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Under a War-Torn Sky #1
Under a War-Torn Sky
When Henry Forester is shot down during a bombing run over France, the World War II pilot finds himself trapped behind enemy lines. In constant danger of discovery by German soldiers, Henry begins a remarkable journey to freedom. Relying on the kindness of strangers, Henry moves from town to town--traveling by moonlight, never asking questions, or even the names of the people who help him along the way. Through his journey, Henry gains an understanding of the French and their struggle; and of his own place in a war that will change the face of Europe forever.
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2001
132 people are currently reading
2925 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Elliott
16 books358 followersL. M. Elliott was an award-winning magazine journalist for 20 years before becoming a New York Times bestselling author of historical and biographical novels. Three-time finalist for the National Magazine Award and winner of multiple Dateline Awards, Elliott focused primarily on women's issues. Her groundbreaking profile of a domestic violence survivor, wife of a high-level federal government appointee, was one of the first to discuss "white-collar" violence against women and the psychological/emotional control intrinsic to the abuse. Elliott’s extensive reporting experience on such topics informed and enriched the themes and characters of TRUTH, LIES, AND THE QUESTIONS IN BETWEEN. It is her third docudrama-novel exploring a fraught political era and the dangers of disinformation, unchecked power, hate-rhetoric, and censorship.
Her 14 novels cover a variety of era--–the Cold War, WWII, the Great Depression, American Revolution, and the Italian Renaissance–--and are for a variety of readerships, ages middle grade to adult. Her works have been honored with the Scott O'Dell, VLA Cardinal Cup, and Grateful American prizes for historical fiction; been named NCSS/CBC Notables, Bank Street College of Education Bests, Kirkus Bests, Capitol Choices, and to the TXLA Tayshas HS Reading Lists; as well as named finalists for state awards in VA, MD, PA, UT, ME, VT, KS, IA, and SC.
She holds a BA from Wake Forest University and a MA in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill.
Her 14 novels cover a variety of era--–the Cold War, WWII, the Great Depression, American Revolution, and the Italian Renaissance–--and are for a variety of readerships, ages middle grade to adult. Her works have been honored with the Scott O'Dell, VLA Cardinal Cup, and Grateful American prizes for historical fiction; been named NCSS/CBC Notables, Bank Street College of Education Bests, Kirkus Bests, Capitol Choices, and to the TXLA Tayshas HS Reading Lists; as well as named finalists for state awards in VA, MD, PA, UT, ME, VT, KS, IA, and SC.
She holds a BA from Wake Forest University and a MA in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews
February 13, 2016
Yes! A book that is really worth it. This is why I love historical fiction so much. You get to see the real heroes even if it is fictional. People who are made up, but may very well be like many of those who were there. The book is following a young American farm boy by the name of Henry Forrester who is the youngest pilot around. It may be in an American's point of view but it is clear that it was to show how much the French Resistance worked during WWII.
Henry is one of the best pilots, but don't let that fool you. He spends most all the book on solid ground hiding from Nazi soldiers after his plane crashes. And Henry finds himself in the thick of Nazi occupied France, where there is distrust and secrets at every turn. Not even those that want him alive say much to him and having a terrible accent he can't do much with a disguise.
As in most historical fiction Henry’s story draws out a sadness from stories of others who have lost and stories of unfairness. With Henry you see just what people are capable of and this goes both ways. He makes friends and loses some. Through all the hiding, all the secrets, all the torture and waiting Henry can only keep sane by memories of home and the hope that one day he may go back.
Henry wants so much to live, not only for himself and the ones he loves, but also in a way for the ones who risked their lives to save his for a cause greater than any one of them. But in a way that the individual is not forgotten, not by Henry they aren't. And with how much he is transferred, then captured, then safe, and captured again Henry has to use all his will he can get to push through. It became an almost boiling frustration even for me and I was just reading it.
But through all this frustration I can say I believe it is worth it. Because it makes the end just the most perfect moment.
Henry is one of the best pilots, but don't let that fool you. He spends most all the book on solid ground hiding from Nazi soldiers after his plane crashes. And Henry finds himself in the thick of Nazi occupied France, where there is distrust and secrets at every turn. Not even those that want him alive say much to him and having a terrible accent he can't do much with a disguise.
As in most historical fiction Henry’s story draws out a sadness from stories of others who have lost and stories of unfairness. With Henry you see just what people are capable of and this goes both ways. He makes friends and loses some. Through all the hiding, all the secrets, all the torture and waiting Henry can only keep sane by memories of home and the hope that one day he may go back.
Henry wants so much to live, not only for himself and the ones he loves, but also in a way for the ones who risked their lives to save his for a cause greater than any one of them. But in a way that the individual is not forgotten, not by Henry they aren't. And with how much he is transferred, then captured, then safe, and captured again Henry has to use all his will he can get to push through. It became an almost boiling frustration even for me and I was just reading it.
But through all this frustration I can say I believe it is worth it. Because it makes the end just the most perfect moment.
November 23, 2008
I read this book to help with my son's high school English assignment. It's targeted to a teen or young adult audience, and tells a good story about an American bomber pilot who is shot down over Alsace during World War II. The book details his struggle to return to freedom, aided by a series of sincere local sympathizers and members of the French resistance movement. While somewhat romanticized, it gives a behind-the-scenes look at the efforts of those who fought against the Nazi invaders. The soldier is captured twice by the Germans and tortured, and other German wartime atrocities are described. The purpose of the novel seems to be to celebrate and recognize acts of kindness and heroism in the midst of the struggles of conflict.
July 22, 2025
2nd time reading this. I’m giving the rating a bump-up from 3 stars to 4.
A thrilling page-turner! Based on events that happened with the author’s father during his time of service, this book will take the reader on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Cheering for acts of bravery against evil, but also tears, for heart-rending scenes of final goodbyes. And, anger mixed with disbelief, at the atrocities that people could commit in the name of Nazi ideology…
A thrilling page-turner! Based on events that happened with the author’s father during his time of service, this book will take the reader on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Cheering for acts of bravery against evil, but also tears, for heart-rending scenes of final goodbyes. And, anger mixed with disbelief, at the atrocities that people could commit in the name of Nazi ideology…
January 6, 2019
Tense YA action/adventure story about downed World War II American pilot and the civilians of the French Resistance who risk all to save him. The young main character works through some old hurts from his father as he spends his days hiding, fearing, fighting. The folks who help him are kind and brave and so real. Hopeful, sad & satisfying. Great read! The best part—the story is based on the experiences of the author’s father!
September 5, 2017
The story of a young Virginian pilot shot down during WW2 and his experiences while he tried to make it back to Allied territory.
September 23, 2015
Through the eyes of Henry Forrester, average American teenager, readers of Under a War Torn Sky are taken up into the skies over Europe and deep into the trenches of the French Resistance during World War II. This is a novel that does not need to be praised with the condition that it is a great read "for YA." Readers of any age can learn about the heart-wrenching experiences of this young bomber pilot and be captivated by his story.
The author created this fictional story based on the first hand accounts of her own father and his friends. Sharing these experiences is not something that all veterans are willing to do, and, as time goes by, less are around to do so. That makes this novel even more impressive, and it reads much like a personal memoir. The gritty truth of running from the Nazi's is presented realistically while still being appropriate for younger readers. In fact, I feel that many of them would benefit from understanding what people their age went through and are capable of. (We expect so little from our teenagers these days, but that's another story.)
There is little that Henry Forrester does not go through from the time his plane is shot down over German occupied France. He meets amazing people, loses friends, has to make impossible choices, and is forced to keep moving without the opportunity to discover whether those who dare to help him live or die. Henry himself is a somewhat naive Virginia farm boy, who is quickly hardened by what he experiences. He struggles to live by the principles that he has been raised by in the face of inhuman cruelty. In him, it is easy to see millions of young men just like him, many of whom never made it home.
Since my grandfather was a pilot in WWII, I appreciate and enjoy stories like this that bring to life the daily hardships and concerns of men that weren't expected to live for more than 16 missions. This book is a wonderful one for younger readers who want to learn about WWII. I would also recommend And Some Fell on Stony Ground as a somewhat deeper look into the mind of an RAF pilot.
The author created this fictional story based on the first hand accounts of her own father and his friends. Sharing these experiences is not something that all veterans are willing to do, and, as time goes by, less are around to do so. That makes this novel even more impressive, and it reads much like a personal memoir. The gritty truth of running from the Nazi's is presented realistically while still being appropriate for younger readers. In fact, I feel that many of them would benefit from understanding what people their age went through and are capable of. (We expect so little from our teenagers these days, but that's another story.)
There is little that Henry Forrester does not go through from the time his plane is shot down over German occupied France. He meets amazing people, loses friends, has to make impossible choices, and is forced to keep moving without the opportunity to discover whether those who dare to help him live or die. Henry himself is a somewhat naive Virginia farm boy, who is quickly hardened by what he experiences. He struggles to live by the principles that he has been raised by in the face of inhuman cruelty. In him, it is easy to see millions of young men just like him, many of whom never made it home.
Since my grandfather was a pilot in WWII, I appreciate and enjoy stories like this that bring to life the daily hardships and concerns of men that weren't expected to live for more than 16 missions. This book is a wonderful one for younger readers who want to learn about WWII. I would also recommend And Some Fell on Stony Ground as a somewhat deeper look into the mind of an RAF pilot.
October 16, 2008
When Henry's plane is shot down behind enemy lines during WWII, he must depend on the help of strangers to try and make his way to safety. I have always enjoyed learning about WWII, so this book was a good way of getting into the mind of a soldier. At the start of the story, Henry is idealistic and good hearted. By the end, Henry remains good hearted, but he has seen the worst in people. I feel like this is a good representation of what happened to many young men during that war, and all wars.
When I was in high school, I got to go to France with my great uncle who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day during WWII. It was an incredible experience and this book allowed me to relive that experience and think about all my uncle went through while he was there. I have always had enormous respect for the soldiers of that war and everything they went through, and this book reinforced and strengthened that feeling. What I especially liked, however, is that it did not glorify war. Some books and movies make war out to be something great, when it is actually quire horrible.
Some of the talking in this book is in French or German, two languages I can't speak. However, it was kind of fun to try and figure out what they were saying based on context clues and what the words looked like. Elliot knows most of her readers do not know those languages, so even if you can't figure out what they are saying, you don't miss out on the story. I think it allows the reader to see how difficult it was for Henry when he knew no German and only a little bit of French.
When I was in high school, I got to go to France with my great uncle who stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day during WWII. It was an incredible experience and this book allowed me to relive that experience and think about all my uncle went through while he was there. I have always had enormous respect for the soldiers of that war and everything they went through, and this book reinforced and strengthened that feeling. What I especially liked, however, is that it did not glorify war. Some books and movies make war out to be something great, when it is actually quire horrible.
Some of the talking in this book is in French or German, two languages I can't speak. However, it was kind of fun to try and figure out what they were saying based on context clues and what the words looked like. Elliot knows most of her readers do not know those languages, so even if you can't figure out what they are saying, you don't miss out on the story. I think it allows the reader to see how difficult it was for Henry when he knew no German and only a little bit of French.
August 30, 2022
I’ve read lots of WWII novels about several different aspects of the war. This isn’t the first one about someone trying to get back home with the help of the French Resistance, but is definitely one of the most thoroughly researched, well-plotted, beautiful books about the war that I’ve read. This book and Code Name Verity are at the top of my WWII list. A great choice for YA readers who already know something about the war, this novel is so packed with detail about the maqui, American bomber pilots, European geography and more, that it warrants more than one reading. I just read Elliott’s most recent novel Louisa Jane and the Nazis in the Waves and found it equally meticulously researched with a far-less familiar story. I want to read everything she’s written. YA historical fiction at it’s finest. And, she managed to do so without any dramatic love scenes, gratuitous violence or subversive plot lines. (I’m thinking of you Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale. UGH.) Well done, Ms. Elliott. I’m so happy to have met you at ALA in Washington DC this past June. And to have been introduced to your books.
July 24, 2017
Another good fictional world war 2 story! This one is excellent and suitable for a variety of ages. Although exciting, there is nothing to violent or gruesome for younger readers (even age 8). HOWEVER, unfortunately there are inappropriate allusions in this book which make it absolutely unfit for younger readers. As an adult, I found certain things in this book oddly unnecessary and not in keeping with the otherwise family-friendly book. The author wanted to present the reality of the situation a pure-minded young farm boy would experience when thrown into the army with men of lesser moral standards. Thus, the author included crude jokes and allusions not only once, but several times. This is not appropriate for younger readers and I recommend reading aloud or skipping this book.
I did like the story, especially because it centered around the French resistance. There was a good amount of French in this book which I enjoyed reading. (note: for those who don't know French, each time the situation or conversation is explained).
I did like the story, especially because it centered around the French resistance. There was a good amount of French in this book which I enjoyed reading. (note: for those who don't know French, each time the situation or conversation is explained).
August 27, 2015
3.5 stars. I'm glad to have read this shortly after I read The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah as this book is about an American B-24 pilot who ends up in Nazi occupied France and receives assistance from the French Resistance. It had the feel of a companion book to The Nightingale since one of the sisters in that book helped pilots get to safety as part of her role in the French Resistance so it was like seeing the other side of the story. I really liked the main character, young and idealistic Henry, a farm boy from Virginia. As the story progressed, I saw a lot of growth in his character as he goes through many trials on his journey to freedom. I will be reading the sequel to this book, called A Troubled Peace, which finds Henry returning to France to find Pierre, a young boy who helped him in this book.
July 31, 2025
"Before long the terrifying reality of his situation began to seep through Henry, strangling his resolve. He sank to the floor to recite Sunday school prayers, there in the damp blackness. But the words wouldn't come. He closed his eyes and whispered, 'Pray for me, Ma. I know God listens to you.' His teeth chattered. He wondered how much death could hurt...."
✏️ Review ✏️
Under a War-Torn Sky doesn't shy away from depicting the horrors and violence of war. Seen through the eyes of a nineteen-year-old American Air Force pilot, this WWII story effectively portrays the dilemmas of lost innocence and the pain of psychological scarring that results from living in the epicenter of world war.
The MC features a realistic layer of internal conflict. As Henry (the MC) wrestles with the horrors he encounters in a war zone, the reader is given a window that allows for an insightful glimpse at how war scars and alters a person's very being. I really appreciated this added layer of dimension to the MC. It allows for some very compelling and deep development as the story progresses. Not to mention that Henry's backstory delivers further depth to this story's narrative. I was unexpectedly impressed with how much I liked and was able to relate to the characters, especially the MC. Slowly but deeply developed with a good dose of internal conflict and a compelling backstory — pretty well-rounded MC if you ask me. 👍🏼
The plot kept the action going at an excellent pace: enough slow moments to allow for character development mixed with intense scenes to drive this story to its conclusion. I thought a few parts could have used a bit (just a bit 😉) more development (perhaps if it did, this story could have squeezed a 5-star rating out of me!). But, yeah, I thought the plot was quite good.
Under a War-Torn Sky is a dynamic YA read about the fight to survive behind enemy lines during WWII. Ah, one more thing — I found out that this is a trilogy, so I shall be picking up the next book with much excitement (hopefully sooner than later 😊).
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📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The MC — he's well-rounded and features a developed backstory and compelling internal conflict.
• The minor characters — they're varied and accurately represent the many individuals involved in WWII
• The plot — a great balance between slow- and fast-paced moments.
• The writing style — it's easy to read and accessible yet still descriptive.
• The depiction of war's psychological effects on both officers and citizens.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• Minor complaint: A few parts of the plot could have used a bit more development
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓
— Would I recommend this book? Of course.*
— To whom? To those who enjoy YA historical fiction stories that feature a dynamic, well-rounded MC, an excellently paced plot, and an easy to read, smooth writing style.
*(Note: I leave it up to each individual to decide the maturity and discernment level required to read the books I recommend, based on my content warnings below [in my Book Breakdown]. My content warnings [if any] should always be considered alongside my recommendations when deciding who these books are best suited for.)
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 4/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 4/5
— 📝 Writing: 3.5/5
— 👥 Characters: 4/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 2/5
• Fifteen vain uses of God's name (three vain uses of God's name in French), five uses of "d*mn(ed)," one use of "a**," one use of "jeez," and four uses of "bastard" as an insult.
— ⚔️ Violence: 2/5
• A few scenes of mildy graphic, intense war violence (mentions blood).
• One interrogation scene involving abuse and brutality (only mildly descriptive).
• A mildly graphic scene involving a close-range shooting (mentions blood).
• One potentially disturbing scene involving character death.
— ⚠️ Sexual: 1/5
• A few suggestive remarks.
• One brief scene of a male and a female character kissing (minimally descriptive); mentions kissing one other time as well.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📣 Random Comments 📣
• Happen to be learning French but also love reading historical fiction? Then Under a War-Torn Sky would be a great book to read! Many dialogue exchanges in this story are in French, so reading this book is a great way to enjoy a World War Two story while also immersing yourself with many French words and phrases. Amusev-vous bien!
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• Love's got responsibilities. Things you gotta do even if you don't want to. (p. 208; italicized in the original)
✏️ Review ✏️
Under a War-Torn Sky doesn't shy away from depicting the horrors and violence of war. Seen through the eyes of a nineteen-year-old American Air Force pilot, this WWII story effectively portrays the dilemmas of lost innocence and the pain of psychological scarring that results from living in the epicenter of world war.
The MC features a realistic layer of internal conflict. As Henry (the MC) wrestles with the horrors he encounters in a war zone, the reader is given a window that allows for an insightful glimpse at how war scars and alters a person's very being. I really appreciated this added layer of dimension to the MC. It allows for some very compelling and deep development as the story progresses. Not to mention that Henry's backstory delivers further depth to this story's narrative. I was unexpectedly impressed with how much I liked and was able to relate to the characters, especially the MC. Slowly but deeply developed with a good dose of internal conflict and a compelling backstory — pretty well-rounded MC if you ask me. 👍🏼
"Missing, lost, maimed....
Panic kept the words swirling in Henry's head: Missing in action. Henry imagined his father's snarl: I told you, Lilly. I knew he'd never make it. You gentled him too much. Never let me make a man out of him.
Henry clamped his hands over his ears. He'd spent his life trying to prove himself to [his father], to seem worthy of his respect even if he couldn't win his father's love."
The plot kept the action going at an excellent pace: enough slow moments to allow for character development mixed with intense scenes to drive this story to its conclusion. I thought a few parts could have used a bit (just a bit 😉) more development (perhaps if it did, this story could have squeezed a 5-star rating out of me!). But, yeah, I thought the plot was quite good.
Under a War-Torn Sky is a dynamic YA read about the fight to survive behind enemy lines during WWII. Ah, one more thing — I found out that this is a trilogy, so I shall be picking up the next book with much excitement (hopefully sooner than later 😊).
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The MC — he's well-rounded and features a developed backstory and compelling internal conflict.
• The minor characters — they're varied and accurately represent the many individuals involved in WWII
• The plot — a great balance between slow- and fast-paced moments.
• The writing style — it's easy to read and accessible yet still descriptive.
• The depiction of war's psychological effects on both officers and citizens.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• Minor complaint: A few parts of the plot could have used a bit more development
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓
— Would I recommend this book? Of course.*
— To whom? To those who enjoy YA historical fiction stories that feature a dynamic, well-rounded MC, an excellently paced plot, and an easy to read, smooth writing style.
*(Note: I leave it up to each individual to decide the maturity and discernment level required to read the books I recommend, based on my content warnings below [in my Book Breakdown]. My content warnings [if any] should always be considered alongside my recommendations when deciding who these books are best suited for.)
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 4/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 4/5
— 📝 Writing: 3.5/5
— 👥 Characters: 4/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 2/5
• Fifteen vain uses of God's name (three vain uses of God's name in French), five uses of "d*mn(ed)," one use of "a**," one use of "jeez," and four uses of "bastard" as an insult.
— ⚔️ Violence: 2/5
• A few scenes of mildy graphic, intense war violence (mentions blood).
• One interrogation scene involving abuse and brutality (only mildly descriptive).
• A mildly graphic scene involving a close-range shooting (mentions blood).
• One potentially disturbing scene involving character death.
— ⚠️ Sexual: 1/5
• A few suggestive remarks.
• One brief scene of a male and a female character kissing (minimally descriptive); mentions kissing one other time as well.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📣 Random Comments 📣
• Happen to be learning French but also love reading historical fiction? Then Under a War-Torn Sky would be a great book to read! Many dialogue exchanges in this story are in French, so reading this book is a great way to enjoy a World War Two story while also immersing yourself with many French words and phrases. Amusev-vous bien!
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
• Love's got responsibilities. Things you gotta do even if you don't want to. (p. 208; italicized in the original)
May 29, 2018
The book under a war-torn sky is about a WWII pilot named Henry. Henry is shot down over a unnamed town. He is found by an old schoolteacher who brings him to a hospital. He is then supposed to be brought to a Swiss POW camp, but he escapes the train with the help of a member of the French resistance. He then meets a woman called Madame Gaulloise. She lives in a spacious mansion, but must sell her heirlooms for money. Henry then goes to a farm, where he meets a boy named Pierre. However, Nazis raid the farm, and Henry must escape with Pierre. He brings Pierre to a church, but must leave. He joins a maquis resistance group, where he meets his friend Billy, who was also shot down the same day as Henry. However, the guide betrays them, and Billy is shot dead. The Gestapo use water torture, attempting to get the names and whereabouts of the resistance members. When Henry regains consciousness, he finds himself bound to a chair. The Gestapo officer brings in a large Doberman. Henry manages to tame the dog and attempts to escape, but is caught. He is then taken to a car where he will be transported to a prison camp. He manages to kill the officer and driver with a gun he grabs from the officer during a turn. He runs as long as he can. He lives the life of a fugitive, stealing what he can. Then one day, he meets a girl called Claudette, who takes him to a maquis resistance group. Claudette carries a deep hatred for the Germans, and vows to kill them all. Claudette loves a man called André, who tragically is killed. Henry likes her, and doesn’t know why until he realized that she reminds him of his love interest Patsy, back in the states. One day, the group receives word that Paris has been reached by allied forces. Henry takes Claudette and they leave for Saulieu. On the way, Henry sees Germans, and must distract them while Claudette flees. He is captured and will be shot. An old veteran is the one who will shoot him, buts shoots into the sky to allow Henry to escape. Henry then finds Americans and gets back to his home in time for thanksgiving dinner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2022
Great book. I'm not going to write a whole new review as it got deleted. Anyways, it starts off pretty boring. Then the character is flying in the air. His name is Henry. His plane gets shot down. Henry gets injured. And then so many people take him in or help him. He then gets out of Switzerland. A new family took him in for 2+ months. The family ends up dead, except for the little boy. And Henry wants to adopt this boy. Yet he doesn't. Later on the way to escape Henry gets caught. Everyone with him ends up dead except for the spy. Then he goes into an iterrogation camp. Ends up escaping. Meets new people, especcially a girl he meets. She reminds him of his child-hood friend, Patsy. He ends up getting caught AGAIN because he saved the girls life. Then he is set free by a German soldier, a German soldier whom is against the war. Henry runs to safety and is taken back home. Happy ending. Pretty good story to be honest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2019
I definitely enjoyed this. I wasn’t crazy about Henry’s character at all at first, but it was interesting to watch him grow, learn, and mature, and by the end I really liked him. I was invested the entire time, and while the writing wasn’t my favorite, it wasn’t bad and easy to follow. I’m glad I picked this up!
July 21, 2025
A gripping WWII story with nonstop tension and heart.
Henry, a young pilot shot down over France, has to rely on strangers, stay ahead of the Nazis, and find the courage to keep going. The action moves fast, but it’s the resilience of the Resistance and Henry’s inner growth that really stuck with me.
A solid read—intense, emotional, and full of hope in hard places.
Henry, a young pilot shot down over France, has to rely on strangers, stay ahead of the Nazis, and find the courage to keep going. The action moves fast, but it’s the resilience of the Resistance and Henry’s inner growth that really stuck with me.
A solid read—intense, emotional, and full of hope in hard places.
September 22, 2017
This is quite a powerful book. Nothing is glossed over. War is hell and torture and killing are part of it. And then there is the amazing courage of the French Resistance fighters, from the very youngest to the elderly.
April 23, 2018
My 8th graders have LOVED this book and enjoyed learning about WWII via the main character's experiences. Lots of good reading lessons can be taught too...use of context clues, characterization, real events in historical fiction, etc...
November 5, 2024
Listened to this one with the boys. I’m glad I didn’t do it any earlier - it’s best for older kids. We enjoyed it as much as a book about war can be enjoyed. It was interesting, showing the role of citizens in helping soldiers survive.
January 21, 2025
I’m staggered it took me so long to read this. A page-turning well-researched WWII story of an American pilot struggling to return home. The book reflects on how the bravery and generosity of men, women, and children proved essential for the survival of so many Allied troops.
March 17, 2018
The book started off slow. But, once you got into it, it was really good
February 3, 2019
Very decent war fiction. Probably a YA read...thumbs up tho
April 12, 2009
Wow!
I read this because the author is coming to speak in my class this week. I chose this particular novel because I thought it might be useful for a project I'm doing on youth in times of war (Annie Between the States also sounded interesting, but at 544 pages it was a bit long to add to my current reading list).
I read this in one sitting. The danger that Henry and his saviors faced was very vivid to me. That he had to blindly trust so many people and often was left with no idea of who or what he was supposed to be meeting was frightening, especially when the frenchman sent him walking down a path and his only directions were to take the left fork! His parting with Pierre was heartbreaking. It reminded me of many people who I have met on trips and the feeling when we parted that we would never see each other again. But of course, the feeling Henry would have had there was so much more intense, because death was waiting around the corner for everyone.
The ending brought me to tears. How amazing was the understanding that Henry came to about his father while he was away, and how incredible that his father had the same experience while he was gone! As I read that page I really wondered if his father would say something rude to him, but after all Henry had been through, it was only right for his father to break down and show his affection.
I read this because the author is coming to speak in my class this week. I chose this particular novel because I thought it might be useful for a project I'm doing on youth in times of war (Annie Between the States also sounded interesting, but at 544 pages it was a bit long to add to my current reading list).
I read this in one sitting. The danger that Henry and his saviors faced was very vivid to me. That he had to blindly trust so many people and often was left with no idea of who or what he was supposed to be meeting was frightening, especially when the frenchman sent him walking down a path and his only directions were to take the left fork! His parting with Pierre was heartbreaking. It reminded me of many people who I have met on trips and the feeling when we parted that we would never see each other again. But of course, the feeling Henry would have had there was so much more intense, because death was waiting around the corner for everyone.
The ending brought me to tears. How amazing was the understanding that Henry came to about his father while he was away, and how incredible that his father had the same experience while he was gone! As I read that page I really wondered if his father would say something rude to him, but after all Henry had been through, it was only right for his father to break down and show his affection.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2016
I didn't connect with this book for a while, but, I must say, it seemed quite realistic. The characters were engaging, the plot fast paced. Although I'm not usually a fan of war stories, I connected emotionally with Henry. Only two real issues—first, the novel is strewn with French phrases and dialogue, not always explained in context, and I do not speak French. Secondly, one and only one scene is written from a second character's point of view. That struck me as intrusive. If there had been a sprinkling of scenes from the home front—even just a couple—I probably would not have felt that way.
But despite those personal objections, Under a War-Torn Sky is a good, historically enlightening read.
But despite those personal objections, Under a War-Torn Sky is a good, historically enlightening read.
February 13, 2009
This is a great book. The fun thing I had while I was reading this book was the different languages the author added in the book were quite interesting. It was mostly German and French. It was weird because these are two languages I can't speak, but I could understand what they were saying from the just reading the context and understand what was going on. For example: Oui, les papiers sont parfaits. That is french for, Yes , papers are perfect. This was one of the easiest ones I figured out by the context. There were sometimes that I had to think a while or read a little bit more to figure out what it ment.
January 23, 2018
Under a War-Torn Sky, by L.M. Elliott, is a great book. I love WW2 fiction and non-fiction, and I would totally recommend it to any one else who does too. Henry Forester, 19 years old, from Virginia, joins the American Air Force to fight from a plane. When his plane is shot, he is forced to parachute into Alsace and is helped to escape by the French Resistance and members of the Maquis. Anyone who enjoys WW2 pilots, escape,or adventure in Europe should read this book.I can't wait to read the next one!!📚
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2009
Based on true accounts, this novel traces a 19 year old Air Force pilot shot down behind enemy lines in Europe just before D Day of World War II.. He must survive as he makes his way guided by Resistance workers, learning much about evil, violence, goodness, and living. Suspenseful and tear-jerking, with some glancing sexual references (PG only). Positive, with the author’s explanations of how much is “true” at the end.
January 5, 2011
I was prompted to read this after seeing Laura Elliott speak at school, where I work. She is an awesome speaker and she writes beautifully. I highly recommend this book even if you don't speak French. It was an exciting read that never stopped at the end. I didn't want it to end! I am also happy to know that there is a follow up book! And with my new Kindle I won't have issues finding it! Go Elliott!!
December 9, 2015
One of the best war books I have read ever! Not only does the book shed light on what life was like for American pilots during World War II but it also pays homage to the French resistance movement and the hard work they put in to assist the allies. This book highlights those ordinary people who did what they could to resist the Nazi movement. I highly recommend reading this one all the way through and especially the author's note at the end. No part of this is to be missed!
January 22, 2025
I have no words which I usually have a lot to say but this book is so good that it made me want to read more which is big for me because I use to never like reading. This book is the only book that had me crying at the end of it. Love the setting, love the characters, and just love the whole vibe. I can't really say much more without spoiling it but just trust me. Overall 5/5 would recommend to everyone.
June 12, 2010
My first L.M. Elliot book and definitely not my last! A wonderful, very authentic book about WWII. I was caught at the first chapter, and was engrossed for mostly the whole thing. I can only repeat what the back so aptly said, that, 'It's packed with action, intrigue, and suspense, but this novel celebrates acts of kindness and heroism without glorifying war.'
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