Telling Lies

by Tricia Glensor

When a French family decide to hide a downed Kiwi airman and smuggle him to safety, the only way that he and they can survive is to weave a web of lies Set in 1942 in occupied France, tELLING LIES is the story of a 15-year-old girl, Simone, whose family are supporters of the Resistance. Simone finds herself taking an active part in helping a New Zealand airman who has parachuted out of his crippled RAF bomber near their farm. this tale of what it was like to live in occupied France evokes the varying moods of the times paranoia, fear, defiance, betrayal, split loyalties, nostalgia for simpler times, hardship, quick thinking ... Against this beautifully evoked backdrop of time and place - and consideration of the issues that people of all ages had to face - is a thrilling adventure whose twists and turns hold you in thrall. tricia was inspired to write the book by a trip to France in 2008, when she met Monique Fillerin, the last surviving member of the legendary Fillerin family, who sheltered her father in 1942 and helped him escape back to England. While tELLING LIES is fictional, it draws on some of her father's experiences as he recorded them in his diary. 10+

Genres: World War II

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Adele Broadbent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of 15 yr old Simone in 1942. Her family are part of the French Resistance, and when she finds a NZ airman on their farm, they all step in to help.

This is a thrilling story, with heart stopping moments along the way. It's also a great way to see what it was like being part of the Resistance in France during the war. Fear, Hope, Defiance and Bravery are all necessary to help this airman escape the Nazi's.

Telling Lies was written after the author visited France to meet the last of a family who helped her father during the war.

Great Kiwi Fiction.

[G Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me think about how morals are what shape a person. How people should always follow their values and beliefs no matter what and how bravery is an honourable characteristic to have. Simone, the main character in the novel ‘Telling lies’, knew what to do when she came across an allied soldier. She doesn’t think twice about the danger, not out of recklessness, but because she knows it's the right thing to do. ‘My father will help you,’ she said. ‘But you mustn't come to the house yet.’ She turned to Bernard. ‘Run and get papa. I'll take him to the barn. Bring some bread, water and cheese. But don’t let anyone see you carrying it. Put it in a bucket or something. And don’t let anyone see you.’ This quote shows the severity of the situation because they have to be extremely secretive about it. In this case, Simone’s family is keeping something to protect themselves as well as the allied soldier. Their act of kindness not only shows morality and integrity, but also defiance. Defiance against tyrannical authority has taken control and shown it in a way that may not directly inflict the authority but still makes a difference. To rebel in a way that harms an enemy but still puts you at risk, and a risk you're willing to take if you are willing to stand by your morals. The writer’s purpose in this novel is to show that you are always part of a bigger picture. That no matter your age, gender or status, you can make a difference and help those who you support. The novel shows us that those who were in France when it was taken over by the Nazi’s did not support their new leadership. Many wanted to do something that would help contribute towards their freedom, even though there would be consequences if they were caught in the act. When Simone's mother stood by her father no matter what, she showed true bravery and loyalty: “Maman lifted her head. Her eyes were blazing with anger. ‘How dare you say that to me, Jules? You know I've never questioned what we have to do. Never” Fear is often what controls people's actions and beliefs. Fear of harm, fear of being shunned if you disagree or even feared if you have different beliefs. It controls people in a way that makes them want to change, to feel safe, liked or accepted, but that is what makes it an unsafe feeling. It makes people want to change, to take back what they have done or how they think. Feelings and opinions control people's actions and can have both good and bad outcomes. This is what drove the Nazis to do the things they did because it is what they believed was right. They just believed in something that brought great harm upon innocent people. We’ll never know whether people blindly followed a convincing leader or if they just followed out of fear of being different, outcasted or harmed. Those who followed out of fear disregarded their values and followed a despotic authority that they knew was causing harm. This is what makes those who stood up for what they believed in, in a time of war and destruction, remarkably brave.

[Chloe Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its set in the second world war (WW2). A young girl called Simone lives with her family in Germany. However, one morning, Simones younger brother, Bernard, saw a plane flying. Surprised, he went over to Simone and woke her up. Simone did not believe this until she was walking in the forest with Bernard and saw a limping, injured man. He was a New Zealander that just survived from a plane crash. Simones family helps him, risking all their lives to get the New Zealander back to his home.

I could relate to Simone (the main character) because she really wants to help people and hide secrets that are suspicious and mysterious. Simone is thirteen years old, which I am so its easier to relate. She loves going on dangerous and risky missions just to help a person that desperately needs help. Also, she keeps secrets to herself that makes her feel uncomfortable but still tells her parents when she needs to.

One of the important relationships in the book was love between everyone. Paul, the New Zealander, was polite and very patient. He valued his helpers very highly and did what they asked him to do. I thought this was important because, if he did not do this, Simones family wouldn’t of been to happy about helping Paul get back to New Zealand. They loved each other that built each others relationship.

One of the things that the book made me think about was no matter which country you are from, everyones the same. What this means is that all people are humans and they are the same even if one has greater power than one. For example, in the book, it shows that Simones family help Paul even if they could of sold him as a prisoner and received lots of money. It shows that Simones family had the power to do anything but the family helps one another and in this situation it was Paul. Humans are supposed to help each other and this shows in this book.

I LOVED this book because my favourite type of book is about WW2, about Nazis and Jews. This book was emotional and enticing and made me read more and more of the book. It has a very intense story base line.

I would definitely recommend this to my friends if they enjoy reading novels based on WW2. If not, i would not recommend it because they will get bored through the book.

[Lorraine Orman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ignore the very subdued cover - this historical novel paints an absorbing picture of life in German-occupied France during World War II. Fifteen-year-old Simone risks her own life and liberty to help an injured New Zealand airman find his way across the country to safety.

[Gillian Torckler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here is my published book review:
http://booksellersnz.wordpress.com/20...

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

well written story - I enjoy these war theme books

[Katelyn Kershaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

good it was short and it is more confusing in the last chapter but I still loved it :)

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!! Brilliant read. Really tugs at your heart :')