What do you think?
Rate this book
Gardens of Stone: My Boyhood in the French Resistance
1st edn 2nd printing. 8vo. Original silver lettered black cloth (Fine), dustwrapper (Fine, not price clipped). Pp. 431, illus with b&w plates and maps (no inscriptions).
431 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2013
13 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 26, 2017
Let me be very clear. I rate a book's written content separately from the narrator’s performance of the audiobook. It is certainly possible to separate the two. I do not want people to think I disliked this book because of its poor narration. I disliked both the audiobook's narration and the book's written content. I will explain what I disliked about each.
Content :
The author is writing about his participation in the French Resistance and also why he came to join the partisans. The telling moves forward in strict chronological order, each chapter’s title a date indicating when the chapter's events occurred. The first being July 7, 1930 and the last September 8, 1944. There follows one more chapter dated November 23, 1979, which speaks of a commemoration, thirty-six year later. There is also a short introduction and conclusion where the author speaks to us as an old man from the year 2012.
Stephen Grady’s mother was French and his father English. The family lived in Nieppe, France, near Ypres, very close to the Belgium border. Employed by the Imperial War Graves Commission, his father tended the graves of the British soldiers killed in the First World War. His father was British through and through, and raised his son to feel British. His father, having lived in France for twenty years had only a rudimentary knowledge of French. Stephen was bilingual. This introductory information I found interesting, but then begins the actual story.
Stephen was fourteen at the beginning of the war. This is his story. He was young and he was naïve and he was gung-ho for a fight. He was straining at the bit to fight in the war. The whole story reads as an exciting adventure tale of boys playing games, scarcely aware of the consequences their actions would have on others. If you are looking for an exciting tale detailing imprisonment in jail for reckless sabotage, detonation of bombs, blowing up of rail lines, questioning of downed pilots and even the killing of unarmed men, this may suit you better than it did me. Some might say that swearing and sexual encounters are included to add authenticity. For me, the writing glorifies war and depicts it as a boy’s game. We are to feel suspense, excitement and spurts of adrenalin, rather than the gravity of war.
I cannot appreciate a book that glorifies war.
There is no explanation of why two authors are listed on the audiobook. My guess is that Michael Wright has written Stephen Grady’s story. I am fine with those who realize that while they may have an interesting story to tell they lack the ability to put it in words, and so hire another to write it for them. Yet, this should have been clarified. In any case, I personally do not appreciate the manner in which the story is told. I find the language simplistic, the humor crude and the events drawn without nuance. I even question some of the details. Did Stephen have
Audiobook performance :
The introduction and conclusion are read by Luke Thompson. They are too short to remark upon, except to say that the intonation is that of an elderly man. The central portion is read by Gordon Griffin. French, English and American accents are accurately rendered, but the reading is so over-dramatized that it drove me absolutely nuts. I have given the narration one star for this reason.
Summary :
I recommend this book to no one. I certainly would not put it in the hands of a young teenage boy looking for an exciting story. War should not be glorified.
Content :
The author is writing about his participation in the French Resistance and also why he came to join the partisans. The telling moves forward in strict chronological order, each chapter’s title a date indicating when the chapter's events occurred. The first being July 7, 1930 and the last September 8, 1944. There follows one more chapter dated November 23, 1979, which speaks of a commemoration, thirty-six year later. There is also a short introduction and conclusion where the author speaks to us as an old man from the year 2012.
Stephen Grady’s mother was French and his father English. The family lived in Nieppe, France, near Ypres, very close to the Belgium border. Employed by the Imperial War Graves Commission, his father tended the graves of the British soldiers killed in the First World War. His father was British through and through, and raised his son to feel British. His father, having lived in France for twenty years had only a rudimentary knowledge of French. Stephen was bilingual. This introductory information I found interesting, but then begins the actual story.
Stephen was fourteen at the beginning of the war. This is his story. He was young and he was naïve and he was gung-ho for a fight. He was straining at the bit to fight in the war. The whole story reads as an exciting adventure tale of boys playing games, scarcely aware of the consequences their actions would have on others. If you are looking for an exciting tale detailing imprisonment in jail for reckless sabotage, detonation of bombs, blowing up of rail lines, questioning of downed pilots and even the killing of unarmed men, this may suit you better than it did me. Some might say that swearing and sexual encounters are included to add authenticity. For me, the writing glorifies war and depicts it as a boy’s game. We are to feel suspense, excitement and spurts of adrenalin, rather than the gravity of war.
I cannot appreciate a book that glorifies war.
There is no explanation of why two authors are listed on the audiobook. My guess is that Michael Wright has written Stephen Grady’s story. I am fine with those who realize that while they may have an interesting story to tell they lack the ability to put it in words, and so hire another to write it for them. Yet, this should have been clarified. In any case, I personally do not appreciate the manner in which the story is told. I find the language simplistic, the humor crude and the events drawn without nuance. I even question some of the details. Did Stephen have
Audiobook performance :
The introduction and conclusion are read by Luke Thompson. They are too short to remark upon, except to say that the intonation is that of an elderly man. The central portion is read by Gordon Griffin. French, English and American accents are accurately rendered, but the reading is so over-dramatized that it drove me absolutely nuts. I have given the narration one star for this reason.
Summary :
I recommend this book to no one. I certainly would not put it in the hands of a young teenage boy looking for an exciting story. War should not be glorified.
March 24, 2013
This is a page-turning World War II memoir that tells the story of a teenage boy fighting for the French Resistance. Stephen Grady was only 14 years old when the German army began advancing into Northern France. His father was English and tended the war graves, his mother was French and battling blindness, and their own adventures in the First World War seemed a lifetime ago. At first the German occupation was only a lark to Stephen. He and his friend Marcel thought it was an adventure to collect souvenirs from crashed Messerschmitts and strafed convoys. But the lark ended when they were caught red-handed, arrested and imprisoned, with the very real possibility of facing the firing squad.
When Stephen was finally released, only 16, he was recruited by the French Resistance. He was later awarded the Croix de Guerre and the American Medal of Freedom for his work.
This is a compelling coming-of-age read. The first part of his memoirs captures his family life, with the conflicting mix of English and French sensibilities, and the high jinks of two teenage boys involved in some very risky activities, but without any real realisation of the risks or consequences. This all changes after Stephen Grady is imprisoned and then the story is one of courage and daring in fighting the Germans – although some of his experiences still haunt him today. This memoir vividly brings to life the drama of the French Resistance’s work in the rural areas through youthful eyes. Stephen Grady has done a wonderful job telling his story from his young self’s point of view (although the memoir opens as him as an 86-year-old living in Greece.) Fascinating.
When Stephen was finally released, only 16, he was recruited by the French Resistance. He was later awarded the Croix de Guerre and the American Medal of Freedom for his work.
This is a compelling coming-of-age read. The first part of his memoirs captures his family life, with the conflicting mix of English and French sensibilities, and the high jinks of two teenage boys involved in some very risky activities, but without any real realisation of the risks or consequences. This all changes after Stephen Grady is imprisoned and then the story is one of courage and daring in fighting the Germans – although some of his experiences still haunt him today. This memoir vividly brings to life the drama of the French Resistance’s work in the rural areas through youthful eyes. Stephen Grady has done a wonderful job telling his story from his young self’s point of view (although the memoir opens as him as an 86-year-old living in Greece.) Fascinating.
May 5, 2015
Now that Stephen Grady will be 90 years old on the 30th of May 2015, I would like to thank him for his book, which I had the pleasure of receiving from him personally at his home in Greece just one month ago. (I got a tip to go to see him from a friend.) The book is a rare gem and reflects well the impression of Mr. Grady that I received: a man of immense silence, courage and freedom that can be sensed in meeting him as well as in the book.
There are many reviews that tell about the contents. What I find remarkable is the fearlessness he shows at the age of 14 - 17, which he himself calls "stupidity". A sense of humour is one of the threads running through the book.
The contradictions of the resistance activities and the drastic results they are causing to the civil population are also pointed out.
One remarkable activity through the life of Stephen Grady is his gardening; he inherited the job of looking after the gardens of Imperial War Commissions from his father. All through the war he looked after the lawns and flowers of these gardens. He surely received a lot of right kind of energy from this! He practically had his job in gardening until 1984, when he retired. But that surely was not the end of his gardening either.
There are many reviews that tell about the contents. What I find remarkable is the fearlessness he shows at the age of 14 - 17, which he himself calls "stupidity". A sense of humour is one of the threads running through the book.
The contradictions of the resistance activities and the drastic results they are causing to the civil population are also pointed out.
One remarkable activity through the life of Stephen Grady is his gardening; he inherited the job of looking after the gardens of Imperial War Commissions from his father. All through the war he looked after the lawns and flowers of these gardens. He surely received a lot of right kind of energy from this! He practically had his job in gardening until 1984, when he retired. But that surely was not the end of his gardening either.
September 15, 2014
As a researcher and writer of WWII resistance novels, over the years I have come across many incredible stories. I first heard Stephen's story in a TV interview he did some years back for a documentary. I was struck by his recollections of the recklessness of youth in very dangerous times. His story partly inspired one of my characters in the fourth book of my Special Operations series - Dead or Alive, set in wartime France. This book is one of my all time favourites.
February 18, 2017
Gardens of Stone: My Boyhood in the French Resistance
by Stephen Grady
Synopsis
September 1939, Nieppe, Northern France. 14-year-old Stephen is living with his family. Stephen and his friend Marcel collect souvenirs from strafed convoys and crashed Messerschmitts. Then they are arrested and imprisoned for sabotage and threatened with deportation or the firing squad. Upon his release, and still only 16, Stephen is recruited by the French Resistance. This is his story.
Review
I read this book several years ago and reread it again recently, because its simply that good. Its an enthralling read, vividly descriptive of life in Northern France under German occupation duting the Second World War.
Stephen Grady's British father had fought in the trenches in WW1 and stayed in France after the war, after falling in love and marrying Stephen's mother. He worked for the IWGC, looking after the graves of english soldiers who had died fughting in France during WW1.
Stephen vividly recounts how his simple and joyious boyhood was changed forever. Stephens' boyhood pranks and adventurous nature soon lead him into acts of vandalism and sabotage against the Germans and his eventual membership of a local Resistance group.
This is an honest poignant self-aware look of life in a little village, of shot-down airmen hiding in attics, no food, collaborators being shot and an amazing portrayal of a young boy who plotted and fought against all odds and suevived.
by Stephen Grady
Synopsis
September 1939, Nieppe, Northern France. 14-year-old Stephen is living with his family. Stephen and his friend Marcel collect souvenirs from strafed convoys and crashed Messerschmitts. Then they are arrested and imprisoned for sabotage and threatened with deportation or the firing squad. Upon his release, and still only 16, Stephen is recruited by the French Resistance. This is his story.
Review
I read this book several years ago and reread it again recently, because its simply that good. Its an enthralling read, vividly descriptive of life in Northern France under German occupation duting the Second World War.
Stephen Grady's British father had fought in the trenches in WW1 and stayed in France after the war, after falling in love and marrying Stephen's mother. He worked for the IWGC, looking after the graves of english soldiers who had died fughting in France during WW1.
Stephen vividly recounts how his simple and joyious boyhood was changed forever. Stephens' boyhood pranks and adventurous nature soon lead him into acts of vandalism and sabotage against the Germans and his eventual membership of a local Resistance group.
This is an honest poignant self-aware look of life in a little village, of shot-down airmen hiding in attics, no food, collaborators being shot and an amazing portrayal of a young boy who plotted and fought against all odds and suevived.
November 9, 2014
This is one excellent book.
Prepare now for a life-changing read.
It’s a memoir of a humble, heroic and, I guess, self-effacing man who was part of the French Resistance when he was still in his teens. (Anyone who could be part of the Resistance in France during World War II was truly brave.)
I happened to read this while on holiday there.
Glimpses of the country as it was then still exist, and memorials to many souls who died for their cause are dotted throughout the countryside; so I suppose this book had an added resonance for me.
It’s rare to find a memoir which carries you along as if it were a novel, but the combination of the writing of Michael Wright and the experiences of Stephen Grady ensure that those pages keep turning. Not only that but, more importantly, they also leave you with a real understanding of what the people of France went through.
Thank you to the people who ensured that Stephen Grady’s story got told.
And thank you to Michael Wright for his sensitive treatment. (And for the inspiration he gave to this lowly middle-grade writer.)
Prepare now for a life-changing read.
It’s a memoir of a humble, heroic and, I guess, self-effacing man who was part of the French Resistance when he was still in his teens. (Anyone who could be part of the Resistance in France during World War II was truly brave.)
I happened to read this while on holiday there.
Glimpses of the country as it was then still exist, and memorials to many souls who died for their cause are dotted throughout the countryside; so I suppose this book had an added resonance for me.
It’s rare to find a memoir which carries you along as if it were a novel, but the combination of the writing of Michael Wright and the experiences of Stephen Grady ensure that those pages keep turning. Not only that but, more importantly, they also leave you with a real understanding of what the people of France went through.
Thank you to the people who ensured that Stephen Grady’s story got told.
And thank you to Michael Wright for his sensitive treatment. (And for the inspiration he gave to this lowly middle-grade writer.)
September 23, 2016
This is a very good book which I could not put it down. It's a book that describes very well what life was like in the Occupied France, in North of France. It depicts the frustration of civilians who could not do anything to resist or fight the German, it shows their courage and determination. It shows also the absurdity of war in it's daily grind: men to men. It reminds us of a time where people had nothing, yet, there were still differences between rich and poor. It explains to me more why people had this so strong run of silence. A time when you could not trust any body, not even your family, and that the least you said, the better it was. It helps me understand the youth of my parents who lived in those times and in this very same place. It's very well written. I strongly recommend it if you are interested in this era.
March 10, 2014
Once you get past the slow start this is an excellent "True" account of the life of a young French boy in the resistance in France during WW2. I say "true" as it is a memoir written when Mr Grady was an old man so some allowances have to be made. I read it in one sitting, simply couldn't put it down. I love books set in WW2 both fiction and non fiction. I particularly enjoyed the fact that Stephen didn't turn into a blood thirsty revenge hungry idiot at the end of the war. It was extremely realistic, sad and uplifting. Some real heros too, not only the SOE agents but people like Mr Grady who couldnt stand by and let the Nazis win.
Excellent read.
Excellent read.
February 15, 2017
Extraordinary story of a young boy living in occupied France during WW2 and how he became a key figure in the local resistance. It's an incredible story and Michael Wright has done a fantastic job in bringing it to life.
March 17, 2017
A book that's difficult to put down. An engrossing account of the authors time in the French resistance from the age of 16. It gives a real insight into how it was to live under Nazi occupation, and the things Stephen saw and did which haunted him all his life.
A great read.
A great read.
March 23, 2020
A beautiful retelling of one young lads actions within the French resistance. The bravery he showed to thwart the enemy was remarkable. The fear and poverty experienced by the people I hope we will never know again.
August 12, 2017
Extraordinary story! I loved this book.
May 4, 2025
With the writer being Michael Wright and the topic the SOE, I was bound to like this book. It was far more than like, I found this read moving, interesting, humbling and exciting all rolled into one. I am astounded by the heroism and patriotism shown by the residents of occupied countries in WW1 and WW2 and often wonder how I would have reacted had I been in their position. In an odd way I possibly link the strife of the French children to the adventures that I read as a child myself, such as the Famous Five and Smiley, but in the case of the former with potentially tragic consequences.
I really like the way Michael Wright describes situations and develops characters. It really seems to gel with me.
I was genuinely sad when I finished the book. My sadness was the consequence of a number of issues. I wanted the book to carry on; I felt sorry for the sadness that was still apparent in Stephen Grady’s life; inevitably I felt sorry for all the people that Stephen knew that had perished and I wished that there had been greater happiness in life personally for Stephen. Perhaps this was the case, but it was outside the scope of this book.
I would rate this book as one of the most enjoyable reads of my recent past. I was emotionally and imaginatively drawn into the text and would urge anyone who enjoys WW2 or the SOE to obtain a copy.
I really like the way Michael Wright describes situations and develops characters. It really seems to gel with me.
I was genuinely sad when I finished the book. My sadness was the consequence of a number of issues. I wanted the book to carry on; I felt sorry for the sadness that was still apparent in Stephen Grady’s life; inevitably I felt sorry for all the people that Stephen knew that had perished and I wished that there had been greater happiness in life personally for Stephen. Perhaps this was the case, but it was outside the scope of this book.
I would rate this book as one of the most enjoyable reads of my recent past. I was emotionally and imaginatively drawn into the text and would urge anyone who enjoys WW2 or the SOE to obtain a copy.
February 5, 2018
I read a great deal of historical fiction and some fact about the world wars, almost all written about England and the English. However, I feel my reading is such a narrow view as the wars hit other nations of Europe and Asia in such intense, perhaps very different, and horrible ways. These histories are equally ghastly and troubling.
Finally I have started to find books about the experience of those dreadful years for inhabitants of other countries. This is one of them. Grady had a great deal of help from a co-writer but I do not find that that takes away from the narration. This is still a powerful and wholly realistic telling of the horrible events and circumstances experienced by this young man and his community in WWII. I recommend it without question.
Some other terrific titles are: Garden of Evening Mists - Malayan experience of Japanese invasion- and same writer's other book, 'something Rain'; 'All The Light We Cannot See', a brilliant story but written by an American so it doesn't quite have the 'personal experience' quality I seek; The Wine of Solitude-Russia & Paris during WWI; various titles about personal experiences in Japanese Internment camps in SE Asia.
All very powerful and thought provoking. They remind us throughout that ALL the atrocities of WWII were not committed by the Nazis.
Finally I have started to find books about the experience of those dreadful years for inhabitants of other countries. This is one of them. Grady had a great deal of help from a co-writer but I do not find that that takes away from the narration. This is still a powerful and wholly realistic telling of the horrible events and circumstances experienced by this young man and his community in WWII. I recommend it without question.
Some other terrific titles are: Garden of Evening Mists - Malayan experience of Japanese invasion- and same writer's other book, 'something Rain'; 'All The Light We Cannot See', a brilliant story but written by an American so it doesn't quite have the 'personal experience' quality I seek; The Wine of Solitude-Russia & Paris during WWI; various titles about personal experiences in Japanese Internment camps in SE Asia.
All very powerful and thought provoking. They remind us throughout that ALL the atrocities of WWII were not committed by the Nazis.
June 30, 2018
I found this an excellent account of a young boy's experience in the resistance to the occupation of France by the Germans. Two things puzzled me though. The first was his references to the 'Vichy Police' (does he mean the Milice?). As he is based around Nieppe in the far North near the Belgian Border this was in the Occupied Zone nowhere near Vichy so I don't know what the 'Vichy Police' were doing up there. The second was around Capitaine Michel (Michael Trotobas of the SOE) who was always disguised in the uniform of the 'Vichy Police' and his visit to the author's father. I found that a bit contrived and wonder if it actually happened.
July 26, 2020
I liked the way that this was written like a fictional novel. It made it both more enjoyable and more memorable than a traditional non-fiction text. The writing was fluid and entertaining. Characters were easy to remember and reminders are littered throughout in case you forget. It's well-researched on top of everything. Definitely one of the best non-fiction literature I've read so far.
January 17, 2021
Really enjoyed this - a very different take on the war experience from other books I have read. You could see the author grow through his experiences and feel he could make a difference in very trying circumstances, as well as discussing the moral issues over some of the thigs he had to do and accept the consequences for his beliefs.
Recommend this - very good.
Recommend this - very good.
November 1, 2019
I thought this was an excellent book and would recommend it to anyone interested in an insight to life in the French Resistance.
January 7, 2021
Picturesque, unapologetic, unique.
March 15, 2017
Against all odds
Should anyone forget how the Germans behaved during both world wars should read this book. Thank goodness not everyone gives up.
Should anyone forget how the Germans behaved during both world wars should read this book. Thank goodness not everyone gives up.
August 26, 2015
Really interesting insight into life in occupied France, near the Belgian border, in WW2. Stephen Grady's British father had fought in the trenches in WW1, stayed in France after the war, married a French woman and worked for the IWGC. Stephen's account of the simple life in a rural French community in the 20s and 30s is fascinating and the disbelief that community feels when their region is plunged into war yet again is powerfully portrayed.
Stephens' boyhood pranks and adventurous nature soon lead him into acts of vandalism and sabotage against the Germans and his eventual membership of a local Resistance group. An extraordinary and moving story.
Stephens' boyhood pranks and adventurous nature soon lead him into acts of vandalism and sabotage against the Germans and his eventual membership of a local Resistance group. An extraordinary and moving story.
January 6, 2014
A different, thoughtful recollection of a Grady's time in WW II. Grady allows us to see the uncertainty of the time, we often forget the decisions made, were made without the benefit of our knowledge today. We know who won, we know when, we know the evil of Nazism, in France in 1939/40 it was far from certain and the choices were far less black & white. There are faults in it certainly but it was a refreshingly different view.
December 27, 2021
I read this book some years ago now but it remains one of my favourite all time reads. It is a real boy's own story which appears almost beyond belief but is a true story of a lad on the border of Belgium and France in wartime. Joining the resistance he leads a deadly and adventurous life as nothing more than a schoolboy. It is a ghost written book but that takes nothing away from this story. Highly Recommended!
May 25, 2014
Great book. I like history of ordinary people. THis is a boy with an English father and a french mother. He makes a desicion that brings along more decisions. His family is interesting in their neediness.
June 15, 2013
Fascinating read.
September 24, 2013
An incredibly compelling book. It left me feeling very reverent.
January 11, 2014
A remarkable true account of growing up in occupied France. Harrowing at times but exciting as you are drawn into resistance activities.
February 5, 2014
A most interesting perspective of life in France during the Second World War. It is a compelling read
November 4, 2015
Not bad. I think it could be like numerous other 'resistance' books. The difference being from the point of view of a Juvenile.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews