Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of The Baker's Secret

The Baker's Secret


WWII, French village near Normandy, villagers trying to continue their lives while being controlled by German soldiers. Their rations are dwindling, many face starvation but Emma the baker's apprentice finds a way to provide bread to many. She also develops a crafty way of bartering supplies from one person to another, helping many survive. The whole time she's helping others, she never believes the Allied Troops will arrive so when they do, she's still wary.
The author writes well but the story drags on, many characters aren't fully developed, and at times the details of an event or activity are tedious. Overall, an ok read, certainly not one that makes me want to read more of his books.

Interesting phrase: Thus did life and liberty depend upon a distant ruler who did not speak the people's language but felt at ease commanding them in his. The guttural ruled the elegant, the command replaced persuasion, the shout overwhelmed the subtle.