Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay v Les Ruines by James R. Vance

I have just finished reading Sarah’s Key, a fascinating novel. Consequently, I have pre-ordered delivery of the DVD on its November release. I am intrigued by the similarities to my recently completed manuscript, Les Ruines.

Both are historical fiction novels set in France during WWII and have a central female character attempting to resolve a mystery from that period. Sarah’s Key examines the persecution of Jewish families by the French police. Les Ruines focuses on atrocities committed by the Germans against innocent French citizens. Throughout both novels, there is a continuous juxtaposition with the present day and the period of occupation 67 years previously. The ensuing results of the quest undertaken by the women in both novels leads to personal family links.

The parallels are quite bizarre. 

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B004UPFYWK

http://www.tatianaderosnay.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=70&Itemid=68

Les Ruines by James R. Vance

Les Ruines paints a picture of life in southwest France during the dark years of the German occupation towards the end of the Second World War. Almost seventy years later, a young woman stumbles on a mystery from that period and embarks on a mission to seek the truth.

Her quest takes her on a journey of revelation about the chaotic weeks that led to the fragmented liberation of France. With her marriage falling apart, she invites a close friend to accompany her, leaving her husband at home. The two women begin to uncover an atmosphere of reticence  as they uncover evidence of gruesome secrets buried in the ruins of a former chateau.  

Her obsessive investigation brings her into contact with Marcel, a former member of the maquis. His reticence to discuss his own involvement leads her to delve deeper into the past. As she learns about the terrifying exploits of the Das Reich 2nd Panzer Division during its march from Montauban to Normandy, dark secrets begin to emerge.

On her return to England, her personal life continues to unravel causing her domestic situation to reach crisis point. As the mystery in France appears about to be resolved, tragedy strikes.         

Les Ruines

I have finally completed my latest manuscript, Les Ruines. Having spent several months redrafting, I have sent PDF copies to several acquaintances for their feedback and plot review. Already, I have made changes following some early comments. Even the front cover may differ, losing the image of the Nazi war machine and replacing it with a more subtle image relevant to the title.
The new proposed picture is the actual ruined chateau of La Perrière, as depicted in the novel. This new style of cover is quite different to my previous novels. The change is probably the correct decision as the genre of Les Ruines is historical fiction instead of mystery crime.