Today marks the anniversary of D-Day, 6th June 1944, the Allied invasion of German-occupied France. Down here in SW France, the weather is equally damp today, but perhaps not quite as cold and windy as it was on that significant day back in 1944. The decision to go or not to go that Eisenhower hadContinue reading “D-Day: the Beginning of the End”
Tag Archives: World War II
Wartime Secrets in Tuscany: an Interview with Katharine Johnson
I’m delighted to welcome back Katharine Johnson, whose historical mysteries make engrossing reading. She’s already told us a little about her latest novel, The Secret, when it was a work in progress. Now, publication day is approaching on 1st June, and I’m looking forward to The Secret popping onto my Kindle that day. The bookContinue reading “Wartime Secrets in Tuscany: an Interview with Katharine Johnson”
True Inspiration for Fiction #4: Angel Makers
In most Western nations, the practice of backstreet abortion has virtually disappeared now that abortion has been legalised. I don’t intend to open a debate here about the moral issues, but rather to look at the historical background, especially in France.
Scent of Corsica: the Maquis
Can you name some famous Corsicans? There’s the obvious one, Napoleon Bonaparte. Slightly less obvious ones are the singer Tino Rossi, and Pasquale di Paoli, who headed the short-lived independent Corsican republic in the 18th century. But did you know that François Coty, who founded the famous Coty perfume empire, was also Corsican?
History People #10: Katharine Johnson, Inspired by Italy
Today, I’m delighted to welcome Katharine Johnson to the History People slot. Lucky Katharine has lived in Italy, which has provided inspiration for her writing and she’s supplied some mouth-watering shots of Italian views and villages below. But I’ll let her tell you about that.
The Story Behind ‘The List’: Occupied France 1941-42
It’s surprising where research can lead you. I have been reading about World War II and France. Robert Gildea’s book Marianne in Chains: Daily Life in the Heart of France During the German Occupation describes everyday life in the Occupied Zone and investigates certain myths about ordinary French people’s attitudes and fears.
Excerpt from ‘The List’, a WWII short story
This week, I’m publishing a short extract from my story, ‘The List’, which is set in occupied France. The story originally appeared in an anthology entitled Pearl Harbor and More: Stories of WWII – December 1941, published by eight authors of wartime fiction. The short stories were set in locations around the world and commemorated theContinue reading “Excerpt from ‘The List’, a WWII short story”
History People #1: Wartime Fiction: Wandering Off the Beaten Track
This is the first in a series of guest posts by fellow historical fiction authors. Dianne Ascroft, who writes World War II fiction, kicks it off with some thought-provoking reflections on unusual settings for wartime fiction and what readers are looking for. Thanks for joining us today, Dianne.
History: a thing of the past?
Today, I’m delighted to welcome guest blogger Olga Swan, who also lives in SW France. Lamplight, the first in her David Klein, war-reporter, series is released tomorrow by Crooked Cat. Olga’s post gives us a flavour of her series, which spans the build-up to World War II and the war itself, and outlines some of theContinue reading “History: a thing of the past?”
Vanessa Couchman 