Paperback: 367 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Triskele Books 2012
Source: The author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
First Sentence: The early light burns Victoire's cheeks, like a beacon warning her this summer day will bring something special.
Review Quote: Recommended at the Historical Novel Conference, 2013 in “Off the Beaten Path” recommendations.
My Opinion: Already looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I really enjoyed this début novel from Liza Perrat and am already looking forward to reading the next book. Spirit of Lost Angels is the first in L'Auberge des Anges historical series and is set against a backdrop of rural France. Wolfsangel is the second in the series and will be published on the 16th of next month. I am already looking forward to returning to rural France to discover what happens to the talisman that is central to this series. The bone angel talisman is passed down through generations of Charpentier who face tragedy and betrayal in a world where their gift can be their curse.
In this first novel of the trio the story revolves around the personal story of the protagonist Victoire Charpentier, growing up in poverty in a small village in France. It is the 18C a time of violence and having already seen her mother executed for witchcraft and her father also killed, she is forced to seek employment in Paris. Unfortunately things do not improve for her and suffering terrible abuse she becomes desperate and her life gets about as bad as it can. Whilst at her lowest she makes a friend who helps her become brave enough to join the revolutionaries and make a new life for herself. Always her angel pendant is there through the many terrible experiences she has growing up in the tumultuous period of the French Revolution.
The character betrayals are very strong and realistic as are descriptions of the locations. A well researched novel from this début author who writes in a way that will draw you in, especially if you are a fan of historical fiction.
For those of you that are tempted to read, here is a Link to Chapter One on Goodreads.
Author Profile
Liza grew up in Wollongong, Australia, where she worked as a general nurse and midwife for fifteen years.
When she met her French husband on a Bangkok bus, she moved to France, where she has been living with her husband and three children for twenty years. She works part-time as a French-English medical translator.
Since completing a Creative Writing course ten years ago, several of her short stories have won awards, notably the Writers Bureau annual competition of 2004 and her stories have been published widely in anthologies and small press magazines. Her articles on French culture and tradition have been published in international magazines such as France Magazine and France Today.
She has completed four novels and one short-story collection,
The biographical information and photo used in this post are with thanks to the following websites, where you can also find more information about the author and her writing.
Goodreads Author Profile Liza Perratt - Twitter Author's Official Website - Liza Perrat
Blog - Liza Perrat - Author Facebook Profile - Liza Perrat Amazon - Author Profile
Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteNice review, your liking for the story came across loud and clear, without you giving anything away.
Of course, I just had to cheat a little and check out the full synopsis over at Liza's site, although I did resist the temptation to read the extract, that would just be too much of a spoiler.
I like the diversity between the two books ... the historical setting of 'Spirit Of Lost Angels', giving way to the wartime of occupied France.
I also like the unique covers, with the cut away images.
A definite new author for my reading list, thanks for sharing you thoughts and for the recommendation.
I hope that all is well with you,
Yvonne.
Thanks for leaving your constructive comments much appreciated. It is very important to me that I can tempt others to read a book without giving the story away.
DeleteI am not too bad considering, up and down but that is to be expected.
Great review Linda. I do like historical fiction and I also know that if a book had your deal of approval , then I will enjoy it! I've just put it onto my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteSorry, that should have read seal of approval!
DeleteI hope it lives up to the seal of approval, I already have the second in the series on my TBR list. :)
DeleteThanks so much for your generous review, Linda... so glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteThankyou for commenting here Liza and approving my review, it means a lot to me.
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