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Argemourt
A VILLAGE HAUNTED BY THE PAST, TWO PEOPLE HAUNTED BY THE PRESENT.
Haute Vienne, France, 1944, and the retreating Nazis leave a trail of horror and destruction in their wake. When Michelle’s estranged Great Aunt leaves her a cottage in a quiet French village, she finds her own experience of loss and heartache reflected in the tragic history of Argemourt.
Young Parisian student, Paul, is living in a city still reeling after a series of terrorist attacks. The aftermath is inescapable, breeding suspicion and anger, even in his own family. Increasingly, Paul finds himself retreating into the past, but discovers it is a place of horror, as well as escape.
When, through twists of fate, the two of them meet in the village of Argemourt; the ghosts of past and present are awakened. Can Michelle and Paul find a way to help the dead rest; and themselves live and love; in a world that never seems to learn the lessons of history?
Haute Vienne, France, 1944, and the retreating Nazis leave a trail of horror and destruction in their wake. When Michelle’s estranged Great Aunt leaves her a cottage in a quiet French village, she finds her own experience of loss and heartache reflected in the tragic history of Argemourt.
Young Parisian student, Paul, is living in a city still reeling after a series of terrorist attacks. The aftermath is inescapable, breeding suspicion and anger, even in his own family. Increasingly, Paul finds himself retreating into the past, but discovers it is a place of horror, as well as escape.
When, through twists of fate, the two of them meet in the village of Argemourt; the ghosts of past and present are awakened. Can Michelle and Paul find a way to help the dead rest; and themselves live and love; in a world that never seems to learn the lessons of history?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2018
6 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Corinna Edwards-Colledge
5 books26 followersI was born and brought up in Chorlton-cum-Hardy in Manchester. We lived close to wonderful rugged countryside and regularly went on long family hikes exploring forests and moors. Kitted out with my own little rucksack and walking boots, I would go on ahead with my Kendal Mint-Cake for sustenance, and seek out secret little places. The feeling of magic and mystery that surrounded areas like Alderley Edge and Stile Woods are still with me.
I was an only child for the first ten years of my life and found comfort and company in books. I loved fantasy and adventure best, but would devour anything that had a good story and engaging characters. Imagination was, and always has been an integral part of my sense of self.
I studied English and Media at the University of Sussex and have lived in Brighton for over 30 years. I've had a varied career encompassing acting, campaigning, TV journalism, work in local government, and now, leading the UNISON branch at Brighton & Hove City Council. I write across literary genres, including novels, short stories and increasing recently, poetry .
In the last couple of years I have been commissioned by The Royal Literary Society with a piece called Secrets, Relics and Lost Lives, featured on Radio 4’s hugely popular Saturday Live talking about a family history project called The Findings, and had a poem adapted into a song by renowned musician, Ted Barnes.
Most recently I brought my campaigning and writing together with a short film of a poem about the importance of local government, which has now had thousands of views. I play an active part in the Brighton & Hove cultural scene, regularly reading live, performing in festivals, and collaborating with artists, historians and schools through my writing.
I call myself a ‘Mancunian Brightonian’ having made my home in the city-by-the-sea 25 years ago. I live with my husband in a loving if sometimes hectic, patchwork family including two kids each, a dog, two cats and a semi-domesticated Seagull called Gerald!
I was an only child for the first ten years of my life and found comfort and company in books. I loved fantasy and adventure best, but would devour anything that had a good story and engaging characters. Imagination was, and always has been an integral part of my sense of self.
I studied English and Media at the University of Sussex and have lived in Brighton for over 30 years. I've had a varied career encompassing acting, campaigning, TV journalism, work in local government, and now, leading the UNISON branch at Brighton & Hove City Council. I write across literary genres, including novels, short stories and increasing recently, poetry .
In the last couple of years I have been commissioned by The Royal Literary Society with a piece called Secrets, Relics and Lost Lives, featured on Radio 4’s hugely popular Saturday Live talking about a family history project called The Findings, and had a poem adapted into a song by renowned musician, Ted Barnes.
Most recently I brought my campaigning and writing together with a short film of a poem about the importance of local government, which has now had thousands of views. I play an active part in the Brighton & Hove cultural scene, regularly reading live, performing in festivals, and collaborating with artists, historians and schools through my writing.
I call myself a ‘Mancunian Brightonian’ having made my home in the city-by-the-sea 25 years ago. I live with my husband in a loving if sometimes hectic, patchwork family including two kids each, a dog, two cats and a semi-domesticated Seagull called Gerald!
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 29, 2018
An enthralling, memorable read. The story of how the lives of the young widowed Michelle and Parisian student Paul become entwined when Michelle inherits her great aunt’s house in the French village of Argemourt is beautifully crafted and filled with wonderfully vivid descriptions which bring the characters and landscape to life. Haunting, sad but ultimately uplifting, this is a story that will stay with me for a very long time. Five stars to Corinna Edwards-Colledge – definitely an author I want to read more from.
November 29, 2018
Such an interesting book!
Michelle finds herself living in the house which belonged to her great-aunt Michele, in the village of Argemourt. This village, like several others in the area, was targetted by the Nazi's in the dying days of World War II for mass murder of the population.
Paul is a French PhD student, researching the atrocities which occurred in the villages. His beloved grandfather, Armand, has ties to the village of Argemourt, and there are some uncomfortable truths that Paul hears around this.
Like a lot of things that happen in war, there are an awful lot of shades of grey that surround the actions of the people who lived during that time, some of which are inexplicable to people living today. However, there have been plenty of terrorist attacks in recent years in our time too and it makes one think about what kind of thinking leads to those attacks.
Paul and Michelle meet and together they see and feel things that are outside of the everyday.
I found this a hard book to categorise, as this was a complex book about the past and the present, the otherworldly and the now. It was gentle and yet there were confronting, brutal parts in it as well. It was a real thinker of a book.
4.5 stars from me :)
Michelle finds herself living in the house which belonged to her great-aunt Michele, in the village of Argemourt. This village, like several others in the area, was targetted by the Nazi's in the dying days of World War II for mass murder of the population.
Paul is a French PhD student, researching the atrocities which occurred in the villages. His beloved grandfather, Armand, has ties to the village of Argemourt, and there are some uncomfortable truths that Paul hears around this.
Like a lot of things that happen in war, there are an awful lot of shades of grey that surround the actions of the people who lived during that time, some of which are inexplicable to people living today. However, there have been plenty of terrorist attacks in recent years in our time too and it makes one think about what kind of thinking leads to those attacks.
Paul and Michelle meet and together they see and feel things that are outside of the everyday.
I found this a hard book to categorise, as this was a complex book about the past and the present, the otherworldly and the now. It was gentle and yet there were confronting, brutal parts in it as well. It was a real thinker of a book.
4.5 stars from me :)
December 30, 2018
A captivating story combining the past and present set mainly in a village in France. In the present day Michelle, an army widow, inherits her aunt’s house in Argemourt where a terrible massacre occurred in 1944, conducted by Nazi soldiers. Her life becomes interlaced with a student from Paris who is researching for his PhD.
I enjoyed this tale. I found it at the same time interesting, thought provoking and moving. The village of Argemourt is fictional but the horrific incident in this book is inspired by real life events. Even in wartime, how anyone can carry out such atrocities beggars belief! I liked the characters, they seemed well rounded and realistic. There is something to appeal to most readers - drama, a love interest, intrigue and even a ghostly element. I thought the story itself was well plotted and written. I had a couple of niggles - there seemed to be a little repetition of some phrases but I think this is possibly down to me being pedantic!
An engaging and absorbing read which makes you realise just how lucky we are that the Nazis were not victorious. Sadly, though, there will always be some power mad individuals wishing to rule the world.
I enjoyed this tale. I found it at the same time interesting, thought provoking and moving. The village of Argemourt is fictional but the horrific incident in this book is inspired by real life events. Even in wartime, how anyone can carry out such atrocities beggars belief! I liked the characters, they seemed well rounded and realistic. There is something to appeal to most readers - drama, a love interest, intrigue and even a ghostly element. I thought the story itself was well plotted and written. I had a couple of niggles - there seemed to be a little repetition of some phrases but I think this is possibly down to me being pedantic!
An engaging and absorbing read which makes you realise just how lucky we are that the Nazis were not victorious. Sadly, though, there will always be some power mad individuals wishing to rule the world.
January 24, 2019
This story, based on one of the true, horrifying events of WW2, is at once moving and disturbing.
It seems that there are infinite horrors yet to be learnt of that time and you never get desensitised to that scale of evil and human suffering.
Michelle inherits a cottage in the village of Argemourt from her great aunt just when she is forced to move from the army housing two years after her soldier husband died. The village is one of those whose inhabitants were inhumanly obliterated in the waning days of the ww2 by the Germans as retaliation.
Paul is researching exactly this phase of the war for his pHd as he wants people to learn from history and senses a repeat of the conditions that caused the horrors of the war.
When he meets Michelle in the village and they bond over their ambivalent feelings over war and the reasons for it, they also move towards some form of acceptance of the past and what they can forgive.
It is very poignantly told though it is not a difficult read.
I didn't know this particular part of history so it was an enlightening read for me as well.
It seems that there are infinite horrors yet to be learnt of that time and you never get desensitised to that scale of evil and human suffering.
Michelle inherits a cottage in the village of Argemourt from her great aunt just when she is forced to move from the army housing two years after her soldier husband died. The village is one of those whose inhabitants were inhumanly obliterated in the waning days of the ww2 by the Germans as retaliation.
Paul is researching exactly this phase of the war for his pHd as he wants people to learn from history and senses a repeat of the conditions that caused the horrors of the war.
When he meets Michelle in the village and they bond over their ambivalent feelings over war and the reasons for it, they also move towards some form of acceptance of the past and what they can forgive.
It is very poignantly told though it is not a difficult read.
I didn't know this particular part of history so it was an enlightening read for me as well.
January 24, 2019
Argemourt by Corrina Edwards-Colledge.
Haute Vienne, France, 1944, and the retreating Nazis leave a trail of horror and destruction in their wake. When Michelle’s estranged Great Aunt leaves her a cottage in a quiet French village, she finds her own experience of loss and heartache reflected in the tragic history of Argemourt.
Young Parisian student, Paul, is living in a city still reeling after a series of terrorist attacks. The aftermath is inescapable, breeding suspicion and anger, even in his own family. Increasingly, Paul finds himself retreating into the past, but discovers it is a place of horror, as well as escape.
When, through twists of fate, the two of them meet in the village of Argemourt; the ghosts of past and present are awakened. Can Michelle and Paul find a way to help the dead rest; and themselves live and love; in a world that never seems to learn the lessons of history?
This was a very good read with great characters. I liked Michelle. How she described how a ghost went right through her. I hope there is more to come. 4*.
Haute Vienne, France, 1944, and the retreating Nazis leave a trail of horror and destruction in their wake. When Michelle’s estranged Great Aunt leaves her a cottage in a quiet French village, she finds her own experience of loss and heartache reflected in the tragic history of Argemourt.
Young Parisian student, Paul, is living in a city still reeling after a series of terrorist attacks. The aftermath is inescapable, breeding suspicion and anger, even in his own family. Increasingly, Paul finds himself retreating into the past, but discovers it is a place of horror, as well as escape.
When, through twists of fate, the two of them meet in the village of Argemourt; the ghosts of past and present are awakened. Can Michelle and Paul find a way to help the dead rest; and themselves live and love; in a world that never seems to learn the lessons of history?
This was a very good read with great characters. I liked Michelle. How she described how a ghost went right through her. I hope there is more to come. 4*.
January 9, 2019
A moving book that challenges us to think about why humans do horrific things, and consider what we can forgive, in this work of fiction that touches on some tragic events from World War II.
Michelle, a grieving widow, and her daughter Adele end up moving to a cottage in the small French community of Argemourt, a community with a tragic history, and their story entwines with both their neighbour Alan and History student, Paul.
As well as the present day stories we also have a few tales interwoven from the awful events in 1944.
There are very evocative descriptions of places and events that are very moving and help the reader to feel very connected with the story. There is a challenge and tough passages but I found it ultimately hopeful - in the book a phrase that caught me was about simple acts of kindness being our only weapons against the darkness which really struck me and sums up the incremental small steps that can transform. Thank you to the author for a lovely and poignant read.
Michelle, a grieving widow, and her daughter Adele end up moving to a cottage in the small French community of Argemourt, a community with a tragic history, and their story entwines with both their neighbour Alan and History student, Paul.
As well as the present day stories we also have a few tales interwoven from the awful events in 1944.
There are very evocative descriptions of places and events that are very moving and help the reader to feel very connected with the story. There is a challenge and tough passages but I found it ultimately hopeful - in the book a phrase that caught me was about simple acts of kindness being our only weapons against the darkness which really struck me and sums up the incremental small steps that can transform. Thank you to the author for a lovely and poignant read.
December 19, 2018
What a fascinating and terrifying book. It deals with loss and grief, but also with new beginnings. It has young characters and those old enough to have been involved in the war and struggling with feelings of guilt even now. The book is sensitively written and characters draw parallels with the rise of the Nazis and the emergence of right wing groups today. I felt the lengthy earlier part of the book could easily have been condensed down somewhat. It was necessary to have some of that knowledge but I’d have liked to get to the meatier part of the story much sooner. There are great ideas here and it’s a good read.
December 27, 2018
“Don’t judge me until you’ve walked a mile in my shoes or lived a day in my life”.
This is a difficult book to read at times. The retelling of the massacre of villagers in Argemourt and other French villages during WWII makes you question whether there is any hope for humanity. More controversial is the question of collaboration, how would you react in similar circumstances?
The author relates this to current conflicts and asks whether we can ever learn the lessons of history. With the rise of nationalism and the far right it doesn’t seem likely.
A thought provoking book and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it.
My thanks to TBConFB for this copy.
This is a difficult book to read at times. The retelling of the massacre of villagers in Argemourt and other French villages during WWII makes you question whether there is any hope for humanity. More controversial is the question of collaboration, how would you react in similar circumstances?
The author relates this to current conflicts and asks whether we can ever learn the lessons of history. With the rise of nationalism and the far right it doesn’t seem likely.
A thought provoking book and I’m glad I had the opportunity to read it.
My thanks to TBConFB for this copy.
January 6, 2019
An interesting book that interweaves the past and present and although fictional is inspired by real events that happened during World War II. It tells the story of Michelle who is left a house in Argemourt and Paul a French student. The descriptions of the town and particularly of the Church bring the area to life, whilst bringing a chilling element to the story with the telling of the atrocities that happened there. It brought the life the struggles both characters were having with what was happening in both the past and present wars, and raises questions about our belief and understanding about why people do the things they do. A book to be recommended.
January 6, 2019
Argemourt, the story of a French village slaughtered by the Nazis, piqued my interest because my mother had been a teenager in occupied Europe. The massacre is a grim tale, but what is very clever about Corinna Edwards-Colledge's fictionalised account is that she weaves the story into the present day too. Michelle, whose solider husband died in Afghanistan, inherits a French cottage from her great-aunt, one of Argemourt's few survivors. Visiting the property with the intention of selling it , she finds unexpected peace - and much more. Sometimes raw, often lyrical and always captivating, this is an incredibly well-written and inspirational book.
January 8, 2019
A superb book, the cover conveys the darkness behind the story and captured my attention straight away.
I love historical fiction and this was a cherry pop author for me and I will definitely be reading more. The story mixes the current terror threats and fears with events from World War II, throughout the story it crosses between present day and 1944.
The characters are well defined and the issues include loss, loneliness, grief, family and the terrors of war for all involved. The setting of Argemourt is a beautiful idyllic location that is haunted by its past. A highly recommended read that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
I love historical fiction and this was a cherry pop author for me and I will definitely be reading more. The story mixes the current terror threats and fears with events from World War II, throughout the story it crosses between present day and 1944.
The characters are well defined and the issues include loss, loneliness, grief, family and the terrors of war for all involved. The setting of Argemourt is a beautiful idyllic location that is haunted by its past. A highly recommended read that I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
December 20, 2018
I love stories that have both a modern day base and a historical story that reaches across time to tie into the present day. Argemourt fits the bill. The historical part is based on reality – late in WWII and a retreating Nazi army wreaks devastation as they withdraw. Horrific yet complex due to the inclusion of Frenchmen working for the Nazis and all the issues that raises.
Interesting characters, complex issues, history and present day, with a touch of surrealism – what more could you want? Highly recommended.
Interesting characters, complex issues, history and present day, with a touch of surrealism – what more could you want? Highly recommended.
May 1, 2019
I received a copy of this book from TBC REVIEWERS- thank you
It’s such a complex book to label, the twists in time where you go back and forwards keeps you firmly in your toes. It’s not a novel to unwind with it’s a real thinker of a book- but that’s good.
I loved the way the story made me pause for a moment between chapters so I could absorb what I’d read- there’s not too many books that make you feel a pause for reflection is a good thing.
It’s not my usual genre but with reads like this it could be! A fabulous read that kept me on my toes!
It’s such a complex book to label, the twists in time where you go back and forwards keeps you firmly in your toes. It’s not a novel to unwind with it’s a real thinker of a book- but that’s good.
I loved the way the story made me pause for a moment between chapters so I could absorb what I’d read- there’s not too many books that make you feel a pause for reflection is a good thing.
It’s not my usual genre but with reads like this it could be! A fabulous read that kept me on my toes!
January 6, 2019
I received a copy of this book from TBC Reviewers. Its a book that goes from modern day to back to the past. I found it to be a good book with great characters, and a good plot as well. I don't normally read books of this genre too much, but I wanted to try it due to the story line,and it didn't disappoint. Had me on my toes. I found it was a very thought provoking book, and well written. I would read more books by the author.
November 29, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this. I normally don't read historical fiction but this had me gripped from the beginning. Great characters and great story line. Keep up the great work. Hoping there might be a book 2 but if not, then great stand alone book. Highly recommend.
December 20, 2018
A fascinating and memorable book that combined the past and present. Dealing with grief, guilt and loss but also of new beginnings this book takes you on a roller coaster ride that plays with your emotions and tugs at your heartstrings. Excellently written and highly recommended.
July 4, 2020
Brilliant storyline, compelling read. It was one of those books that were hard to put down
September 17, 2021
If you're scratching your head over what to read next, this is it.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews