Our April meeting, the first "day" meeting was held at 10 am at Michèle's home. Present were Betty, Carla, Colette, Marg and Michèle. We began our meeting by celebrating Betty's birthday with a glass of mimosa and a piece of coffee cake that Marg provided. Bran & Apple muffins and Banana & Almond flour were also offered.
We discussed Marg's book choice Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon. Marg chose this book because we had all enjoyed a previous book by this author The Frozen River.
This story was enjoyed by all members present, This is a Historical novel, very close to the actual facts, very well researched. It is based on the life of a young Australian woman, Nancy Wake who fought with the Resistance in France during WW II. The book is sort of divided into two periods, as the Nazis arrive in Paris, she is trying to begin a journalist career and meets her future husband Henri Fiocca, and when she is fully into her involvement with the Resistance in 1944.
Members felt that it was well written, a type of story that you didn't wanted to put down, wanted to see what would happen next. You could identify it as a true love story and an adventure as she embarks into training and working with the French Resistance . She showed courage and determination and the ability to organize men and women in her group. As she takes on different roles her code name changes. As Lucienne she smuggles people across the border to Spain. The Germans nickname her White Mouse as she successfully evades capture. Her British code name is Hélène and finally when she is air dropped into France she is Madame André. Our members were impressed by the description of how to kill a man with the hand, and we all practiced the manoeuvre, very impressed and aware that it would take practice. We also all noted her ever present lipstick "Victory Red"
Thank you Marg for a book selection that had us all living adventure and a true love story.
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