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Liberty's Fire
Paris, 1871. Four young people will rewrite their destinies. Paris is in revolt. After months of siege at the hands of the Prussians, a wind of change is blowing through the city, bringing with it murmurs of a new revolution. Alone and poverty-stricken, sixteen-year-old Zephyrine is quickly lured in by the ideals of the city's radical new government, and she finds herself swept away by its promises of freedom, hope, equality and rights for women. But she is about to fall in love for a second time, following a fateful encounter with a young violinist. Anatole's passion for his music is soon swiftly matched only by his passion for this fierce and magnificent girl. He comes to believe in Zephyrine's new politics - but his friends are not so sure. Opera-singer Marie and photographer Jules have desires of their own, and the harsh reality of life under the Commune is not quite as enticing for them as it seems to be for Anatole and Zephyrine. And when the violent reality of revolution comes crashing down at all their feet, can they face the danger together - or will they be forced to choose where their hearts really lie?
348 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2015
3 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Lydia Syson
6 books56 followersAfter an early career as a BBC World Service Radio producer, Lydia Syson turned from the spoken to the written word, and developed an enduring obsession with history. Her PhD about poets, explorers and Timbuktu was followed by a biography of Britain’s first fertility guru, DOCTOR OF LOVE: JAMES GRAHAM AND HIS CELESTIAL BED, and then two YA novels for Hot Key Books set in the Spanish Civil War (A WORLD BETWEEN US) and World War Two (THAT BURNING SUMMER). LIBERTY’S FIRE, a passionate tale of the Paris Commune of 1871, is the third of her novels to be inspired, very loosely, by family history. Her much praised adult fiction debut, MR PEACOCK'S POSSESSIONS, a sophisticated 'Robinsonade' for the twenty-first century set on a remote Pacific island, is now out in paperback.
Lydia Syson is a fifth-generation North Londoner who now lives south of the river with her partner and four children.
Lydia Syson is a fifth-generation North Londoner who now lives south of the river with her partner and four children.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 4, 2015
Loved this. Really emotional!
Liberty's Fire by Lydia Syson is another really fascinating, exciting and emotional story by one of my favourite recent authors. It's set in another historical time period that I knew nothing about and yet as I was reading this story, I was swept away into the lives of these four main characters and I found myself hugely emotionally invested in their lives and this Paris of 1871 that was under such tumult.
Knowing nothing about the Commune of Paris, I knew absolutely nothing about what would happen but the build-up to that last 100 pages quickly grew as I was reading the story. Everything is gearing up towards something massive and knowing very little about the actual historical events meant that I was both on the edge of my seat and also hugely surprised by the turn of events that occurred.
One of the major reasons that I love Lydia Syson's stories so much is because it really felt like this revolution in Paris was brought to life for me and it has been the same with her previous two books as well. These characters, their relationships to each other, the way in which everything happens: it all felt so real to me and I was definitely invested in each of the four characters' well-being. I felt like I understood them as people and while sometimes at the start of the story I felt shaky about the state of events politically in this story, by the end, I felt like I got it.
Liberty's Fire tells us the story of what happens between March and May 1871 in Paris during a time of political upheaval when a new socialist political party called the Commune came into power. This story is told from four perspectives and through these perspectives the reader is able to see these events in a much broader way.
The first main character, Zephyrine, is a teenage girl who has been looking after her poorly grandmother who passes away just as the Commune is taking over. Being all alone in Paris, Zephyrine worries about how she will feed herself and pay off her grandmother's bills. But she is soon swept away in the politics of this new party and becomes very passionate about the Commune's ideals of sharing the wealth and providing better social care and education for everyone.
There is also Anatole and Jules, friends and roommates. Anatole, a violinist, meets and falls in love with Zephryine and becomes just as quickly wrapped up in her as with her politics. But Anatole's friends, Jules, a wealthy American photographer, and Marie, an opera singer worried about her brother, don't share this same enthusiasm.
Zephyrine's experiences both with working with the Commune and also in her relationships with Jules and Anatole show off a great many things about what it was like for poor women in this time period. There is a great deal about the treatment of women here and also about the conditions of poor people which is a deep contrast to the ways in which Jules lives. I think Zephyrine's reaction to Jules' and Anatole's cat, Minou, is a great example of this. Jules is very well-off and is able to provide for Anatole and a pet during a time when the divide between working class and the wealthy is extreme.
I really loved each of these characters and throughout the story I really got a sense for who they are and for what is important to each of them. I loved seeing the passion that each of these characters feels: Zephryine for this new radical movement. Jules for his photography and also Anatole. Anatole and his passion for music and Zephryine. Marie and her singing but also the welfare of her brother. When things kick off it is very interesting to see where these characters end up and to see where their passions and ideals lead them.
I really loved this book. It was shocking and fascinating and just hugely emotional. I found every detail of this book to be really interesting: the importance of the photographs, the fear and uncertainty of women who have been raised to a higher political power, the ending. This book was such a rollercoaster ride of emotions for me and I highly recommend that you read it!
Liberty's Fire by Lydia Syson is another really fascinating, exciting and emotional story by one of my favourite recent authors. It's set in another historical time period that I knew nothing about and yet as I was reading this story, I was swept away into the lives of these four main characters and I found myself hugely emotionally invested in their lives and this Paris of 1871 that was under such tumult.
Knowing nothing about the Commune of Paris, I knew absolutely nothing about what would happen but the build-up to that last 100 pages quickly grew as I was reading the story. Everything is gearing up towards something massive and knowing very little about the actual historical events meant that I was both on the edge of my seat and also hugely surprised by the turn of events that occurred.
One of the major reasons that I love Lydia Syson's stories so much is because it really felt like this revolution in Paris was brought to life for me and it has been the same with her previous two books as well. These characters, their relationships to each other, the way in which everything happens: it all felt so real to me and I was definitely invested in each of the four characters' well-being. I felt like I understood them as people and while sometimes at the start of the story I felt shaky about the state of events politically in this story, by the end, I felt like I got it.
Liberty's Fire tells us the story of what happens between March and May 1871 in Paris during a time of political upheaval when a new socialist political party called the Commune came into power. This story is told from four perspectives and through these perspectives the reader is able to see these events in a much broader way.
The first main character, Zephyrine, is a teenage girl who has been looking after her poorly grandmother who passes away just as the Commune is taking over. Being all alone in Paris, Zephyrine worries about how she will feed herself and pay off her grandmother's bills. But she is soon swept away in the politics of this new party and becomes very passionate about the Commune's ideals of sharing the wealth and providing better social care and education for everyone.
There is also Anatole and Jules, friends and roommates. Anatole, a violinist, meets and falls in love with Zephryine and becomes just as quickly wrapped up in her as with her politics. But Anatole's friends, Jules, a wealthy American photographer, and Marie, an opera singer worried about her brother, don't share this same enthusiasm.
Zephyrine's experiences both with working with the Commune and also in her relationships with Jules and Anatole show off a great many things about what it was like for poor women in this time period. There is a great deal about the treatment of women here and also about the conditions of poor people which is a deep contrast to the ways in which Jules lives. I think Zephyrine's reaction to Jules' and Anatole's cat, Minou, is a great example of this. Jules is very well-off and is able to provide for Anatole and a pet during a time when the divide between working class and the wealthy is extreme.
I really loved each of these characters and throughout the story I really got a sense for who they are and for what is important to each of them. I loved seeing the passion that each of these characters feels: Zephryine for this new radical movement. Jules for his photography and also Anatole. Anatole and his passion for music and Zephryine. Marie and her singing but also the welfare of her brother. When things kick off it is very interesting to see where these characters end up and to see where their passions and ideals lead them.
I really loved this book. It was shocking and fascinating and just hugely emotional. I found every detail of this book to be really interesting: the importance of the photographs, the fear and uncertainty of women who have been raised to a higher political power, the ending. This book was such a rollercoaster ride of emotions for me and I highly recommend that you read it!
May 23, 2015
http://www.divabooknerd.com/2015/05/l...
There's something so incredibly magical about reading a historical romance, set in the midst of a civil war. I was swept up by Zephyrine's story, a girl who's family no longer wanted her and a grandmother who raised her to be a strong and independent young woman. But after her grandmother passes, the streets of Paris are unforgiving to a girl who lives below the poverty line. Zephyrine is tough and determined, not to mention opinionated. She believes in women's rights and it isn't long before she's attending meetings with other like minded women who fight for freedom from oppression, matched only by the furiosity of her best friend Rose.
Anatole is a young and passionate violinist, former soldier and living with an budding American photographer in Jules. Jules is wealthy and although Anatole is only one component of an orchestra, he wants for nothing, his friend paying for their loft style apartment and comfortable lifestyle. Anatole too dreams for a Paris owned by the people, where freedom reigns and citizens are treated with respect and equality. The two young revolutionaries are drawn to one another, their shy and tentative relationship blooming to the annoyance of friends Jules and Anatole's performing partner Marie.
Liberty's Fire takes place on the streets of Paris during the Paris Commune, a revolutionary socialist government who took hold of the capital for a four month period and divided the country. With a political charge, it added to an already intense storyline as the two young lovers strive to protect one another while fighting for a freedom just beyond their grasp. Told in several points of view, each character is well developed with their own sense of self and each represent a section of the community during the era. The freedom fighter, the lover and protector, the foreigner who cares little of that outside his own door and the songbird who fears for the safety of her brother. The character that surprised me most was Marie. Renowned opera singer who seemingly thrived off her own sense of self importance, but took the lowly classed Zephyrine under her wing, clothing, feeding and supporting her while she grieved for her grandmother.
Liberty's Fire can only be described as lovely. Beautifully written, it tells the story of two young lovers united by a sense of freedom and love for their country. The streets of Paris are painted vividly, bringing life to a city under siege from within. Methodical, passionate and hopeful, I really enjoyed it and found myself emotionally invested in their plight. The ending epilogue that takes place nine years later was stunning. I found myself holding my breath, needing a conclusion that would satisfy my aching heart. And Lydia Syson did not disappoint.
There's something so incredibly magical about reading a historical romance, set in the midst of a civil war. I was swept up by Zephyrine's story, a girl who's family no longer wanted her and a grandmother who raised her to be a strong and independent young woman. But after her grandmother passes, the streets of Paris are unforgiving to a girl who lives below the poverty line. Zephyrine is tough and determined, not to mention opinionated. She believes in women's rights and it isn't long before she's attending meetings with other like minded women who fight for freedom from oppression, matched only by the furiosity of her best friend Rose.
Anatole is a young and passionate violinist, former soldier and living with an budding American photographer in Jules. Jules is wealthy and although Anatole is only one component of an orchestra, he wants for nothing, his friend paying for their loft style apartment and comfortable lifestyle. Anatole too dreams for a Paris owned by the people, where freedom reigns and citizens are treated with respect and equality. The two young revolutionaries are drawn to one another, their shy and tentative relationship blooming to the annoyance of friends Jules and Anatole's performing partner Marie.
Liberty's Fire takes place on the streets of Paris during the Paris Commune, a revolutionary socialist government who took hold of the capital for a four month period and divided the country. With a political charge, it added to an already intense storyline as the two young lovers strive to protect one another while fighting for a freedom just beyond their grasp. Told in several points of view, each character is well developed with their own sense of self and each represent a section of the community during the era. The freedom fighter, the lover and protector, the foreigner who cares little of that outside his own door and the songbird who fears for the safety of her brother. The character that surprised me most was Marie. Renowned opera singer who seemingly thrived off her own sense of self importance, but took the lowly classed Zephyrine under her wing, clothing, feeding and supporting her while she grieved for her grandmother.
Liberty's Fire can only be described as lovely. Beautifully written, it tells the story of two young lovers united by a sense of freedom and love for their country. The streets of Paris are painted vividly, bringing life to a city under siege from within. Methodical, passionate and hopeful, I really enjoyed it and found myself emotionally invested in their plight. The ending epilogue that takes place nine years later was stunning. I found myself holding my breath, needing a conclusion that would satisfy my aching heart. And Lydia Syson did not disappoint.
April 8, 2017
Brilliant historical fiction. I would expect nothing less from Lydia Syson.
July 10, 2015
*This review also appears on my blog Genie In A Book*
Thank you to the Five Mile Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
The aftermath of the Franco-Prussian war left Paris in an extremely volatile state, and the formation of The Paris Commune was the result. Liberty's Fire is the story of two revolutionaries falling in love against a backdrop of chaotic yet empowering nationalism. Told through the eyes of four characters who each have their own troubles to bear in this tumultuous time, I found this book to be a captivating historical read.
After the death of her grandmother, Zephyrine was left desperate, and searching for hope. On the cusp of her life taking another bad turn, she meets Anatole - a violinist who is passionate both about his music and a vision for a new society where equality reigns once more and France's dignity is restored. There's no case of insta-love here, but instead an instance of two people who have the same ideals, forming a tentative bond at first before becoming something more. Marie, the talented singer who performs with Anatole, and his photographer friend Jules each have their own roles to play in this story and their perspectives were diverse and unique. There is even the slightest hinting at a possible love triangle, however it is not one you would expect and instead highlights the banes of unrequited love. Though in some parts of the story the pacing lagged, in others the interaction between these four and mounting tensions over the precariousness of the city was truly gripping. Even though the novel is written in third person, each character's own thoughts and opinions on the revolution and those they seek to protect are given clarity and distinction.
What stood out to me from the very few pages in this book was the historical detail. I could really appreciate how much research Lydia Syson must have done to write a novel like this. Though the first French Revolution from 1789-1799 is indeed fascinating, this short four-month civil war is equal in intensity, and still holds examples of brutality also. I could really sympathise with the characters and what they were going through - some seeking self-protection, while others were more than willing to take up arms for the cause. Paris was captured in all its vividness at this time, where anticipation was crackling in the air and a storm was brewing which would change these people's lives forever.
There's no doubt that this book is an emotional one, conveying that uprisings don't always make the difference their fighters had hoped for. There are some intriguing plot twists which come to pass, though by the end I had hoped for a little more closure on a couple of fronts. However, the epilogue did in some ways feel fitting - a glimpse at hope to come for those who had been through so much in such a short span of time.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Liberty's Fire is a poignant novel centred around a passion for country, and for those people love. Rich with historical detail that truly takes you back to that time, it's a story which is as evocative as it is inspiring.
Thank you to the Five Mile Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
This is the story of a revolution, and a city that rose to claim its rights.
The aftermath of the Franco-Prussian war left Paris in an extremely volatile state, and the formation of The Paris Commune was the result. Liberty's Fire is the story of two revolutionaries falling in love against a backdrop of chaotic yet empowering nationalism. Told through the eyes of four characters who each have their own troubles to bear in this tumultuous time, I found this book to be a captivating historical read.
After the death of her grandmother, Zephyrine was left desperate, and searching for hope. On the cusp of her life taking another bad turn, she meets Anatole - a violinist who is passionate both about his music and a vision for a new society where equality reigns once more and France's dignity is restored. There's no case of insta-love here, but instead an instance of two people who have the same ideals, forming a tentative bond at first before becoming something more. Marie, the talented singer who performs with Anatole, and his photographer friend Jules each have their own roles to play in this story and their perspectives were diverse and unique. There is even the slightest hinting at a possible love triangle, however it is not one you would expect and instead highlights the banes of unrequited love. Though in some parts of the story the pacing lagged, in others the interaction between these four and mounting tensions over the precariousness of the city was truly gripping. Even though the novel is written in third person, each character's own thoughts and opinions on the revolution and those they seek to protect are given clarity and distinction.
Citizens! Citoyens and citoyennes! It is up to us, the workers, to declare ourselves free of the old ways at last! It is up to me, and it is up to you! We must be ready to take this opportunity for self-determination. We must seize the future in both hands!
What stood out to me from the very few pages in this book was the historical detail. I could really appreciate how much research Lydia Syson must have done to write a novel like this. Though the first French Revolution from 1789-1799 is indeed fascinating, this short four-month civil war is equal in intensity, and still holds examples of brutality also. I could really sympathise with the characters and what they were going through - some seeking self-protection, while others were more than willing to take up arms for the cause. Paris was captured in all its vividness at this time, where anticipation was crackling in the air and a storm was brewing which would change these people's lives forever.
There could be little debate now. One by one, the hostile newspapers were suppressed. It had happened before, less than a hundred years earlier. Paris remembered the Reign of Terror after the first revolution, and shuddered.
There's no doubt that this book is an emotional one, conveying that uprisings don't always make the difference their fighters had hoped for. There are some intriguing plot twists which come to pass, though by the end I had hoped for a little more closure on a couple of fronts. However, the epilogue did in some ways feel fitting - a glimpse at hope to come for those who had been through so much in such a short span of time.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Liberty's Fire is a poignant novel centred around a passion for country, and for those people love. Rich with historical detail that truly takes you back to that time, it's a story which is as evocative as it is inspiring.
May 18, 2015
This review was written for The Review Diaries
You can read the full review here
Huge thanks to Hot Key Books for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ever since I moved to France I have been reading more books set in France. It’s such a wonderful step away from the usual UK and US YA fiction we see so much of, and I’ve been loving seeing so much more of the culture and history I’ve been thrust into. The history is something that particularly fascinates me as my knowledge of French History is woefully inadequate and I’m working hard to try and rectify it. So over the last few weeks I have slipped into 1910 (‘The Confectioner’s Wife’ by Laura Madeleine) and 1814 (‘A School for Unusual Girls by Kathleen Baldwin’) so I had a little idea of what might be happening in 1871 but it was incredible to step into ‘Liberty’s Fire’ and have Lydia Syson bring this fascinating period to roaring life.
Syson offers four distinct views into the events of the novel from four very different backgrounds. Jules the American photographer who has no lack of money and has been able to survive the events with very little issue. Anatole his friend, a boy from the country recently moved to Paris who plays violin for the theatre. Zephyrine, whose Grandmother passes away at the start and is at the lowest rung of the ladder – destitute and desperate for the equality the commune can provide her with she throws herself into it without a backward glance, taking Anatole with her. And Marie, an opera singer in the same company as Anatole. Her brother is in the French army and she doesn’t understand or embrace the idea of the commune, in fact she appears downright terrified of it for the most part. Each of these characters with their entangled stories and relationships offer insights into every aspect of the revolution and the commune created in Paris. You see it from both sides, those for and against. Those with money and a way to live and those with nothing who are desperate for some equality. I loved seeing how each of them reacted to the events that unfold, and how they each scramble to try and survive.
The events of this period are absolutely devastating, and Syson has captured that feeling of jubilation followed by horror and devastation perfectly. It is brutal and horrific at points, painted with such vividness with Syson’s beautiful prose. I felt as if I were living it myself, shown these tangled threads of stories and following each character through their struggles. It was heartbreaking but also uplifting and Syson perfectly combines her research and historical pin points so that you come away knowing more about these three months – a period of history I was sadly ignorant of before. But it isn’t just a history lesson, she weaves a compelling tale of love and friendship and survival with a wonderful cast of characters.
I only had two issues with the story. The first being the pacing. Whilst I loved all the details and the measured pace so that we really got to know the characters and their relationships with one another, the pacing did become a little slow at points, almost to the point where I wondered if there would actually be a climax. It didn’t feel so much like a slow build to a pinnacle of tension where everything exploded, it felt more like a meandering build which worked in some places and frustrated me in others. However when events finally come to a head it is action packed, tense and utterly gripping and enthralling. I could not put the book down until I had learned what had happened to each of the characters.
My second problem was with the relationship. I wasn’t sold on the relationship between Anatole and Zephryine. It was very sudden and I didn’t connect with it in the same way as I did with the relationship between Anatole and Jules. As a result I became more invested in their side moments than the majority of the scenes that occurred between Anatole and Zephryine.
However these were only minor quibbles in a truly extraordinary book.
You can read the full review here
Huge thanks to Hot Key Books for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ever since I moved to France I have been reading more books set in France. It’s such a wonderful step away from the usual UK and US YA fiction we see so much of, and I’ve been loving seeing so much more of the culture and history I’ve been thrust into. The history is something that particularly fascinates me as my knowledge of French History is woefully inadequate and I’m working hard to try and rectify it. So over the last few weeks I have slipped into 1910 (‘The Confectioner’s Wife’ by Laura Madeleine) and 1814 (‘A School for Unusual Girls by Kathleen Baldwin’) so I had a little idea of what might be happening in 1871 but it was incredible to step into ‘Liberty’s Fire’ and have Lydia Syson bring this fascinating period to roaring life.
Syson offers four distinct views into the events of the novel from four very different backgrounds. Jules the American photographer who has no lack of money and has been able to survive the events with very little issue. Anatole his friend, a boy from the country recently moved to Paris who plays violin for the theatre. Zephyrine, whose Grandmother passes away at the start and is at the lowest rung of the ladder – destitute and desperate for the equality the commune can provide her with she throws herself into it without a backward glance, taking Anatole with her. And Marie, an opera singer in the same company as Anatole. Her brother is in the French army and she doesn’t understand or embrace the idea of the commune, in fact she appears downright terrified of it for the most part. Each of these characters with their entangled stories and relationships offer insights into every aspect of the revolution and the commune created in Paris. You see it from both sides, those for and against. Those with money and a way to live and those with nothing who are desperate for some equality. I loved seeing how each of them reacted to the events that unfold, and how they each scramble to try and survive.
The events of this period are absolutely devastating, and Syson has captured that feeling of jubilation followed by horror and devastation perfectly. It is brutal and horrific at points, painted with such vividness with Syson’s beautiful prose. I felt as if I were living it myself, shown these tangled threads of stories and following each character through their struggles. It was heartbreaking but also uplifting and Syson perfectly combines her research and historical pin points so that you come away knowing more about these three months – a period of history I was sadly ignorant of before. But it isn’t just a history lesson, she weaves a compelling tale of love and friendship and survival with a wonderful cast of characters.
I only had two issues with the story. The first being the pacing. Whilst I loved all the details and the measured pace so that we really got to know the characters and their relationships with one another, the pacing did become a little slow at points, almost to the point where I wondered if there would actually be a climax. It didn’t feel so much like a slow build to a pinnacle of tension where everything exploded, it felt more like a meandering build which worked in some places and frustrated me in others. However when events finally come to a head it is action packed, tense and utterly gripping and enthralling. I could not put the book down until I had learned what had happened to each of the characters.
My second problem was with the relationship. I wasn’t sold on the relationship between Anatole and Zephryine. It was very sudden and I didn’t connect with it in the same way as I did with the relationship between Anatole and Jules. As a result I became more invested in their side moments than the majority of the scenes that occurred between Anatole and Zephryine.
However these were only minor quibbles in a truly extraordinary book.
August 4, 2015
Review by http://www.mrripleysenchantedbooks.com/
If you've ever walked the back streets of Paris, you'll know what I mean when I say about the sense of wonder and history that you feel. It's such an amazing place to visit; a cultural metropolis and one that I absolutely love. However, after reading this book (Paris 1871 setting) this brought my timeless memories crashing down on me.
I was immediately transported back to the world, and time, when the Paris Commune was the radical municipal government elected to run the French capital (March 1871). This is a forgotten period in history which is brought to life through the magical words and detail used by Lydia. It's beautifully written and, in my opinion, both well researched and thought out. You can really feel the passion the author has for this period - the politics, the equality and rights for women.
As you follow the four young characters along this compelling plot, it will leave you breathing and living both the sadness and happiness at this time. It depicts the seventy two days of madness, when Paris burned for a week and thousands of Communards were slaughtered on the streets of the city. This is such a powerful telling of historical events that occurred that I really felt I was living them through the eyes of the characters.
I felt both the romantic and naive side of the four main characters. They washed over me like blossom petals falling down from a tree on a warm summer's day. I felt every heartbeat through this winding tale of destiny - tragedy, violence and drama. It really made me think about current day life and freedom. This is a book that would be great to take on a trip to Paris as it will certainly open your eyes and connect you to this wonderful city.
This book is a historical gem. It is a story that I would not normally read, but I'm really glad that I did! It would have been great to have incorporated some period photographs of the time perhaps, especially from the perspective of the lens of Jules. In my opinion, this would have just been the icing on the cake to what is already an amazing story.
This book was tense, moving and written deeply from the heart. It is a great teenage/adult read that I think more people should be reading and talking about. As you follow the characters, you'll fall in love with the time, the place and them. Hope for a happy ending though as it may not come. Be inspired and read it....
If you've ever walked the back streets of Paris, you'll know what I mean when I say about the sense of wonder and history that you feel. It's such an amazing place to visit; a cultural metropolis and one that I absolutely love. However, after reading this book (Paris 1871 setting) this brought my timeless memories crashing down on me.
I was immediately transported back to the world, and time, when the Paris Commune was the radical municipal government elected to run the French capital (March 1871). This is a forgotten period in history which is brought to life through the magical words and detail used by Lydia. It's beautifully written and, in my opinion, both well researched and thought out. You can really feel the passion the author has for this period - the politics, the equality and rights for women.
As you follow the four young characters along this compelling plot, it will leave you breathing and living both the sadness and happiness at this time. It depicts the seventy two days of madness, when Paris burned for a week and thousands of Communards were slaughtered on the streets of the city. This is such a powerful telling of historical events that occurred that I really felt I was living them through the eyes of the characters.
I felt both the romantic and naive side of the four main characters. They washed over me like blossom petals falling down from a tree on a warm summer's day. I felt every heartbeat through this winding tale of destiny - tragedy, violence and drama. It really made me think about current day life and freedom. This is a book that would be great to take on a trip to Paris as it will certainly open your eyes and connect you to this wonderful city.
This book is a historical gem. It is a story that I would not normally read, but I'm really glad that I did! It would have been great to have incorporated some period photographs of the time perhaps, especially from the perspective of the lens of Jules. In my opinion, this would have just been the icing on the cake to what is already an amazing story.
This book was tense, moving and written deeply from the heart. It is a great teenage/adult read that I think more people should be reading and talking about. As you follow the characters, you'll fall in love with the time, the place and them. Hope for a happy ending though as it may not come. Be inspired and read it....
May 2, 2015
Review Taken From The Pewter Wolf
It is Paris, 1871. Life since the war has been tough for everyone. Life should be getting settled now. But it's not. Rumours of another revolution are cycling. But Zephyrine's life is beginning to spiral out of control. But two things save her: The City's new leadership and young violinist, Anatole. Anatole opens her eyes to a new world. And she is swept away by her passionate beliefs and the two fall in love.
But their friends - Jules, Marie and Rose - aren't convinced. And the future is slowly turning dark for them all, and Paris itself. As a bloody week's approaching, will all of them survive and at what cost?
Ok, am going to admit it here; I am not much of a historical reader. I liked studying History when I was younger, but I never took it up for GCSEs. But with historical fiction, I always seem to pick up books where I feel overwhelmed by the facts and this takes away the fun of the book.
But this book never felt like that. It was balanced in a way that when Lydia put in a fact, it felt important to the story. I never felt that Lydia put facts in for the sake of putting it in and showing off all the research she done.
The story itself surprised me. I got caught up with it very quickly and I found it gripping, even though at times, not much happened. I got swept away with the characters and the situations they were all in: unrequited love, family, dreaming of a better life. Also, the book took its time. It slowly built up the character and the situation, before it suddenly goes dark and you speeding through, trying not to panic over how it will end and hoping that the characters you care about will be ok.
Of course, there was one or two things I didn't like. The ending, mainly. I get why it had to be the way it was - you can't rewrite history, folks - but there was something about the ending that bothers me. I'm not sure why, though. Maybe it could have been a page or two longer...
But I really enjoyed reading this. It was gripping (which was surprising as someone who doesn't read historical fiction often). I do have another Lydia Syson book in my TBR pile - A World Between Us - and I am making plans to read that soon!
It is Paris, 1871. Life since the war has been tough for everyone. Life should be getting settled now. But it's not. Rumours of another revolution are cycling. But Zephyrine's life is beginning to spiral out of control. But two things save her: The City's new leadership and young violinist, Anatole. Anatole opens her eyes to a new world. And she is swept away by her passionate beliefs and the two fall in love.
But their friends - Jules, Marie and Rose - aren't convinced. And the future is slowly turning dark for them all, and Paris itself. As a bloody week's approaching, will all of them survive and at what cost?
Ok, am going to admit it here; I am not much of a historical reader. I liked studying History when I was younger, but I never took it up for GCSEs. But with historical fiction, I always seem to pick up books where I feel overwhelmed by the facts and this takes away the fun of the book.
But this book never felt like that. It was balanced in a way that when Lydia put in a fact, it felt important to the story. I never felt that Lydia put facts in for the sake of putting it in and showing off all the research she done.
The story itself surprised me. I got caught up with it very quickly and I found it gripping, even though at times, not much happened. I got swept away with the characters and the situations they were all in: unrequited love, family, dreaming of a better life. Also, the book took its time. It slowly built up the character and the situation, before it suddenly goes dark and you speeding through, trying not to panic over how it will end and hoping that the characters you care about will be ok.
Of course, there was one or two things I didn't like. The ending, mainly. I get why it had to be the way it was - you can't rewrite history, folks - but there was something about the ending that bothers me. I'm not sure why, though. Maybe it could have been a page or two longer...
But I really enjoyed reading this. It was gripping (which was surprising as someone who doesn't read historical fiction often). I do have another Lydia Syson book in my TBR pile - A World Between Us - and I am making plans to read that soon!
May 19, 2015
Another incredibly well-researched and well-written work of historical fiction from Lydia Syson. Going into Liberty's Fire I had no knowledge of the Paris Commune, but was immediately swept into the action and could very easily imagine myself in 1870s Paris. Syson does a brilliant job of balancing excellent character development with presenting a historically accurate world, all written in an engaging and at times quite lyrical style. I loved the feminist thread running throughout the book, and have since been inspired to find out more about this particular chapter of history. Brilliant stuff!
On a slightly spoilery note, I would have liked a more realised conclusion, however I do see why this wasn't done, and it doesn't take away from what is an excellent book.
On a slightly spoilery note, I would have liked a more realised conclusion, however I do see why this wasn't done, and it doesn't take away from what is an excellent book.
March 15, 2018
A beautiful story of life during the French Revolution
What a beautiful tale and what a tragedy it isn't more well known! Lydia Syson deserves a lot more attention for this young adult novel, which manages to be both descriptive and entertaining - and never trite. Looking forward to reading more of her novels in the future.
What a beautiful tale and what a tragedy it isn't more well known! Lydia Syson deserves a lot more attention for this young adult novel, which manages to be both descriptive and entertaining - and never trite. Looking forward to reading more of her novels in the future.
December 19, 2017
4.5 stelle
June 14, 2019
This book is one of many of the YA genre that just falls into the "fine" category. It was an easy read, interesting setting, developed characters, but it didn't really make me feel anything. The back of this book describes the story as history, passion, coming-of-age & courage but I don't really think that describes what this story is like. Mainly it is a painfully soppy story of 2 people falling in love for the first time and getting in way over their heads. In revolutionary France. Honestly I wanted to know more about the revolution than Anatole or Zephyrine. Many of the characters were dislikable and I found myself wondering how forward thinking (e.g. women's equality) this French revolution really was. It seemed a little modernised and idealised. Just not quite the sweeping tale I'd hoped it would be but perfectly adequate.
November 24, 2021
I don't really know anything about the French Revolution, history was not one of my favourite subjects, so I was a bit apprehensive about reading this. Historical fiction isn't really my thing but if I read more books like this, then I might have loved history. It's a really gripping romance set in the height of the Paris Commune and Syson has made me love the setting, and also crafted great likeable characters.
It did get a bit slow in the middle but it's a great book
It did get a bit slow in the middle but it's a great book
March 27, 2023
This was always going to be difficult to read, not because of the writing - far from it. But because of the subject matter. It is good, very good. And a welcome read about an historical event that few know about or remember.
And thank you for the lovely glimpses of Louise Michel!
And thank you for the lovely glimpses of Louise Michel!
May 19, 2024
Overall a good read. Really enjoyed the history, didn't realise this had all happened.
April 11, 2016
“When someone loves you, the way they talk about you is different. You feel safe and comfortable.”
----Jess C. Scott
Lydia Syson, an English author, has penned a heart-touching tale of love set in Paris during the Civil War era, Liberty's Fire that unfolds the story of a young man and woman caught in the cross fire of country's war and politics try to hold on to each other despite their indifferences, the protests and the war.
Synopsis:
Paris, 1871. Four young people will rewrite their destinies. Paris is in revolt. After months of siege at the hands of the Prussians, a wind of change is blowing through the city, bringing with it murmurs of a new revolution. Alone and poverty-stricken, sixteen-year-old Zephyrine is quickly lured in by the ideals of the city's radical new government, and she finds herself swept away by its promises of freedom, hope, equality and rights for women. But she is about to fall in love for a second time, following a fateful encounter with a young violinist. Anatole's passion for his music is soon swiftly matched only by his passion for this fierce and magnificent girl. He comes to believe in Zephyrine's new politics - but his friends are not so sure. Opera-singer Marie and photographer Jules have desires of their own, and the harsh reality of life under the Commune is not quite as enticing for them as it seems to be for Anatole and Zephyrine. And when the violent reality of revolution comes crashing down at all their feet, can they face the danger together - or will they be forced to choose where their hearts really lie?
Zephyrine has arisen from the ashes in an oppressed society of Paris, raised by her grandmother, who taught her to be independent and fierce and to stand up for her own rights. But poverty hangs over her head like a dark cloud. Zephyrine makes up her mind to join the women's rights body and she participated in many protests against the government. But one day while standing on side of the street to sell her body to make money, she meets Anatole.
Anatole who has formerly served his time in the Army is now a professional violinist, who plays for the orchestra with his partner, Marie. Anatole lives in a lavish apartment owned and paid by his famous photographer friend, Jules. One day while on his way to the studio, Anatole meets and rescues a young woman from the clutches of some vile men who try to buy her. The insurgents then soon fall for one another despite of reluctance from Anatole's friends. But politics, revolution and fight for freedom comes in between them and it becomes a struggle to hold on to each other.
The author's writing is pleasant and articulate that is laced with deep, evocative emotions. The narrative is highly engaging that is both inspired from the history as well as from the linguistic changes. The story moves smoothly and as it delves deeper into story with the complications of the freedom struggle, the readers will find it difficult to turn away their eyes from this tale. The pacing is quite fast, on comparison to the fact that this is a historical romance.
The characters of this book are challenging and exemplary and are extremely well-developed. The main character, Zephyrine is brave who knows how to survive with poverty and she has a vigor for the freedom and in justice done against the people and women of Paris. Similarly Anatole too thrives for freedom struggle movement along with his opera singer friend, Marie, who turned out to be a humane character, as she adopts Zephyrine to give her shelter and to teach her for the upcoming protests. Jules is another character who will surprise the readers with his ideas and beliefs.
The best part of the novel lies in it's background and the era. The author has diligently captured the time frame in Paris when it came under the radical socialist and revolutionary government, following the defeat of Emperor Napoleon III. The radicalism among the working class and the pain of a regular citizen during this period on the streets of Paris are strikingly depicted. Each and every scene is written so comprehensively with in-depth layering that it will feel like the readers are standing right in the middle of a street in Paris and watching the scene unfold in front of their eyes.
The romance between the main two characters is portrayed with lots of passion and emotions that will make the readers root for them till the end. The engrossing time frame along with a glittering city, the story is thoroughly captivating and intriguing.
Verdict: A must read for all YA historical fans!
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Lydia Syson's publicist for giving me an opportunity to read and review this novel.
----Jess C. Scott
Lydia Syson, an English author, has penned a heart-touching tale of love set in Paris during the Civil War era, Liberty's Fire that unfolds the story of a young man and woman caught in the cross fire of country's war and politics try to hold on to each other despite their indifferences, the protests and the war.
Synopsis:
Paris, 1871. Four young people will rewrite their destinies. Paris is in revolt. After months of siege at the hands of the Prussians, a wind of change is blowing through the city, bringing with it murmurs of a new revolution. Alone and poverty-stricken, sixteen-year-old Zephyrine is quickly lured in by the ideals of the city's radical new government, and she finds herself swept away by its promises of freedom, hope, equality and rights for women. But she is about to fall in love for a second time, following a fateful encounter with a young violinist. Anatole's passion for his music is soon swiftly matched only by his passion for this fierce and magnificent girl. He comes to believe in Zephyrine's new politics - but his friends are not so sure. Opera-singer Marie and photographer Jules have desires of their own, and the harsh reality of life under the Commune is not quite as enticing for them as it seems to be for Anatole and Zephyrine. And when the violent reality of revolution comes crashing down at all their feet, can they face the danger together - or will they be forced to choose where their hearts really lie?
Zephyrine has arisen from the ashes in an oppressed society of Paris, raised by her grandmother, who taught her to be independent and fierce and to stand up for her own rights. But poverty hangs over her head like a dark cloud. Zephyrine makes up her mind to join the women's rights body and she participated in many protests against the government. But one day while standing on side of the street to sell her body to make money, she meets Anatole.
Anatole who has formerly served his time in the Army is now a professional violinist, who plays for the orchestra with his partner, Marie. Anatole lives in a lavish apartment owned and paid by his famous photographer friend, Jules. One day while on his way to the studio, Anatole meets and rescues a young woman from the clutches of some vile men who try to buy her. The insurgents then soon fall for one another despite of reluctance from Anatole's friends. But politics, revolution and fight for freedom comes in between them and it becomes a struggle to hold on to each other.
The author's writing is pleasant and articulate that is laced with deep, evocative emotions. The narrative is highly engaging that is both inspired from the history as well as from the linguistic changes. The story moves smoothly and as it delves deeper into story with the complications of the freedom struggle, the readers will find it difficult to turn away their eyes from this tale. The pacing is quite fast, on comparison to the fact that this is a historical romance.
The characters of this book are challenging and exemplary and are extremely well-developed. The main character, Zephyrine is brave who knows how to survive with poverty and she has a vigor for the freedom and in justice done against the people and women of Paris. Similarly Anatole too thrives for freedom struggle movement along with his opera singer friend, Marie, who turned out to be a humane character, as she adopts Zephyrine to give her shelter and to teach her for the upcoming protests. Jules is another character who will surprise the readers with his ideas and beliefs.
The best part of the novel lies in it's background and the era. The author has diligently captured the time frame in Paris when it came under the radical socialist and revolutionary government, following the defeat of Emperor Napoleon III. The radicalism among the working class and the pain of a regular citizen during this period on the streets of Paris are strikingly depicted. Each and every scene is written so comprehensively with in-depth layering that it will feel like the readers are standing right in the middle of a street in Paris and watching the scene unfold in front of their eyes.
The romance between the main two characters is portrayed with lots of passion and emotions that will make the readers root for them till the end. The engrossing time frame along with a glittering city, the story is thoroughly captivating and intriguing.
Verdict: A must read for all YA historical fans!
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Lydia Syson's publicist for giving me an opportunity to read and review this novel.
June 22, 2015
Lydia Syson’s Liberty’s Fire is set in a turbulent era of French history following after a war that is often overlooked between the Napoleonic Wars and the First World War—even if it was perhaps the last major war in the West that was fought without modern, by which I mean motorised, artillery. The French-Prussian war is often just a footnote or just a string of dates to learn in history class and Liberty’s Fire taught me more about how the aftermath of this war rocked the French Republic than six years of history classes in grammar school ever did. I’d never realised that there were more revolutionary periods than just the French Revolution in France for one or that Paris for a time was such a socialist commune as it was in the book.
We roam the streets of Paris during this troubled time through the eyes of its lower and creative classes. Anatole, Jules, and Marie all work as artists: Anatole is a violinist, Marie a singer, and Jules a photographer. Zéphyrine is a working girl, whose livelihood has been decimated by the war and its consequent economic decline. When we first meet Zéphyrine, she’s on the verge of destitution and contemplating becoming a prostitute to at least be able to survive. In a way, the revolution and the Commune of Paris save her life, because they provide her with a way to earn a living, without resorting to selling herself. I loved Zéphyrine’s indefatigable spirit, her refusal to just give up and give in. Her romance with Anatole, which forms the heart of the narrative, was lovely and very sweet. Anatole is a wonderful leading man and I liked the way he offsets Zéphyrine’s unbridled enthusiasm for the revolution with some solid doubts about the motivation for it among its leaders.
While I loved Zéphyrine and Anatole, I found the relationship between Anatole and Jules far more intriguing. There is so much subtext to them, so much that goes unsaid between them. It also served to make Anatole a little less perfect as his treatment of Jules wasn’t very nice. Anatole knows that Jules wants to be more than his friend, yet while he doesn’t feel the same, he does trade on Jules’ feelings for him to get Jules to help him. It’s very much a tale of unrequited love between best friends and I felt so much for Jules, who knows there is no chance, yet always carries a bit of hope. He has to witness Anatole losing his heart to Zéphyrine and manages to not resent her for the fact. Marie also has feelings for Anatole, yet her main focus is on finding her brother and brining him home to Paris safely.
It is through Marie’s story arc that we learn most about the police state nature of the Commune. She has to deal with lecherous Citizens in power at the Prefecture and we are introduced to the importance of informers in such a state when they try to blackmail her into becoming one in exchange for a chance to rescue her brother. The way the political situation in Paris is presented offers a lot of food for thought about the nature of government, about who is in power and the nature of class distinctions. Additionally, it also touches on women’s emancipation, which even then was a matter of discussion, even if true women’s suffrage in France would remain out of reach until after the Second World War. I found this aspect of the book fascinating and really enjoyed it.
Liberty’s Fire is a fascinating YA historical, which is about friendships and love, but also about deciding what it is worth to fight for and when to take a stand. I had a fantastic time with Lydia Syson’s latest and while it was written for a young adult audience, I think there is plenty here to appeal to adult readers as well.
This book was provided for review by the publisher.
We roam the streets of Paris during this troubled time through the eyes of its lower and creative classes. Anatole, Jules, and Marie all work as artists: Anatole is a violinist, Marie a singer, and Jules a photographer. Zéphyrine is a working girl, whose livelihood has been decimated by the war and its consequent economic decline. When we first meet Zéphyrine, she’s on the verge of destitution and contemplating becoming a prostitute to at least be able to survive. In a way, the revolution and the Commune of Paris save her life, because they provide her with a way to earn a living, without resorting to selling herself. I loved Zéphyrine’s indefatigable spirit, her refusal to just give up and give in. Her romance with Anatole, which forms the heart of the narrative, was lovely and very sweet. Anatole is a wonderful leading man and I liked the way he offsets Zéphyrine’s unbridled enthusiasm for the revolution with some solid doubts about the motivation for it among its leaders.
While I loved Zéphyrine and Anatole, I found the relationship between Anatole and Jules far more intriguing. There is so much subtext to them, so much that goes unsaid between them. It also served to make Anatole a little less perfect as his treatment of Jules wasn’t very nice. Anatole knows that Jules wants to be more than his friend, yet while he doesn’t feel the same, he does trade on Jules’ feelings for him to get Jules to help him. It’s very much a tale of unrequited love between best friends and I felt so much for Jules, who knows there is no chance, yet always carries a bit of hope. He has to witness Anatole losing his heart to Zéphyrine and manages to not resent her for the fact. Marie also has feelings for Anatole, yet her main focus is on finding her brother and brining him home to Paris safely.
It is through Marie’s story arc that we learn most about the police state nature of the Commune. She has to deal with lecherous Citizens in power at the Prefecture and we are introduced to the importance of informers in such a state when they try to blackmail her into becoming one in exchange for a chance to rescue her brother. The way the political situation in Paris is presented offers a lot of food for thought about the nature of government, about who is in power and the nature of class distinctions. Additionally, it also touches on women’s emancipation, which even then was a matter of discussion, even if true women’s suffrage in France would remain out of reach until after the Second World War. I found this aspect of the book fascinating and really enjoyed it.
Liberty’s Fire is a fascinating YA historical, which is about friendships and love, but also about deciding what it is worth to fight for and when to take a stand. I had a fantastic time with Lydia Syson’s latest and while it was written for a young adult audience, I think there is plenty here to appeal to adult readers as well.
This book was provided for review by the publisher.
June 2, 2015
Check out my reviews HERE!
Thank you to Hot Key Books for sending me this novel in exchange for an honest review.
After finishing A Little In Love, I was still thinking about Paris and how beautiful it was to read a novel set there, so I decided to pick up this book as my next read. I was also totally captivated by that beautiful cover!
Lydia Syson's characters were something I had heard other readers praise after reading her other novels, such as That Burning Summer. So I was disappointed when I didn't feel myself connecting to them as much as I had hoped to. I did like the relationships between the characters in the first half of the novel, but found my interest waning toward the second half.
I shipped Anatole and Jules from the very beginning, I liked both their friendship and found myself wishing they were a couple! I also liked Zephy at times, although I found her somewhat whiny and naive. I really did not like Marie, I thought she was vain, self important and some of her actions toward the end of the novel really annoyed me.
Overall I found the characters sort of bland. A few days after finishing the novel, I found myself struggling to remember the characters and what differentiated them. I thought that Jules was the only somewhat interesting character of the lot.
I found the plot to be boring at times, and very slow paced. Towards the end of the novel, when the pace of the plot suddenly increased, I found the writing to be overly descriptive so that I found myself skimming over long paragraphs of descriptions. The dialogue was fun to read at times but overall I found the style of writing to not be my cup of tea.
I was really sad I didn't like this book as I'd heard great things about Lydia's previous novels, That Burning Summer and A World Between Us, and thought I would like this.
Unfortunately this novel was not my cup of tea but I am going to pass it onto a friend who likes historical fiction.
June 14, 2015
This gripping historical fiction novel follows the lives of four young adults in the aftermath of Napolean’s disastrous war on Prussia and months of siege and starvation in Paris. Set in 1871, when the Parisian working class rose up in revolt against Prussia’s victory and France’s easy capitulation this story tracks a new, and not as well know, bloody revolution that claimed Paris again.
The cast:
** Zephyrine, just 16 years old and struggling to survive in the besieged and beleaguered city, is at the brink of selling herself when she is embraced into the Paris Commune and becomes a revolutionary.
** Anatole, friend and house guest of Jules, who meets and falls passionately in love with the fiery Zephyrine.
** Jules, young American photographer, with a secret passion for the enthusiastic and gullible violinist Anatole.
** Marie, young opera singer in the same theatre as Anatole, who seeks to better herself but will do anything for the return of her brother, a Prussian prisoner of war.
Consumed by war, starvation, danger, passion, class, beliefs and the need to survive, the lives of these four people intertwine to present a beautiful and tragic love story of friendship and betrayal.
Lydia Syson has researched this book impeccably to present multiple perspectives of civil war and unrest but with a strong clarion call for the underdog and the revolutionaries. As the Communards seek desperately to take control of their lives and rise above class oppression and poverty, the horror of war is brought home tragically and evocatively. Aimed for the mature young adult reader and all those who engage with our past through this genre, this is a haunting and vividly told tale. Set in the heart of Paris, many adult readers will recognise the scenes of triumph and desecration. This adds another layer to this fascinating insight into a slice of French history that had repercussions across time and space as workers rose up in successive revolutions around the world.
Highly recommended.
Liberty's Fire
The cast:
** Zephyrine, just 16 years old and struggling to survive in the besieged and beleaguered city, is at the brink of selling herself when she is embraced into the Paris Commune and becomes a revolutionary.
** Anatole, friend and house guest of Jules, who meets and falls passionately in love with the fiery Zephyrine.
** Jules, young American photographer, with a secret passion for the enthusiastic and gullible violinist Anatole.
** Marie, young opera singer in the same theatre as Anatole, who seeks to better herself but will do anything for the return of her brother, a Prussian prisoner of war.
Consumed by war, starvation, danger, passion, class, beliefs and the need to survive, the lives of these four people intertwine to present a beautiful and tragic love story of friendship and betrayal.
Lydia Syson has researched this book impeccably to present multiple perspectives of civil war and unrest but with a strong clarion call for the underdog and the revolutionaries. As the Communards seek desperately to take control of their lives and rise above class oppression and poverty, the horror of war is brought home tragically and evocatively. Aimed for the mature young adult reader and all those who engage with our past through this genre, this is a haunting and vividly told tale. Set in the heart of Paris, many adult readers will recognise the scenes of triumph and desecration. This adds another layer to this fascinating insight into a slice of French history that had repercussions across time and space as workers rose up in successive revolutions around the world.
Highly recommended.
Liberty's Fire
June 15, 2015
Set in the Paris Commune of 1871, Liberty's Fire follows the interconnecting stories of four young Paris residents. There is Zephyrine, a young woman whose grandmother, with whom she lived in Montmartre, has died during the Siege, in her desperation for money for the burial she almost sells her body on the street, but as two men quarrel over who saw her first, she is saved from the situation by a young violinist, Anatole, who takes her to the refuge of the Theatre he works in. Marie, a young opera singer from a wealthy family, is a friend of Anatole's from the Theatre, and is in turmoil about her brother, a soldier captured by the Prussians. Anatole lives with a wealthy American named Jules in a good part of town, where Jules has his own photography studio. While Zephyrine and Anatole are drawn in to the call of the Commune, Marie and Jules are more concerned with their own self preservation. I do love reading a bit of historical fiction, I knew nothing about the Paris Commune of 1871, nor of the French army turning on Paris, and nothing of the exile of Commune prisoners to New Caledonia for years. The action and mayhem of the Paris falling was beautifully portrayed, with the four characters trying to return to each other. The ending, taking place years later in London, was perfectly non-indulgent.
July 29, 2015
Fabulous! The final sections are both horrifying and gripping, as the Paris Commune begins to fall. I knew very little about this period of French history before reading this novel, but I knew that the four main characters were inevitably going to face the terrible reprisals by the French army against the Communards. It's very strange today to imagine a revolutionary Paris burning, with rivers of blood. I will see some of the sights much differently on my next visit there. Syson does an excellent job of capturing the hope of the Commune and the terror and trauma of its fall. Along the way, there are wonderful details of life in the theatre and photography during the period, accompanied by meditations on family, friendship, and passionate first love.
December 24, 2016
I found Liberty's Fire underwhelming. I kept getting distracted because I wasn't engaged enough with the plot which is a shame because I liked the central characters, they were quite well drawn and appealing. The switching of perspectives lost me several times. The problem was the tensions between the characters never really amounted to anything. Everyone was in love with Anatole and yet the conflicts were dissolved so quickly! The confession at the end seemed to have no impact on Anatole who might as well have said "oh well, never mind." Character? Yes. Strong backdrop? Yes. Plot? I'm not quite sure. Anticlimactic? Unfortunately, yes.
However, I have read some very strong and poignant historical fiction recently so maybe this just fell in Elizabeth Wein's shadow.
However, I have read some very strong and poignant historical fiction recently so maybe this just fell in Elizabeth Wein's shadow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2015
Paris, 1871. Paris is in revolt. Sixteen-year-old Zephyrine is quickly lured in by the ideals of the city's radical new government. Anatole's passion for his music is soon swiftly matched only by his passion for this fierce and magnificent girl. He comes to believe in Zephyrine's new politics - but his friends are not so sure.
A good, historic novel with equal bits romance and intrigue. All the characters are equally likeable and the plot keeps moving at a steady pace.
A good, historic novel with equal bits romance and intrigue. All the characters are equally likeable and the plot keeps moving at a steady pace.
June 8, 2016
This book was really well written. I thought the way she wrote the historical setting was so vivid and it felt so real + also her characters were so complex and interesting. My faves were Marie and Zephryine (surprise) and it was super interesting reading about a time period I didn't know about!
July 15, 2015
I really loved this book so emotional, I would really recommend it.
January 20, 2016
A solid book,good character and devastating end
October 20, 2015
Wow a truly heartfelt and dripping with tension, hope and fear a must book to read
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews