of the area of Brittany is wonderful, characterization is spot on - each one was very different to the other despite being one family and close knit at that.
March 25, 2021
I have read several books by Eliza Graham and I think that You Let Me Go is one of her best.
I loved the dual timeline narrative, in present time by Morane and in 1941 by Rozenn, they both gave me a real sense of how they were both struggling in life - Morane with her money and business problems and Rozenn with her family problems and the fear of living under Nazi occupation in a small French village.
I could totally understand Morane's need to find out about her grandmother's decision to leave the cottage she loved to her sister and not her. I was willing her to discover more about her grandmother's past.
The writing is slow and steady going, gradually building up to the truth of what really happened and the suspense was a real page turner.
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I loved the dual timeline narrative, in present time by Morane and in 1941 by Rozenn, they both gave me a real sense of how they were both struggling in life - Morane with her money and business problems and Rozenn with her family problems and the fear of living under Nazi occupation in a small French village.
I could totally understand Morane's need to find out about her grandmother's decision to leave the cottage she loved to her sister and not her. I was willing her to discover more about her grandmother's past.
The writing is slow and steady going, gradually building up to the truth of what really happened and the suspense was a real page turner.
A great read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
February 20, 2021
“You Let Me Go,” a historical fiction novel by Eliza Graham, explores how trauma or a family secret percolates down through generations and affects both children and grandchildren.
Rozenn Caradec is dearly loved by her two grand-daughters and the feeling is mutual. Time spent together on Vue Claire on the Cornish coast is precious and full of memories, something Morane and Gwen are grateful for once their grandmother passes away. What shocked the girls the most was that Morane seemed to be snubbed in the will and neither girl could figure out why their 96 year old grandmother had been so uncharacteristically cruel. Gwen was left the entire estate and Morane was left a simple engraved silver compass. Adding to the hurt is the fact that Morane is in pain; she has lost her boyfriend, her job and is dealing with pain associated with an accident.
As the girls start to go through Rozenn’s memorabilia, they find photos and letters which confirm her childhood in Paris and teen years in occupied Brittany. Morane knows there must be a reason for her grandmother’s choice, so she heads to Brittany to search for clues to her past. Morane discovers that sometimes the truth can be painful and that humans will go to great lengths to protect loved ones. She also comes to terms with the idea that there was a side to her grandmother that was kept hidden and that she didn’t really know her at all. Her world is turned upside down with the discovery that her grandmother had an identical twin, Claire, and that the girls once had to make a terrible sacrifice on a remote Brittany beach. Regardless of the reasons for this heartbreaking decision, there’s generational trickle-down issues and questions arise. Can Morane live with what she finds? Is it enough to help her repair her sibling relationship?
A little difficult to get into at first, this dual timeline story alternates between present and 1941. If you stick with it, you’ll be rewarded with a moving story about a family with secrets and how betrayal and regrets are the biproducts of keeping it hidden. Another reward of sticking with it is that you’ll be treated to an ending that you will not see coming! You’ll also uncover the author’s message about how important it is to accept our past, learn from it, draw a line and move on. Growth comes on the other side of the line. The account of the Guillou family during WW2 is a heartbreaking multigenerational story with lessons for all of us.
Thank you to Eliza Graham, Amazon Publishing UK, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rozenn Caradec is dearly loved by her two grand-daughters and the feeling is mutual. Time spent together on Vue Claire on the Cornish coast is precious and full of memories, something Morane and Gwen are grateful for once their grandmother passes away. What shocked the girls the most was that Morane seemed to be snubbed in the will and neither girl could figure out why their 96 year old grandmother had been so uncharacteristically cruel. Gwen was left the entire estate and Morane was left a simple engraved silver compass. Adding to the hurt is the fact that Morane is in pain; she has lost her boyfriend, her job and is dealing with pain associated with an accident.
As the girls start to go through Rozenn’s memorabilia, they find photos and letters which confirm her childhood in Paris and teen years in occupied Brittany. Morane knows there must be a reason for her grandmother’s choice, so she heads to Brittany to search for clues to her past. Morane discovers that sometimes the truth can be painful and that humans will go to great lengths to protect loved ones. She also comes to terms with the idea that there was a side to her grandmother that was kept hidden and that she didn’t really know her at all. Her world is turned upside down with the discovery that her grandmother had an identical twin, Claire, and that the girls once had to make a terrible sacrifice on a remote Brittany beach. Regardless of the reasons for this heartbreaking decision, there’s generational trickle-down issues and questions arise. Can Morane live with what she finds? Is it enough to help her repair her sibling relationship?
A little difficult to get into at first, this dual timeline story alternates between present and 1941. If you stick with it, you’ll be rewarded with a moving story about a family with secrets and how betrayal and regrets are the biproducts of keeping it hidden. Another reward of sticking with it is that you’ll be treated to an ending that you will not see coming! You’ll also uncover the author’s message about how important it is to accept our past, learn from it, draw a line and move on. Growth comes on the other side of the line. The account of the Guillou family during WW2 is a heartbreaking multigenerational story with lessons for all of us.
Thank you to Eliza Graham, Amazon Publishing UK, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2021
My thanks to Lake Union Publishing and the author for an opportunity to read and give an honest opinion of You Let Me Go by Eliza Graham.
This is much more of a historical novel than Women's Fiction. The majority of the book takes place during several months in Brittany after the German Occupation. The present day, and, I believe what was intended as the major part of the novel, involves the death of a beloved grandmother and the bequest of her lovely house in Cornwall to the elder of her two granddaughters.
The historical aspect of the book is well-researched and much more interesting than the contemporary sections. Told in alternating chapters, we meet Rozenn, the grandmother, and Morie, her younger granddaughter. Morie is in a bad way after her grandmother's death as her boyfriend, a gambler, has stolen all the profits of their joint construction business and abandoned her. As if that weren't bad enough, she suffers from the emotional scars following an accident, which is barely described and not until the last part of the book..
It would have been a much stronger novel if the early sections had moved along a bit faster. Having said that, the eleven weeks Rozenn and her family spend in Brittany and the introduction of her parents, older brother and twin sister (very well characterized), had taken up more of the early sections. Still, there is enough suspense and description of deprivation and fear brought on by war to make for interesting reading. . It's worth moving through the early days in Paris to see how the plotting comes together with much excitement towards the end. But don't be surprised if you guess the ending very early on. It seems inevitable..
This is much more of a historical novel than Women's Fiction. The majority of the book takes place during several months in Brittany after the German Occupation. The present day, and, I believe what was intended as the major part of the novel, involves the death of a beloved grandmother and the bequest of her lovely house in Cornwall to the elder of her two granddaughters.
The historical aspect of the book is well-researched and much more interesting than the contemporary sections. Told in alternating chapters, we meet Rozenn, the grandmother, and Morie, her younger granddaughter. Morie is in a bad way after her grandmother's death as her boyfriend, a gambler, has stolen all the profits of their joint construction business and abandoned her. As if that weren't bad enough, she suffers from the emotional scars following an accident, which is barely described and not until the last part of the book..
It would have been a much stronger novel if the early sections had moved along a bit faster. Having said that, the eleven weeks Rozenn and her family spend in Brittany and the introduction of her parents, older brother and twin sister (very well characterized), had taken up more of the early sections. Still, there is enough suspense and description of deprivation and fear brought on by war to make for interesting reading. . It's worth moving through the early days in Paris to see how the plotting comes together with much excitement towards the end. But don't be surprised if you guess the ending very early on. It seems inevitable..
March 9, 2021
Family First
A story of two sisters in modern day and a story of two sisters during WWII. A family secret, and a daring escape.
Morane and her sister Gwen often visit their grandmother at her seaside home Vue Claire. When their grandmother passes away she leaves Vue Claire to Gwen and a shiny silver compass to Morane. What Morane can't understand is why the house was left only to her sister and not to both granddaughters. This leads Morane to try and find out what happened to her grandparents during the war.
During the war two twin sisters Claire and Rozenn lived in Paris. Their father was a doctor. When the German Occupation happened they moved to the country by the sea to hide her brother Yann from the Germans so they would not send him to a Labour camp. When Rozenn set up a rescue boat for Yann to leave for England the rescue went horribly wrong.
These two stories are told as the young woman Morane researching the past after the death of her grandmother. The story is sad and it is happy, The ending is a surprise, but it is a good ending.
I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Eliza Graham, Amazon Publishing U.K., Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of the book for an honest review.
A story of two sisters in modern day and a story of two sisters during WWII. A family secret, and a daring escape.
Morane and her sister Gwen often visit their grandmother at her seaside home Vue Claire. When their grandmother passes away she leaves Vue Claire to Gwen and a shiny silver compass to Morane. What Morane can't understand is why the house was left only to her sister and not to both granddaughters. This leads Morane to try and find out what happened to her grandparents during the war.
During the war two twin sisters Claire and Rozenn lived in Paris. Their father was a doctor. When the German Occupation happened they moved to the country by the sea to hide her brother Yann from the Germans so they would not send him to a Labour camp. When Rozenn set up a rescue boat for Yann to leave for England the rescue went horribly wrong.
These two stories are told as the young woman Morane researching the past after the death of her grandmother. The story is sad and it is happy, The ending is a surprise, but it is a good ending.
I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it.
Thanks to Eliza Graham, Amazon Publishing U.K., Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of the book for an honest review.
August 20, 2021
Was not a fan of this book. How did no one in this family talk for decades until after the grandmother had passed? And Morane figured out all of Rozenn's secrets pretty easily. But what I really couldn't stand was how things were explained away so easily. How come charming, smart Luc ended totally a wreck? Explained in a couple paragraphs- no descriptions or backstory. What is the issue between Morane and her sister Gwen? Explained in a letter (and not a really long one). It took a long time to get into the story and then it lacked a build up.
April 8, 2021
This was just an ok for read for me. I read a lot of historical fiction, but something just never got going for me in this book.
April 5, 2021
Eliza Graham, You Let Me Go, Amazon Publishing UK Lake Union Publishing 2021.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this proof for review.
Eliza Graham has written a novel that combines an appealing story, well drawn characters, and a good command of her material. I was particularly pleased to see that the chapters set during German occupation of Brittany during World War 11 relied on a thoughtful story line, complete with realistic events, without a resort to gratuitous horrific detail. The reader is made aware of the privations, fear, and possible outcomes of unwise decisions, but is also given time to savour family moments, love, recklessness, and the ever-present knowledge that occupation could mean imprisonment or death and that selfish as well as principled motives influence judgements.
Two stories, both featuring Rozenn, flow easily between past and present. Although the book begins with Rozenn’s death in her Cornwall house, Vue Clair, her influence is ever present in her granddaughter’s lives. She is the predominant character in the past, in the large, almost sumptuous, Paris flat, and then in the neglected coastal house in Brittany in which the family takes refuge. Gwen and Morane are frequent visitors to Vue Clair, both feeling strongly about the house and environs as part of their close relationship with their grandmother. Rozenn’s anxiety is apparent when she is unable to communicate with the sisters while she is dying. Her anguish has its history in past family relationships in Brittany which have encouraged her to make a decision that has the potential to separate the sisters.
Characterisation is an important feature of this novel with subtly as the key to developing each as a potential source of frustration, empathy and understanding. Each character, whatever their status, is drawn with his or her flaws and desirable features tumbling one after the other, the sharp edges smoothed almost at the same time as they appear, although their impact remains. While Rozenn’s story predominates in the Brittany section, as does Morane’s in the present, their families’ influence on their thoughts and behaviour is vital in their decision making. Although Morane is acting in the present, at first glance I saw her world as being smaller than Rozenn’s. I found this an interesting concept and concluded that although she had suffered heartbreak and financial disaster, her ability to overcome these was within her individual capacity. Rozenn has only the narrow world of a Brittany village to encompass but must contend with the challenges imposed by the interdependence of people under duress. Some connections can be made between Rozenn and Morane’s behaviour and characters. The selfishness exhibited by the child, Morane, as she dashes into Vue Clair ‘leaving others to bring in the bags’, and her reaction to Gwen after the will is read mirrors Rozenn’s self-regarding conduct, even though the later has far more serious consequences. Perhaps Rozenn sees something of herself in her granddaughter, reflecting as she does that, she loves her ‘so fiercely’.
Morane’s and Rozenn’s journeys, although markedly different in purpose, danger, and time, introduce more parallels linking past, present and family connections. Rozenn’s story moves swiftly from her life as Paris born middle class girl with an easy life to a young woman of strength and courage in Brittany, and later to her home on the Cornish coast. Morane has been noticeably beaten by recent events until her decision to follow her Brittany connections. Each journey begins with an unpalatable family decision leading to confused arrangements and, despite the chaos, new possibilities.
Eliza Graham has written an historical novel that has an engaging and well imagined story line, nicely developed characterisation and a satisfying conclusion.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this proof for review.
Eliza Graham has written a novel that combines an appealing story, well drawn characters, and a good command of her material. I was particularly pleased to see that the chapters set during German occupation of Brittany during World War 11 relied on a thoughtful story line, complete with realistic events, without a resort to gratuitous horrific detail. The reader is made aware of the privations, fear, and possible outcomes of unwise decisions, but is also given time to savour family moments, love, recklessness, and the ever-present knowledge that occupation could mean imprisonment or death and that selfish as well as principled motives influence judgements.
Two stories, both featuring Rozenn, flow easily between past and present. Although the book begins with Rozenn’s death in her Cornwall house, Vue Clair, her influence is ever present in her granddaughter’s lives. She is the predominant character in the past, in the large, almost sumptuous, Paris flat, and then in the neglected coastal house in Brittany in which the family takes refuge. Gwen and Morane are frequent visitors to Vue Clair, both feeling strongly about the house and environs as part of their close relationship with their grandmother. Rozenn’s anxiety is apparent when she is unable to communicate with the sisters while she is dying. Her anguish has its history in past family relationships in Brittany which have encouraged her to make a decision that has the potential to separate the sisters.
Characterisation is an important feature of this novel with subtly as the key to developing each as a potential source of frustration, empathy and understanding. Each character, whatever their status, is drawn with his or her flaws and desirable features tumbling one after the other, the sharp edges smoothed almost at the same time as they appear, although their impact remains. While Rozenn’s story predominates in the Brittany section, as does Morane’s in the present, their families’ influence on their thoughts and behaviour is vital in their decision making. Although Morane is acting in the present, at first glance I saw her world as being smaller than Rozenn’s. I found this an interesting concept and concluded that although she had suffered heartbreak and financial disaster, her ability to overcome these was within her individual capacity. Rozenn has only the narrow world of a Brittany village to encompass but must contend with the challenges imposed by the interdependence of people under duress. Some connections can be made between Rozenn and Morane’s behaviour and characters. The selfishness exhibited by the child, Morane, as she dashes into Vue Clair ‘leaving others to bring in the bags’, and her reaction to Gwen after the will is read mirrors Rozenn’s self-regarding conduct, even though the later has far more serious consequences. Perhaps Rozenn sees something of herself in her granddaughter, reflecting as she does that, she loves her ‘so fiercely’.
Morane’s and Rozenn’s journeys, although markedly different in purpose, danger, and time, introduce more parallels linking past, present and family connections. Rozenn’s story moves swiftly from her life as Paris born middle class girl with an easy life to a young woman of strength and courage in Brittany, and later to her home on the Cornish coast. Morane has been noticeably beaten by recent events until her decision to follow her Brittany connections. Each journey begins with an unpalatable family decision leading to confused arrangements and, despite the chaos, new possibilities.
Eliza Graham has written an historical novel that has an engaging and well imagined story line, nicely developed characterisation and a satisfying conclusion.
February 23, 2021
Actual rating: 4.5
**Disclaimer:** I would like to personally thank Amazon Publishing UK, Eliza Graham, and Netgalley for this exclusive read of “You Let Me Go” in exchange for a review and my honest opinion of the book. The Publisher, Netgalley, nor the author has paid anything in monetary value for this following review. All thoughts are of the reviewer.
This book was a very surprising and interesting read. Before I finished this book, I had really felt that that special ingredient was missing in this book. When I had starting to get to the end of the book; that is when it had really, really sucked me in.
While this is a historical fiction book, I would say that 50% does take place during the Second World War in France and the other half takes place in modern day England.
In the present time aspect of the book, we are introduced to sisters Gwen and Morie. While they were close when they were younger, their relationship in the previous years has been hanging by a thread. This thread only starts to stretch when their recently deceased grandmother, Rozenn, leaves her home to the oldest sister, Gwen while Morie is left with a compass.
Morie’s life has been quite the rollercoaster lately as well. From learning of an ex-boyfriend’s betrayal to the crumpling of her business. Her dad and sister think that Morie is on the brink of a nervous breakdown.
In order to also set aside some of the guilt that Gwen feels from Morie getting left out of the will; Gwen asks for her help with renovations with Vue Claire. Until one night, after a crime had taken place at Vue Claire; Morie finds a letter that is set to change everything she has ever known. Her life is about to change. Will what she learns destroy her family and the memory of her beloved grandmother?
In the past aspect of the book, we learn of Rozenn’s family. She is 18 when her family leaves for the village port of St. Martin. Her father is a doctor and is sent to the restricted zone as the new doctor there. What should be a new opportunity for the family has the family on edge. In a town where everyone knows everyones business. One mouth to the Nazis will put the whole family in danger.
Rozenn will reset at nothing to protect her family, even if this includes to letting those know what could break her family apart forever. Rozenn quickly learn how to use her contacts to get what she wants. However, will those contacts help or hurt her when she needs them.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, then You Let Me Go is for you. If you are into quick, fast-paced books then I suggest looking elsewhere. The book really did not start opening up until towards the end. If you are patient, I promise this book will be worth it in the end!
**Disclaimer:** I would like to personally thank Amazon Publishing UK, Eliza Graham, and Netgalley for this exclusive read of “You Let Me Go” in exchange for a review and my honest opinion of the book. The Publisher, Netgalley, nor the author has paid anything in monetary value for this following review. All thoughts are of the reviewer.
This book was a very surprising and interesting read. Before I finished this book, I had really felt that that special ingredient was missing in this book. When I had starting to get to the end of the book; that is when it had really, really sucked me in.
While this is a historical fiction book, I would say that 50% does take place during the Second World War in France and the other half takes place in modern day England.
In the present time aspect of the book, we are introduced to sisters Gwen and Morie. While they were close when they were younger, their relationship in the previous years has been hanging by a thread. This thread only starts to stretch when their recently deceased grandmother, Rozenn, leaves her home to the oldest sister, Gwen while Morie is left with a compass.
Morie’s life has been quite the rollercoaster lately as well. From learning of an ex-boyfriend’s betrayal to the crumpling of her business. Her dad and sister think that Morie is on the brink of a nervous breakdown.
In order to also set aside some of the guilt that Gwen feels from Morie getting left out of the will; Gwen asks for her help with renovations with Vue Claire. Until one night, after a crime had taken place at Vue Claire; Morie finds a letter that is set to change everything she has ever known. Her life is about to change. Will what she learns destroy her family and the memory of her beloved grandmother?
In the past aspect of the book, we learn of Rozenn’s family. She is 18 when her family leaves for the village port of St. Martin. Her father is a doctor and is sent to the restricted zone as the new doctor there. What should be a new opportunity for the family has the family on edge. In a town where everyone knows everyones business. One mouth to the Nazis will put the whole family in danger.
Rozenn will reset at nothing to protect her family, even if this includes to letting those know what could break her family apart forever. Rozenn quickly learn how to use her contacts to get what she wants. However, will those contacts help or hurt her when she needs them.
If you are a fan of historical fiction, then You Let Me Go is for you. If you are into quick, fast-paced books then I suggest looking elsewhere. The book really did not start opening up until towards the end. If you are patient, I promise this book will be worth it in the end!
March 22, 2021
Morane is troubled, not only has she lost her beloved grandmother Rozenn, she is also suffering post-traumatic stress following a tragic accident and a crippling financial blow to her business. The realisation that she has been left out of Rozenn’s will raises more questions than answers, especially as she knows something is missing, something Rozenn was trying to explain but the stroke had robbed her of her ability to speak. There are some clues, a compass and a few pages of a longer letter, written in French, that mentions a small fishing village in Brittany. Her obsession with the past and her decision to leave Cornwall, looking for answers, leaves her Dad and sister concerned by her actions, but gives her a focus as she thinks about the future.
In this book we also get to follow Rozenn as her family leave Occupied Paris for a fishing village in Brittany. Her father takes up the respectable position of the local doctor, but they have a secret that must be kept from the villagers as they settle into their new life. The hardships, lack of food and living in constant fear of interrogation isn’t easy for Rozenn, who came across as strong, determined and quite different to her siblings. I felt her frustrations with her family and the situation, as she questioned her parent’s motives. She might have missed the city life she was forced to leave behind, but the descriptions of the coves, cliff tops and stone cottages of Brittany made it easy for me to imagine her falling in love with the coast. I also found it interesting to see the comparisons of life in Paris and then Brittany during The Occupation.
In France, Morane finds herself in a close-knit community, where the local people are wary of questions from so long ago, but a good Breton name and the ability to speak French slowly opens some doors. With so few survivors still alive, a lot of what she initially learns, gives rise to more seemingly unanswerable questions.
I love a good mystery and as events from the past and the present slowly unfurled, I tried to piece together Rozenn’s story and work out what had happened to fracture her family all those years ago.
If you like historical fiction, with plenty of mystery, family drama and heartbreak, I’m sure you will enjoy this one. With its choice of location and plot, this book certainly had something different to other books set in Occupied France that I’ve read.
In this book we also get to follow Rozenn as her family leave Occupied Paris for a fishing village in Brittany. Her father takes up the respectable position of the local doctor, but they have a secret that must be kept from the villagers as they settle into their new life. The hardships, lack of food and living in constant fear of interrogation isn’t easy for Rozenn, who came across as strong, determined and quite different to her siblings. I felt her frustrations with her family and the situation, as she questioned her parent’s motives. She might have missed the city life she was forced to leave behind, but the descriptions of the coves, cliff tops and stone cottages of Brittany made it easy for me to imagine her falling in love with the coast. I also found it interesting to see the comparisons of life in Paris and then Brittany during The Occupation.
In France, Morane finds herself in a close-knit community, where the local people are wary of questions from so long ago, but a good Breton name and the ability to speak French slowly opens some doors. With so few survivors still alive, a lot of what she initially learns, gives rise to more seemingly unanswerable questions.
I love a good mystery and as events from the past and the present slowly unfurled, I tried to piece together Rozenn’s story and work out what had happened to fracture her family all those years ago.
If you like historical fiction, with plenty of mystery, family drama and heartbreak, I’m sure you will enjoy this one. With its choice of location and plot, this book certainly had something different to other books set in Occupied France that I’ve read.
March 23, 2021
At first glance, this is yet another dual time line story set in modern day and in France during World War II. What the reader gets is so much more than that. This is a book about love, respect, family and betrayal in both time periods. It has strong loving families, a bit of mystery and a bit of romance - what more can you ask for in a good book.
Present time: Morane and her sister, Gwen. both adored their grandmother, Rozenn. She was always there for the sisters, took them to Paris and her home in Cornwell was their favorite place to visit. She was a strong but isolated woman who refused to talk about her past. When she died, she left her beautiful home in to Gwen and only left a gold compass to Morane. Morane was devastated at the turn of events but decided to make the best of it and help her sister redecorate the house. She finds some pictures and a partial letter that she's never seen before and decides to find out more about her grandmother's past in France during the war. What she finds is painful and she must learn to live with the truth.
1941. Rosenn and her family move from Paris to a small town in Brittany to save her brother from being put back into the German army or into a camp. As the family tries to keep her brother hidden, they are surrounded by German troops and nosy neighbors who want to learn more about the doctor's family that has moved from Paris. Rosenn's brother means the world to her and she starts working with some shady characters to get her brother out of France and safely to England. The deeper she gets into her plans, the more dangerous it becomes for her family. When she makes a split second decision, it changes the course of her entire life and that of her family.
This was an interesting look at a grandmother and her granddaughter and how they approached their lives and losses. I preferred the modern day story to the WWII story because I didn't particularly like Rosenn but I understood how the regrets of past affected the person that she became. The two story lines are both well written and give us more of an understanding of both women and their connections in different times.
My only problem with his book is that the first 20% is very slow. I almost gave up reading it but am very glad that I kept on and was rewarded with a great story.
Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Present time: Morane and her sister, Gwen. both adored their grandmother, Rozenn. She was always there for the sisters, took them to Paris and her home in Cornwell was their favorite place to visit. She was a strong but isolated woman who refused to talk about her past. When she died, she left her beautiful home in to Gwen and only left a gold compass to Morane. Morane was devastated at the turn of events but decided to make the best of it and help her sister redecorate the house. She finds some pictures and a partial letter that she's never seen before and decides to find out more about her grandmother's past in France during the war. What she finds is painful and she must learn to live with the truth.
1941. Rosenn and her family move from Paris to a small town in Brittany to save her brother from being put back into the German army or into a camp. As the family tries to keep her brother hidden, they are surrounded by German troops and nosy neighbors who want to learn more about the doctor's family that has moved from Paris. Rosenn's brother means the world to her and she starts working with some shady characters to get her brother out of France and safely to England. The deeper she gets into her plans, the more dangerous it becomes for her family. When she makes a split second decision, it changes the course of her entire life and that of her family.
This was an interesting look at a grandmother and her granddaughter and how they approached their lives and losses. I preferred the modern day story to the WWII story because I didn't particularly like Rosenn but I understood how the regrets of past affected the person that she became. The two story lines are both well written and give us more of an understanding of both women and their connections in different times.
My only problem with his book is that the first 20% is very slow. I almost gave up reading it but am very glad that I kept on and was rewarded with a great story.
Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
February 17, 2021
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
After her beloved grandmother Rozenn’s death, Morane is heartbroken to learn that her sister is the sole inheritor of the family home in Cornwall—while she herself has been written out of the will. With both her business and her relationship with her sister on the rocks, Morane becomes consumed by one question: what made Rozenn turn her back on her?
When she finds an old letter linking her grandmother to Brittany under German occupation, Morane escapes on the trail of her family’s past. In the coastal village where Rozenn lived in 1941, she uncovers a web of shameful secrets that haunted Rozenn to the end of her days. Was it to protect those she loved that a desperate Rozenn made a heartbreaking decision and changed the course of all their lives forever?
Morane goes in search of the truth but the truth can be painful. Can she make her peace with the past and repair her relationship with her sister?
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Women’s Fiction
Historical Fiction
Review:
This is a beautiful story about family, the bonds between sisters but also a story about self discovery overcoming hurt and finding your place in life. The plot is told over a dual timeline. The present time tells the story of Morane as she tries to uncover why her grandmother left her out of her will and made her sister the sole inheritor. The second timeline set in the past tells the story of her grandmother’s life during the German occupation in France. The characters are interesting and well developed their actions feel realistic as they are explained well.
Overall:
A vividly written story, that is captivating and interesting. The plot starts of slow but is well developed and it kept me occupied from the first to the last page. The characters were nice and felt realistic. If you like historical fiction or enjoy dual timeline plots this book is for you!
Review copy provided by Netgalley at no cost to me.
After her beloved grandmother Rozenn’s death, Morane is heartbroken to learn that her sister is the sole inheritor of the family home in Cornwall—while she herself has been written out of the will. With both her business and her relationship with her sister on the rocks, Morane becomes consumed by one question: what made Rozenn turn her back on her?
When she finds an old letter linking her grandmother to Brittany under German occupation, Morane escapes on the trail of her family’s past. In the coastal village where Rozenn lived in 1941, she uncovers a web of shameful secrets that haunted Rozenn to the end of her days. Was it to protect those she loved that a desperate Rozenn made a heartbreaking decision and changed the course of all their lives forever?
Morane goes in search of the truth but the truth can be painful. Can she make her peace with the past and repair her relationship with her sister?
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Women’s Fiction
Historical Fiction
Review:
This is a beautiful story about family, the bonds between sisters but also a story about self discovery overcoming hurt and finding your place in life. The plot is told over a dual timeline. The present time tells the story of Morane as she tries to uncover why her grandmother left her out of her will and made her sister the sole inheritor. The second timeline set in the past tells the story of her grandmother’s life during the German occupation in France. The characters are interesting and well developed their actions feel realistic as they are explained well.
Overall:
A vividly written story, that is captivating and interesting. The plot starts of slow but is well developed and it kept me occupied from the first to the last page. The characters were nice and felt realistic. If you like historical fiction or enjoy dual timeline plots this book is for you!
Review copy provided by Netgalley at no cost to me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews