Wolfsangel
Wolfsangel by Liza Perrat is the story of Celeste Roussel, a resident of Lucie-sur-Vionne, France, during the German occupation between 1943 and 1945.
Beginning with a short piece set in a cemetery in 2012, the author introduces the heartache and the conflicting emotions of Celestine at that period; the reasons and explanations for them are then explained in detail in the rest of the book. In 1943 Celestine meets Martin Diehl, a German officer who takes a shine to her and whose friendship might prove useful, but is he using her only for information and not really in love with her?
Perrat portrays her main character excellently with much depth, supported by a well-researched close-up of village life in German occupied territory. A great many details, like the execution of an abortionist/angel maker, help to bring the scenes alive in a realistic portrayal of the times and with some heart breaking moments of brutality and tough personal choices.
I found the story a good and entertaining play on the very familiar theme of love caught in a battle between politics and honour. It is grippingly dramatic; the prose and the writing are beautiful, the central character conflict and the outcome are very satisfying, and the book is a solid achievement.
