by Stephen P. Kiernan
William Marrow, 2017
305 pages
Genre: historical fiction
located in the fiction area of the public library: Fic Kiernan
located in the fiction area of the public library: Fic Kiernan
When The Baker’s Secret came across my desk, I was excited because the premise of the story suites my fancy. I love historical novels featuring a strong heroine as the protagonist. The Baker’s Secret is a story of one women’s struggle to keep her village alive during the dark days of WWII.
The setting is in Vergers, a small town in France, after the German invasion in 1944. Emma, at 22, is a survivor. As the newly appointed village baker, Emma is required to bake 12 baguettes daily for the German Commanders. Emma figures out a way to bake two extra loaves to share with her fellow villagers; thus begins a network of favors and good deeds and it all begins with Emma and her bread.
What kept me interested in this story was the goodness in Emma. Not only does she bear witness to public executions, suffer beatings, have to share her home with a Nazi; but, she also is the sole caregiver for her Grandmother who has dementia. Emma’s strength comes from helping others, this is how she copes with the war- she stays busy, her thoughts remain focused, and she finds purpose in providing substance to her fellow villagers.
Emma was not concerned for her own well-being any longer. She had already
accepted the losses inevitable to living in that difficult time. There would be no marriage or children, no home comforts or taste of prosperity. Pleasure had ended with her youth and it was not coming back. Emma’s concern therefore lay with those who depended upon her, whose lives leaned on the crutch of her network. For her to die would be an act of abandonment.
If you enjoy a good historical read, then this one is for you. I will warn you there are some parts that are a little far fetched, but overall, a very good read.
This book, as well as all books I read, is available for borrowing from your public library.
Karen
This book, as well as all books I read, is available for borrowing from your public library.
Karen
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