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Small Acts of Defiance

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( 1,094 ratings, 162 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
Small Acts of Defiance by Michelle Wright is a historical fiction novel set during World War II. It follows the journey of an Australian artist living in Nazi-occupied Paris, who navigates the turmoil and fear surrounding her while secretly resisting the oppressive regime. The story vividly captures the courage it takes to make a difference in dark times, illustrating how even the smallest acts can challenge tyranny.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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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?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to stories of resilience and courage during times of conflict. Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Paris, it weaves a tale of defiance and survival, painting a vivid picture of human spirit amidst adversity. Perfect for those who appreciate character-driven narratives with historical depth.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The remarkable debut novel from acclaimed prize-winning short fiction writer Michelle Wright, author of Fine.

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

'A beautifully intimate portrait that celebrates the courage and resilience of the human spirit.' Jane Harper, author of The Survivors

'Historical fiction of the highest order ... An engrossing, deeply-satisfying read, one of the year's outstanding, not-to-be-missed debuts.' Melissa Ashley, author of The Birdman's Wife

'A powerful and elegantly wrought story of women's resistance. This is required reading for our times.' Myfanwy Jones, author of Leap

'... a gripping, meticulously researched novel, and a nuanced, poetic and deeply serious exploration of the difference that individual choices can make in a society crumbling physically and morally. Wright recreates occupied Paris with immediacy and with melancholy tenderness ... This is a book to savour and treasure.' Lee Kofman, author of Imperfect

May, 1940: After a bitter tragedy, young Australian woman Lucie and her French mother Yvonne are forced to leave home and seek help from the only family they have leftβ€”Lucie's uncle, Gerard.

As the Second World War engulfs Europe, the two women find themselves trapped in German-occupied Paris, sharing a cramped apartment with the authoritarian Gerard and his extremist views.

Drawing upon her artistic talents, Lucie risks her own safety to engage in small acts of defiance against the occupying forces and the collaborationist French regime, where the authorities reward French citizens for denouncing so-called 'traitors' in their community.

Faced with the escalating brutality of anti-Jewish measures, and the indifference of so many of her fellow Parisians, Lucie must decide how far she will go to defend the rights of others.

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?

Small Acts of Defiance is praised for its beautiful and intimate portrayal of personal courage and resilience amidst the backdrop of war-torn 1940s Paris. Reviewers highlight the novel's engrossing narrative and its depiction of women's resistance against moral and physical decay. The story is commended for its deeply moving exploration of individual choices and their impact, with a particular emphasis on empathy and the moral challenges faced during the occupation. Michelle Wright is applauded for creating a nuanced and vividly researched portrayal of the era, encouraging readers to reflect on historical and contemporary ethical dilemmas.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781760292652

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 June 2021

Country: Australia

Imprint: Allen & Unwin

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 441g

Pages: 352

About the Author

Michelle Wright is an award-winning writer who brings to life a remarkable range of characters, winning many awards, including The Age short story competition. Her collection of short stories, Fine, was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier's Literary Award for an Unpublished Manuscript and published in 2016.

Michelle's debut novel, Small Acts of Defiance, is the fruit of her deep love for Paris - her home for 11 years - as well as her decades of passion for French language, culture and history.

In 2017, Michelle was awarded a six-month Australia Council for the Arts residency at the Cite Internationale des Arts in Paris to carry out the extensive research needed to create her vivid portrayal of life in occupied France.

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