Maquisard: A Christmas Tale

by Albert J. Guerard

Recounts the close relationships between American lieutenant Tommy Colvin and the French resistance fighters with whom he has been working and his last Christmas in wartime Europe

174 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1945

Reviews

[Sylvester (Taking a break in 2023) · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I thought this was a memoir. It almost could be, it's written so vividly. Guerard based it on people he knew, and situations he had been in, so it shouldn't surprise me. Really, this was something I wanted to read at this time of year - because Christmas isn't all cozy, Christmas has happened at the worst times in history too, and I wanted to read about that side for a change.
This is a truly impressive novel when it comes to showing the trauma of war, how it is so difficult to come back from such experiences without being completely changed, and struggling to fit into normal life again. But it also shows the beauty of loyalty and the bond of shared difficulty - how those 2 things can help people endure when everything seems against them. A great book on many levels. I recommend it.

[Bless Your Memory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not all Christmas stories are cozy!! This is a wartime story in France during the few weeks up to the holiday. It is written like a memoir. There are triggers in this book. Torture etc. which I could have done without. But with that said, the author did a tremendous job.

[ValeReads Kyriosity]

This was the selection for one of my book groups a few months ago. I didn't finish it in time for our meeting, so I thought I'd pick it up again, but after a scene describing torture and another describing a sexual encounter, I decided enough was enough and won't be finishing it. I do wish we'd be a little more discerning...

[Janis Couvreux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having lived very near this city in France in the story, “Orillan” in the book, Royan in reality, I know some of this history so reading the fictionalized story of the author’s actual experience had special meaning for me. I also know the “Sognac” (Cognac) in the story as well as some of the other places he mentions. Albert Guerard’s style and attention to the personal and historical descriptions and detail flow well and make this a very pleasant, and special story to read.

[Elizabeth Simons · Rating 3 out of 5]

WWII in France, 1944, near end of war at Christmas. An American who had parachuted in 2 years prior to help partisans, ie Maquisards. Interesting reference to a French partisan suicide bombing of a bridge held by Germans. Book was written in 1945. Had never heard of this before "terrorists". The French bomber is portrayed as heroic, going willingly to his death, content that his sacrifice will give life to his comrades.

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging, moving, and superbly written, it is a story of the members of the Maquis, the maquisards, that takes one right back to December 1944 and the courageous struggle of the people of France at the end of World War II.

[Norah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A present a few Christmases ago, and tried to read several times but gave up!