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432
Novel • Fiction
Champagne, France • 1940s
2019
Adult
18+ years
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
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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.
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.
96,439 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Olivia (Liv)
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.
Céline
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.
Michel
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.
Theo
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.
Julien
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.
432
Novel • Fiction
Champagne, France • 1940s
2019
Adult
18+ years
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