Book Jacket

 

rank 3921
word count 67988
date submitted 25.07.2011
date updated 22.02.2012
genres: Historical Fiction
classification: moderate
complete

Les Ruines

James R. Vance

Les Ruines, a WWII mystery set in present day France yields gruesome secrets from the German occupation, resulting in tragedy for its researchers.

 

Les Ruines paints a picture of life in southwest France during the dark years of the German occupation towards the end of the Second World War. Almost seventy years later, a young woman stumbles on a mystery from that period and embarks on a mission to seek the truth. Her quest takes her on a journey of revelation about the chaotic weeks that led to the liberation of France. With a failing marriage, she invites a close friend to accompany her, leaving her husband at home. The two women begin to open a ‘can of worms’ uncovering evidence of gruesome secrets buried in the ruins of a chateau. Her obsessive investigation brings her into contact with Marcel, a former member of the maquis. His reticence to discuss his own involvement leads her to delve deeper. As she learns about the terrifying exploits of the Das Reich 2nd Panzer Division during its march from Montauban to Normandy, dark secrets begin to emerge. On her return to England, her personal life continues to unravel causing her domestic situation to reach crisis point. As the mystery in France appears about to be resolved, tragedy strikes.

 
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tags

agents, atrocities, d-day, france, ghosts, liberation, limousin, mystery, nazis, patriotism, resistance, résistance, skeletons, soe, ss, war

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4 comments

 

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Egon R. Tausch wrote 457 days ago

Am continuing your book. In ch 2, yet another thread begins. I sure hope they come together sometime. But your writing is so good that I must continue. Meanwhile, you're on my bookshelf for a while, but I won't increase your stars until some of the threads of your narrative are resolved or linked. Still would appreciate a read of my manuscript, which is complete, unless comments cause revision.

Egon R. Tausch wrote 457 days ago

Dear Mr. Vance, Have read, so far, only your Prologue and first chapter, but will give you an update when I've read more. Your writing style is outstanding. You started at least two plot lines, leaving more for me to watch, but impatient for you to begin weaving them together; perhaps you should start the process sooner. But I will read on and will perhaps rate it highly, once the loose threads begin to come together. Will put it on my Watch List for now.

Egon Richard Tausch
A Voice In Rama: A Novel of the Slaughter of the Innocents

Margaret Anthony wrote 663 days ago

You certainly know how to keep a reader's attention. Involved in the book, I was eager to 'turn' the next page. The pitch promises an interesting story and you tell it well.Your writing flows and I found nothing to stumble over. Sorry I can't offer anything constructive except I feel sure lovers of this genre will approve of such a fascinating and original read.
Starred and happy to add this to my shelf. Margaret.

A Rebellious Oak.

Caroline Hartman wrote 664 days ago

Dear Mr.Vance,
I intended to read a chapter or two. I read through 7 chatpers of Les Ruines. You are one masterful storyteller. With ease you've snapped back and forth between viewpoints, even centuries, all the time keeping me enraptured. I will read more. I'm an historian, you kept me intrigued with telling this tale of France during WWII, a tale that needs to be told. At least here in America, so many of us do not know the extent and courage of the Resistance. Thank you for this poignant story. Your prose, your clipped, concise, paragraphs, your sharp dialogue remind of Jeffrey Archer. I did not find a single nit, but then I was so enthralled I wouldn't notice such things.
Caroline
Summer Rose

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