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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
So many feelings! I spent the first half of this book totally convinced that I knew exactly how it would turn out. And while some of the revelations are expected, others came completely out of left field to keep me on the edge of my seat. This didn’t give me quite the book hangover that Kristin Harmel’s other works have done, but it is definitely an amazing story of what life was very possibly like in French vineyards during World War II.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
This historical novel set both in 2010 and WWII France, follows the lives of a family whose activities during the German occupation in France still holds secrets many, many years later. In the present day storyline, Liv accompanies her grandmother, Edith, to France, and eventually find out a secret that Edith has buried since the war.
Told through dual timelines and alternating points of view, readers learn of the importance of winemakers during the resistance in France, the personal devastations faced during that time, and how the actions taken can still affect others for future generations.
This was a good book club read, as the discussion of the characters and timeline made for an interesting conversation. It is important to understand that the war is the backdrop for the novel, and not the main focus. I believe that the major themes focused on relationships, and how secrets affect individuals even years later. I’m not convinced that the main character was fully redeemed at the end, but the effort was made. Also, personally, I felt that the having present-day Edith traipsing through France as she did at 99 was a little unrealistic. Backing up the present day to an earlier setting would have made it more believable.
A solid 4-star read for me.
Told through dual timelines and alternating points of view, readers learn of the importance of winemakers during the resistance in France, the personal devastations faced during that time, and how the actions taken can still affect others for future generations.
This was a good book club read, as the discussion of the characters and timeline made for an interesting conversation. It is important to understand that the war is the backdrop for the novel, and not the main focus. I believe that the major themes focused on relationships, and how secrets affect individuals even years later. I’m not convinced that the main character was fully redeemed at the end, but the effort was made. Also, personally, I felt that the having present-day Edith traipsing through France as she did at 99 was a little unrealistic. Backing up the present day to an earlier setting would have made it more believable.
A solid 4-star read for me.
Just finished The Winemaker’s Wife, and I didn’t want it to end! I couldnt put this book down. Kristin Harmel is an excellent writer and she wove this story story masterfully. I like historical fiction books that alternate between present day and the past, as characters learn the truth about their past and their family. The details were slowly revealed throughout but the full truth wasn’t clear until the end. After finishing I think the title of this book is brilliant. Highly recommend for anyone who loves historical books about the war. Best book I’ve read in a long time!
Very good, even though I figured out the ending early on.
This was a good read, except for one sentence, about halfway through the storey, which somewhat gave away the plot twist/ending. When Grandma Edith scratched her arm, it revealed a character twist.
WWII, champagne region of France, wine and love. The story is told in two time limes, present day and during WWII.
In the present we meet Liv, fresh off divorce, when her grandmother Edith shows up in the USA to whisk her off to France. Edith wants Liv to move on from her ex and it is apparent she never really liked him. Edith is stubborn and mysterious, which frustrates her grandaughter Liv.
In the 1940s, we meet the Maison Chauveau house owner Michel, his self absorbed and selfish wife Ines, The wine maker Theo and his half-Jewish wife Celine, who is also Michel's childhood friend. The Nazis are starting to occupy France. Their rules are threatening wine production and making the characters realize that every choice and action has a consequence.
This isn't your typical WWII novel in that it isn't so much about life on the run or in concentration camps, but more so how one small action can change your life forever.
In the present we meet Liv, fresh off divorce, when her grandmother Edith shows up in the USA to whisk her off to France. Edith wants Liv to move on from her ex and it is apparent she never really liked him. Edith is stubborn and mysterious, which frustrates her grandaughter Liv.
In the 1940s, we meet the Maison Chauveau house owner Michel, his self absorbed and selfish wife Ines, The wine maker Theo and his half-Jewish wife Celine, who is also Michel's childhood friend. The Nazis are starting to occupy France. Their rules are threatening wine production and making the characters realize that every choice and action has a consequence.
This isn't your typical WWII novel in that it isn't so much about life on the run or in concentration camps, but more so how one small action can change your life forever.
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Complicated