Review by Macaria81 -- VieVie La Fontaine

Macaria81 · Post by **Macaria81** » 03 Jul 2019, 17:12

[Following is a volunteer review of "VieVie La Fontaine" by Linda Heavner Gerald.]

2 out of 4 stars

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Beautiful, talented, promiscuous, and filthy rich; no man is immune to the spell of the mysterious VieVie La Fontaine. VieVie La Fontaine(2018 Lime Pie Publishing) by Linda Heavner Gerald is a work of historical fiction that takes place primarily in Paris during the rise and fall of Adolf Hitler. Gerald is the recipient of the FAPA award for fiction (2017,2018) and this is her 12th novel. Although the story is fictional, it is inspired by a real man whom Gerald met at a dinner party who was part of the World War II French Resistance. In this novel, she attempts to in her own words, “demonstrate the fear, terror, denial, and depravity of Europe as a madman rises to control most of the world”. The premise of this story captured my interest as I love WW II historical fiction, but ultimately the story lacked the depth and detail needed to truly draw me in and experience the terror of the time.

Mark Lechter, a German Jew, was sent by his parents from Berlin to live in Paris with General Louie La Fontaine and his wife, VieVie La Fontaine in 1931. Mark’s parents feared what was to come for the Jews as Hitler increased in power and had the foresight to save their son. In Paris, Mark was sheltered from the realities of what was happening to the Jewish people and chose to submerge himself in an indulgent life of glamour, parties, painting and an adulterous affair with the seductive and free-spirited VieVie La Fontaine. Eventually, the evil of Hitler reaches Paris, causing life to change dramatically for Mark and VieVie. Paris, like Germany, becomes gripped by terror, fear, and despair as the city is occupied by the Nazi’s. Both VieVie and Mark make choices that will forever change their lives as they become French Resistance Fighters.

My favorite part of this book was the relationship between VieVie and Mark. I wish it had been developed further. I also appreciated the underlying themes of forgiveness, redemption, and hope. I noticed as I read that there was an unusual amount of forgiveness between characters for actions that many might consider unforgiveable. VieVie and Mark, who initially were irresponsible and somewhat cowardly, redeem themselves later in the story. There is a feeling of hope despite terrible circumstances beyond their control.

The beginning of the book was so slow that I almost quite reading. Fortunately, the story did get better once the character of VieVie La Fontaine was introduced. Although the author describes the book as “peppered” with historical facts, it is drowning in history. I have read many other World War II historical fiction novels that incorporated historical facts into the story without feeling like a history book. Unfortunately in this book, the information is not woven in, but dumped in large amounts. I would have enjoyed learning more details about all the main characters, especially VieVie. Her affair with Mark was one of the most interesting parts of the story, but few details beyond where they went to lunch and how much they drank and painted together were given. Later, when they both join the French Resistance, very little detail is given about what they do. I find it odd that Gerald gave such little information about the day to day activities of the French Resistance considering the novel was inspired by a French Resistance Fighter. Also, is Mark stupid? There was one major piece that took him a long time to figure out and it seemed ridiculous that I was supposed to share in his confusion. His character was so naïve, he really wasn’t that interesting as a narrator. Finally, this book needs to be professionally edited as I found many mistakes.

History lovers are most likely to enjoy this book. I do not recommend it to readers who have read a lot about Hitler and the Holocaust because the lack of detail will be impossible to miss. Due to the lack of detail, poor editing, and too many historical facts, I rate this book a 2 out of 4. I give it 2 stars because the story is mildly interesting and I did like the character of VieVie La Fontaine; I just wish I had gotten to know her better!

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VieVie La Fontaine
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Erin Painter Baker · Post by **Erin Painter Baker** » 18 Jul 2019, 16:29

I love it when a writer is able to mix their history in with the fiction story in a smooth way. It sounds like that was not the case here. I will likely give this one a pass.

e-reeder · Post by **e-reeder** » 18 Jul 2019, 16:49

Historical fictions aren't in my area of interest. However, this seems like a well-written book. Thanks for the review.

rose417 · Post by **rose417** » 18 Jul 2019, 21:55

I have also read quite a bit of WWII historical fiction. Thanks for saving me from reading this book! No doubt the book jacket hyped the 'true' part of the story, but anytime an author lazily 'dumps' facts I am done!