“Sweetbitter meets The Nightingale in this page-turner about a woman who returns to her family’s ancestral vineyard in Burgundy to study for her Master of Wine test, and uncovers a lost diary, a forgotten relative, and a secret her family has been keeping since World War II.”
I’ve just finished reading this. The story for the main characters is ok. The most riveting part is the Diary of Helene. I thought is was a little strange that was just there without being “discovered” and read by Kate the main character. But as I read those diary entries I get a glimpse of what the French went through in the war. And as a young woman how her life was effected. (very well researched on conditions back then) It made me wonder how I would fair in a circumstance like that now days.
I wish that there had really been a bit more story with all the main characters. There was a lot of inference to different things, but nothing solid and concrete to give them more depth…not a really good explanation from me but I just felt that part of the story feel short.
I understand the author was trying to get across how preserving our heritage, the good and the bad is important. And that sometimes we have to deal with things that we might not understand why it was done, but that life isn’t always rosy, but we gone on anyway and hope we change enough to off set the past.
There are two stories here that intersect in a dramatic revelation between two families in the Burgundy area of France. A love story that endured miles of separation; a mysterious wine cellar discovered, and a story of a young girl who lived through the Nazi occupation in her small town, and what people will do to save themselves. A beautiful story I highly recommend.
Great story about WWII France.
I enjoyed most of the book, the story of the wine and the history of the family. I was disappointed with the happily ever after ending tied into a nice bow.
Loved it. Enjoyed reading about different region and the history
Ann Mah’s beautiful story about the repercussions of the occupation of Burgundy during World War II and a modern-day young woman’s passion for Burgundian winemaking is a thing to behold. Read it.
Engaging story.
It was easy to read, but a bit predictable, I enjoyed it as I have a daughter that lives in France and the French phrases they sprinkled thoroughout the book were fun to recognize.
A good story with believable facts about squirreling away valuable wines from the Nazis as well
Enjoyed the French phrases and the winery references as well as the WWII backdrop
This is one of the best books set during WWII that I’ve read. It was gripping from beginning to end, and I had a hard time putting it down. My heart was involved from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book!
The book was good but a little too much about wines and also too many French sayings without translation for a non French reading person. I liked the WWII story that was intricately woven into the book. It had a satisfying,if a bit predictable ending.
Well written story that carries you through the time and trials of families leading up to and during the French resistance . I couldn’t put this book down. I have recommended this book to many of my friends.
Learned a lot about wine and the career field
A well-written novel that was would not let you put it down.
A wonderful story. A necessary reminder of the horrors of WWII. And a great story about wines.
I enjoyed learning about Helene’s story of WWII and how the Gold Coast and it’s wine country were affected. The only reason I gave it only four stars is – and this sounds ridiculous for a novel set in France – that there was too much French and not enough translation! I do not speak French and don’t know how to pronounce it. The context was enough to get the gist in many cases, but otherwise it was distracting.
But it was a good story well executed.
Ann May creates a wonderful world in this novel – her prose is always so evocative!
Captivating read–wine-making, long-held WWII secrets, diving writing–so good.
Well written historical fiction. I enjoyed the family’s discovery and how they dealt with it. Of course there was sadness as there must be when you are dealing with WWII. But, I loved Helene’s story told through her diaries.