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My Love, My Land
In the midst of war-torn Belgium, an unlikely friendship is formed between four women as they struggle to survive the horrors of World War One.
Belgium, August 1914.
Modest in status but happy in love, Thérèse Aubel waits for her husband Henri to return from war.
Alone on their farm one Saturday afternoon, Thérèse hears the sound of distant thunder. But this is no storm, this is an invasion.
Dinant is burning in the distance. For a while Thérèse stands motionless, watching the billowing smoke and the shells exploding like brief yellow stars.
The Germans are coming. Thérèse knows what she must do.
She sets fire to everything she has ever known and leaves her home in ashes, with only her wedding photograph for company.
Thérèse flees to safety and takes refuge in an abandoned convent with three local women: dressmaker Clothilde, pregnant teenager Yvette, and elderly and confused Grand’mère. They attempt to build a new life out of the chaos that surrounds them. But thoughts of Henri still plague Thérèse.
Different in character but united in their will to survive, the four women are pushed to their limits. But, without love, is there anything left worth fighting for?
Belgium, August 1914.
Modest in status but happy in love, Thérèse Aubel waits for her husband Henri to return from war.
Alone on their farm one Saturday afternoon, Thérèse hears the sound of distant thunder. But this is no storm, this is an invasion.
Dinant is burning in the distance. For a while Thérèse stands motionless, watching the billowing smoke and the shells exploding like brief yellow stars.
The Germans are coming. Thérèse knows what she must do.
She sets fire to everything she has ever known and leaves her home in ashes, with only her wedding photograph for company.
Thérèse flees to safety and takes refuge in an abandoned convent with three local women: dressmaker Clothilde, pregnant teenager Yvette, and elderly and confused Grand’mère. They attempt to build a new life out of the chaos that surrounds them. But thoughts of Henri still plague Thérèse.
Different in character but united in their will to survive, the four women are pushed to their limits. But, without love, is there anything left worth fighting for?
224 pages, Paperback
Published December 4, 1980
44 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 15, 2024
August 1914 in Belgium and Thérèse was hoping her husband Henri would eventually return from the war. When she heard evidence the Germans had arrived in nearby Dinant, she stoically set to destroying everything she and Henri had built up; their farm, their land, the animals, their love. With only their wedding photo secreted on her person, Thérèse set out for the caves where she could remain hidden. But it wasn't long before they were no longer safe, and with three other women in tow, they travelled, determined to find shelter and safety. The recently bombed convent took some care, but soon it was livable. Would dressmaker Clothilde, pregnant teen Yvette, the elderly, confused Grand’mère and Thérèse remain unnoticed for the duration of the war?
My Love, My Land is an exceptional historical novel, and my first by Judy Gardiner. Set during WWI in Belgium - a time I've not read a lot about - the Germans were just as brutal then, as they were in WWII. The four MCs were wonderful, forming a close friendship - a family - and looking after each other for the duration. The Resistance, which seems to be around in all wars, formed in and around Brussels, and they did much for the war effort. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and will look for more by this author. Highly recommended.
My Love, My Land is an exceptional historical novel, and my first by Judy Gardiner. Set during WWI in Belgium - a time I've not read a lot about - the Germans were just as brutal then, as they were in WWII. The four MCs were wonderful, forming a close friendship - a family - and looking after each other for the duration. The Resistance, which seems to be around in all wars, formed in and around Brussels, and they did much for the war effort. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and will look for more by this author. Highly recommended.
March 19, 2023
Excellent Historical Fiction
A little difficult sometimes to keep the characters straight, but an excellent novel. Very descriptive of the reality of living through a major war in a country occupied by the enemy. The hardships of the people and their life was beyond my imagination. I would highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy learning by reading historical fiction.
A little difficult sometimes to keep the characters straight, but an excellent novel. Very descriptive of the reality of living through a major war in a country occupied by the enemy. The hardships of the people and their life was beyond my imagination. I would highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy learning by reading historical fiction.
Want to read
February 8, 2023Joffe books, 99
August 23, 2025
Page Turner
The story gripped me
We don't hear about the civilians activities in WW1 so the content of this saga was interesting.
The story gripped me
We don't hear about the civilians activities in WW1 so the content of this saga was interesting.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews