NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Capturing historical events, terrifying moments of danger, tragedy, the price of war, and the invincible spirit of a woman of honor, The Award is a monumental tale from one of our most gifted storytellers—Danielle Steel’s finest, most emotionally resonant novel yet.Gaëlle de Barbet is sixteen years old in 1940 when the German army occupies France and frightening … occupies France and frightening changes begin to occur. She is shocked and powerless when French gendarmes take away her closest friend, Rebekah Feldmann, and her family for deportation to an unknown, ominous fate.
The local German military commandant makes Gaëlle’s family estate outside Lyon into his headquarters. Her father and brother are killed by the Germans; her mother fades away into madness. Trusted friends and employees become traitors. And Gaëlle begins a perilous journey with the French Resistance, hoping to save lives to make up for the beloved friend she could do nothing to help.
Taking terrifying risks, Gaëlle becomes a valuable member of the Resistance, fearlessly delivering Jewish children to safety under the eyes of the Gestapo and their French collaborators. Then she is suddenly approached by the German commandant with an astonishing, dangerous plan to save part of France’s artistic heritage. Conducted in secret, flawlessly carried out, her missions will mark her for years, when she is falsely accused of collaboration at the end of the war. Orphaned and alone, she begins a new life in Paris, with the ghosts of the past always close at hand.
Gaëlle’s life will take her from Paris to New York, from a career as a Dior model to marriage and motherhood, unbearable loss, and mature, lasting love. She returns to Paris to run a small museum, honoring victims of the Holocaust. But her label as a collaborator remains, until her granddaughter, a respected political journalist, ensures that her grandmother’s brave acts are recognized. Now a grateful nation will finally absolve this remarkable woman and honor her as the war hero she was.
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The book had a wonderful story. She writes a book that keeps me on my toes and I cannot put it down.
I have to admit I was hesitant to read this book because world war Ii is not my favorite era but it is Danielle Steel so I would give it a try. This is now on my Favorite Books list. It is so heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. Steel’s character interpretations are so well rounded andnd realistic you cannot help but be pulled into the story. I could not put this book down!
Like the historical era of this one. I always read her books just because she always has a way of writing a good love story.
Typical Danielle Steel, this book just drew me in within the first couple pages. I have such a heart for the Jewish people and this story begins with the occupation of France during Hitler’s rise. It follows a young woman who loses close friends and all her family through the war years. She joins the resistance and helps save many young children and babies. It then follows her throughout her remaining lifetime. My son gave me this book as a Christmas gift and by New Years day I have finished it…just couldn’t leave it alone. Highly recommend.
Very good read
The Award is Danielle Steel’s heartwarming, well-researched and inspiring novel about the life story of a Gaelle, a young woman who joins the French Resistance during World War II, showing how the heart-rending work informs all her decisions and choices for the rest of her rewarding life. At the time she was doing it, the rescue work was misunderstood; fellow citizens actually accused her of collaborating and even sleeping with the enemy, and treated her cruelly. In actuality, she as a “good girl,” and that is incredibly refreshing. Gaelle soldiered on, saving every life she could because it was the right thing to do – and also in memory of her friends who died in concentration camps. Throughout her life, Gaelle generously gives her heart in many relationships – family, coworkers, and the men she loved, and in varying ways, she is a shining light to all in her circle. Many years later, after learning of her grandmother’s brave and lifesaving work during the war, her granddaughter Delphine continuously tries to have her grandmother’s humanitarian work acknowledged by France. Will she succeed, and if so, will it be in time – while Gaelle is still living? I have read a criticism that she uses the word “and” too much. I read all manner of books by a great variety of authors, and I think that the way she writes – in a conversational style – is both refreshing and an ASSET. Steel does such a standout job of character development that I felt like Gaelle wasn’t just someone I was reading about; she was a FRIEND, and I felt angry for her, sad for her and happy for her, respectively. I
I originally purchased a paperback, it had pages missing and mixed up –so check if you purchase this form. Then, I purchased the hard back–no problems. Just letting you know, I originally read to page 16, and then it jumped to 81 to 112, then 49 –but never included 17-48 anywhere.
This was an amazing story of the German occupation of France during WWII. Gaelle was only 16 at this time and acts heroically. Her actions are misconstrued and the results of her being labeled a conspirator influence the rest of her life.
I won’t tell you the ins and outs but this book will involve you in her life and keep you reading…
What can I say – I a sucker for a Danielle Steele book! This story like so many of her books grabs you quickly in the first few pages and does not let you go during the roller coaster ride of this heroine’s story. Build a nice fire, fix a cup of hot cocoa and curl up for a great read over the Christmas break.