Victory

Gr 7 Up—Jablonski wraps up her compelling story, which takes place during World War II. By 1944, all three Tessier siblings find themselves involved with the Resistance movement. Paul's espionage activities include serving as a courier and creating drawings that detail important logistical information for the underground forces. Sylvie, under the guise of dating a German soldier, is able to obtain sensitive enemy intelligence. Marie discovers a pilot from a downed Resistance aircraft and hides him in the wine cellar. Everyone has secrets and all are involved in political and personal intrigue. Paul's accomplice, Jacques, succinctly sums it up, saying, "the best allies in this war are those you don't trust." The climactic conclusion takes Paul and Jacques to Paris where they meet former coconspirator Henri and witness de Gaulle's triumphal march through the streets of the city. The story reaches a satisfying visual and emotional finale with the illumination of the Eiffel Tower, after four years of darkness. The expressive faces of the characters convey the tension during those days. Purvis effectively uses two color palettes: darker muted colors to depict night scenes and subversive activity and lighter, brighter daylight scenes. While the three volumes work together to tell a story of one family and its community involvement during the German occupation of France, this final installment stands as a discrete story for those not familiar with the first two volumes. Introductory matter and concluding author's notes provide helpful information.—Barbara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, Bellport, NY