This is the first Reg Hill book I've read.

And I'm quite certain it won't be my last. It was lent to me by a friend at work.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. The style of writing was truly great. The depth of characters held my attention throughout.

I loved the toing and froing of the characters, with all their good and bad points. It really made me think about what I would do in a certain situation.

Even when you think someone is maybe the bad person, their actions sometimes conflict otherwise. Maybe they are not what they really are but are only portrayed as such because that is what you are told to think.

And then there are people who you think will act one way but will actually act another through desperate times and needs.

I didn't want to give anything away about the plot here as the story unfolds at its own pace. You'll find out how each person ends up at the end of the war, whether good or bad.

This is a book worth reading if you want a different view of the occupied French at a most difficult time. It offers a unique perspective and keeps you engaged from start to finish.

I have a deep affection for Reginald Hill's writing, particularly the Dalziel and Pascoe series. However, I had to set this particular book aside for a considerable period of time.

It is a tale that unfolds during the Nazi occupation of France in World War II. I have perused numerous books related to the war, yet I found this one to be quite distressing. For some reason, the experience of living under foreign occupation seemed more insidious than the actual combat.

Somehow, the sight of men killing each other with various weapons on the front lines appeared more straightforward.

This story, which revolves around a humane German occupier and a French family with Jewish relatives, compelled me to contemplate what I would do in such a situation.

When your husband or children are threatened in the most heinous manners, is there any way that your country can take precedence? Are you considered a collaborator if you do everything within your power to save them? Who can pass judgment on individuals' actions in the face of war?

It is a thought-provoking and often painful read, but it also contains enough redemptive scenes to bring a measure of happiness. In the end, I persevered and completed it.

I have a great passion for all of Reginald Hill's literary works. Among them, the Dalziel and Pascoe novels hold a special place in my heart. However, this particular book is a unique departure from his usual series.

Set in Paris in 1945, during the still ongoing German occupation, it offers a multi-faceted perspective on life during that tumultuous time. The story is told through the eyes of numerous characters. There is a French mother, who is trying to keep her family safe and together in the face of uncertainty. Her husband is unpredictable, adding another layer of complexity to their lives. Their two children are also part of this narrative, experiencing the war in their own innocent ways.

In addition to the French family, the book also delves into the lives of various members of the German occupying regime and the French resistance. This gives a comprehensive view of the different sides and their motives during the occupation. It is truly a fascinating read that takes the reader on a journey through a historical period that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

I have a deep affection for Reginald Hill.

However, this particular work was an enormous disappointment. It was so disappointingly huge that it nearly made its way onto my 'unfinished' list.

I can comprehend an author's desire to expand and branch out into different genres.

Nevertheless, historical fiction is simply not Hill's strongest suit.

I just couldn't become engaged with the characters. They seemed rather flat and uninteresting to me.

Moreover, I found the historical aspects to be at best, rather glossy and not as in-depth as I would have liked.

In my opinion, Hill should stick to the Dalziel and Pascoe series instead. That is where his true talent shines through and where he has created some truly memorable and engaging stories.

I hope that in the future, he will return to what he does best and give us more of the wonderful mysteries and characters that we have come to love.

A superbly told tale unfolds, revealing the harrowing yet inspiring story of one French woman's unwavering fight to safeguard her children during the German occupation of Paris in World War II.

Married to a Jew, she finds herself in a precarious position, rejected by her own mother. Complicating matters further, she is adored by a German officer. Her life is a web of complexity, with choices that are almost impossible to make.

This remarkable book was a wonderful find in a "reduced" bin at a newsagents. It is truly a gem that is definitely worth looking out for.

After delving into its pages, walking around the Marais area of Paris takes on an entirely new and profound meaning. The history and emotions come alive, making it an experience that is both moving and enlightening. Highly recommended for anyone interested in a captivating and thought-provoking read.

I firmly believe that Reginald Hill is an outstanding writer. I am especially a great fan of the Dalziel and Pascoe series. However, this particular book, although it is an old one, might just be my absolute favorite.

I have never come across any other work that can convey as effectively the horror, heartbreak, resilience, and complexity experienced by all those involved in the occupation of France during World War II. The vivid descriptions and the masterful portrayal of the various emotions and situations make this book a truly remarkable piece of literature.

It is a must-read for anyone who has an interest in history or enjoys a well-written story that can touch the deepest parts of one's soul. I highly recommend this book to all.

Timeline not chronological.

It's a gripping story that keeps this reader asking herself over and over: who are the collaborators in this story? And who is the protagonist? The main characters are complex, adding depth and mystery to the narrative.

The setting is Paris under occupation from 1940 - 1944. Hill truly understands Paris and his characters. He knows what a woman will do for the return of her children, whose fate remains unknown until the very end.

Moreover, Hill also has a profound understanding of mob psychology and political correctness. His portrayal of these elements adds another layer of authenticity to the story, making it not only a captivating read but also a thought-provoking exploration of human nature and the complex web of relationships during a tumultuous time in history.

Overall, this story is a masterful blend of mystery, drama, and historical context that will leave readers on the edge of their seats until the final page.

This narrator really has a grip on the story.

It delves into the question of when one actually helps the enemy and when one doesn't.

While it may be a bit too predictable in some aspects, it excels at depicting the everyman.

The narrative manages to draw the reader in and keep them engaged as it explores this complex theme.

We see the protagonist's internal struggles and moral dilemmas as he navigates through a situation where the line between right and wrong is blurred.

The author does a great job of making the character relatable, which makes the story all the more impactful.

Despite its predictability, there are still moments that surprise and move the reader.

Overall, it's a well-written piece that offers an interesting perspective on a timely topic.

Hard one to sum up.

Probably my least favourite Reginald Hill book. It's a reissue of a twenty-year-old not-exactly-a-mystery, set in occupied Paris during 1940 - 1945. Quite different from his usual stuff.

The fact that it was different from the usual didn't put me off. However, the story just got off to a really slow start. The characters seemed indistinct and didn't engage me at all. I kept going, hoping it would get better, and it did to some extent.

Occasionally, it felt like a really good book, with moments of great tension and interesting plot developments. But mostly, I found it mediocre. It didn't have the same depth and complexity as some of his other works.

Perhaps if I had known more about the historical context, I might have enjoyed it more. But as it was, it just didn't quite hit the mark for me.

I mistakenly bought this from a mail out, believing it to be a historical account of collaborators in France.

At first glance, the cover seemed to promise an in-depth exploration of this fascinating and often overlooked aspect of history.

However, upon closer inspection, I realized that it was not what I had expected.

The content was rather disjointed and lacked the detailed research and analysis that I had anticipated.

It seemed more like a collection of random anecdotes and personal opinions than a comprehensive historical study.

Despite my initial disappointment, I decided to give the book a chance and read it through.

Surprisingly, I did manage to glean some interesting tidbits and perspectives along the way.

While it may not have been the definitive historical account that I was hoping for, it did offer a unique and somewhat alternative view of the subject.

In the end, I'm glad that I took the time to read it, even if it wasn't exactly what I had bargained for.

This book was okay, not bad.

It had its moments, but it didn't quite reach the level of excellence that I had expected.

I've read other works by this author that I thought were truly outstanding.

Those previous books had a certain charm, a unique style, and engaging storylines that kept me hooked from start to finish.

In comparison, this particular book felt a bit lacking.

The characters didn't seem as fully developed, and the plot had some holes that could have been filled with more detail.

However, it's important to note that everyone has different tastes when it comes to books.

What one person may consider a masterpiece, another may find just average.

So, while this book wasn't my favorite by this author, it may still appeal to others who have different preferences.

Overall, it was an okay read, but I'm looking forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.

I thoroughly enjoy Reginald Hill's Dalziel & Pascoe novels.

Recently, I picked up this particular work on the off-chance that it, too, would be good. And I was not disappointed. It is an excellent novel indeed.

This just goes to show that good writers are good writers, even when they write outside their familiar genre.

This book is an insightful, touching, thrilling, and thought-provoking read. It is ideal for book clubs as there are so many layers that can be discussed.

It challenges the reader to consider the rights and wrongs (or even if there are such clear-cut concepts) of collaborating with the enemy during war.

The cast of characters is memorable, and the 1940's Paris is wonderfully drawn, adding great depth to the story.

Overall, it's a remarkable piece of literature that offers a unique perspective on a complex and often controversial topic.