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Summary
From the multiple-award-winning, critically acclaimed author of The Hummingbird and The Curiosity comes a dazzling novel of World War II—a shimmering tale of courage, determination, optimism, and the resilience of the human spirit, set in a small Normandy village on the eve of D-Day.
In 'The Baker's Secret: A Novel', readers are taken on a journey to a quaint French village where the courageous locals are engaged in a life-or-death struggle against German invaders. The story revolves around a brave baker who fearlessly confronts her own fears, solidifying her status as a true hero.
In my opinion, 'The Baker's Secret: A Novel' felt more like immersing myself in a glimpse of life during difficult times, but I didn't truly feel the intense reality of living through such horrific circumstances.
There was a noticeable absence of emotion in the book, making it difficult to truly connect with the characters and their struggles.
Overall, I have mixed feelings about the clarity and helpfulness of the story. It just didn't quite hit the mark for me.
If you've gone through the extensively detailed summary, then you pretty much know the entire plot. No real necessity to listen to this excessively prolonged narrative.
Emma is a genuinely pleasant and relatable character, but she's incredibly naïve and repeatedly disregards valuable advice from those who lived through World War 1. I personally found that to be quite irritating.
Out of the dozen World War 2 stories I've read, this one is my least preferred of the lot.
The narration is fantastic!
As a lover of historical fiction and someone who appreciates history, I must admit that I was quite disappointed with this book after investing three hours in it, especially considering all the rave reviews. The narrator wasn't terrible, but she didn't stand out either. Her slow pace even made me a bit drowsy. While her accents were commendable, I believe the sluggish plot didn't allow her talents to truly shine.
Others have mentioned how gloomy this book can be, and I would like to add that it also felt incredibly predictable. It followed a formulaic structure, and the characters seemed flat and stereotypical. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't mind a somber tale, especially when it is set during wartime. However, what this novel lacked was that spark of inspiration or uplifting element. It simply remained a story filled with sadness. The Germans were portrayed as villains, the French as victims, and good-hearted individuals met their demise. Unfortunately, it failed to unveil any universal truths or characters that would make readers ponder their own beliefs and values.
Sure, the theme of survival is heroic, but subjecting oneself to over seven hours of this story willingly is something I won't do. It presents a significant amount of negativity and a hint of fleeting positivity. If that's how you perceive life, then you might want to disregard this review.
You won't be able to stop reading this book because the tale of this young woman's survival feels incredibly realistic. She faces a tough challenge of keeping her small community united amidst the oppressive forces of tyranny, and the way it's portrayed in the story is absolutely compelling. It's no wonder this book has the potential to become a best-seller. I can't wait to read more from this gifted author.
This book is absolutely captivating! It tells a powerful tale of resilience and optimism in the most challenging circumstances. It's a fresh perspective on the indomitable spirit of individuals enduring the horrors of war.
I'm still blown away by the immense hardships people had to endure during World War I and II. While I understand that this story is a work of fiction, it provides a glimpse into the struggles faced by a small community in Normandy. The brutality of war is truly unfathomable! Emma, a remarkable and fearless young woman, goes beyond providing mere sustenance to the townspeople; she instills them with a sense of hope. This captivating novel urges introspection, making you ponder whether you possess the same resilience as Emma. A truly exceptional read, especially fitting during the period from Memorial Day to Independence Day. Kudos to Mr. Kiernan for delivering such a well-crafted piece. The book has undeniably motivated me to explore more of his works.
I really enjoyed how the author decided to portray the war in this book. Instead of focusing on the big picture, they chose to bring it down to a personal level by highlighting the experiences of the people in a small French town under Nazi occupation. This approach effectively shows the vulnerability and hopelessness of being under the control of an inhumane enemy. Although the prose is beautifully written, at times it can hinder the flow of the story, making it a bit slow-paced. Nevertheless, Cassandra Campbell's narration is, as always, outstanding.
This is my first time reading a book by a debut author.
Taking place in a charming village on the coast of Normandy in France, the story revolves around the experiences of the villagers during the German occupation in World War II. We witness the harsh realities through the perspective of a young woman. The villagers desperately hope to be rescued by the Allies, but uncertainty and doubt often creep in, leaving them unsure if help will ever come. Despite the challenges, they do their best to survive using various methods. Eventually, they find themselves in the thick of the action on D Day.
Interestingly, the author is based in Vermont. It's worth mentioning that he obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree from the prestigious University of Iowa Writer's Workshop.
In my opinion, the book had a choppy structure and lacked a smooth narrative. I struggled to form a connection with the characters. While the premise showed promise, I stuck with the story in the hopes of finding that connection and changing my perspective. Regrettably, that never occurred for me.
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