Wild Lavender

By: Belinda Alexandra

Narrated by: Kate Hood

Length: 20 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Simone Fleurier is wrenched from her home on a Provencal lavender farm at the age of 14 after the accidental death of her father. Forced to become a maid at the boarding house of her Aunt Augustine in Marseilles, Simone's life is hard and impoverished. But one of her aunt's boarders, the beautiful Camille Casal, a star at the local music hall, gives Simone a dream: that one day she too will be a famous singer and dancer. Years later, the famous Simone Fleurier, toast of Paris, watches Nazi troops occupy the city. Suddenly, her world is turned upside down, and Simone must make new and dangerous choices.

©2005 Belinda Alexandra (P)2005 Bolinda Publishing Pty. Ltd.

excellent narration by Kate Hood<br />

Better than i thought it would be . how did the cat use the bathroom in the hotel in Berlin ?

A French Perspective

I’ve read several novels set during or around the events of WWII. This is the first time I’ve read one from a French perspective.

The story is very well written from an historical view. The author does a such a great job of weaving her own story through this tale of the clash between the resistance and the collaborators, she sweeps you into the heart of the war before you realize that’s what you’ve been reading about since almost the beginning.

If I could recommend only one historical fiction set in WWII, I would recommend this one.

Wonderful

Such a beautiful novel. I laughed and I cried. Been a favourite for years, there is no other that i'd recommend with all my heart. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Wonderful Story

What a beautiful story set, part of the time, in prewar & WW2 Paris. Follow the life of a young girl, Simone, as her career erupts on the Paris scene. I love the rich history Belinda Alexandra reveals as she weaves a wonderful story about success, love and sacrifice. She creates a heroine who you can’t help but admiring. I loved every minute of this story and it’s family ties and deep friendships.

A Tale of France from the Great War to WWII

An amazing look at France, the French people, the beautiful countryside, the seedy underside and the strength of a few brave individuals under the leadership of Charles De Gaulle to resist the iron hand of Hitler . . . beginning in the lavender fields of Pays de Sault, and moving to Marseilles, on to Paris, young Simone finds her way into an ever changing world . . . a simple farm girl, to a maid for her aunt, to a singer and dancer, Simone goes through a metamorphosis, gaining popularity than many just dream of . . . but along the way, she also loses much . . . including her heart . . . and her naivety . . . she meets Greta Garbo at a night club in Berlin while her trainer, Andre Blanchard is coaching Simone in her craft . . . and comes face to face with how the rich and famous live and behave . . . jealousy, prostitution, drugs and alcohol run rampant on the way to the top . . . but Simone stays true to her dream and to herself . . . even when knocked down the rung of the ladder . . . and when the Germans invade Paris, she steps up to an even more dangerous role than ever before . . . I can't recommend this book enough . . . excellent story . . . great performance . . . and perfect ending . . .

Long, but best part is the last

I wish there hadn’t been so much gaudy details in the story that made me uncomfortable. The best part was WWII part the last 3-4 hours.

This one really draws you in...

While this book started out slow and I thought I was going to give up, after the first couple of chapters it certainly picked up steam and I was drawn into the story. I highly recommend this book if you like animals, wartime romances and french history. I know some don't like the narrator's accent but I thought she did a wonderful job without being over the top.

NOT SURE

What did you like best about Wild Lavender? What did you like least?

I liked the book, I didn't love it. To long for me. To much dialogue. Seems like it went on and on and on. I enjoyed it and couldn't believe what happened. I would like more books like Iona Grey.

exciting historical & romantic journey

loved it all. great narrator ,great story, great character development ! you really feel like you're there in Wartime France!

War, love of country, and romance

The story was very informative about the war, the need to survive and the ability to do so. The audio was very entertaining , and the sadness of her loved cat brought as much emotion as the war. Ms. Alexander is an excellent writer. I enjoy her books. History, romance,and survival just about sums this up for me. Thank you!