Lost Family
by Katherine Williams
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Pub Date 11 Jun 2024 | Archive Date 1 Jun 2024
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Description
A bizarre encounter opens this gripping World War Two novel of love, betrayal, and new beginnings.
When an attractive associate tells Ben Griffiths that she has a vintage photo of someone who looks remarkably like him, he dismisses it as a clever pick-up line. Soon after, he discovers a painting among his late grandmother’s possessions. The artwork appears to have been painted in the same location as his colleague’s photo. This serendipitous discovery leads him on a journey to France, where a heartbreaking secret awaits.
In 1939 France, seventeen-year-old Amélie Maurois is a promising artist. She plans to attend art school in Tours, but the German invasion ends her dream. She instead channels her skills into forging documents, helping the persecuted to escape certain death. While on her mission, she becomes involved with a British agent. When her acts of resistance result in retaliation by angry neighbors, including threats and violence, her courage is tested. He finds her a safe place to hide, but no one knows if they will survive this war.
From the author of The Glovemaker’s War, Lost Family explores the horrors of life in Occupied France and its stories left unspoken.
A Note From the Publisher
Marketing Plan
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Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9798891322776 |
| PRICE | US$17.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 274 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Catey C, Reviewer
I really enjoyed this book! It was very addictive and I absolutely loved the writing and the story. This was just what I wanted in a historical fiction book!
Aurelie J, Reviewer
Rating: 3.55/5 ☆
Recently delved into 'Lost Family' by Katherine Williams and it's a gem! Despite its wartime setting, it's a surprisingly light and engaging read. The characters' courage and resilience shine through, making it a captivating journey. A definite recommendation if you're in need of a break from heavier reads.
Susan B, Reviewer
Oh my gosh!! This is my kind of story. The WWII resistance consequences reach into current day. Read cover to cover in one day. Loved it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Jessica d, Reviewer
When I spotted this book on Netgalley I was so excited and I just started reading right away. I don't know the author but the cover looks really nice , the blurb souded great and I love a good second world war story.
It took me a while to get into the story and I really was afraid I was going to dnf maar then suddenly I was really invested. The two story lines worked really well and I loved how everything started to just make sense. The little surprises and the character development in the war time storyline were really great to read as well. It was a really quick but atmospheric read.
Norma F, Reviewer
From the comfort of adolescence, young love and exciting plans for the future before the occupation, to the horrors of Nazi France, Lost Family explores the endurance of love, the resilience of the human spirit and our capacity to remember.
Williams ties together her Sable-sur-Mance, France in 1939 timeline with that of Chester, England in 2020 to show us that none of us are exempt from having our lives upended by circumstances out of our control.
Ben Griffiths thought he had it all, a good relationship, a great job and a future full of possibilities…and then Covid came. Suddenly, his relationship with Kirsty fizzles and he’s discontent with his management position in distribution with Feline Foods. Stuck and looking for change, a chance meeting with Melanie Harris changes the trajectory of his future.
Amelie Maurois is infatuated with her sister, Paulette’s, love interest, Bruno Taillasson. She’s convinced that she’s closer than ever to the perfect future; a relationship with Bruno and placement at L’Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Tours. Suddenly, Petin became weak and Sable-sur-Mance was in the Occupied Zone. Amelie had to forgo her placement at art school because of the war. A chance meeting with a man named ‘Allumette’ changes the trajectory of her future.
I was interested in reading about:
💜 how Petin’s actions were felt in the village
💜 what it was like to live within 5 miles of the demarcation line
💜 the stigma attached to becoming a passeuse
💜 Ruchard camp
💜 fate bringing people together
For those worried about references to Covid: if the word was taken out of the story, it wouldn’t change a thing. It has very little impact on the events and is mentioned infrequently.
This is spectacular historical fiction that will have you reconsidering the impact of serendipity. Williams managed to keep me engrossed to the final page; I needed to know how the timelines connected!
I was gifted this copy by Atmosphere Press and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
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