Review by Book Lover 35 -- VieVie La Fontaine

[BelleReadsNietzsche]

I keep seeing this book as a review opportunity but I haven't taken the leap. The name sounds like something a teen or young woman would make up after running away. I can't help but try translating it into "Life Life the Fountain"!

HAHa, this is my perception too! Although, I suppose we can’t be sure how she came by this name....

This book sounds like it has an interesting cast of characters. I am kind of sick of WW2 books, but still, it sounds interesting. Thanks for review @Book Lover 35!

[Ikpangi]

Every parent wants the best for their children. That's why I understood why Mark Lichter's parents moved their only son to Paris, instead of letting him stay in Germany. This wonderful story takes place during World War 2. It is called VieVie La Fontaine. It is written by Linda Heavner Gerald.

Mark is a college student studying Law, which he dreads. What he really wants to do is paint. When he is told by his parents that they are moving him to Paris, he is excited to leave. He believes that his parents are just being paranoid, and is surprised by the move. His parents know that it is not safe for him to stay in Germany, since they are Jewish. Before he leaves to Paris, his father warns him not to fall in love with the beautiful VieVie La Fontaine, but when does a teenager ever listen to their parents. When he gets to Paris, he moves in with friends of his family, and starts having the time of his life. Soon he realizes that his parents weren't just paranoid. Things are going down hill in Paris fast, when the Germans start taking over. What will happen to his parents back home and also to Paris? What will happen to him and to all the people that he loves? Will the Germans find out that he is Jewish?

The first thing that attracted me to this story, was the beautiful front cover. I was also curious about the title of the book. Throughout the book, you learn what is so special about this VieVie La Fontaine. The story was very easy to read. The chapters are fairly short. There wasn't a dull moment in the book. Whether you love history or like romances, you would appreciate this book. It was very interesting to learn what it was like in Paris during this time period. I do not usually think about France, when I think of World War 2. I've learned a lot of interesting information such as, the rations that were put on food, clothing, tobacco. What I thought was very brutal, was the lack of coal. There were some very cold winters, and a lot of people trying to get warm. I've also learned about the curfews that they've had. Most importantly, I've learned more about the France Resistance Movement. I've really enjoyed getting to know Mark, and seeing how the war has made him a stronger man. Mark expresses his feeling throughout the book, which helped him sound more like a real person. I liked VieVie La Fontaine and her husband. They took Mark into their home, and made him feel loved. One of my favorite characters is Lotte Moreau. She was Mark's neighbor. She would check on him from time to time. The author gives a lot of detail on what is happening throughout the world, and what people are going through. The ending was good and also unpredictable.

[sarahmarlowe randomeducator]

I really enjoyed this book, too. I loved the way the author gave such great details to bring the characters to life. Thanks for such a thorough review!

[kdstrack]

The wealth of historical facts and the clear description of the setting add life to this story. The author has done a good job of recapturing this time period. Mark's story, in this setting, sounds intriguing. Thanks for this interesting review.

[Nisha Ward]

Information about the French Resistance and romance amidst war? I'm totally here for that. It's also interesting that it takes the point of view of a college student away from home during WWII because that's a perspective I'm interested in. There have probably been many of those but I always find something unique in those.