Title: The Winemaker’s Wife
Author: Kristin Harmel
Release Date: August 13, 2019
Length: 385 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
***My Review***
“The Winemaker’s Wife” is a historical fiction novel by Kristin Harmel that tells the story of two women living in Champagne, France during World War II. The novel is a captivating tale of love, secrets, and the power of human resilience in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
The novel begins in 1940, as France is occupied by Nazi Germany. In the small town of Reims, we are introduced to three main characters: Inès, a young bride who has just married Michel, the son of a prominent champagne house; Céline, the wife of Michel’s father, who is struggling with a secret that threatens to destroy her family; and Edith, a young woman who is working with the Resistance to help Allied soldiers escape the country.
As the war intensifies, the lives of these three women become increasingly intertwined. Inès discovers that her husband has been keeping a devastating secret from her, while Céline is forced to confront her own past and the consequences of her actions. Meanwhile, Edith risks her life to help Allied soldiers escape from France, even as the Gestapo closes in on her.
What makes “The Winemaker’s Wife” such a compelling novel is its vivid portrayal of life in France during World War II. Harmel has clearly done her research, and her descriptions of the champagne houses, the countryside, and the day-to-day struggles of ordinary people living under occupation are both vivid and moving. The novel is also a poignant exploration of love and loss, as the characters must make difficult choices and sacrifices in order to protect those they care about.
The characters in the novel are well-drawn and complex, with each one grappling with their own personal demons and secrets. Inès, in particular, is a sympathetic and relatable character. As she struggles to come to terms with the truth about her husband and the world around her, we see her grow and change in ways that are both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Similarly, Céline is a fascinating character whose past is slowly revealed over the course of the novel. Her story is a reminder of the complexities of human nature, and the ways in which our choices can have lasting consequences.
Edith, too, is a compelling character, and her bravery and determination in the face of danger is both admirable and inspiring. Her story is a reminder of the heroism of those who fought against the Nazis, often at great personal risk. Harmel does an excellent job of showing the humanity of those who were involved in the Resistance, and of reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there are those who are willing to fight for what is right.
The novel is also beautifully written, with evocative descriptions and a lyrical prose style that brings the setting and characters to life. Harmel’s attention to detail is impressive, and her ability to create a sense of time and place is truly remarkable. The novel is a testament to her skill as a writer, and to her ability to create a world that feels both authentic and engaging.
Overall, “The Winemaker’s Wife” is a compelling and moving novel that is well worth reading. It is a poignant reminder of the power of human resilience in the face of adversity, and a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction, romance, or simply a good story, this novel is sure to capture your heart and leave you thinking long after you turn the final page.
This is really a compelling book worth reading. Thanks for sharing this.