Natasha Lester’s The Mademoiselle Alliance, Review: Stirring

In our The Mademoiselle Alliance review we explain how Natasha Lester’s historical fiction inspired by fact is a stirring reminder to stand up for what’s right.

My Review

The Mademoiselle Alliance is another wonderful example of fiction inspired by the brave exploits of women too often absent from historical records largely written by men.

It is clear from the beginning that Natasher Lester has carried out an immense amount of research on Marie-Madeleine Fourcade, other key players in the Alliance resistance network she led, and the remarkable things they did. She has then elevated and extrapolated from these facts to conjure the feelings and emotions of that time, the fear and fervour, in this story.

The Mademoiselle Alliance‘s myriad settings from the deserts of Morocco, the cobblestones of Paris, picturesque French coastline and dense border forests, through to wartime London are evocatively depicted in an accessible yet captivating literary style narrative. Natasha Lester’s skill in character development is such that these women and men — their friendships, loves and loyalties — are brought to life on the page. This is what leads the reader to fully appreciate their heartbreaking sacrifices and resilience under unthinkable circumstances. And, it is this that has the reader grieving their loss almost as though standing there alongside Marie-Madeleine in those moments.

–

This novel’s weakness in a traditional sense could also be viewed as a strength. While Lester maintains mystery, suspense and intrigue for the reader using judicious jumps between time periods, the broader story plot itself could not be described as taut. Life is rarely as neat as fiction, and the suffering (and resistance efforts) in Europe started long before the Allies arrived. I felt it was important for the reader to feel that desperation and longing, that sense of being continually hunted, and frustration in waiting for their efforts to bear fruit, to truly appreciate how strong and charismatic a leader Fourcade really must have been.

In this era of creeping apathy, Natasha Lester’s The Mademoiselle Alliance is a stirring, timely reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right. And, how if enough like-minded individuals can coordinate their efforts and stay the course, good will eventually prevail.

PS: Tissues, for both the happy and heartwrenching moments, are a must.

More titles by Natasha Lester

More stirring historical fiction:

Click on book covers for full reviews of each novel.

* My receiving a pre-release paperback copy for review from the publisher for review purposes did not impact the expression of my honest opinions above.