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The Indigo Rebels #3
Liberation
France, 1942
Having suffered a devastating blow from the Gestapo, Etienne Delattre’s Resistance cell is slowly recovering its strength.
Giselle Legrand travels to Lyon to work in its infamous Montluc prison under her third alias, helping the Resistance in organizing prisoners’ escapes.
Marcel joins forces with Philippe as the two follow the line of the Comintern in sabotaging German munitions factories.
Kamille volunteers to work in the German Red Cross in order to find her missing husband, Jochen, and soon finds herself involved not only with French but with German Resistance as well.
The tide of the war is slowly turning and so does the mood in France, changing from a passive resistance to an open sabotage.
As German forces occupy the former Free Zone in response to Allied landings in North Africa, the Resistance leaders must work fast to unite their forces against the common enemy. But together with the army, SS-Obersturmführer Klaus Barbie arrives in Lyon, and soon the capital of the French Resistance will turn into the Gestapo capital, where terror and intimidation have free reign, and former loyal comrades turn on their fellow résistants to save their own lives.
With maquis on the rise, with pro-German milice assisting the Gestapo with its policy of terrorizing the French population, with the promise of the Allied landings on the North, they will have to outsmart the enemy that will fight to the bitter end. Liberation is nearing, but the time is against them.
Having suffered a devastating blow from the Gestapo, Etienne Delattre’s Resistance cell is slowly recovering its strength.
Giselle Legrand travels to Lyon to work in its infamous Montluc prison under her third alias, helping the Resistance in organizing prisoners’ escapes.
Marcel joins forces with Philippe as the two follow the line of the Comintern in sabotaging German munitions factories.
Kamille volunteers to work in the German Red Cross in order to find her missing husband, Jochen, and soon finds herself involved not only with French but with German Resistance as well.
The tide of the war is slowly turning and so does the mood in France, changing from a passive resistance to an open sabotage.
As German forces occupy the former Free Zone in response to Allied landings in North Africa, the Resistance leaders must work fast to unite their forces against the common enemy. But together with the army, SS-Obersturmführer Klaus Barbie arrives in Lyon, and soon the capital of the French Resistance will turn into the Gestapo capital, where terror and intimidation have free reign, and former loyal comrades turn on their fellow résistants to save their own lives.
With maquis on the rise, with pro-German milice assisting the Gestapo with its policy of terrorizing the French population, with the promise of the Allied landings on the North, they will have to outsmart the enemy that will fight to the bitter end. Liberation is nearing, but the time is against them.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2018
575 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Midwood
43 books1,159 followersEllie Midwood is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author, whose works have been translated into 20 languages. She owes her interest in the history of the Second World War to her grandfather, Junior Sergeant in the 2nd Guards Tank Army of the First Belorussian Front, who began telling her about his experiences on the frontline when she was a young girl. Growing up, her interest in history only deepened and transformed from reading about the war to writing about it. After obtaining her BA in Linguistics, Ellie decided to make writing her full-time career and began working on her first full-length historical novel, "The Girl from Berlin." Ellie is continuously enriching her library with new research material and feeds her passion for WWII and Holocaust history by collecting rare memorabilia and documents.
In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her husband and their three dogs.
In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her husband and their three dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 22, 2018
The third book in The Indigo Rebels trilogy wraps up as the Allies are closing in on Germany in the waning days of World War II. The story focuses on a number of resistance fighters we met in books one and two, including Giselle, her sister, Kamille, and brother Marcel. It certainly reminds us of the bravery and sacrifice of those who stood up to the Nazis. It also reminds us of the cruelty of Hitler’s SS forces and Klaus Barbie, in particular. There are a couple of scenes involving torture that I had to skim because they’re so troubling.
This installment in the series focuses a great deal on the machinations of the Third Reich and the French Resistance movement by following a number of individuals. What I’ll remember most vividly from this novel is the evil Klaus Barbie. Naturally, there are some sad outcomes. It couldn’t be otherwise.
Despite some editing issues, the book is compelling and very readable.
This installment in the series focuses a great deal on the machinations of the Third Reich and the French Resistance movement by following a number of individuals. What I’ll remember most vividly from this novel is the evil Klaus Barbie. Naturally, there are some sad outcomes. It couldn’t be otherwise.
Despite some editing issues, the book is compelling and very readable.
August 6, 2018
The third and final book in the series is again a great read. I love how the author combines real historical characters with fictional inventions to produce a compelling story, which entertains but also provides insight to living through a terrible time in history. As with all the books, they are page turners that are difficult to put down. You are desperate to find out what happens next! Given the setting of France under the Nazi occupation, there are some heart thumping moments as you hope the author has allowed your favorite characters to survive. This is one of my favorite authors and I eagerly look forward to her next book.
March 30, 2019
Every one should read this book
Vivid and honest discription of terrible times. Brings back memories of bad times which must never be repeated. A great book
Vivid and honest discription of terrible times. Brings back memories of bad times which must never be repeated. A great book
August 2, 2018
Midwood proves yet again why she is such a popular author and her extensive knowledge about this period of history.
A great finale to this three book series about the resistance fighters in Nazi-occupied France. It could work as a stand-alone but I'd recommend reading the series in order.
This read is intense and becomes more so as the Germans realise they are losing their grip on France. The resistance movement has grown as more people have become dissatisfied with the invasion. More organised and bolder, they do all they can to cause havoc. But then Barbie, the Butcher of Lyon is posted in their town, determined to hunt them down and stamp them out. Running alongside events in France Kamille travels to Germany in search of her husband. There, along with her husband she plays an important role in the movement.
As the sense of an ending to the oppression grows so does the tension to survive.
Very enjoyable read.
A great finale to this three book series about the resistance fighters in Nazi-occupied France. It could work as a stand-alone but I'd recommend reading the series in order.
This read is intense and becomes more so as the Germans realise they are losing their grip on France. The resistance movement has grown as more people have become dissatisfied with the invasion. More organised and bolder, they do all they can to cause havoc. But then Barbie, the Butcher of Lyon is posted in their town, determined to hunt them down and stamp them out. Running alongside events in France Kamille travels to Germany in search of her husband. There, along with her husband she plays an important role in the movement.
As the sense of an ending to the oppression grows so does the tension to survive.
Very enjoyable read.
July 13, 2018
Liberation: The Indigo Rebels Book 3 is by Ellie Midwood. This is the best book of all three which is saying a lot as all three are excellent. Ellie has done her research well and has created such realistic characters as well as including some real-life characters.
As the war continues to escalate, the Nazis are more determined than ever to find the rebels who are disrupting their conquering of France. In both the Occupied and Unoccupied Zones, the rebels continue their attacks on the Nazis. As the Nazis close in on the rebels, the rebels determination to disrupt the Nazis is intensified.
Marcel Legrande is still under the belief that his sister was killed by the Nazis and that his other sister is safe in Paris. Meanwhile, he has to leave Lyon and is placed with the group taking men over the mountains to Spain. Kamille is in Paris but has received word that her German husband was injured but alive. However, finding him takes perseverance and a bit of begging. When she finds he is in Germany recovering, she heads there to find him. However, it is like hunting a pin in the school master.
Giselle is in Paris with Philippe who saved her from a train headed to the death camps. He nurses her back to health and stays with her in Paris to keep her safe. This proves difficult when she insists on going back into the battle against the Nazis in Lyon. She is placed in the prison as a secretary but gains the attention of Klaus Barbie who is known for his sadism.
As liberation presses closer, Barbie increases his reign of terror. Can they make it out or will everyone be killed before the Nazi give up.
The series and this final book should be read by everyone who reads about the Holocaust and World War II. Ellie’s books are fascinating.
As the war continues to escalate, the Nazis are more determined than ever to find the rebels who are disrupting their conquering of France. In both the Occupied and Unoccupied Zones, the rebels continue their attacks on the Nazis. As the Nazis close in on the rebels, the rebels determination to disrupt the Nazis is intensified.
Marcel Legrande is still under the belief that his sister was killed by the Nazis and that his other sister is safe in Paris. Meanwhile, he has to leave Lyon and is placed with the group taking men over the mountains to Spain. Kamille is in Paris but has received word that her German husband was injured but alive. However, finding him takes perseverance and a bit of begging. When she finds he is in Germany recovering, she heads there to find him. However, it is like hunting a pin in the school master.
Giselle is in Paris with Philippe who saved her from a train headed to the death camps. He nurses her back to health and stays with her in Paris to keep her safe. This proves difficult when she insists on going back into the battle against the Nazis in Lyon. She is placed in the prison as a secretary but gains the attention of Klaus Barbie who is known for his sadism.
As liberation presses closer, Barbie increases his reign of terror. Can they make it out or will everyone be killed before the Nazi give up.
The series and this final book should be read by everyone who reads about the Holocaust and World War II. Ellie’s books are fascinating.
July 11, 2018
Liberation (The Indigo Rebels #3) by Ellie Midwood is the third, and I guess, sadly the last of her wonderful series based on the French Resistance during World War II and the unforgettable characters of Etienne Delatre, Giselle Legrand, Marcel, Phillipe and all the other brave resistance members, as they seek to harry and harass the German occupiers of their beloved La Belle France.
I have read the previous two installments and was waiting, with bated breath, for book number three. It was not a disappointment. In this story, Etienne along with the rebel priest are hiding weapons and escaped British agents in the basement of their orphanage in Lyon. When the infamous Klaus Barbie (The Butcher of Lyon) is appointed to oversee the Gestapo operations in that part of occupied France, the stakes are raised even higher for the fledgling resistance movement. With her typical bravado and charm Giselle will throw herself into the midst of Barbie's evil world in an effort to disrupt and cause as much havoc to the Germans as possible. Her brother Marcel and her lover, the communist, Philippe will engage in sabotage to make the German's lives hell, but always hanging over the resistance, is the arrogant, yet charming, spectre, of the Butcher of Lyon.
Liberation (The Indigo Rebels #3) is a fantastically thrilling conclusion to an absolutely superb series. I keep banging on about how good Ellie Midwood's books are, but it seems that each new story reaches a new height in emotion, authenticity and readability. When it comes to this period of history there is no fiction peer, that I have found yet, for this author's stories. Her books are clearly meticulously researched and always revolve around real, identifiable characters, during one of the saddest and most brutal periods of human history, yet they resonate with hope, with love, with determination, with courage and with a belief in the ultimate goodness of humanity. Even in the depths of depravity, Midwood brings us stories that can still make us smile and make us laugh, even through our tears. This is a rare quality in an author and one of the reasons why I place her at the top of my favourite author list.
If you've never read a Midwood, give it a try, but if you are a fan, like me, grab it, because you know you'll love it. No question at all, of course, five stars all the way for Liberation (The Indigo Rebels #3)
I have read the previous two installments and was waiting, with bated breath, for book number three. It was not a disappointment. In this story, Etienne along with the rebel priest are hiding weapons and escaped British agents in the basement of their orphanage in Lyon. When the infamous Klaus Barbie (The Butcher of Lyon) is appointed to oversee the Gestapo operations in that part of occupied France, the stakes are raised even higher for the fledgling resistance movement. With her typical bravado and charm Giselle will throw herself into the midst of Barbie's evil world in an effort to disrupt and cause as much havoc to the Germans as possible. Her brother Marcel and her lover, the communist, Philippe will engage in sabotage to make the German's lives hell, but always hanging over the resistance, is the arrogant, yet charming, spectre, of the Butcher of Lyon.
Liberation (The Indigo Rebels #3) is a fantastically thrilling conclusion to an absolutely superb series. I keep banging on about how good Ellie Midwood's books are, but it seems that each new story reaches a new height in emotion, authenticity and readability. When it comes to this period of history there is no fiction peer, that I have found yet, for this author's stories. Her books are clearly meticulously researched and always revolve around real, identifiable characters, during one of the saddest and most brutal periods of human history, yet they resonate with hope, with love, with determination, with courage and with a belief in the ultimate goodness of humanity. Even in the depths of depravity, Midwood brings us stories that can still make us smile and make us laugh, even through our tears. This is a rare quality in an author and one of the reasons why I place her at the top of my favourite author list.
If you've never read a Midwood, give it a try, but if you are a fan, like me, grab it, because you know you'll love it. No question at all, of course, five stars all the way for Liberation (The Indigo Rebels #3)
August 15, 2018
***** Another Indgo Rebel Series Winner!
First off, as much as I am a total fan of this author’s works in general, I have always been particularly taken by her “Indigo Rebels” Series. This latest book, “Liberation,” fits that bill completely. Filled with well-written, detailed descriptions of the era along with authentic, touching characters you care about, it is the continuing saga of one French family in Nazi-occupied France. Giselle, after having been a writer and “scandalous socialite with bright platinum locks,” has escaped capture and death before by going incognito; by becoming a “shabby, overall-clad factory worker with dark curls.” This new persona is perfect for her. It allows her to work undercover, to secretly feed ‘disinformation’ to the Nazis and further her aide to the French Resistance. Meanwhile, her brother, Etienne, is now, himself, high up in that rebel organization’s chain of command, while their sister, Kamille, married to a German soldier, is off to reunite with her wounded husband in Germany. Once again, the three siblings’ individual plots swirl in and out and around each other, as Midwood artfully maintains their familial connection amidst plot twists and turns. We are also witness to unlikely saviors who overcome great odds, true bravery that comes in heartbreaking ways, the physical and psychological horror of being tortured, planned explosives, train derailments, clever concealment of identifies, kindness in spite of horrendous evil all around, and the inner workings of the infamous Butcher of Lyon: Klaus Barbie. And all is portrayed during the slow demise of German troops, as British, Russian, and U.S. forces are steadfastly closing in. Another terrific read!
First off, as much as I am a total fan of this author’s works in general, I have always been particularly taken by her “Indigo Rebels” Series. This latest book, “Liberation,” fits that bill completely. Filled with well-written, detailed descriptions of the era along with authentic, touching characters you care about, it is the continuing saga of one French family in Nazi-occupied France. Giselle, after having been a writer and “scandalous socialite with bright platinum locks,” has escaped capture and death before by going incognito; by becoming a “shabby, overall-clad factory worker with dark curls.” This new persona is perfect for her. It allows her to work undercover, to secretly feed ‘disinformation’ to the Nazis and further her aide to the French Resistance. Meanwhile, her brother, Etienne, is now, himself, high up in that rebel organization’s chain of command, while their sister, Kamille, married to a German soldier, is off to reunite with her wounded husband in Germany. Once again, the three siblings’ individual plots swirl in and out and around each other, as Midwood artfully maintains their familial connection amidst plot twists and turns. We are also witness to unlikely saviors who overcome great odds, true bravery that comes in heartbreaking ways, the physical and psychological horror of being tortured, planned explosives, train derailments, clever concealment of identifies, kindness in spite of horrendous evil all around, and the inner workings of the infamous Butcher of Lyon: Klaus Barbie. And all is portrayed during the slow demise of German troops, as British, Russian, and U.S. forces are steadfastly closing in. Another terrific read!
April 4, 2019
Great Read
I’ve read a lot of WW2 books, and this one rates up with the best of them. The blend of horror of war and the hope of man make it one of my all time favorites.
I’ve read a lot of WW2 books, and this one rates up with the best of them. The blend of horror of war and the hope of man make it one of my all time favorites.
August 21, 2018
I didn't quite read these books back to back as each one needed time to settle before I continued. Each leaves you with so much feels that for me I had to ruminate on it a while. This is the third and final episode of the three resistance siblings and it was a satisfying end to a wonderful series that explored the sacrifice and horror of world war II while managing to weave in love stories and true tales of heroism along the way. Ellie Midwood's writing is vibrant and draws you in. Her ability to put you in the moment, the amazing development of all the characters - the supporting ones as well as the siblings, Marcel, Kamille, and Giselle - was what made this series so compelling for me. In this age of so much visual stimulation, this book was able to transport me back in time, fully submerging me in this heart wrenching, dangerous time, as if I was watching a BBC drama. Talking of which, I think this would make an awesome TV mini-series! Love historical fiction? Put this on your list. It's not actually my go to genre these days, but this author may have made me rekindle my love or it.
July 23, 2018
This is the third and final book in The Indigo Rebels series and what a great ending! All our main characters return for the final installment: Giselle, Etienne, Marcel, Philippe, and Father Yves, just to name a few. Unfortunately, we also get our worst villain ever, Klaus Barbie, and he will make our characters' lives a living hell. While there is plenty of evidence of Barbie's real life torturous deeds, which could easily send a shiver down your spine, Ms. Midwood does an amazing job of capturing Barbie's insane mind. The things he does to our poor characters really makes you think how could anyone do that to someone else? I also praise Ms. Midwood for not making Barbie a real generic evil character. She goes deep into his mind and shows the reader why he does the things he does. In addition to following the French Resistance, the reader is also given an insight to the German Resistance thanks to one of the characters. I thought this was a good touch done by Ms. Midwood and added more interest to the already good story line. Finally, I also loved how Ms. Midwood did the epilogue. I thought it was a unique way of doing it.
The following is a SPOILER!
That being said, I do wish I would have known what would have happened to some of the other characters like Father Yves and Augustine. Did they end up together? Violette does mention Marcel but do him and Tommy have a tearful reunion and remain together? I would have loved just a little scene about that since I was so shocked and excited when I found out Tommy had survived. I must admit, I am still mourning the death of Philippe. I was so hoping Giselle and Philippe would end up together! But, I suppose you know its a good book when the author kills off a main character :) I am happy, though, that Giselle ended up with someone in the end. Though, I wish there would been more buildup of their relationship. But, all these things are so minor that it would be wrong to not give this book a well deserved five stars. It was a great ending to a very good series. Another fantastic job by the great Ms. Midwood! I can't wait to see what she does next.
The following is a SPOILER!
That being said, I do wish I would have known what would have happened to some of the other characters like Father Yves and Augustine. Did they end up together? Violette does mention Marcel but do him and Tommy have a tearful reunion and remain together? I would have loved just a little scene about that since I was so shocked and excited when I found out Tommy had survived. I must admit, I am still mourning the death of Philippe. I was so hoping Giselle and Philippe would end up together! But, I suppose you know its a good book when the author kills off a main character :) I am happy, though, that Giselle ended up with someone in the end. Though, I wish there would been more buildup of their relationship. But, all these things are so minor that it would be wrong to not give this book a well deserved five stars. It was a great ending to a very good series. Another fantastic job by the great Ms. Midwood! I can't wait to see what she does next.
February 16, 2021
Truth Revealed
Ellie Midwood has done it again. With the final book of The Indigo Rebel series, we return to France, specifically Lyon, where the Resistance and later the Maquis, continue their fight against the German Occupation.
With vivid detail and chilling accuracy Midwood brings Klaus Barbie, the Butcher of Lyon to life. Giselle works for him before being arrested as a member of the Resistance, and barely escapes with her life. Etienne is also arrested and tortured, but released as part of a plea deal reached between Giselle and Commander Sievers.
Midwood also wraps up the one loose end of the series, Marcel and Giselle’s older sister, Kamille. After witnessing the horrors of the first round up of Jews in Paris, Kamille too joins the Resistance, using her work as a Red Cross nurse and her travels throughout war torn Germany (in search of her missing husband) to aid the people of France, and later, Germany.
Barbie was finally caught in 1984, when I was a junior in high school. I watched the news reports on the trial and thought how sad it must be for all those witnesses to testify against him, to have to relive those years of Germany’s occupation. Midwood’s stellar knowledge of World War II painted a much more vivid picture of the man and his crimes. Now I fully understand why he was called the Butcher of Lyon, and how those it messes’ testimonies wasn’t a sad thing for them to go through, but a cathartic means of putting those ghosts behind them and honoring their countrymen who fell victim to that man.
I said in one of my earlier reviews that this series should be required reading for high school and college world history classes. The atrocities of war and the epic feats of patriotism and heroism are vividly and unforgettably brought to life for the reader in such a way that they will not soon be forgotten.
Ellie Midwood has done it again. With the final book of The Indigo Rebel series, we return to France, specifically Lyon, where the Resistance and later the Maquis, continue their fight against the German Occupation.
With vivid detail and chilling accuracy Midwood brings Klaus Barbie, the Butcher of Lyon to life. Giselle works for him before being arrested as a member of the Resistance, and barely escapes with her life. Etienne is also arrested and tortured, but released as part of a plea deal reached between Giselle and Commander Sievers.
Midwood also wraps up the one loose end of the series, Marcel and Giselle’s older sister, Kamille. After witnessing the horrors of the first round up of Jews in Paris, Kamille too joins the Resistance, using her work as a Red Cross nurse and her travels throughout war torn Germany (in search of her missing husband) to aid the people of France, and later, Germany.
Barbie was finally caught in 1984, when I was a junior in high school. I watched the news reports on the trial and thought how sad it must be for all those witnesses to testify against him, to have to relive those years of Germany’s occupation. Midwood’s stellar knowledge of World War II painted a much more vivid picture of the man and his crimes. Now I fully understand why he was called the Butcher of Lyon, and how those it messes’ testimonies wasn’t a sad thing for them to go through, but a cathartic means of putting those ghosts behind them and honoring their countrymen who fell victim to that man.
I said in one of my earlier reviews that this series should be required reading for high school and college world history classes. The atrocities of war and the epic feats of patriotism and heroism are vividly and unforgettably brought to life for the reader in such a way that they will not soon be forgotten.
July 6, 2018
It has been very comforting to meet again Giselle, Kamille and Etienne and all the other characters from the Indigo Rebels; not that if one hasn’t read the previous two books would not get instantly engaged in the story or would have a difficulty in getting to know them, since Ms Midwood has a magical way to introduce her characters to her new readers, to weave their tormented pasts with their current adventures into unique life stories. This, together with the tantalizing presence of the infamous Klaus Barbie have managed to keep me hooked up to this book. At times, I felt as if I was inside the Butcher’s head, hearing his thoughts, following the thread of his lethal decision making; so many lives, together with Giselle’s and Philippe and Etienne’s, a pray to the fury of this arrogant and conceited creature, a sacrifice on the altar of his monomania and his perversion. Thank you, Ellie, for this impeccably researched book, for another extraordinary story with bigger than life characters, who, while keeping their human nature and their weaknesses, they do not betray their values and become heroes in your book but also in our hearts.
July 21, 2018
Liberation
The writer did a excellent job of putting real history and joining it with the family who we do no know.and showing how cruel the insane GERMANS UNDER HITLER. were so cruel and how there were good germans who knew right from wrong and helpedth allies win the warer. A AUTHOR CAN HAVE ALL THE FACTS IN FRONT OF HER BUT IF SHE CAN NOT WRITE IT CORRECTLY THE BOOK BECOMES BOREING .ELLIE MIDWOOD IS TRUELY A GREAT WRITER WHO HAS THE TALENT OF MAKING EVERY COME TOGETHER SO YOU CAN NOT PUT DOEN HER BOOKS. THE FIRST BOOK I READ OF HERD WAS IN CABO MECICO FOR VACATION AND IT WAS CALLED THR GERMAN GIRL AND I HAVE BEEN IN LOVE WITH HER WRITEING I SUGGEST YOU READ HER BOOKS AND YOU WILL LEARN TRUE HISTORY AND HOW A EXCELLENT WRITER PUTS IT TOGETHER WITH BRAVE EVERY DAY PEOPLE WHO NEVER GAVE UP OR NEVER GIVE IN NO MATTER WHAT THE CAUSE TO THEM AND THEIR FAMILES AND HOW THERE ARE GOOD PEOPLE ON BOTH SIDES.
The writer did a excellent job of putting real history and joining it with the family who we do no know.and showing how cruel the insane GERMANS UNDER HITLER. were so cruel and how there were good germans who knew right from wrong and helpedth allies win the warer. A AUTHOR CAN HAVE ALL THE FACTS IN FRONT OF HER BUT IF SHE CAN NOT WRITE IT CORRECTLY THE BOOK BECOMES BOREING .ELLIE MIDWOOD IS TRUELY A GREAT WRITER WHO HAS THE TALENT OF MAKING EVERY COME TOGETHER SO YOU CAN NOT PUT DOEN HER BOOKS. THE FIRST BOOK I READ OF HERD WAS IN CABO MECICO FOR VACATION AND IT WAS CALLED THR GERMAN GIRL AND I HAVE BEEN IN LOVE WITH HER WRITEING I SUGGEST YOU READ HER BOOKS AND YOU WILL LEARN TRUE HISTORY AND HOW A EXCELLENT WRITER PUTS IT TOGETHER WITH BRAVE EVERY DAY PEOPLE WHO NEVER GAVE UP OR NEVER GIVE IN NO MATTER WHAT THE CAUSE TO THEM AND THEIR FAMILES AND HOW THERE ARE GOOD PEOPLE ON BOTH SIDES.
November 9, 2018
The Indigo Rebels, a Trilogy of the French Resistance
Book One of this thrilling trilogy begins with the German invasion of France and in particular with the variety of emotions and reactions of the citizens of Paris as they face the unthinkable, the army of the Wehrmacht marching along the Champs Elysee like Ghengis Khan parading his hordes after conquering his enemies in Mongolia and China. The huge swastika billowing in the wind from Etoile or the Arc de Triomphe and to the smaller Nazi flags hastily suspended all along the Place Vendome, the heart & soul of French culture, art & elegance, it would create so many conflicting emotions among the local populace as to how they should or would react.
It is in this suspenseful and threatening scene that the author introduces us to Giselle Legrand a sophisticated and elegant Parisienne and a writer of popular novels with a devout following. Her sister Kamille, whose philandering husband had died in an air raid in Northern France, is living with her very young daughter in her parents in law’s apartment. Completing this familial group, is Marcel Legrand, Giselle and Kamille’s younger brother who has lost all contact with his fellow soldiers as the remnants of the humiliated French Army escape the hell of the front lines while trying to make their way south without officers or direction.
It is with these three protagonists the author weaves a compelling story throughout the Trilogy of resistance, collaboration, and murder both in the occupied territory, as well as in the Vichy controlled Free Zone of France before it too, was subjected to enforced Nazi rule. The roundup and deportation of French and foreign Jews will forever be a stain on French history in which the Vichy government fully supported. Collaboration for some meant having food for a starving child or parent, for others, it may have been falling in love with one of the enemy and still others it was a means to satisfy their greed by gaining an advantage over their less fortunate compatriots.
In terms of historical content, no one, in my opinion, comes anywhere close to Author Ellie Midwood in bringing a realistic and accurate picture of the state of the Resistance in France during WWII. Oh yes, there are clinical and academic descriptions of this era as well as historical novels, but when Ms. Midwood places you in the mind of Klaus Barbie the Butcher of Lyon and his torture of Giselle, only then can you fully understand the enormous barbarous deeds he undertook in the name of the Gestapo. The damage he did to the Resistance in the region was incalculable as well as the murder of thousands of innocent citizens.
As a survivor of WWII myself and my late wife who suffered deprivations under Nazi occupation in France, I can relate exactly to the narrative that Ms. Midwood has published. If you want a truly accurate picture of that period in history, with all of its emotions, conflicts, and errors of judgment, then this Is, a must read! In fact, I would go so far as to say, the three books of the Trilogy should be part of any high school required reading curriculum, albeit some of the sexual scenes would have been censored in my day, However, today it’s different, and seniors would actually learn some WWII history which in many schools is sadly lacking.
Book One of this thrilling trilogy begins with the German invasion of France and in particular with the variety of emotions and reactions of the citizens of Paris as they face the unthinkable, the army of the Wehrmacht marching along the Champs Elysee like Ghengis Khan parading his hordes after conquering his enemies in Mongolia and China. The huge swastika billowing in the wind from Etoile or the Arc de Triomphe and to the smaller Nazi flags hastily suspended all along the Place Vendome, the heart & soul of French culture, art & elegance, it would create so many conflicting emotions among the local populace as to how they should or would react.
It is in this suspenseful and threatening scene that the author introduces us to Giselle Legrand a sophisticated and elegant Parisienne and a writer of popular novels with a devout following. Her sister Kamille, whose philandering husband had died in an air raid in Northern France, is living with her very young daughter in her parents in law’s apartment. Completing this familial group, is Marcel Legrand, Giselle and Kamille’s younger brother who has lost all contact with his fellow soldiers as the remnants of the humiliated French Army escape the hell of the front lines while trying to make their way south without officers or direction.
It is with these three protagonists the author weaves a compelling story throughout the Trilogy of resistance, collaboration, and murder both in the occupied territory, as well as in the Vichy controlled Free Zone of France before it too, was subjected to enforced Nazi rule. The roundup and deportation of French and foreign Jews will forever be a stain on French history in which the Vichy government fully supported. Collaboration for some meant having food for a starving child or parent, for others, it may have been falling in love with one of the enemy and still others it was a means to satisfy their greed by gaining an advantage over their less fortunate compatriots.
In terms of historical content, no one, in my opinion, comes anywhere close to Author Ellie Midwood in bringing a realistic and accurate picture of the state of the Resistance in France during WWII. Oh yes, there are clinical and academic descriptions of this era as well as historical novels, but when Ms. Midwood places you in the mind of Klaus Barbie the Butcher of Lyon and his torture of Giselle, only then can you fully understand the enormous barbarous deeds he undertook in the name of the Gestapo. The damage he did to the Resistance in the region was incalculable as well as the murder of thousands of innocent citizens.
As a survivor of WWII myself and my late wife who suffered deprivations under Nazi occupation in France, I can relate exactly to the narrative that Ms. Midwood has published. If you want a truly accurate picture of that period in history, with all of its emotions, conflicts, and errors of judgment, then this Is, a must read! In fact, I would go so far as to say, the three books of the Trilogy should be part of any high school required reading curriculum, albeit some of the sexual scenes would have been censored in my day, However, today it’s different, and seniors would actually learn some WWII history which in many schools is sadly lacking.
July 6, 2018
I’m in the Indigo Rebels' zone right now. I’m Giselle, the courageous woman we know and love who will not sit back behind the lines and just hide, I’m Etienne, the sweet soul who has given everything he has for the cause and yet still believes himself to be unworthy, I’m Kamille who believes herself to be weak with an ongoing struggle inside her forcing herself to face the truth of who she really is, I’m Phillipe the communist, the principled fighter who is afraid of nothing and yet loves so deep and so wholeheartedly, I’m Marcel who grieves for the love he has lost and still stands and fights, I’m the poor brave resistance fighters, leaders, who are tortured, betrayed…I’m in the zone and won’t come out for a while. Don’t miss this series or any other series of this author. My recommendation is: Read them all!
September 11, 2018
Atmospheric and pacey, this was an incredible completion to the series. The amount of research and detail put into this story (and the entire series) is jaw-dropping. I'd love to go back and read them all. Each could work as a standalone, and this one could too, but this was the perfect final piece to the story. I recommend starting at the beginning. I was on the edge of my seat, the intensity mounting page by page. Liberation is historical fiction at its finest, but it reads with the intensity of a thriller novel, and has the emotion and passion of a women'a fiction book. Midwood's book are the whole package! The characterization was brilliant and, as always, Midwood made me feel emotions I didn't expect and see each character as their own individual story. Thanks for the fabulous read!!!!!
April 7, 2019
And again, beautifully done. Like the first two books in the series, this one is exceptionally emotion-provoking. Ellie Midwood is the master of storytelling about the most horrific times in mankind's history, and she brings it to the reader in the way you experience historical events being fully involved in the lives of her characters. Evil or hero, they are so real you think you know them; you care about them; you want some of them to succeed in their struggle and the others to be destroyed. For me, all the books of this author are page-turners. I await her new works with impatience and would highly recommend them, written and still to be created, to anyone who enjoys historical fiction in its best.
July 17, 2019
Fighting for freedom
This book, the third book in the series is about the last part of the war toward the end. It is about courageous men who fought for a free France. It is the story of Giselle and the other partisan fighters.
It is about the German resistance within the ranks of the German army that tried and failed to assassinate Hitler. When they failed they took their own lives rather than put others in jeopardy under torture.
It is about the criminal Klaus Barbi , the butcher, that killed so many. It is about Germans negotiating deals, running, hiding and being hunted.
Most of all it is about the brave and courageous French people that stood behind the resistance and offered food and shelter to them.
What a fantastic ending for the series, you absolutely have to read it.
This book, the third book in the series is about the last part of the war toward the end. It is about courageous men who fought for a free France. It is the story of Giselle and the other partisan fighters.
It is about the German resistance within the ranks of the German army that tried and failed to assassinate Hitler. When they failed they took their own lives rather than put others in jeopardy under torture.
It is about the criminal Klaus Barbi , the butcher, that killed so many. It is about Germans negotiating deals, running, hiding and being hunted.
Most of all it is about the brave and courageous French people that stood behind the resistance and offered food and shelter to them.
What a fantastic ending for the series, you absolutely have to read it.
July 6, 2018
The last book in the Indigo revels series and it is a very worthy ending.
Off course we all know how the war ended, but this book had me sitting on the edge of my seat and i had to stop myself from skipping to the end to see if the characters I cared about would survive or not. I read this book in one sitting, just turning page after page.
This was such an emotional book to read.There is a lot happening in the book and you can just taste the atmosphere. What I love about Ellie Midwood books is that they make you think and question things.
This book gave me goosebumps, made me sad, had me rooting and cheering and I was glad to see a happy end for some.
Off course we all know how the war ended, but this book had me sitting on the edge of my seat and i had to stop myself from skipping to the end to see if the characters I cared about would survive or not. I read this book in one sitting, just turning page after page.
This was such an emotional book to read.There is a lot happening in the book and you can just taste the atmosphere. What I love about Ellie Midwood books is that they make you think and question things.
This book gave me goosebumps, made me sad, had me rooting and cheering and I was glad to see a happy end for some.
July 19, 2018
I have been a long time fan of Midwood's work. When this book showed up, I grabbed it as quick as I could. I very much enjoyed the first two books in the series and was hoping for an amazing conclusion. Midwood, as usual, did not disappoint! The facts slipped through the fiction, the story pulling you in at every page and making you wish you could stay up all night to finish it. It's an amazing book, the whole series is beautifully told, heartbreakingly rendered into words. Another great series from Midwood and I highly recommend this book and all her works!
July 6, 2018
Wow. Just wow. This entire trilogy is amazing, and Miss Midwood did not disappoint with her ending. I have tears in my eyes as I write this, and I have to commend her for such an amazing tale. The characters are vibrant, and seeing how they all found their way, one way or another in this story was beautiful. War is painful, but this story is also one of hope, and standing for what you believe. Amazing, and I can't wait to see what she has next!
April 7, 2019
This the third book in the series is just as good as the first two and was also an excellent read. We pick up on the stories of Giselle, Jean, Etienne, Marcel and several others up to the end of World War II. I especially liked the Epilogue and also how the story intertwines with Klaus Barbie, his characterisation in the book is excellent. Highly recommended.
May 19, 2019
Better tears! Vive La France
A most inspiring finish to a thoroughly enjoyable story! Well written, one could easily identify with the hardship, the sorrow endured during the years of occupation. As I neared the book's ending I did some external research on Klaus Barbie and was stunned and ashamed to learn that he was able to escape responsibly for his savagery for most of his adult life and that the United States and later Germany helped facilitate those forty years of freedom.
A most inspiring finish to a thoroughly enjoyable story! Well written, one could easily identify with the hardship, the sorrow endured during the years of occupation. As I neared the book's ending I did some external research on Klaus Barbie and was stunned and ashamed to learn that he was able to escape responsibly for his savagery for most of his adult life and that the United States and later Germany helped facilitate those forty years of freedom.
March 14, 2019
Very interesting book about the French resistance . I enjoyed reading about
How people worked to over come evol. Very sad in parts the struggle and torture they endured. A good page turner
How people worked to over come evol. Very sad in parts the struggle and torture they endured. A good page turner
May 30, 2019
Intriguing
In history we've heard of the resistance , the plot to kill Hitler, the sympathizers, and the "butcher of Lyon". This book weaves them together in a chilling story. The bravery of the resistance is amazing. Despite.harsh. Inhumane treatment, they persisted against all odds.
In history we've heard of the resistance , the plot to kill Hitler, the sympathizers, and the "butcher of Lyon". This book weaves them together in a chilling story. The bravery of the resistance is amazing. Despite.harsh. Inhumane treatment, they persisted against all odds.
December 19, 2018
The horrors of the Second World War are brought into sharp focus in this fictionalized story revolving around the Butcher of Lyon, Klaus Barbie. Elegantly written, Liberation tells the story of the French resistance against the Nazis. A large cast of complex characters, all passionate, some ambivalent on the good/evil spectrum, some as horrifying as they come, populate this intricate story. The most well-drawn are Giselle and Etienne, and it is through them that we are able to achieve some sense of vengeance. Liberation is indeed difficult to read, sometimes; it is hard to look back on the atrocities perpetrated at the time. But Midwood writes compelling and beautifully-wrought historical fiction.
March 26, 2019
This is a book that I'll remember. I read a lot, & many stories get lost in my memory. This one is truly special. I learned a lot from it. Well Done!
March 29, 2019
A riveting story of war and the quest for liberation
The author has written a very intriguing story about how the French people dealt with the war and the German occupation. A very good job of explaining the heroes and co-laboratory’s dealt with their situations.
The author has written a very intriguing story about how the French people dealt with the war and the German occupation. A very good job of explaining the heroes and co-laboratory’s dealt with their situations.
May 8, 2019
Excellent!
This book has the flavor and feeling of the times it was written about. If you like historical novels about WWII this is for you.
This book has the flavor and feeling of the times it was written about. If you like historical novels about WWII this is for you.
June 10, 2019
Thrilling conclusion to this series.
I loved the factual representation of events and the effects that war had one family. It was an amazing read.
I loved the factual representation of events and the effects that war had one family. It was an amazing read.
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