From the author of the New York Times bestseller A Train in Winter comes the absorbing story of a French village that helped save thousands hunted by the Gestapo during World War II—told in full for the first time.Le Chambon-sur-Lignon is a small village of scattered houses high in the mountains of the Ardèche; one of the most remote and inaccessible parts of Eastern France. During the Second World War; the inhabitants of this tiny mountain village and its parishes saved thousands wanted by the Gestapo: resisters; freemasons; communists; OSS and SOE agents; and Jews. Many of those they protected were orphaned children and babies whose parents had been deported to concentration camps.With unprecedented access to newly opened archives in France; Britain; and Germany; and interviews with some of the villagers from the period who are still alive; Caroline Moorehead paints an inspiring portrait of courage and determination: of what was accomplished when a small group of people banded together to oppose their Nazi occupiers. A thrilling and atmospheric tale of silence and complicity; Village of Secrets reveals how every one of the inhabitants of Chambon remained silent in a country infamous for collaboration. Yet it is also a story about mythmaking; and the fallibility of memory.A major contribution to WWII history; illustrated with black-and-white photos; Village of Secrets sets the record straight about the events in Chambon; and pays tribute to a group of heroic individuals; most of them women; for whom saving others became more important than their own lives.
#1129065 in Books 2011-11-01 2011-11-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .85 x 6.00l; .88 #File Name: 0062106392240 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Good Read for Women.By MakeWaveI would recommend this book to women in particular...especially women who are not political...or who are unaware or undecided about the dangers of illegal immigration. In this book; former Governor Jan Brewer discusses what she went through during the authoring and signing of SB1070. You'll be able to see the issue from her perspective and the emotional turmoil that she went through during that time. It's actually a depressing story; but I found myself respecting her more after seeing how nasty and ignorant her opponents were. It's well written; informative; and has several pictures that speak for themselves. The 1 star reviews are obviously from weak-minded individuals who didn't read this book; refuse to give it a chance; nor read or understood SB1070. Sadly; they are the ones that should read the book so they can get informed.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Xlnt READBy D. WilsonInteresting lady. I believe she is a true patriot who's dedicated to serving her constituents; and all citizens of AZ. I admire and highly respect her dedication and her calm while under the LIBERAL BARAGE she was subjected to. Definitely a Lady of Class and one who cares.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Inspiration and motivationBy mikelJan Brewer is a strong willed lady with impeccable principles. She bases her decisions on these principles and stands up for what believes is best for her state (and for her country). I loved this book because it illustrates what can be accomplished if someone challenges the status quo and campaigns arduously for what they believe to be right. This book was very informative and yet very entertaining. I salute Governor Jan Brewer for her spirit and determination. I highly recommend this book.
