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Madeleine Toche #1
Cold Lonely Courage
Madeleine Toche races to the front only to find her brother mortally wounded during the German Blitzkrieg attack on France at the outset of World War II. His death and her rape at the hands of an SS Stormtrooper cast Madeleine down a path of death and violence as her desire for revenge reaches a crescendo.
Cold Lonely Courage was inspired by the true story of a young Belgian woman who helped countless Jewish children escape from the terrors of the Nazi regime.
Cold Lonely Courage was inspired by the true story of a young Belgian woman who helped countless Jewish children escape from the terrors of the Nazi regime.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2009
About the author
Soren Paul Petrek
10 books47 followers.
Saga Egmont Lindhatrdt & Ringhof, the EU's largest digital publisher, publishes the Madeleine Toche Series as audiobooks in French via Audible and others. The author's works have been traditionally published in French, Italian, Danish, and English.
Cold Lonely Courage is a compelling tale of bravery and daring. Petrek creates powerful characters. The combination of fine storytelling and people you care about will suck you in from page one and glue you to the book through to its climactic ending. – James Thompson
James Thompson is the author of the celebrated Inspector Vaara series, Putnam Adult - Edward, Anthony and Strand Critics Awards Nominee.
Award-Winning Novel, Best Fiction ~ Fade-In Magazine.
"Overall, this heroine belongs on the big screen." ~ The New York Journal of Books
"If you like strong heroines, you'll love Madeleine Toche." ~ Mary Ann Grossmann, Book Editor of the St. Paul Pioneer Press
"This is a superb story from talented debut author Soren Paul Petrek." ~ The Book Connection.
Cold Lonely Courage was selected as an Honorable Mention in The Book Connection's Top 10 books of 2011.
The Kindle Book Review says: Cold Lonely Courage by Soren Petrek, a Detailed and Impressive Debut Novel
Borough of Books says: I couldn't put this book down. It's so very different from what I usually read, but it hooked me right from the start.
Rundpinne Book Review says: Cold Lonely Courage by Soren Paul Petrek is an exceptional work of fiction.
Saga Egmont Lindhatrdt & Ringhof, the EU's largest digital publisher, publishes the Madeleine Toche Series as audiobooks in French via Audible and others. The author's works have been traditionally published in French, Italian, Danish, and English.
Cold Lonely Courage is a compelling tale of bravery and daring. Petrek creates powerful characters. The combination of fine storytelling and people you care about will suck you in from page one and glue you to the book through to its climactic ending. – James Thompson
James Thompson is the author of the celebrated Inspector Vaara series, Putnam Adult - Edward, Anthony and Strand Critics Awards Nominee.
Award-Winning Novel, Best Fiction ~ Fade-In Magazine.
"Overall, this heroine belongs on the big screen." ~ The New York Journal of Books
"If you like strong heroines, you'll love Madeleine Toche." ~ Mary Ann Grossmann, Book Editor of the St. Paul Pioneer Press
"This is a superb story from talented debut author Soren Paul Petrek." ~ The Book Connection.
Cold Lonely Courage was selected as an Honorable Mention in The Book Connection's Top 10 books of 2011.
The Kindle Book Review says: Cold Lonely Courage by Soren Petrek, a Detailed and Impressive Debut Novel
Borough of Books says: I couldn't put this book down. It's so very different from what I usually read, but it hooked me right from the start.
Rundpinne Book Review says: Cold Lonely Courage by Soren Paul Petrek is an exceptional work of fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
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April 10, 2019I read this book in paperback. What attracted my attention was a woman on the front. This story is a well written work of fiction. Hard to believe that Cold Lonely Courage is a first novel by Soren Paul
petrek. I always like to know how an author comes up with idea for their novel, and what inspired them to write their novel. Soren Paul Petrek was inspired by the true story of a young Belgian woman who helped countless of Jewish children escape from the terrors of the Nazi regime. No question about it this story of Cold Lonely Courage touched my heart in this fictional story about World War 11. I really felt sorry for the main character Madeleine Touché when she has to visit her brother, Yves, in hospital through being injured during the German Blitzkrieg attack on France. The saddest part that made me cry, Yves died in her arms, now Madeleine has to find a way to tell her parents. Anyone who likes reading fiction novels about war will want this book proudly on their to read list.
petrek. I always like to know how an author comes up with idea for their novel, and what inspired them to write their novel. Soren Paul Petrek was inspired by the true story of a young Belgian woman who helped countless of Jewish children escape from the terrors of the Nazi regime. No question about it this story of Cold Lonely Courage touched my heart in this fictional story about World War 11. I really felt sorry for the main character Madeleine Touché when she has to visit her brother, Yves, in hospital through being injured during the German Blitzkrieg attack on France. The saddest part that made me cry, Yves died in her arms, now Madeleine has to find a way to tell her parents. Anyone who likes reading fiction novels about war will want this book proudly on their to read list.
February 6, 2012
Mon Dieu! This was the best book! I could not put it down. Thankfully the cold rain and warm fire made it possible for me to read through it in a day. The strength of the story lies in the main characters; Teach and Madeleine against the backdrop of WWII. Throughout the book, the author introduces a number of characters. At one point I longed for more character development of these bit players but Soren expertly weaves the players into the story bringing it to a most satisfying finish.
One of the most impressive pieces of the book was the dialogue. Many of the lines were on par with the famous Dirty Harry line, "you gotta ask yourself if you feel lucky. well do ya punk?"
This book put into context many of the books I have read recently. They are fluff where this book is intense. They are predictable where this book is thrilling!
One of the most impressive pieces of the book was the dialogue. Many of the lines were on par with the famous Dirty Harry line, "you gotta ask yourself if you feel lucky. well do ya punk?"
This book put into context many of the books I have read recently. They are fluff where this book is intense. They are predictable where this book is thrilling!
October 23, 2020
Recensione sul blog Opinioni Librose: https://opinionilibrose.blogspot.com/...
Lettura personale.
Lettura personale.
August 16, 2010
When I first started reading Cold Lonely Courage, I was tempted to put it down and not pick it back up. The prose was choppy and didn't flow very well, and that's not even taking into account the copious grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. But, because I had agreed to review it, I decided to push past that and get the book read. Thankfully, it improved significantly.
The plot itself, from start to finish, is good. I think the execution leaves much to be desired – especially in the first quarter (or so) of the book. The further I got into the book, the better the narrative seemed to flow, although I'm not sure how much of that was just me adjusting to the writing. There were still copious grammar, punctuation, etc. errors that the editor in me cannot ignore. Unfortunately, that compelled me to give this book a lower rating, as errors like that are distracting and frustrating. I think this book would have been better had the use of the English language been significantly improved.
Another point of frustration for me was that transitions are quite poorly handled. Rather, there weren’t transitions, but just abrupt changes. For a few paragraphs, we'd be seeing what's going on with Madeleine, and abruptly a paragraph would be talking about John Trunce, an American soldier. These poorly handled transitions were confusing at times, and created more distraction from the plot. Something as simple as extra space between the last paragraph about Madeleine and the first about John would suffice. It is a device used in many, many books to denote change of scene, change of perspective, or something else that doesn’t merit a new chapter. Some books have just extra space, others put squiggles, stars, or other graphics between the sections within a chapter. Something like that is needed in Cold Lonely Courage.
Despite poor copy editing and transition issues, I did find the plot interesting. I found myself wondering how much of this is based on real events in occupied France during World War II. It actually made me want to learn history – which is a feat in and of itself. Anyway, I think that, if the issues detailed above were resolved, this would be a very good read!
The plot itself, from start to finish, is good. I think the execution leaves much to be desired – especially in the first quarter (or so) of the book. The further I got into the book, the better the narrative seemed to flow, although I'm not sure how much of that was just me adjusting to the writing. There were still copious grammar, punctuation, etc. errors that the editor in me cannot ignore. Unfortunately, that compelled me to give this book a lower rating, as errors like that are distracting and frustrating. I think this book would have been better had the use of the English language been significantly improved.
Another point of frustration for me was that transitions are quite poorly handled. Rather, there weren’t transitions, but just abrupt changes. For a few paragraphs, we'd be seeing what's going on with Madeleine, and abruptly a paragraph would be talking about John Trunce, an American soldier. These poorly handled transitions were confusing at times, and created more distraction from the plot. Something as simple as extra space between the last paragraph about Madeleine and the first about John would suffice. It is a device used in many, many books to denote change of scene, change of perspective, or something else that doesn’t merit a new chapter. Some books have just extra space, others put squiggles, stars, or other graphics between the sections within a chapter. Something like that is needed in Cold Lonely Courage.
Despite poor copy editing and transition issues, I did find the plot interesting. I found myself wondering how much of this is based on real events in occupied France during World War II. It actually made me want to learn history – which is a feat in and of itself. Anyway, I think that, if the issues detailed above were resolved, this would be a very good read!
October 23, 2020
Recensione per il blog opinioni librose https://opinionilibrose.blogspot.com/...
May 26, 2013
Armed Forces Day was on May 18 and during this week following; we celebrate the men and women who are currently serving in the military. It is only natural that we also reflect on those military who served in World War II pushing the Nazi German Army back from its occupation of France. “Cold Lonely Courage” by Soren Paul Petrek is a fictional story and based upon fact. This book is the debut novel that has received several awards for stylistic writing, characters that are lifelike, and a story needing conveyance again.
Main character is hero Madeleine Touch a French woman who serves the British secret service because she had killed without hesitation previously! She was the victim of a brutal rape by SS occupiers of her town. Ashamed in telling her father about this she was able to vindicate herself by learning how to use a gun and killing her main protagonist, a Nazi officer. In addition, her want to avenge the death of her brother shot in the first days of the Nazi occupation.
Madeleine used resistance connection to escape capture in her hometown and fleeing to England, she found herself as a new recruit in the British Intelligence force. Training for her was difficult, but she mastered all the techniques to kill by knife, gun, or her bare hands! As an outstanding member of the newly organized force, she received specialized training in anticipation of her return to France to carry out missions.
Upon her return, Madeleine was on her own given instructions as to what assignment for assassination she was to do next via wireless transmission from England. With British High Command’s guidance, she assassinated Nazi SS officers and other troops who got in way of her sanctioned killing spree that lasted throughout the war. Toward the end of the war, her famous killings put her on the Gestopos most wanted list.
Toward the end of the fighting in France, when the allied troops were invading, Madeleine had an assignment to kill a high-ranking officer in the SS who was directing the defensive actions taken by the Germans. She roved from the German lines to the allied lines and ably completed her task from afar with a sniper rifle that she had acquired.
What is extremely interesting at this point of the book is that the officer she shot was the one who had ordered the massacre of the entire town of Oradour. Men of this town were herded into a barn, shot, and then their bodies burned. The women and children were locked into the town’s church and all died as they were burned alive! Additionally, this same officer ordered the entire town to be set afire. Only five boys survived the barn atrocity and one woman from the church. These living legends, the burned out buildings, and monuments tell the stark story. However, naming members of the SS in this book as characters and their roles described is very fitting. Each of their death sentences commuted in 1953 set them free. Surviving residents of Oradour constructed their own monument to remember those lost.
This five star book is worth reading so that we can remember those participating in the resistance and secret service of wars gone by. Their roles keep the spirit of freedom alive, just as the brave men and women serving on active duty do today.
Main character is hero Madeleine Touch a French woman who serves the British secret service because she had killed without hesitation previously! She was the victim of a brutal rape by SS occupiers of her town. Ashamed in telling her father about this she was able to vindicate herself by learning how to use a gun and killing her main protagonist, a Nazi officer. In addition, her want to avenge the death of her brother shot in the first days of the Nazi occupation.
Madeleine used resistance connection to escape capture in her hometown and fleeing to England, she found herself as a new recruit in the British Intelligence force. Training for her was difficult, but she mastered all the techniques to kill by knife, gun, or her bare hands! As an outstanding member of the newly organized force, she received specialized training in anticipation of her return to France to carry out missions.
Upon her return, Madeleine was on her own given instructions as to what assignment for assassination she was to do next via wireless transmission from England. With British High Command’s guidance, she assassinated Nazi SS officers and other troops who got in way of her sanctioned killing spree that lasted throughout the war. Toward the end of the war, her famous killings put her on the Gestopos most wanted list.
Toward the end of the fighting in France, when the allied troops were invading, Madeleine had an assignment to kill a high-ranking officer in the SS who was directing the defensive actions taken by the Germans. She roved from the German lines to the allied lines and ably completed her task from afar with a sniper rifle that she had acquired.
What is extremely interesting at this point of the book is that the officer she shot was the one who had ordered the massacre of the entire town of Oradour. Men of this town were herded into a barn, shot, and then their bodies burned. The women and children were locked into the town’s church and all died as they were burned alive! Additionally, this same officer ordered the entire town to be set afire. Only five boys survived the barn atrocity and one woman from the church. These living legends, the burned out buildings, and monuments tell the stark story. However, naming members of the SS in this book as characters and their roles described is very fitting. Each of their death sentences commuted in 1953 set them free. Surviving residents of Oradour constructed their own monument to remember those lost.
This five star book is worth reading so that we can remember those participating in the resistance and secret service of wars gone by. Their roles keep the spirit of freedom alive, just as the brave men and women serving on active duty do today.
November 7, 2020
Il libro Cold Lonely Courage, tradotto un poco risicatamente con “Coraggio”, ha come scenario la seconda guerra mondiale; l’ambientazione principale è la Francia occupata, con squarci di scenari inglesi e russi che sono utili a inserire i fatti storici reali, collegare le azioni della nostra eroina e farci conoscere anche tutti i coprotagonisti e i loro diversi ruoli e azioni.
Molti personaggi ma decisamente non un libro corale: la protagonista è una sola, Madeleine.
Essere scoperti significava farsi sparare, Madeleine si offrì subito volontaria.
La storia si apre con una ragazza comune in tempi di guerra, ma non c’è nulla di ordinario nella guerra, e chi può dire cosa nasconde l’animo e la tempra delle persone prima di essere messe veramente alla prova? Madeleine infatti incorre in terribili circostanze, la morte dell’amato gemello, il peso della propria impotenza e ultimo scatenante evento, lo stupro che è costretta a subire.
Queste ferite sempre più profonde fanno emergere una vena di spietata, rabbiosa risolutezza, quindi giunta al bivio tra il continuare a subire e rimanere impotente o reagire con estrema determinatezza, non ha dubbi, sceglie l’azione, sceglie l’assassinio, seppur sia certa che presto o tardi ne pagherà il prezzo.
Madeleine diventa un’arma formidabile grazie all’addestramento di un tedesco tradito dalla sua stessa patria e quindi anch’esso assetato di furente vendetta. Già dopo pochi sanguinosissimi incarichi viene denominata L’ange de la morte.
La freddezza di questa femme fatale viene stemperata dall’amore nato “in trincea” con il capitano inglese Jack Teach e da quel commovente “grazie Papà” detto in delirio a un uomo, padre di figli morti.
Tutto sommato una bella storia, seppur non proprio di spionaggio duro e puro, senza intrighi articolati per ricavare segretissime informazioni. La protagonista e la sua lucida rabbia sono al servizio dell’intelligence anglosassone, lei si “limita” a portare a termine gli eventi efferati che le vengono assegnati tramite messaggi in codice su Radio Londra.
Molta azione e ben poca cospirazione, motivo per cui mi auguro che nel secondo capitolo (che mi piacerebbe leggere) la protagonista sia coinvolta meno in fatti di sangue e più in occulte macchinazioni.
«Capitano, sa perché le donne sono assassine così competenti?»
«No.»
«Perché hanno una rabbia maggiore rispetto agli uomini e sanno come usarla.
Recensione sul Blog Sogni Pensieri e Parole
Molti personaggi ma decisamente non un libro corale: la protagonista è una sola, Madeleine.
Essere scoperti significava farsi sparare, Madeleine si offrì subito volontaria.
La storia si apre con una ragazza comune in tempi di guerra, ma non c’è nulla di ordinario nella guerra, e chi può dire cosa nasconde l’animo e la tempra delle persone prima di essere messe veramente alla prova? Madeleine infatti incorre in terribili circostanze, la morte dell’amato gemello, il peso della propria impotenza e ultimo scatenante evento, lo stupro che è costretta a subire.
Queste ferite sempre più profonde fanno emergere una vena di spietata, rabbiosa risolutezza, quindi giunta al bivio tra il continuare a subire e rimanere impotente o reagire con estrema determinatezza, non ha dubbi, sceglie l’azione, sceglie l’assassinio, seppur sia certa che presto o tardi ne pagherà il prezzo.
Madeleine diventa un’arma formidabile grazie all’addestramento di un tedesco tradito dalla sua stessa patria e quindi anch’esso assetato di furente vendetta. Già dopo pochi sanguinosissimi incarichi viene denominata L’ange de la morte.
La freddezza di questa femme fatale viene stemperata dall’amore nato “in trincea” con il capitano inglese Jack Teach e da quel commovente “grazie Papà” detto in delirio a un uomo, padre di figli morti.
Tutto sommato una bella storia, seppur non proprio di spionaggio duro e puro, senza intrighi articolati per ricavare segretissime informazioni. La protagonista e la sua lucida rabbia sono al servizio dell’intelligence anglosassone, lei si “limita” a portare a termine gli eventi efferati che le vengono assegnati tramite messaggi in codice su Radio Londra.
Molta azione e ben poca cospirazione, motivo per cui mi auguro che nel secondo capitolo (che mi piacerebbe leggere) la protagonista sia coinvolta meno in fatti di sangue e più in occulte macchinazioni.
«Capitano, sa perché le donne sono assassine così competenti?»
«No.»
«Perché hanno una rabbia maggiore rispetto agli uomini e sanno come usarla.
Recensione sul Blog Sogni Pensieri e Parole
April 14, 2021
Non è giusto definirlo uccidere. “Assassinare” è la parola più corretta, ma tu sarai un’omicida. I tuoi obiettivi saranno indifesi, proprio come le persone che uccidono e torturano.
Recensione a cura del blog "La Libreria di Ale"
Blog | Instagram
Yves sarebbe dovuto tornare vivo e Madeleine Toche non sarebbe dovuta andare al fronte per recuperare il suo corpo, straziato a morte durante un attacco dei tedeschi contro la Francia.
Siamo all’inizio della Seconda Guerra Mondiale. L’aria è carica di morte in Europa, la Francia è sotto assedio e Madeleine sente sin dentro le viscere che non può arrendersi così facilmente. Non quando ha perso un fratello, non quando un soldato delle SS abusa di lei. Vuole liberare la Francia, vuole annientare i tedeschi, uno ad uno, affinché il suo odio e il suo dolore abbiano pace.
Si unisce alla Resistenza. Riesce a mettere in salvo gruppi di ebrei, gente indifesa e senza colpa. Salva bambini, salva madri e mariti. Ma non basta...Continua a leggere
Recensione a cura del blog "La Libreria di Ale"
Blog | Instagram
Yves sarebbe dovuto tornare vivo e Madeleine Toche non sarebbe dovuta andare al fronte per recuperare il suo corpo, straziato a morte durante un attacco dei tedeschi contro la Francia.
Siamo all’inizio della Seconda Guerra Mondiale. L’aria è carica di morte in Europa, la Francia è sotto assedio e Madeleine sente sin dentro le viscere che non può arrendersi così facilmente. Non quando ha perso un fratello, non quando un soldato delle SS abusa di lei. Vuole liberare la Francia, vuole annientare i tedeschi, uno ad uno, affinché il suo odio e il suo dolore abbiano pace.
Si unisce alla Resistenza. Riesce a mettere in salvo gruppi di ebrei, gente indifesa e senza colpa. Salva bambini, salva madri e mariti. Ma non basta...Continua a leggere
November 10, 2021
CLC is fast paced yet not unbearably so. The story is rooted in historical facts, making it very believable. There is a rape scene but it is dealt with clinically and plays an integral part of the main character's makeup. Cold Lonely Courage will appeal to many different readers. I hope Mr. Petrek will continue to write for years to come.
January 7, 2021
Terrific book
This was a tremendously good book. Fast reading, and interesting to the very end. I'm not one for war stories, but may be hooked into reading more of this type. I really enjoyed it. Could be good enough to be made into a movie.
This was a tremendously good book. Fast reading, and interesting to the very end. I'm not one for war stories, but may be hooked into reading more of this type. I really enjoyed it. Could be good enough to be made into a movie.
July 17, 2018
Good read
I have never been interested in war stories but, this changed that. I could not leave for long at time. A talented author.
I have never been interested in war stories but, this changed that. I could not leave for long at time. A talented author.
February 17, 2022
Bellissimo, una protagonista tosta e una serie di personaggi secondari notevoli. Non vedo l'ora di proseguire 😎
Read
April 17, 2018Well paced page turner with some really good historical references mixed in to give it a feeling of a true story. The author has a great sense of writing causing the reader to be invested in the people both good and bad. I truly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the more from this author.
May 31, 2014
Any reader of historical fiction knows that the facts have to be correct, and in this case, when the main character is a female assassin, you need to believe in the story. This is no easy task for any writer, yet here is an excellent example of how to weave a great fictional story into a real-life event.
The heroine is Madeleine Toche, and she becomes known throughout France as the Angel of Death. Yet, all she wants is a normal home life, with a husband, kids and to run the family restaurant in Provence. Instead, she is brutally raped by a German officer on her way back from the market. This horrific incident occurs shortly after the death of her twin brother, fighting for France in the war. With the added insult of German occupation in her beloved native land, these events fuel her hatred, compelling her to react in some way. And so, to exact her revenge, she flees France (having killed the German soldier who raped her) and heads for England with the aid of the French Resistance.
Determined to play her part, she is selected by the British Intelligence (SEO) to work for them in bringing down the Reich, and in particular the SS and Gestapo High Command. Her training is managed by Jack Teach, who recognises the killer instinct in her, whilst also succumbing to her charms as a woman. She is transformed into a lethal killing machine, using her beauty and physicality to gain access to her intended targets. As a femme fatale, she is a mixture of innocence and seduction. Her method is to play on the passions of men, while remaining level-headed and focused in the face of danger. It is a survival mentality.
My thoughts:
This particular period in history never fails to fascinate me. As a student of German at university, I studied the events running up to and during World War II in great detail, and the horrors still haunt me, yet there is still more to be learned, to understand and to never, ever forget. The atrocities of that time must be remembered if we are to avoid such vileness and terror in the future. This story does not hold back on the gory facts of the war, there is a lot of killing, much hatred and yet an indomitable human spirit somehow rises to the surface and triumphs.
The chapters are short, and the book is fast-paced. The characters cover the whole gamut of personality types, from the cruel and vindictive Nazi officers to the humorous and considerate police investigators, Horst & Willi, who prove the adage that not all Germans were evil warmongers. Some ‘bit-part’ characters are maybe not as developed as they could be, but the essence of each one is sufficiently defined to make the story believable.
The scenes centring on the massacre of the villagers of Oradour-sur-Glane truly hit the spot. Although there is no definitive evidence as to the reason for this attack by the German forces, the line adopted by the writer is very credible. I have visited this village, or rather what remains of it, near Limoges and the sensation of utter devastation and horror is still clear to this day. It is a haunting place, left in its destroyed form to act as a reminder to us of the true atrocities of war. When I chose this book I was not aware of the references to Oradour within the story, but the way the events are handled by the writer show great respect and sensitivity to those innocent people who lost their lives in the massacre. I guess that, for me, this made the whole storyline so much more believable.
Whilst they are a few typos and grammatical issues along the way, the pace of the story moves along with ease and you cannot fail to feel moved by the drama of the setting and the events of that time. It’s a thoroughly ‘enjoyable’ read, dealing with a period of recent history that is still raw for many and one that we will never fully comprehend, yet with a plot that lifts the spirits as the evildoers are wiped out and made to pay for their crimes.
I will definitely look out for other offerings by this author, given the skilful combination of history and fiction.
:)
The heroine is Madeleine Toche, and she becomes known throughout France as the Angel of Death. Yet, all she wants is a normal home life, with a husband, kids and to run the family restaurant in Provence. Instead, she is brutally raped by a German officer on her way back from the market. This horrific incident occurs shortly after the death of her twin brother, fighting for France in the war. With the added insult of German occupation in her beloved native land, these events fuel her hatred, compelling her to react in some way. And so, to exact her revenge, she flees France (having killed the German soldier who raped her) and heads for England with the aid of the French Resistance.
Determined to play her part, she is selected by the British Intelligence (SEO) to work for them in bringing down the Reich, and in particular the SS and Gestapo High Command. Her training is managed by Jack Teach, who recognises the killer instinct in her, whilst also succumbing to her charms as a woman. She is transformed into a lethal killing machine, using her beauty and physicality to gain access to her intended targets. As a femme fatale, she is a mixture of innocence and seduction. Her method is to play on the passions of men, while remaining level-headed and focused in the face of danger. It is a survival mentality.
My thoughts:
This particular period in history never fails to fascinate me. As a student of German at university, I studied the events running up to and during World War II in great detail, and the horrors still haunt me, yet there is still more to be learned, to understand and to never, ever forget. The atrocities of that time must be remembered if we are to avoid such vileness and terror in the future. This story does not hold back on the gory facts of the war, there is a lot of killing, much hatred and yet an indomitable human spirit somehow rises to the surface and triumphs.
The chapters are short, and the book is fast-paced. The characters cover the whole gamut of personality types, from the cruel and vindictive Nazi officers to the humorous and considerate police investigators, Horst & Willi, who prove the adage that not all Germans were evil warmongers. Some ‘bit-part’ characters are maybe not as developed as they could be, but the essence of each one is sufficiently defined to make the story believable.
The scenes centring on the massacre of the villagers of Oradour-sur-Glane truly hit the spot. Although there is no definitive evidence as to the reason for this attack by the German forces, the line adopted by the writer is very credible. I have visited this village, or rather what remains of it, near Limoges and the sensation of utter devastation and horror is still clear to this day. It is a haunting place, left in its destroyed form to act as a reminder to us of the true atrocities of war. When I chose this book I was not aware of the references to Oradour within the story, but the way the events are handled by the writer show great respect and sensitivity to those innocent people who lost their lives in the massacre. I guess that, for me, this made the whole storyline so much more believable.
Whilst they are a few typos and grammatical issues along the way, the pace of the story moves along with ease and you cannot fail to feel moved by the drama of the setting and the events of that time. It’s a thoroughly ‘enjoyable’ read, dealing with a period of recent history that is still raw for many and one that we will never fully comprehend, yet with a plot that lifts the spirits as the evildoers are wiped out and made to pay for their crimes.
I will definitely look out for other offerings by this author, given the skilful combination of history and fiction.
:)
October 23, 2020
Recensione a cura di Monica S.
Lettura privata - https://opinionilibrose.blogspot.com/...
Lettura privata - https://opinionilibrose.blogspot.com/...
May 25, 2021
•"Courage: Cold Lonely Courage" by Soren Paul Petrek is the first installment in the 'Madeleine Toche' Series. Cold Lonely Courage is a fictional story that took place during a real event - WWII starting in France as they are invaded quickly and easily by Germany.
•Book follows around Madeleine Touche who grew up in a village in Provence.
She used to work in her family restaurant. Everything in her life was going great until German invaded France.
•Madeline's brother was killed in war. The saddest part that made me cry, Yves died in her arms.
and She was brutally raped by a German officer. This horrific incident occurs shortly after the death of her brother.
•As the story moves forward, Madeleine kills the rapists with the help of her father and went to England to join the Churchill's Secret Army.
I am committed to no spoilers. So I won't say much. Go grab the book now and read the whole story!! The book has every element that make this a splendid read- action, drama, violence, twists, thrill and adventures
•Characters are characterized well.The characters are unique , well developed, strong and impactful. The plot is thrilling with a lots of twists and turns. The book will surely keep the readers on edge throughout the book.
•There's a lovely usage of words in the Novel and the story's visualisation keeps things fascinating, which let the readers live with the characters every moment. I admire Author's choice of this idea, and he also presented it with a unique storyline.
•The book is unputdownable. It's around 250 page long, and I finished reading it in just 2 sittings. Things become interesting as the story progresses. From the first page, you are drawn into the plot, and the Author keeps you there throughout the book.
Highly Recommended!!
•Book follows around Madeleine Touche who grew up in a village in Provence.
She used to work in her family restaurant. Everything in her life was going great until German invaded France.
•Madeline's brother was killed in war. The saddest part that made me cry, Yves died in her arms.
and She was brutally raped by a German officer. This horrific incident occurs shortly after the death of her brother.
•As the story moves forward, Madeleine kills the rapists with the help of her father and went to England to join the Churchill's Secret Army.
I am committed to no spoilers. So I won't say much. Go grab the book now and read the whole story!! The book has every element that make this a splendid read- action, drama, violence, twists, thrill and adventures
•Characters are characterized well.The characters are unique , well developed, strong and impactful. The plot is thrilling with a lots of twists and turns. The book will surely keep the readers on edge throughout the book.
•There's a lovely usage of words in the Novel and the story's visualisation keeps things fascinating, which let the readers live with the characters every moment. I admire Author's choice of this idea, and he also presented it with a unique storyline.
•The book is unputdownable. It's around 250 page long, and I finished reading it in just 2 sittings. Things become interesting as the story progresses. From the first page, you are drawn into the plot, and the Author keeps you there throughout the book.
Highly Recommended!!
September 16, 2025
Cold Lonely Courage by Soren Paul Petrek is a fictional historical war book about the Second World War, mainly told from the side of the German invasion of France and Russia. In the year 1940, Madeline Toche, a young French girl from the town of La Ciotat in France, has just lost her brother Yves to the frontline. She decided to do something in whatever way she can. At first, she helped Jewish children escape the country, but wishing to do more and triggered by her unpleasant encounter with SS Hirschman, she fled her home and decided to pick up arms and work as an agent for the French Resistance.
Madeline is my favorite character in the book, as I admire her courage and ruthlessness in getting things done when needed. She doesn't give herself a chance to second-guess herself and keeps a cool head under pressure. Although initially prompted by the death of her brother, she couldn't just stand by and do nothing, even though she lives in a society that hardly considers women good enough to fight. She is a heroine who is decisive and fearless. I also love the chemistry that developed between her and Jack; it gave the book just a touch of romantic flair, especially in the midst of the depressing war.
Cold Lonely Courage is written chronologically, including months and days, which makes the events easy to follow and understand. Soren's writing style is easy to understand, without too many ambiguous words. I could see this book being a movie, and I can't wait to read the next book in the Madeline Toche series."
Madeline is my favorite character in the book, as I admire her courage and ruthlessness in getting things done when needed. She doesn't give herself a chance to second-guess herself and keeps a cool head under pressure. Although initially prompted by the death of her brother, she couldn't just stand by and do nothing, even though she lives in a society that hardly considers women good enough to fight. She is a heroine who is decisive and fearless. I also love the chemistry that developed between her and Jack; it gave the book just a touch of romantic flair, especially in the midst of the depressing war.
Cold Lonely Courage is written chronologically, including months and days, which makes the events easy to follow and understand. Soren's writing style is easy to understand, without too many ambiguous words. I could see this book being a movie, and I can't wait to read the next book in the Madeline Toche series."
June 1, 2019
Cold Lonely Courage by Siren Petrek
I couldn't put this book down! There is so much action in this book. The character, Madelene, was well described. We felt her every movement and experienced the Resistance first hand through her eyes and movements. Adding actual people involved in WWII made the book even more believable. I would like to think that there were some Frenchmen and French women who did the same things during the great war. They were able to help behind enemy lines too. WOW! This is really an intense read!!!
I couldn't put this book down! There is so much action in this book. The character, Madelene, was well described. We felt her every movement and experienced the Resistance first hand through her eyes and movements. Adding actual people involved in WWII made the book even more believable. I would like to think that there were some Frenchmen and French women who did the same things during the great war. They were able to help behind enemy lines too. WOW! This is really an intense read!!!
October 13, 2017
Gripping Historical Fiction
A character heavy but nonetheless plot driven novel. Cold Lonely Courage is a fascinating, dark, and emotional account of many aspects of the second World War and all of its horrors. But it also conveyed the camaraderie between countrymen and countries, and thrilling historical events that were the allies and non-nazi Germans working to stop Hitler's powers.
Due to the various war violences I'd recommend this book to anyone 18+.
A character heavy but nonetheless plot driven novel. Cold Lonely Courage is a fascinating, dark, and emotional account of many aspects of the second World War and all of its horrors. But it also conveyed the camaraderie between countrymen and countries, and thrilling historical events that were the allies and non-nazi Germans working to stop Hitler's powers.
Due to the various war violences I'd recommend this book to anyone 18+.
March 22, 2013
Amazing novel!
I'm a little clueless about history. Thus, I love an opportunity to learn anything I can about an important time in history. And boy, did I learn a lot within the pages of this book! Where were these books when I was in school? If only I had read something like this then - there is no way someone could not read this book and NOT want to know everything possible about what went on during WWII!!!
Cold Lonely Courage is a fictional story that took place during a real event - WWII starting in France as they are invaded quickly and easily by Germany. We're thrown into the foxholes where the French desperately fight for their lives, watching them get closer and closer...the fear and the panic until our boy, Ives, is blown from the hole. Madeline, our main character, goes to hospital in seek of her brother, Ives, who was brought there from the front line. With sad and indirect eyes, a dr sends her to what she soon knows to be the ward of the hopeless. She finds Ives, assesses the horror of his injuries, holds his hand and talks quietly to him as he dies. We are given the memories of him as a person - a brother, son and friend now lost to war.
Madeline is angry and ruined. Angry enough to seek revenge.
We then are introduced to the German SS, the Nazis; we see what kind of men they are. We get a quick vision of the Das Reich who invaded Russia and ruthlessly killed civilians, anyone and everyone in their path. But, most importantly, this book provides the reader with a good vision of Germans as a whole. They were not all monsters, and they did not all believe in the insanity the regime was taking at the time. One of the characters is a German who was very instrumental to the war in WWI. On the German side, of course. He fought their war, risked his life for it. He was also a Jew. His wife and daughter were taken while he was away, and he fears they are dead. He then put his war experience to use again - against the German army this time as a spy and an assassin. He is the guy; important to our brave main character, who trains her to be a very successful killer.
The novel moves from Madeline to other characters who give entirely different perspectives of the war. Stenger is retired German military, now a Police Investigator, who does not believe in the vision the regime has taken. He uses his rank at times to work against his own army to save those he believes to be innocent targets.
The Das Reich division of the SS perpetrated some horrific acts against Russia and again in France, later in the war against Oradour sur Glane - a town in which they obliterated. All people young and old. Every person and property. I learn in the end that this was a real occurance. There is no reason known for why this was done to this town. Instead, throughout the book we are given a fictional account as to why this town was targeted and why it was taken out in such a violent way.
I have read more specific accounts of WWII, mostly about the camps, the ghetto, and other areas as Jews were arrested. Cold Lonely Courage is unique in that it provides SO many different perspectives of how the war was seen by others in the world. In France, where the story begins with Madeline, we see how sad it was for the French men who had fought in WWI to see their country taken by the Germans. They did not believe in quitting, they had risked their own lives and given their sons' lives as well. Later in the war, as the Americans become involved they begin to see hope. The French Resistance fights back hard, at the loss of many lives.
Madeline escapes to Britian, in seek of a way to help in the war effort. The British are taking a hard hit, many civilians killed. But Britian is not backing down. It is suggested that Hitler attempts several times to have the British Prime Minister assinated, all attempts unsuccessful. The British Prime Minister is portrayed as a pretty cool guy, willing to battle to the very end - he was giving nothing away and the people were behind him.
During all of this time, most people are oblivious to what is happening to the Jews. They have an idea, a pretty grim one...but no way to know for certain. The Americans are trying to stay neutral, there is no UN at the time. When they do get involved, they lose many, but things begin to take a turn as most predicted it would. I wonder how much of that had to do with the mindset of the armies and of the people? With America came a new sense of hope and everyone was relieved for the assistance. Germany actually knew it would be their end...they had already failed with Russia and Britian - it was just a matter of time.
What a long war this was and so many millions of lives taken or horrifically affected. I have been enlightened to so much about this war - a war my own Grandfather fought in but never spoke of. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to read this fantastic novel! I would most certainly recommend it to anyone who has interest. Seeing the war from individual perspectives changes things for me immensely. Just getting the information is dry - living it, feeling it among the lives of those in this book - it's amazing!!!
EASILY - a five star book and one of the best books of war I have ever read!!!
I'm a little clueless about history. Thus, I love an opportunity to learn anything I can about an important time in history. And boy, did I learn a lot within the pages of this book! Where were these books when I was in school? If only I had read something like this then - there is no way someone could not read this book and NOT want to know everything possible about what went on during WWII!!!
Cold Lonely Courage is a fictional story that took place during a real event - WWII starting in France as they are invaded quickly and easily by Germany. We're thrown into the foxholes where the French desperately fight for their lives, watching them get closer and closer...the fear and the panic until our boy, Ives, is blown from the hole. Madeline, our main character, goes to hospital in seek of her brother, Ives, who was brought there from the front line. With sad and indirect eyes, a dr sends her to what she soon knows to be the ward of the hopeless. She finds Ives, assesses the horror of his injuries, holds his hand and talks quietly to him as he dies. We are given the memories of him as a person - a brother, son and friend now lost to war.
Madeline is angry and ruined. Angry enough to seek revenge.
We then are introduced to the German SS, the Nazis; we see what kind of men they are. We get a quick vision of the Das Reich who invaded Russia and ruthlessly killed civilians, anyone and everyone in their path. But, most importantly, this book provides the reader with a good vision of Germans as a whole. They were not all monsters, and they did not all believe in the insanity the regime was taking at the time. One of the characters is a German who was very instrumental to the war in WWI. On the German side, of course. He fought their war, risked his life for it. He was also a Jew. His wife and daughter were taken while he was away, and he fears they are dead. He then put his war experience to use again - against the German army this time as a spy and an assassin. He is the guy; important to our brave main character, who trains her to be a very successful killer.
The novel moves from Madeline to other characters who give entirely different perspectives of the war. Stenger is retired German military, now a Police Investigator, who does not believe in the vision the regime has taken. He uses his rank at times to work against his own army to save those he believes to be innocent targets.
The Das Reich division of the SS perpetrated some horrific acts against Russia and again in France, later in the war against Oradour sur Glane - a town in which they obliterated. All people young and old. Every person and property. I learn in the end that this was a real occurance. There is no reason known for why this was done to this town. Instead, throughout the book we are given a fictional account as to why this town was targeted and why it was taken out in such a violent way.
I have read more specific accounts of WWII, mostly about the camps, the ghetto, and other areas as Jews were arrested. Cold Lonely Courage is unique in that it provides SO many different perspectives of how the war was seen by others in the world. In France, where the story begins with Madeline, we see how sad it was for the French men who had fought in WWI to see their country taken by the Germans. They did not believe in quitting, they had risked their own lives and given their sons' lives as well. Later in the war, as the Americans become involved they begin to see hope. The French Resistance fights back hard, at the loss of many lives.
Madeline escapes to Britian, in seek of a way to help in the war effort. The British are taking a hard hit, many civilians killed. But Britian is not backing down. It is suggested that Hitler attempts several times to have the British Prime Minister assinated, all attempts unsuccessful. The British Prime Minister is portrayed as a pretty cool guy, willing to battle to the very end - he was giving nothing away and the people were behind him.
During all of this time, most people are oblivious to what is happening to the Jews. They have an idea, a pretty grim one...but no way to know for certain. The Americans are trying to stay neutral, there is no UN at the time. When they do get involved, they lose many, but things begin to take a turn as most predicted it would. I wonder how much of that had to do with the mindset of the armies and of the people? With America came a new sense of hope and everyone was relieved for the assistance. Germany actually knew it would be their end...they had already failed with Russia and Britian - it was just a matter of time.
What a long war this was and so many millions of lives taken or horrifically affected. I have been enlightened to so much about this war - a war my own Grandfather fought in but never spoke of. I am so happy to have had the opportunity to read this fantastic novel! I would most certainly recommend it to anyone who has interest. Seeing the war from individual perspectives changes things for me immensely. Just getting the information is dry - living it, feeling it among the lives of those in this book - it's amazing!!!
EASILY - a five star book and one of the best books of war I have ever read!!!
October 12, 2017
Good Story marred by punctuation errors
This is a good story, believable characters, and historical accuracy. However, there are so many punctuation errors, it was hard to read. The author or editor seemed to have no knowledge about the use of commas or semi-colons. In addition, there were significant spelling errors.
This is a good story, believable characters, and historical accuracy. However, there are so many punctuation errors, it was hard to read. The author or editor seemed to have no knowledge about the use of commas or semi-colons. In addition, there were significant spelling errors.
March 14, 2018
Intense and rewarding
A gripping WWII novel about the German occupation of France and the part that the French resistance played in the success of the Normandy invasion. The portrayal of the heroine will take you in and hold you, a wonderful book that I'm so glad I found and read just prior to my upcoming trip to France.
A gripping WWII novel about the German occupation of France and the part that the French resistance played in the success of the Normandy invasion. The portrayal of the heroine will take you in and hold you, a wonderful book that I'm so glad I found and read just prior to my upcoming trip to France.
October 3, 2017
With each WWII novel that I read I wonder how much more the victims can take. This is a wonderful example of the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones along with their country. Very good book!!!!!
November 14, 2017
Fabulous work
I enjoy reading about WWII history. The courage and determination by the people is rewarding. All war is tragic and doesn't seem to stop. The history presented was incredibly real. Good job.
I enjoy reading about WWII history. The courage and determination by the people is rewarding. All war is tragic and doesn't seem to stop. The history presented was incredibly real. Good job.
November 17, 2017
Fascinating from Beginning to End
Wonderful writing, bold characters, and historical continuity made this a superb novel, if not a breathtaking one. One could easily see this as a nail-biting, edge of your seat movie. Could not put down.
Wonderful writing, bold characters, and historical continuity made this a superb novel, if not a breathtaking one. One could easily see this as a nail-biting, edge of your seat movie. Could not put down.
December 23, 2017
Truly exciting and difficult to put down. So glad that Madeleine was on our side.
Great story. Hard to put down. Will read more from this author.
Exciting and historically correct. Makes you feel like you are there.
Great story. Hard to put down. Will read more from this author.
Exciting and historically correct. Makes you feel like you are there.
May 10, 2018
Wow
At first I had trouble following the story because it jumped around from location or time to another, but as it progressed I really got into it. The character of the woman was really, interesting and really well written. I certainly will read the next book.
At first I had trouble following the story because it jumped around from location or time to another, but as it progressed I really got into it. The character of the woman was really, interesting and really well written. I certainly will read the next book.
December 21, 2018
A little over the top
This WWII novel is well-researched, but a little over the top with a top-notch assassin/spy/resistance fighter who is, doubtfully, a woman. Decent story nonetheless.
This WWII novel is well-researched, but a little over the top with a top-notch assassin/spy/resistance fighter who is, doubtfully, a woman. Decent story nonetheless.
July 25, 2019
Interesting but poorly edited
I'm a fan of WWII fiction and as stories go this one held my interest. However, it was so poorly edited I found myself cringing and, at times, actually chuckling. I truly cannot recommend this book.
I'm a fan of WWII fiction and as stories go this one held my interest. However, it was so poorly edited I found myself cringing and, at times, actually chuckling. I truly cannot recommend this book.
April 25, 2022
good story but a little confusing to read
The story is good but it is very difficult to follow. The book jumps around a lot to many different characters and it was hard to remember who was who. There were a few
typos but only a few.
The story is good but it is very difficult to follow. The book jumps around a lot to many different characters and it was hard to remember who was who. There were a few
typos but only a few.
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