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The French Love Affair: A true narrative of events surrounding the Nazi occupation of France…
A true narrative of events surrounding the Nazi occupation of France…
Few nineteen-year-old girls had the opportunity to spend their junior year of college abroad in 1929, much less middle-class Montana girls like Elizabeth Matheson. Her brave and adventurous spirit led her to study French at Le Sorbonne in Paris that year, where she fell in love—with the language, the country, and much later, a Frenchman.
Elizabeth returned to the States and became a teacher in Faribault, Minnesota. Some years later, her students were paired as pen pals with the students of a Monsieur Jean Darbelnet at the Lycée de Brest in northern France.
As a result of Elizabeth’s outgoing nature, the two teachers became pen pals, like their students. They met in person when Elizabeth decided to spend her summer vacation in France in 1933, and that is where they fell in love. They were married in 1938 and took up residence in Cambridge, Massachusetts where Jean became John, and began teaching French at Harvard University.
The following year, they planned a late-summer vacation in France and travelled to Europe on what turned out to be the last eastbound crossing of the French ocean liner SS Normandie. The Second World War broke out a few days after their arrival in France and quickly put a stop to North Atlantic passenger service.
When the war started, Elizabeth made the courageous decision to remain in France so she could be near her husband. When France fell to Germany, the couple were forced to flee, making a narrow escape back to America. They unknowingly became couriers of classified military messages and escaped the Nazis by traveling 3200 kilometers to Lisbon. From there they found passage on one of the few ships still crossing the Atlantic, narrowly avoiding German submarines which were patrolling the high seas.
Few nineteen-year-old girls had the opportunity to spend their junior year of college abroad in 1929, much less middle-class Montana girls like Elizabeth Matheson. Her brave and adventurous spirit led her to study French at Le Sorbonne in Paris that year, where she fell in love—with the language, the country, and much later, a Frenchman.
Elizabeth returned to the States and became a teacher in Faribault, Minnesota. Some years later, her students were paired as pen pals with the students of a Monsieur Jean Darbelnet at the Lycée de Brest in northern France.
As a result of Elizabeth’s outgoing nature, the two teachers became pen pals, like their students. They met in person when Elizabeth decided to spend her summer vacation in France in 1933, and that is where they fell in love. They were married in 1938 and took up residence in Cambridge, Massachusetts where Jean became John, and began teaching French at Harvard University.
The following year, they planned a late-summer vacation in France and travelled to Europe on what turned out to be the last eastbound crossing of the French ocean liner SS Normandie. The Second World War broke out a few days after their arrival in France and quickly put a stop to North Atlantic passenger service.
When the war started, Elizabeth made the courageous decision to remain in France so she could be near her husband. When France fell to Germany, the couple were forced to flee, making a narrow escape back to America. They unknowingly became couriers of classified military messages and escaped the Nazis by traveling 3200 kilometers to Lisbon. From there they found passage on one of the few ships still crossing the Atlantic, narrowly avoiding German submarines which were patrolling the high seas.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2023
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6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 23, 2023
It had me at Bonjour !
I loved this book; a captivating love story with action and adventure…it had me at Bonjour!
The love story between Elizabeth Matheson , from Montana, and Jean Louis Darblenet, from Paris, comes alive for the reader through their letters, diary entries and stories shared with family. I felt like I was right there with them during their love affair and adventures. The book provides an interesting view into the world of higher education in the 1930’s. You feel the passion and dedication both Elizabeth and Jean “ Johnny” felt for their profession and their students.
While visiting in Paris, WW2 broke out and they were unable to escape back to the United States. Elizabeth and Johnny’s remarkable journey is an inspiring tale of unwavering bravery and resilience, as they played a pivotal role in toppling an oppressive regime and rewriting history. The action and excitement keeps you on the edge of your seat and you feel as if you are there with them.
Highly recommend this amazing book; beautifully written and memorable!
Susan
I loved this book; a captivating love story with action and adventure…it had me at Bonjour!
The love story between Elizabeth Matheson , from Montana, and Jean Louis Darblenet, from Paris, comes alive for the reader through their letters, diary entries and stories shared with family. I felt like I was right there with them during their love affair and adventures. The book provides an interesting view into the world of higher education in the 1930’s. You feel the passion and dedication both Elizabeth and Jean “ Johnny” felt for their profession and their students.
While visiting in Paris, WW2 broke out and they were unable to escape back to the United States. Elizabeth and Johnny’s remarkable journey is an inspiring tale of unwavering bravery and resilience, as they played a pivotal role in toppling an oppressive regime and rewriting history. The action and excitement keeps you on the edge of your seat and you feel as if you are there with them.
Highly recommend this amazing book; beautifully written and memorable!
Susan
December 29, 2024
A lovely and well written story. Very enjoyable b
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews