In Falling Snow by Mary-Rose MacColl

I bought this book on the Daily Deal too. I have to agree with everything you say about it, Luckygirl. It is up there with some of the best books I have ever read. Like you, it prompted me to research into the part Australians played in WWI and to look at Royaumont Abbey too. And yes, those executions - so terribly upsetting.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. It was one of those rare books that part of me wanted to read slowly, rationing it to make it last, but it was so completely unputdownable. I was sorry to reach the end!

I got this on Kindle Deals, too, and was utterly moved and engrossed. The amazing thing is that it's based on a real place and real people. A good bit of suspense at the end, too, as well as many tearful scenes in the Australiian part of the story.

However, some of the things said by the women and the attitudes of others - both male and female - do seem rather anachronistic. I know that WW1 gave women's rights and women's confidence a big push forward, but I can't imagine that it was talked about so openly at the time.

Although I wondered about it, I didn't do any further research, as you did, Luckygirl, but I've just had a peep at pictures of the Abbey on line - it really is beautiful. I may well make a trip to that part of the world sometime between now and 2018 - possibly when there are events to attend and other sites to visit.

However, on closer reading of the history of the Abbey on its own site, I notice that it stops at 1905 and then continues in the 1930s - What's that about???? The French entry in Wikipedia does give that period a paragraph, however, mentioning that it was the largest British hospital in France.

One thing that I did wonder about is that the mother didn't recognise what was wrong with her son Henry - that was quite clear to me from the first signs of his illness, and she was a doctor!!

However - definitely worth a read - I second the recommendation!

Sounds good. Will search for it immediately!

historycompany.co.uk/2011/11/29/the-women-of-royaumont-a-unique-film/

This is interesting.

Yes, that was interesting. Thanks for the link, Lg

Ordered it but no longer a daily deal . However I'm sure I'll enjoy it.

All I can say is that you were a "lucky girl" Lara!

Thanks for the recommendation. I have ordered it from the library.

I shall definitely be looking out for her new book! Thanks for the tip off Lara