Fair Stood the Wind for France

[Emerald Wolvenhowl]

Title: Fair Stood the Wind for France
Author: H.E.Bates
Genre: Romance story, War story
Short fiction novel
Age group: Late teens and adults
Spoiler Alert!

Brief overview:

Unlike a lot of World War 2 novels, this one doesn't focus on detailed accounts of violence and atrocities that occurred to prisoners of war in german camps. Instead, this story is a breath of fresh air because it focuses on events that take place for a small group of aircrew and relationships, particularly for the main character.

John Franklin is a pilot who is out on a flying mission. Unfortunately, before he and his crew reach their destination, he is forced to land the plane just as they are flying over occupied France.
Franklin is badly injured but they all manage to get our of the aircraft to try to head for cover in hope of not being discovered by the enemy. Along the way, they come across a French family who bravely take them in, hide them and get medical treatment for Franklin. While the crew remain in hiding, their main objective is planning how they can escape France. At first, Franklin is adamant that he wants to leave France and as quickly as possible but that is before things get complicated when his feelings grow for the daughter of the family.

This is a such a well written story that I didn't want to put down. It is filled with danger, tension, risk, courage, humanity and love. I enjoyed it so much that it has been added to my 'must re- read' pile!