What a load of drek! I've been reading alot of good books lately and the bad writing and ponderous plot and two dimensional characters just jangled my nerves. I think I probably thought of this as an okay beach read style book but it was more of a painful slog. I think at least 200 pages could have been cut with no loss at all. I have another Noel Barber on my shelf but I think I will let it go and move onto something I would enjoy more.

An interesting historic novel set predominantly in France, but also in Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States of America. One gets a real sense of knowing the family characters, and of all the wonderful and terribly times they lived through during is sad period of French history. There is much factual reference to people, places and events throughout the occupation of France by Germany, and many passages of graphic detail of the horrors of war, but these are contrasted by the beautifully descriptive passages of family life, set in the family chateau and productive vineyard, where much of the book is located. This is another good read. ( )

I'm not sure if I've read this WWII novel once or twice (think twice), but enjoyed it. Not just the story, but also I learned a fair bit about wine making, etc as that comes up in the story. ( )

A love that grew in the days before the outbreak of WWII.How Nazi-Germany threatened France and finally triumphed.A magnificent epic,played out under the tumultous background of that time.A decadent French government and the life of a foreign corresponent,the champagne region and the final success of the French Resistance. ( )