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The French Gift

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( 3,458 ratings, 402 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The French Gift by Kirsty Manning intertwines the tales of two women from different eras brought together by the power of words and shared secrets. Set against the backdrop of World War II and post-war Paris, the narrative explores themes of friendship, resilience, and redemption. Immersed in mystery and rich with historical details, it unravels a compelling story of past injustices and their lingering effects.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3500
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$3799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This story might appeal to you if you're captivated by tales of friendship and resilience set against the backdrop of World War II. It weaves together past and present as two women's lives become interconnected through a forgotten artistic legacy, offering a poignant exploration of history, courage, and the enduring power of human connection.

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The French Gift

A World War II story of female friendship, longing and sacrifice through war and loss, bringing together the present and the past.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Kirsty Manning has delivered yet again with this epic novel about women, love, and heartbreak. With passion and sensitivity, Manning takes the reader on a journey that is near-impossible to tear yourself away from. Without a doubt her finest work. A triumph! - Sally Hepworth, author of The Soulmate

'Manning's multilayered story is both terrifying and triumphant. Her talent for a surprising twist makes this story a must for her fans.' - Publishers Weekly

A forgotten manuscript threatens to unravel the past...

Fresnes Prison, 1940: Margot Bisset, a former maid from the Riviera, finds herself in a prison cell with writer and French Resistance fighter, Josephine Murant. Together, they are transferred to a work camp in Germany, where the secrets they share will bind them for generations to come.

Present-day Paris: Evie Black lives above her botanical bookshop with her teenage son, Hugo. Nursing a broken heart, Evie receives an unexpected letter; she clutches at an opportunity to spend a magical summer with Hugo on the Cote d'Azur.

It's here, on the French Riviera, that the past envelops them and Evie attempts to unravel the official story of a famous novelist. If she succeeds, a murder from a lifetime ago may be solved.

Inspired by a true story of iconic French Resistance fighter, Agnes Humbert, whose secret journal sheds light on a little-known aspect of World War II, The French Gift will captivate readers from beginning to unforgettable end.

Praise for The French Gift:

'Kirsty Manning spins an elegant web across two eras.' - The Australian Women's Weekly

'Manning doesn't put a foot wrong: The French Gift is historical fiction at its best... a glorious escape from reality, this will captivate readers from the beginning to the unforgettable, surprising end.' - Better Reading

'Part mystery, part war history, part romance - and with a cracker of an ending - Kirsty Manning has woven together a wonderful tale about bravery, the deprivations of war, and the power of friendship at the darkest of times.' - The Weekly Times

'Captivating... I can't wait to see which 'pocket of history' Kirsty Manning will reveal in her next book.' - Blue Wolf Reviews

'So divine - The French Gift is nothing short of magnificent! A superb example of a story that works to illuminate both the harshest and most spellbinding moments in our history books.' - Mrs B's Book Reviews

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The French Gift by Kirsty Manning is celebrated for its evocative storytelling and atmospheric depiction of wartime France. Readers appreciate the dual narrative that weaves together a historical perspective and a contemporary plot, capturing the resilience of the female characters. Many reviews highlight the emotional depth of the story and its exploration of themes like friendship, courage, and the enduring impact of history.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781760528096

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 March 2021

Country: Australia

Imprint: Allen & Unwin

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 410g

Pages: 328

About the Author

Kirsty Manning grew up in northern New South Wales. A country girl with wanderlust, her travels and studies have taken her through most of Europe, the east and west coasts of the United States and pockets of Asia.

Kirsty's first novel was the enchanting The Midsummer Garden published in 2017. Her second book, the bestselling The Jade Lily, was published in 2018 and her third, The Lost Jewels, in 2020. Her novels are also published in the US and in Europe.

Kirsty is a partner in the award-winning Melbourne wine bar Bellota, and the Prince Wine Store in Sydney and Melbourne. She lives in Melbourne, Victoria.

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