The Peaceful Village

by Paulette Mahurin

During the German occupation of France, nestled in the lush, verdant countryside in the Haute-Vienne department of central France was the peaceful village of Oradour-sur-Glane. It was a community where villagers woke to the medley of nature’s songs, roosters crowing, birds chirping, cats purring, and cows plodding on their way out to pasture. The people who lived there loved the tranquil nature of their beautiful home, a tranquility that existed year-round. Even with the German occupation, Oradour-sur-Glane – the village with cafés, shops, and a commuter tram to Limoges – remained relatively untouched by the stress of the occupation.

While Oradour-sur-Glane enjoyed the lack of German presence, twenty-two kilometers to the northwest in Limoges, the Germans were reacting with increasing cruelty to organized attacks on their soldiers by the armed resistance organization Francs-Tireurs et Partisans (FTP). Headed by Amédé Fauré, the Limoges FTP was considered the most effective of the French Resistance groups. Fauré’s missions prompted the German military to kill and incarcerate in concentration camps anyone perceived as supporters or sympathizers of the Resistance.

Up until the middle of 1944, the German anti-partisan actions in France never rose to the level of brutality or number of civilian casualties that had occurred in eastern Europe. A little before the Allies landed in Normandy, all that changed, when German troops, and in particular the Waffen-SS, stationed on the Eastern Front were transferred to France. It was then that FTP’s increasing efforts to disrupt German communications and supply lines were met with disproportionate counter attacks, involving civilians. Fauré’s response was to target German officers. When he set his sights on two particular German officers, all hell broke loose.

Based on actual events as told by survivors, The Peaceful Village is the fictionalized story of the unfolding of the events that led up to one of the biggest World War II massacres on French soil. Much more than an account of Nazi brutality and the futility of war, this is a story of love. The love of family. The love of neighbor. The love of country. Compassion and courage burn from the pages as the villagers’ stories come alive. Written by the international bestselling author of The Seven Year Dress, Paulette Mahurin, this book pays homage to the villagers who lived and loved in Oradour-sur-Glane.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2022

About the author

Paulette Mahurin is a best selling literary fiction and historical fiction novelist. She lives with her husband Terry and two dogs, Max and Bella, in Ventura County, California. She grew up in West Los Angeles and attended UCLA, where she received a Master’s Degree in Science.

Her first novel, The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap, made it to Amazon bestseller lists and won awards, including best historical fiction 2012 in Turning the Pages Magazine. Her second novel, His Name Was Ben, originally written as an award winning short story while she was in college and later expanded into a novel, rose to bestseller lists its second week out. Her third novel, To Live Out Loud, won international critical acclaim and made it to multiple sites as favorite read book of 2015. Her fourth book, The Seven Year Dress, made it to the top ten bestseller lists on Amazon U.S., Amazon U.K. and Amazon Australia. Her fifth book, The Day I Saw The Hummingbird, was released in 2017 to rave reviews. Her sixth book, A Different Kind of Angel, was released in August, 2018.

Semi-retired, she continues to work part-time as a Nurse Practitioner in Ventura County. When she’s not writing, she does pro-bono consultation work with women with cancer, works in the Westminster Free Clinic as a volunteer provider, volunteers as a mediator in the Ventura County Courthouse for small claims cases, and involves herself, along with her husband, in dog rescue. Profits from her books go to help rescue dogs from kill shelters.

Reviews

[D.G. Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marguerite lives on her carrot farm with her husband and other family in the beautiful, peaceful village of Oradour, France. During WWII, this quiet and peaceful village had not yet been threatened or occupied as much as other parts of France and Europe by the nazis, despite the Vichy accepting German rule, until a German capture that had gone wrong had brought forth the brutal nazi regime (no, I will NEVER capitalize the word ‘nazi’) to this peaceful ‘untouched’ by war, town, just before the allies landed in Normandy.

As Marguerite was approaching menopause, the gruel of farming without enough hands was getting to her physically and mentally. She went to church one Sunday and discovered the clergy could use some well needed office help and approached her understanding husband asking for time away from working the farm and by taking up the offer to work for the church office. When she discovered a horrifying piece of paper in a book, as she was tidying the rectory, she approached Father Chapelle, asking if anyone else shared the office, ultimately, showing him what she’d found in a book as she was organizing a bookshelf. Their eye contact established a mutual understanding that they were both on the side against the nazis, when the Father let her know that he was part of the resistance helping place Jewish families where he could. Marguerite’s sympathetic and good nature led her to helping out the church by delivering secret messages, food and clothing where she could.

All was calm, but Marguerite had a foreboding feeling in her stomach, and it wasn’t long before the SS butchers rounded up the whole village in retaliation for the resistance killing one of their higher up murderous high rank nazi leaders. It was first the resistance who made a fatal mistake by letting another of their captured nazis escape, who made it back to headquarters and lied about what happened to him in this innocent village.

Mahurin tells a gripping story in such detail, it’s as though we are there witnessing the action. She paints a picture of this blissful town full of compassionate, loving, neighborly people going on with their business as though the rest of France had nothing to do with them in their sacred untouched perimeters, and just as the serenity turns to hell on earth, she equally writes of the pain, brutality, butchering of innocent mankind because of one SS trying to cover his ass by lying about his attack saying it had taken place in Oradour – when it did not! This lie became the war that wiped out an entire peaceful village in one day.

Based on true events as told by survivors, one of biggest WWII massacres that ever took place on French soil. The expensive price of human life paid for letting one of those heinous, murderous nazis escape capture. The author never disappoints in her gripping true tales of some of the true horrors that innocent people endured under the brutal tyranny of Hitler and his nazi evil regime.

[Olga Miret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I write this review as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team (author, check here if you are interested in getting your book reviewed) and thank her, NetGalley, and the author for this opportunity.
I have been following the author over the years, have checked her blog on occasions, and have read many positive reviews of her novels. I am sure that several of her novels are on my e-reader already, and after reading this one, I will make sure I locate them and put them on my “sooner-rather-than-later” to-be-read list. This is a novelised account of a real event that took place during WWII, one that I didn’t know anything about before I read the novel, but I will never forget now. I don’t hesitate to recommend this book to all readers, those who love fiction and those who prefer non-fiction, as it should be read. Due to the events that take place, this is not an easy read (it is hard, harrowing, and emotional), so I would recommend caution to readers who are not in the right place or frame of mind to read about such subjects.
It is impossible not to think about the war and its victims these days, and that makes this narration more poignant and urgent than ever. We should never forget what happened because we all know what happens to those who forget. I will not spend too much time on the plot, as the book description provides plenty of information, and anybody interested can research what is known of what happened on that day, the 10th of June of 1944 in Oradour-sur-Glane. The author includes a disclaimer, where she explains that the book is a work of fiction, and other than the historical characters included, the rest is her attempt at fitting what is known to have happened into a narrative. Her research shines through, and, to clarify matters even more, together with her disclaimer, the author includes a Glossary of Terms and Historical Figures, a list of the German military ranks used in the novel, of the organizations and political groupings, and of the locations, and also the translation of a few German terms used in the book (when the translation is not included in the text itself) right at the beginning of the book. There is also a postnote that explains what happened afterwards, to the village and at the trial of a few of those involved in the onslaught.
Mahurin manages to recreate Oradour for us. Through the locations, the characters, and the events that take place there, we get a good sense of what a lovely place it was, a peaceful village in the German-controlled part of France, where life goes on almost undisturbed, although there are also things happening that remind the inhabitants of the war, and there is a sense of dread hanging over the proceedings. The beauty is in the detail: we see characters going about their jobs and their lives (the doctor, who is also the mayor, looks after his patients, and so does one of his sons, also a doctor; the priest is involved in welfare and also tries to help families in need [Jewish families escaping the Nazi regime among others]; we have mechanics; we have farmers; we have teachers; we have children; we have hard-working mothers...) and we have people who know each other and who do what they can to help others, their family, their neighbours, their friends, and also the newcomers who need help. This is an ensemble novel, and although we perhaps learn more about some characters than others (like Marguerite, who is exhausted by farm work —among other things— and manages to find her perfect role in helping the priest with his church work and his other tasks, or the mayor, the priest, and even others who don’t live in the village, like the head of the Maquis du Limousin...), this is a novel about a community, where everybody has a part to play, as must have been the case at the real Oradour. The shock of that normality, where nothing out of the ordinary had happened, being interrupted by the senseless massacre, has a devastating effect upon us, and it is not surprising to read how the people in the village were totally stunned and unable to believe what was going on.
The author writes beautifully about the place, the people, their lives, and their customs, and despite the horrific tragedy that eventually unfolds, there are incredibly beautiful passages as well. Plenty of happy and inspiring moments fill up the pages of this novel, and, the choice of a third-person omniscient point of view works very well for the story, as it allows us to see and understand how the different characters feel and what their lives are like, and it also shows us some of the events that preceded the massacre (although the reasons, as the author explains, have never been fully explained, and there are only a variety of conjectures historians have proposed over the years). We do see and follow what the Germans do as well, and the third-person narrative plays a pretty neutral observer’s role, not overdramatising events because it is totally unnecessary. It leaves it up to the readers to make their own minds up, experience the events, and feel the emotions. And that makes it even more moving and poignant.
A couple of samples of the writing:
May moved along with goodwill radiating warmth through Oradour like a hot bath soothing a stiff body on a frigid day.
Then he thought of the plans he’d heard to make the ruins into an untouched museum. To leave everything as is. Wistfully, words flowed from him like a feather floating through air when he said, “That magical place is a reminder of the living people who lived there in harmony.”
This is not a mystery novel, and we know what is going to happen (what really happened, not the details, but the bare facts), so the ending of the story is not, in itself, surprising, but I felt it was perfect. There was a hopeful note, but a somewhat bittersweet one, as the postnote reminds us of how many crimes of war are never solved, properly investigated, or even truly acknowledged.
I have already recommended the novel to all readers (with a note of warning), in particular to those interested in stories set in WWII in France, both fictional and non-fictional; to those who enjoy reading beautifully written books with a historical theme, and to anybody who likes to learn about real events, especially those that affect us all and should never be forgotten. I was inspired to read more about the village of Oradour-sur-Glane, and discovered that 19 of the victims were Spaniards (11 of them children), refugees who had escaped from Spain during the Civil War to avoid the fascist reprisals by Franco’s regime. After that, it felt even more personal, if that were possible. What else can I tell you? Read it, if at all you can. I have learned something I won’t forget and discovered a writer I will carry on reading for a long time to come.

[Pretty Peony Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story that takes place in a small village in France called Oradour-sur-Glane. Marguerite is the main character. She’s an older woman and married. She lives a simple and quiet life with her family. As the story moves along, SS soldiers start showing up in the village. They’re a little rough and tough but the villagers don’t back down. They’re not afraid of these soldiers and fight back but fighting back created more anger from the soldiers. Marguerite just wants the soldiers to leave but she knows it wasn’t going to happen and she finds her way to help those who were injured, putting herself in danger.

Overall, this was a good story. I loved the writing and the opening description of this small village. I was surprised at what happened to the people in this village since they kept to themselves. It was unfortunate and sad. The story itself moved a little too fast pace with too much going on and with lots of characters thrown in that I felt a little confused as to who each character was. I would have liked to know more about Marguerite’s husband, their youngest daughter, and the priests. I think the tension buildup wasn’t very strong and thus it lost me a little, but it’s definitely a story to check out.

What I found unique about this story was that SS soldiers infiltrated a laid-back, peaceful, small village. When we think of WWII and what Hitler did, we tend to focus on the big cities. This was a great way to show that even small towns were attacked.

[Laurette Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

PAULETTE MAHURIN THE PEACEFUL VILLAGE
Travellers on the A 20 Motorway between SW France and Paris will be familiar with a sign that appears in the region of Limoges, striking a chill into the heart: Oradour-sur-Glane. A few kms off the motorway lies a ghost town, the ‘martyred village’ which has become an international symbol of the worst that humanity can do to its own.
Reading Paulette Mahurin’s latest historical novel, I felt that chill once more. I’ve been an ardent fan since she first began to write, but have to say I think this is her most powerful book since her re-telling of the Dreyfus affair in To Live Out Loud.
‘Souviens-toi. Remember,’ the visitor to Oradour is told, and the author does just that, remembering in her novel the events leading up to the fateful day of June 10th, 1944, when the barbarity of war was unleashed on an innocent village. Her story is told through the imagined perceptions of some of the real characters caught up in the massacre: the mayor, the village priest, and Marguerite Rouffache, one of the few, traumatised survivors.
Today there are two Oradours: the new town, rebuilt after the war, and the original, peopled only by ghosts. As the author begins her depiction of the old Oradour, a bucolic village in ‘deep France’, the reader is truck by the tone of the narrative which employs an almost documentary restraint, making it all the more emotionally powerful. Although the area, in the foothills of the Massif Central, is a strong centre of resistance against the German troops which have been occupying the country since June 1940, Oradour floats like a Disney mirage, somehow detached from the horrors happening elsewhere. ‘Many who came from Limoges (a thirty-minute tram ride away) didn’t readily believe there existed a place that ostensibly went on as before…’ The seasons continue to turn, the soil is rich, the flowers bloom. We are gently enfolded into the daily narratives of ordinary country-folk, the familiar bustle of market day, the ritual of putting on one’s ‘Sunday best’ for attendance at Mass, and the occasional more animated event like the annual picnic. These are people living in harmony with nature, from which they draw their strength and in which they find meaning through the comforting rhythms of agrarian cycles, the myriad delights of each unfolding spring.
But disturbing rumours circulate; some members of the village are more aware than others of what the Nazis are capable of. While she is lulling us with seductive images, Mahurin also reminds readers that monsters lurk outside fairyland. As the calendar turns to June, one such monster stirs, sensing danger and looking for new prey on which to unleash its vengeful destruction. The tide of the war is turning, and German forces in the south-west are summoned to help their comrades battling the Allies who have landed in Normandy. One such division is the terrifying Waffen SS ‘Das Reich’; as it moves towards Normandy, the efforts to hamper its progress by resistance groups intensify. The beast is wounded, lessons must be taught. On June 9th, 99 men are summarily hanged from village balconies in Tulle and another 149 deported. The next day, the ‘Das Reich’ turns its sights on Oradour. In an act of swift, senseless barbarity, fairyland is reduced to a heap of smoking rubble strewn with 643 corpses.
In her previous novels Mahurin has written about the systematic extermination of Europe’s Jews perpetrated by Hitler in his quest for ‘racial purity’. The annihilation of Oradour was not motivated by anti-semitism. It was a lashing out, a senseless murder spree, perpetrated by the SS on a civilian population, men, women, and the schoolchildren hiding behind the church altar.
The Peaceful Village is admirably constructed and paced, keeping us gripped until the end. Its powerful message ‘souviens- toi, remember,’ comes at a time when we are seeing real-life, real-time images of similar barbarities on our TV screens. Oradour’s reappearance in Paulette Mahurin’s novel is a reminder of just how quickly ordinary life can change, and just how close the monsters are. Most highly recommended.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely choose to review independently published fiction as I find the quality of such to be hit and miss. But when I saw the subject matter of The Peaceful Village on NetGalley, I knew I had to take the chance. I can’t remember how or when I came across the story of Oradour-sur-Glane – possibly on a news website – but I’d heard enough to recognize the location’s name. Oradour-sur-Glane in France, much like Lidici in the modern-day Czech Republic, is a permanent memorial to the murder of inhabitants by the Nazis.

This book focuses on a woman named Marguerite and the work she does at a local church in the community. It’s no spoiler to say she is one of the few survivors. She would later testify on the events of 10th June 1944. The first half of the novel looks at the six months leading up to that day. These chapters convey the sense of normalcy, as much as there can be, in the so-called “Free France” aka Vichy France. Because of its location, the village was essentially ignored by the Nazis. Many villagers were convinced that “It won’t happen here,” whenever they heard of bad events happening elsewhere. Perhaps it was naivete, or maybe they hoped if they said it enough it would stay true. Readers not only read the thoughts of Marguerite; we also meet the mayor, the doctor, and the clergy among others including refugees. We also get scenes with various Nazis, including Klaus Barbie himself.

The second half contains the events of the afternoon of June 10th. It begins with the order for retaliation for the kidnap of two Nazi officers and the subsequent murder of one. The other escapes and, according to the text, names Oradour-sur-Glane as the location of his abduction. What follows is the rounding up of the villagers, ostensibly for an identification check, and then Marguerite’s perspective of the massacre. Is it easy reading? Not exactly. But I don’t think it should be. What I later discovered is that some of the words author Paulette Mahurin has the characters speak ARE actual quotes from survivors. I was surprised at how much did appear to have been taken from factual reports.

If there’s a downside to the book it’s that I would’ve loved to have seen a bibliography or a list of sources. Oradour-sur-Glane should NOT be forgotten, and I think such a list would help readers learn more.

Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley, the opinions above are my own.

[Robbie Cheadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading books about World War II and I've read and enjoyed another book by this author, so when I saw The Peaceful Village, I knew I had to read it. I knew it would be a tough read before I started but I must admit that this particular event shocked me to my core. It seems beyond comprehension that any normal human being with a soul can behave in such a callous and brutal way towards civilians.

This book is historical fiction and based on a real event so I knew the ending before I began. Reading a couple of paragraphs about a tragedy of this nature is, however, quite a different experience to reading a fictionalized account of it. The author's great strength with this book is the detailed manner in which she depicted the main characters and the specifics of their lives and how she made the reader care about them. Even the supporting characters feel like neighbours and friends.

Francoise is one of the main characters. The wife of a French carrot farmer, she is worn down from years of working the land and her spirit is ailing due to the German occupation. Francoise is given an opportunity of a job at the local church in the village of Oradour-sur-Glane, which leads to her becoming involved in a small way with the French resistance and their efforts to hide Jewish families. Francoise blossoms in her new role and becomes the reader's measure of normality and representation of the comfortable and peaceful lifestyles of the villagers.

The story moves between life in the village, largely told through the eyes of Francoise, and the activities of the French resistance who are using terrorist tactics to fight the occupying German forces. This tactic works well as the reader knows more about what is happening with the French resistance and the Nazi occupiers than the villagers of Oradour. It creates a lot of tension as the reader can see how the events are likely to unfold as the villagers go about their daily lives.

This is a beautifully written and heart rending book which has been well researched and presented. Anyone who is interested in WW2 and the effect of the Nazi regime on the local population in France will appreciate this book.

[Genevieve Montcombroux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paulette Mahurin has succeeded in bringing to life a set of characters as they may have lived in Oradour-sur-Glane in 1944. They are wonderfully fleshed out. Françoise, a middle-aged central character, is so typical of a French farmer of that era that I felt I knew her. She finds her calling and we see her change. Another great character portrayal is Father Delage, a tower of strength, yet with weaknesses and doubts making him so very human.
It takes a masterful writer to fictionalized with great sensitivity one of the most awful atrocities of WWII and still respect history.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌄🏘🏡Historical fiction that resonates in the heart😢

The Peaceful Village was a riveting page-turner for me. This fictionalized account really set the scene for a senseless massacre brought on by pride, deceit and indifferent cruelty. The author brings to life the brave and doomed villagers and their idyllic life in a peaceful community destined for annihilation. It's an excellent illustration of how war draws the innocent along with the combatants into its horrors.

I was unaware of this side of the German occupation of Vichy France during World War II and I am grateful to author Paulette Mahurin and her translator for telling the story of Oradour-sur-Glane and its wanton destruction in such a readible and relatable manner.

Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished the book about 2 AM and couldn’t sleep the rest of the night. The next day I felt compelled to research and learn more about the horrific tragedy described in this book. What I found was how accurately Paulette Mahurin brought the tragedy to life. Ordinary people, living and loving, until the indescribable happens. Written with such attention to detail, I felt like I made new friends in the characters of the book, and then lost them. Nobody can remain untouched by this fictional story steeped in historical accuracy.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging historical fiction set in France during WWII. I enjoyed the plot and the story was well paced. The characters are likable and interesting. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Paulette Mahurin, NetGalley and for the arc of this book

[Sherrie Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Peaceful Village touched my heart very deeply. While the outcome of Hitler's war machine and the evil henchmen he employed was heartbreaking, I truly admired the ability of the people who lived in The Peaceful Village to transcend the evils of war, to carry on and perserve their idyllic lifestyle, helping when possible, but not giving in to hatred or violence or betrayal of their faith or their core beliefs. I loved each of the characters and their commitment to each other, the community, and the village church. It really tugged at my heartstrings - especially to know that the story is based on a true story of what happened in a real village in France. My prayer is that by making the past known, nothing like this will ever happen again. Kudos to Paulette Mahurin for bringing it to light - another excellent book. Highly recommended. Did I mention that it was so good I couldn't put it down? I read it in one day..

[Marina Osipova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense and unforgettable.
The Peaceful Village is a powerful story of tragedy and love that no atrocities can destroy.
Opening the story with a poetical air, the author doesn’t let the reader to enjoy the seemingly calm course of life in a beautiful village in France for very long. The narrative transfers the reader into the world of ruthless war between two opposing camps—the lovable villagers of Oradour and Maquisards, the partisans against the sinister occupants.
Masterfully crafted scenes of peaceful family life, love, and camaraderie tugged at this reader’s heart; the acts of the unparalleled brutality made it stop at times. The imagery was so vivid, I couldn’t stop admiring the author’s ability to feel the characters and the place where the events unfold as though she lived there and met those people.
I’m not going to give away any details here. Read this book, a work of historical fiction at its best.
I was enthralled by this tale from the beginning to the end. Intense and unforgettable. And it’s amazing how timely this novel, based on the actual events, which happened 78 years ago, sounds nowadays. A strong reminder of the heinous crimes that mustn’t be forgotten or forgiven. Highly recommended.

[Johanna Craven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like all of Paulette Mahurin's books, The Peaceful Village draws readers into a time in history that should never be forgotten. The amount of research that must have been required for this book is amazing, but it's the human relationships that really stood out for me. Experiencing the haunting events that took place in Oradour-sur-glane through the eyes of its residents – in particular Marguerite and Father Chapelle - really brought the story to life for me. Highly recommended- this is a book you won't soon forget.

[T R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable story, sadly true, that highlight the unthinkable brutality the Nazi regime sank to for retribution. The story starts with attention to the villagers and how they interact with each other in a compassionate, friendly manner. The village yet untouched by Nazi presence, had a thriving farm community that supported shops and businesses. That along with a tranquil, lush surrounding countryside, it was the place to go to "escape the war." As the characters are introduces: Marguerite the wife of a tenant farmer, the priest she works for, the village mayor, and the head of the Limoges Resistance network the plot intertwines the events that lead up to the targeting of Oradour-sur-Glane, The Peaceful Village. A lie. That all it took to set in motion over a hundred SS soldiers and what resulted was a horrific, hard to find the words to describe, one-sided battle--ultimately a massacre. What makes this read palpable are the survivors and their incredible story of escape, the friendships between villagers, and the sense of peaceful community: the love of neighbor. There are many uplifting parts where it was impossible not to smile, not to feel the compassionate heart from which the author writes, and this coupled with the story's factual time line made this one of the best books I've read in a long time. One I won't forget. Nor should I forget. None of us should. Remarkable storytelling.

[Heather Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting with the cover’s photo that was taken of Oradour-sur-Glane, a once peaceful village, and onto the unfolding story I’m engaged in this powerfully written story about one of the worst tragedies in French history. The Peaceful Village of Oradour-sur-Glane mistakenly got targeted by the Nazis in retribution to one of their Generals being assassinated and another kidnapped. The disproportionate revenge was chilling. The author really brings war home in this riveting saga based on a real event. The characters are authentic and real, multifaceted. There is much to love about this novel and much to sit down and think about. I fell in love with Marguerite and Father Chapelle, their relationship was uplifting. Then there’s Guingouin’s passion and devotion to the cause, albeit at times perhaps too driven but then he’s a patriot and what he’s fighting for is real – the lives of his countrymen and his country, France, his beloved home. The evildoers are so extreme that even a Nazi higher up running the mission is startled by what he hears is happening. A masterfully written narrative that isn’t just about Nazi hateful acts but also really highlights the love of family, friendship, and country. I absolutely loved this book.

[Lucinda Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

A BOOK FOR OUR TIME
I am a great fan of this author and have enjoyed all of her books set during World War II. This time the read was not as comfortable as now there is currently a war in Europe, it is much closer to home. The story of the massacre of a whole village matches the images we see on our television screens every night, which brings it right into the present, instead of reading about a historical event. This is a well-written heart-breaking account of an incident that highlights man’s inhumanity to man. A book I will remember for years to come.

[Tony M · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the first half of this book, Paulette Mahurin paints a wonderfully evocative picture of Oradour-sur-Glane, an idyllic rural village in the centre of France whose citizens are very aware of but largely untouched by the Nazi occupation of their country. The people of the village and surrounding farms go about their business quietly, with a true sense of community and real compassion for their neighbours. Not far away, in the town of Limoges, the Nazi occupiers are becoming increasing infuriated by attacks on their soldiers by the armed French resistance. After a high-ranking, highly-decorated Nazi officer is kidnapped and executed by the resistance, the occupiers are determined to exact a terrible revenge on, and make an horrific example of, an unfortunate community. On the flimsiest of evidence, they pinpoint Oradour-sur-Glane as a shelter for the resistance fighters.

The second half of the book is a harrowing account of the events which resulted in the name of Oradour-sur-Glane becoming synonymous with the evil depravity of the Nazi regime. In heartbreaking detail, Paulette Mahurin describes the murderous brutality with which a Waffen SS detachment metes out a barbaric punishment for the military actions of the resistance to the innocent men, women and children of the village. But even amongst this scarcely imaginable terror, there are stories of love, sacrifice, bravery and survival against all the odds.

This is a powerful, heartbreaking telling of the true story of Oradour-sur-Glane. It is an important book which deserves to be read as widely as possible as a constant reminder of why the world must not allow the likes of the Nazis to darken the planet ever again.

[Stanley McShane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.

The village is far away from the concentrations of Nazi’s in the metropolitan areas of France. The village of Oradour enjoys the ambiance of pre-war France. There is no occupation force and the area is a haven for Jews being sheltered by the local populace. The primarily Catholic area spreads the families out through the countryside and all is well.

Someone within the area has been tortured and reveals the large number of Jewish refugees hidden within the surrounding homes. Retaliation is carried out by a small group of the Resistance who decided to eliminate two offending German officers. This triggered swift German retaliation as the entire village down to the dogs is wiped out in a slaughter.

Why did these people have to die that close to the end of the war?

I was gripped by the narrative and the efforts the local people took to remain neutral during WW II. Living a quiet life while the war raged all around them was the best of circumstances. I thought the Resistance leaders did not adequately think through the consequences of executing two German officers with the resultant carnage. Why was it necessary to kill them?

The author presented a very good description of a quiet area in war-torn France. The actions of a few resulted in the death of many. Rated at 4.5 sad stars – CE Williams

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Lori Sinsel Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew of the massacre at the village of Oradour-sur-Glane from other books I have read that mentioned it, but nothing in great detail. This book brings all the horror of that day vividly to life. It is so heart-breaking, all those innocent people and what made it even worse (if that was even possible) is the fact that they (the people of the village) had been able to live relatively peaceful lives despite the war and occupation up until then. They were overlooked and untouched by the Nazi occupation then to have their peace so abruptly and violently shattered was unspeakable. This book hurt my heart terribly, I ached deeply for the people of the village, both those who perished and the few who survived. I can not imagine what that had to feel like, any of it, especially not knowing why suddenly they were being punished, having no idea of the crimes they were wrongfully prosecuted for. I just shake my head, it is so inconceivable, when I think Hitler's acts can get no worse, when I think I have read of all his horrible acts, bam, there comes some other unspeakable atrocity.
The writing in this novel is not the best, I found the language used somewhat simplistic and elementary, but the story (plot) makes up for what it lacks in technique. I give it 4 stars and recommend for the simple fact that we all should read and know how far reaching and how deep the Nazis depravity really went.
Thank you to Books Go Social and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review in return.

[Allyson Abu-Hajar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is based on true events and centers around a village called Oradour in France, where all the villagers feel somewhat safe despite the war carrying on around them.

Marguerite Rouffanche is forty-seven years old and a wife and mother. Her husband, Simon, is a carrot farmer. Marguerite feels listless about her life and helping her husband. She wishes to do something more and makes a plan to get a job.

Stopping at the church to give a confession, she is approached by Father Chapelle who offers her a job at the church. It is here that her snooping she encounters an article hidden inside a book. From her confessions, Father Chapelle takes her into confidence to ask for her help. He is one of a few that make up the Resistance and take in Jewish families to hide and find them safe passage out.

Marguerite believed the stories as hogwash, after all; Oradour is an idyllic place and far removed from the occupation carried out.

A mistake made will bring Nazis to Oradour.

It took me a little while to get into this book but it didn't take me long to start turning the pages. I grew up in a small town, so I did get caught up in the village atmosphere of camaraderie. Parts were very disturbing to read but the ending was one of hope.

I received an ARC from NetGalley via BooksGoSocial and I voluntarily reviewed this book.

[King Macachor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I got into the middle of the plot, I was riveted by reading the book until the end. Oradour-Sur-Glane was once a peaceful village until it was mistakenly pinpointed as the seat of French fighters against the Nazi regime when one of its Generals was killed and another tortured. The revenge was horrifying when houses were burnt, and innocent men and women were killed disproportionately. With the war going on in Ukraine now, the story of this novel brings me back to the time of the second world war. The author writes vividly about the atrocities of war and its consequences on human suffering. I love the author and I highly recommend reading it.

[Trudie Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn’t the sort I usually read, but when it came up in my book club I decided to step out of my comfort zone. And I’m really glad I did. It’s an enjoyable read. Disturbing, but enjoyable. Though a work of fiction, it is based on true events and it could all too easily be what really happened.

To begin with, I didn’t like the protagonist, but she quickly grew on me. As the story progresses, you find yourself wanting to read more to find out that happens, but at the same time dreading it. I challenge you to get to the end without crying.

[Thomas Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical fiction

The Peaceful Village is an expertly penned story. Paulette Mahurin has a talent for establishing empathy with the characters. She lets the reader into the lives of the villagers and illustrates thier humanity. You feel fearful for them with the knowledge of whats on the way to terrorize and threaten their way of life. When the inevitable occurs, you feel it as if it's happening to your neighbors or family members. Another must read story about this troubled period in history.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a heart-wrenching story, one of way too many horrific tragedies of WWII. Along with Marguerite, I felt the tension building as the story progressed, wondering what was going to happen to the peaceful village. My heart ached as the massacre unfolded. I felt as if I, too, had lost friends. The author's words and the story she told captivated me from start to finish. So much suffering, but on top of it hope is built.

[Polly Krize · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A powerful story, simply written but mesmerizing in its character development and location descriptions. The massacre of the people and the destruction of the village of Oradour-Sur-Glan came about as a lack of communication between the Nazis and their headquarters. Chilling and real, this is recommended reading for its insight into the brutal history of the Nazi regime.

[Connie Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story

This book was very well written, and I love any kind of historical read. But it was hard to read because the sense of foreboding it created as the story unfolded. You knew a massacre would happen. I felt the personalities of so many of the characters. Well done, Ms. Mahurin!

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling read about a small village and its experience during World War II. The author's description of the beautiful surroundings allowed me to picture the setting clearly. The characters are well drawn. I would recommend.

[Marianne Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never saw it coming.

[ChillwithabookAWARD With · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Peaceful Village by Paulette Mahurin has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award.
www.chillwithabook.com

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I won this book in a Goodreads contest. It's very well written. But I don't think I can read 1 more book about the horrors of World War II.