Title: Song of Cigale
Author: Mark Perretta
Genre: Historical Fiction, Vintage Romance
Book Blurb:
A tale of love and romance; the beauty of nature; the roughness, pain, and hell of war; and the goodness of humanity.
"A beautiful, elegant, poignant, and romantic WWII novel. The author's attention to detail and his poetic literary flair set him apart from others in the genre." --David Aretha, award-winning author and editor
France - 1940 Life for siblings Arthur and Caroline Lambert is ideal. But when Nazi Germany invades, the fates of five people go disastrously off course. Caroline remains in La Ciotat with her parents to gather vital information and collaborate with the Maquis (French Resistance). Caro's older brother, Arthur, flees France to train in England and return someday to fight German occupation.
Hanz Lambrecht lives peacefully in the small country of Liechtenstein surrounded by the breathtaking mountain ranges of the Alps. When Hanz and his father are called to war by Germany, they have no choice. Hanz is stationed in France with the sole objective of hunting the Maquis. These rebels threaten German victory, and Lambrecht must often choose between honor and orders he knows are unjust and inhumane.
With the balance of world power in doubt, American paratroopers are plunged into battle. Brothers Frank and Michael Taylor must deal with a surprisingly different set of circumstances to not only reunite but survive the conclusion of the war. Sergeant Frank Taylor and his men are armed for the worst, but nothing has prepared his heart for this...the love of a nineteen-year-old Maquis fighter.
My Review:
Thrust into circumstances most unusual, five lives are altered by the dichotomy of war. Song of Cigale is a riveting romantic historical fiction of love, loss, fighting for what’s right, and battling just to survive. Frenchman Arthur Lambert and his sister Caroline, German Hanz Lambrecht. American paratrooper Frank Taylor and his brother Michael: all are tied to each other and on opposite sides of World War Two. Each of these characters is beautifully portrayed through descriptive narration and lyrical prose. I connected with each character on an emotional level which heightened my enjoyment of the story.
I’m a voracious historical fiction reader, especially when there’s a little romance thrown in. Song of Cigale is an original story with all the feels. I’ve never read anything like this before. The writing style is both expressive and historical with a bit of fiction thrown in. The interweaving of the main characters is seamless. The plot progression is perfect, with just the right amount of action, tension, romance, and conflict. I found myself reading late into the night because I had to see what would happen next. If you’re a historical fiction reader, you’ll want to read Song of Cigale. If you’re a romantic fiction reader, you’ll adore Song of Cigale. If you love World War Two retellings, pick up Song of Cigale.
My Rating: 5 stars
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Author Biography:
Born on Thanksgiving Day, Mark earned his B.A. in Communications, Journalism, and English from John Carroll University. He would become a teacher and coach at the high school level, instructing a wide variety of English courses over the years. His love of literature and great respect for those who serve their country led him to writing.
Mark likes to write stories that deal with family, honor, and sacrifice. His debut novel, "Song of Cigale," is a historical fiction that opens in 1944 France. Mark’s first book, "Heaven Above, Earth Below," is a heart-warming novella that honors his former student, Naval Flight Officer Jason Manse, and the men who served aboard the USS Indianapolis in WW II. Mark had the great honor of attending several reunions for the survivors of the USS Indianapolis.
Mark currently works as an English teacher for incarcerated youth in Canton, Ohio. When Mark isn't writing or reading, he can be found working outside, playing chess, or traveling with his family.
Social Media Links:
Twitter https://twitter.com/mfperretta
Reviewed by: Mrs. N