'Secrets' - how I came to write the book

The Resistance Movement that developed during the Second World War has always fascinated me, and as I wanted to write a story for boys who think reading is boring - what could be more appropriate!  At the beginning of the book, 11 year-old Peter gets involved with distributing underground newspapers.  This was based on a similar account in the marvellous book 'And there was Light' by Jacques Lusseyran.  If you haven't read it, I really recommend it, as one of the most uplifting books I've ever read.


The newspapers come to an abrupt end when their organisation is betrayed, as happened in Jacques' case.  But then Peter overhears his aunt say 'But I don't want him here!'.  He is appalled, and very upset as he's always felt welcomed and happy in his French home, and certainly agrees with his parents that rural France is safer than living in the middle of London.  Then it transpires that she's not talking about her nephew, but offering their home as a 'Safe House' for escaping Allies!  Now, I've often wondered if I would have been brave enough to have done this - the risks are so enormous.  Uncle Claude makes this very clear when they take a vote on the matter, pointing out that sometimes an escaping airman is actually a German spy, who will report back about every house and safe port that he's stayed in.  All those involved will be immediately shot.

But the family decide to go ahead, despite Aunt Yvonne's understandable reluctance.

At first everything goes swimmingly, with men passing quickly through the farmhouse.

But then Peter and his uncle hear a plane in obvious difficulties, and watch a group of parachutes fall from the sky.  Then it's not only a race to get to them before the Germans, but there's the awful problem of what to do with the very seriously injured airman.  Hiding him in the grubby barn is out of the question, so he lies totally exposed in the middle of the living room.  Any minute the Germans could arrive and find him.

I was reminded of HE Bates' gripping book 'Fair Stood the Wind for France' - which I enjoyed so much.  Then the airman got away by being rowed down the river the French girl.

But will Peter's family even survive?

If you would like to read my e-book 'Secrets' it's available from Smashwords 
and Amazon. 
Enjoy!!