France: The Dark Years: 1940–1944

by Julian Jackson
France: The Dark Years: 1940–1944 cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Technical
  • ID: 2547
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-15
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
hatchards.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-19
brilliant 4.50

Les Miserables is a vast, epic novel that covers life in 19th-century France, focusing on themes of redemption, ethics, and social justice. The story of Jean Valjean's transformation and his selfless acts is both inspiring and relevant today, making it a brilliant and emotionally impactful read despite its length.

Les Miserables is a monumental novel that delves into the struggles of ordinary people in 19th-century France. The story of Jean Valjean, a former convict who strives to live a virtuous life, is both heartwarming and tragic. The novel's exploration of themes like redemption, ethics, and social justice makes it a profound and relevant read. The characters are deeply moving, and the narrative is compelling despite its length. The book's historical and philosophical asides add depth, making it an enriching experience. While some parts may drag, the overall impact is one of inspiration and emotional resonance.

Quick quotes

    The novel, apart from being massive, is amazing. And very…French. It’s political and idealistic and raw and gritty and factual and endlessly quotable and brilliant and sad and funny and despite being written nearly 200 years ago it’s still (sadly) relevant to society today.

    One of the central ideas is that by treating everyone — even a convict or a prostitute — with respect, that person will not only use that kindness, they’ll pay it forwards.

    Overall, Les Miserables is an incredible book. I found the portrayal of ordinary people a particularly fascinating topic and I loved learning about the real world events that took place during the same period.

h-france.net · Unknown · 2025-10-19
ambitious 4.50

The reviewer found Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables' to be a monumental and ambitious work that offers a deep exploration of society and its struggles. While the length and numerous digressions can be challenging, the novel's themes and intricate connections between events make it a rewarding read.

The reviewer embarked on reading 'Les Misérables' in its original French, inspired by their daughter's enjoyment of the translated version. The novel's epic length and numerous digressions, such as detailed historical accounts and philosophical preambles, initially seemed daunting. However, as the story progressed, these elements began to make sense, contributing to a richer understanding of the societal context. The reviewer appreciated Hugo's ambitious attempt to capture the essence of his time and the struggles of the downtrodden. Despite some sections feeling lengthy and occasionally disrupting the narrative flow, the interconnected themes and foreshadowing added depth to the story. The novel's wide cast of characters, though transient, added to its complexity and realism. Overall, the reviewer found the journey through 'Les Misérables' to be worthwhile, despite its challenges.

Quick quotes

    The most famous of these is the monstrous section on the Battle of Waterloo, a masterly description of how the battle unfolded, as well as why, to quote ABBA, Napoleon did surrender (surprisingly, rain was partly to blame).

    These tangents, as distracting as they can be at times, do have more to them than might first appear to be the case.

    The section on Waterloo, for example, ends with an introduction to a familiar face and a plot twist to be revealed fully hundreds of pages later.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-19
harrowing 4.50

The book provides a comprehensive and chilling account of France during World War II, focusing on the dark years of occupation and collaboration. It offers a detailed and sobering perspective on the complexities and moral dilemmas faced by the French people during this period.

France: The Dark Years: 1940–1944 delves deep into the harrowing experiences of France under Nazi occupation. The narrative is meticulously researched, providing a stark and unflinching look at the collaboration, resistance, and everyday survival of the French people. The author's approach is both scholarly and accessible, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical non-fiction. While the subject matter is heavy, the book's thoroughness and insight make it a valuable contribution to the understanding of this tumultuous period. The personal stories and anecdotes woven throughout the text add a human dimension, making the historical events more relatable and impactful.

Quick quotes

    The book is a masterful blend of historical analysis and personal narrative.

    It offers a sobering reminder of the complexities of human behavior under extreme circumstances.

    The author's meticulous research and engaging writing style make this a must-read for history enthusiasts.

ebay.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-19
excellent 4.50

The reviewer found Les Miserables by Victor Hugo to be highly readable and engaging, praising Hugo's conversational writing style and the depth of the characters, particularly Jean Valjean. They enjoyed the immersive experience and the way Hugo weaves in historical context and personal anecdotes, making the dense read worthwhile.

The reviewer was initially drawn to Les Miserables after deciding to switch from reading Tolstoy's lengthy works. They appreciated Hugo's ability to make the novel feel like a conversation, filled with anecdotes and stories that add depth to the characters and settings. The reviewer particularly admired Jean Valjean's character and the way Hugo portrays his struggles and sacrifices. They also enjoyed the historical context and the way Hugo critiques the social conditions of the time without overdoing it. The reviewer found the book immersive and expansive, despite its length, and enjoyed reading it with a friend. They also noted the contrast between the book and the film, finding it interesting to see where the filmmakers placed their emphasis.

Quick quotes

    The first thing that struck me about the novel is how very readable it is Hugo writes like we are having a conversation.

    The characters are wonderful, especially our anchor Jean Valjean.

    It is a long book, but do not be put off by this, as it is expansive and immersive.

Appears in Lists