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44 pages 1 hour read

The Winemaker's Wife

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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Kristin Harmel

The Winemaker's Wife

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Champagne, France • 1940s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Winemaker’s Wife by Kristin Harmel follows the intertwining stories of Inès, Céline, and Liv. Inès and Céline navigate the challenges of life during the German occupation of France in World War II, while Liv, in the present day, unravels family secrets tied to a champagne chateau in the Champagne region. The novel explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, identity, loyalty, and betrayal. The novel contains depictions of wartime violence, death by suicide, and sexual assault.

Emotional

Mysterious

Romantic

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.4

96,439 ratings

84%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Kristin Harmel's The Winemaker's Wife intricately weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and resilience set against the backdrop of World War II and contemporary France. Readers laud its compelling dual timelines and richly drawn characters, though some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it’s a poignant narrative that blends historical romance with family secrets.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Winemaker's Wife?

A reader who enjoys The Winemaker's Wife by Kristin Harmel would likely appreciate historical fiction with intricate emotional narratives, particularly those centered around World War II. Fans of Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale and Martha Hall Kelly's Lilac Girls would find similar appeal in this poignant tale of love, loss, and resilience.

4.4

96,439 ratings

84%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Inès Chauveau

The eponymous character and primary protagonist who introduces readers to the world of champagne production and rural life in 1940s France, possessing youthful optimism and naivete. She is revealed in another persona as Grandma Edith, highlighting her growth and mistakes over time.

A point-of-view character beginning her journey after a difficult divorce, struggling with identity and historical family connections while developing a relationship with her grandmother and the winemaking heritage.

The titular "winemaker's wife," Céline is familiar with the winemaking business and navigates personal relationships amid the threats of war, balancing her practical nature with deeper emotional connections.

A winery owner and leader who contends with the pressures of war while managing familial and resistance dynamics, impacting his relationships and actions throughout the narrative.

A static character devoted to the winery's well-being, representing the average person's struggle during challenging times as he tries to continue life despite surrounding horrors.

Grandson of a man Inès protected during the war, he serves as a connection between past and present generations, exploring themes of family, miscommunication, and personal growth alongside Olivia.

Book Details
Pages

432

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Champagne, France • 1940s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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