No surprise here, that The Resistance Bakery is another well-crafted, powerful page turner WW2 novel by Siobhan Curham! With each release of hers that lands in my hands, I say it is the best and my favourite of her books. And then she releases another that tops the one before. I loved the historical thread of the two chef’s: one a mains course specialist and the other a dessert queen. They meet during a difficult period in Paris’s history when the Nazis have taken over the beautiful city of fashion, love, fine food and art. But these two come from very different backgrounds.
This dual timeline feast is about the devastating effects of family secrets in the present but also the seeds of betrayal, mistrust, vengeance and misinformation that had been sown in the past. It is also about friendship, sacrifice and forbidden love blossoming in the most unexpected places and between two people who are on opposite sides of the fence.
Coralie in 1943 has been gifted a patisserie bought by a very dear friend, Madame Manteux— the sweet seventy year old Jewish lady, who becomes threatened by the new order set out by Hitler. On Sunday’s, Coralie also works at Hotel Lutetia— beside Reinhardt, a German chef, brought in to prepare food for the elite officials. She has accepted the position so she can spy on the Nazis with hopes of carrying important information back to the Resistance. As for Reinhardt, she is unsure if she can trust his words. But as she gets to know him, she feels at ease in his presence. They become quite close which goes against their country’s positions. He seems to sincerely care about her. But is he just playing along to gain her confidence and then turn her in? Coralie, of course, does not reveal her true purpose—even in their closest moments. Though she will receive some information later on that will rock her world and devastate her heart. Information that will haunt her for the next forty years…
In the 1984 timeline we meet rebel grand-daughter Raven/Cindy, who is shipped off to spend time with her Grandmother Coralie. Initially it is a form of punishment. But also her absence is meant to give her parents time and space to sort out their troubles. Once arriving at her grandmother’s, Raven encounters a very different world and person than she expected. And when she discovers through a bit of snooping that Coralie was a resistance fighter in WW2, this sets her imagination on fire with excitement. She wants to know more but at first her grandmother is not keen to share her past. Until Raven’s persistence slowly draws Coralie out of the memory shadows where she must face her demons of painful experiences she has buried for many years. As she slowly unravels the story of her past, healing and growth start to happen. Not only for Coralie but for Raven as well.
The secrets Coralie has carried throughout her life have been a great burden. And it isn’t until she is challenged by her granddaughter Raven to share her story of the past that she will be free. Free to forgive, to heal and even have a second chance at love.
I loved the way Siobhan created the two timelines and how seamless one flowed into the other in telling the story of the past and present. Beware, though, there’s plenty of heartbreak with the loss of lives and images of suffering Jews. But this story is also about the unbroken spirit of many who fought back— demonstrating their resilience and determination to overcome the greatest tragedies ever.
I could not finish this review without mentioning the food that is described in scrumptious detail. I am reminded of my time many years ago in Canada’s French Quebec City (labelled little Paris) where I dined on unbelievable French cuisine: including French pastries, mouth watering cakes and numerous other treats that made my taste buds burst with heavenly excitement. I really appreciated the cooking and recipes discussed between these chefs and the reaction on the customers faces and comments (even though many mentioned were the responses from Nazis secret service members) once tasting the foods. There are some very lovely moments in the kitchen and also some horrific ones.
There is plenty of danger on these pages and it comes across very real and had me on the edge of my seat more than once. Plus wiping tears from my eyes at the loss of beloved characters. I also cheered for those who survived, healed and reunited. This is one magnificent story that captured my heart— hook, line and sinker. The characters are exquisitely portrayed and I truly got to know them and their desires, fears and dreams. I will not forget them—ever. I highly recommend The Restistance Bakery. It is without question a must-read for lovers of divine French food and exceptional WW2 fiction stories. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.
