Joanas Leveling
From the pageantry of Adolf Hitler's Olympic Games to the triumph of Charles de Gaulle's entry into Paris, The Cross of Lorraine documents France's darkest hours of occupation. As the quiet days of the thirties come to an end, France finds itself at war with Germany for the second time in three decades, only this time defeat brings the stark reality of division and occupation. Into this new world come two Americans who join the battle and with others form the nucleus of French Resistance.Born of an American fellow member of the widely known and esteemed Lafayette Escadrille and a French mother, Hank Herbert, or Henri Hebert as he is recognise in France, feels he has no other choice but to join the fight for French liberty. On the other hand, Samantha James, who primary comes to Europe to run in the 1936 Olympic games, chooses to return as a student in Lyon, and learns from her experiences that one's personal integrity requires a commitment to oppose oppression no matter the dangers.While France strives to be free, Henri and Samantha search for his or her own person identity. As do their friends, who battle the occupation, each surrendering a part of their innocence to the ugliness of war. Ultimately, the characters' struggles parallel the growth and decay of nations. For even as Germany blindly follows Adolf Hitler down an insane course of destruction, so Samantha's German cousin Heinrich is blinded, crippled, and driven insane. Ultimately, for Henri and Samantha, the war brings them of age, and they discover an enduring love in spite of the pains and sacrifices of war.Within the pages of The Cross of Lorraine, we meet the villains, the martyrs, and the heroes of the French Resistance - itself a frail child born from the ashes of bitter defeat. The German occupiers are men like Klaus Barbie, the Butcher of Lyon, and Heinrich Biebischeimer, his one-eyed adjutant. And of course there are the collaborationists like the unscrupulous Alain de Beavais, who would use anyone, even his American fiance, t
About the AuthorJayCornils is presently conductor of athletics/activities for Pueblo SchoolDistrict 60 in Pueblo, Colorado.' Beforebecoming an athletic director, he taught English and Communications atWidefield High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado for sixteen years.Jaywrites extensive for the national high school referee's magazine The Officials Quarterly where he alsoserves on the publications committee.'Further, he has been published in the Interscholastic Athletic Administrator, the official voice of high schoolathletic directors.Asan administrator he writes galore policies and handbooks.' Consequently, The Cross of Lorraine, an historical romance in the vein of HermanWouk's famous The Winds of War and War and Rememberance, is rather adeparture for this gifted new writer.
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4 of 5 persons found the following review helpful.
A Brilliant WWII Romnace By A This novel tells the astounding story of two Americans who fight alongside the French Resistance for the duration of World War Two. It is brilliantly crafted with intricate believable characters who confront the adversities of war with unfeigned humane desires and frailties. I have not read a unfeigned World War Two romance of this caliber since I finished my original reading of Winds of War and War and Remembrance. Anyone purchasing this book will not be disappointed; in fact, I'd dare say that they will be delighted!
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