The Firefly of France By: Marion Polk Angellotti (1894-1979)
In Marion Polk Angellotti's gripping historical fiction, readers are transported to the heart of World War I in her intriguing novel, The Firefly of France. The author masterfully weaves a tale of love, courage, and sacrifice against the backdrop of a war-torn France. The story follows the journey of the fearless heroine, Claire de Beaulieu, as she defies societal expectations and becomes a vital part of the French Resistance. Angellotti's vivid descriptions help paint a vivid picture of the war-ravaged surroundings and the resilience of the French people. One of the strengths of this novel lies in Angellotti's meticulous attention to historical accuracy. She seamlessly blends historical events, such as the Battle of Verdun, with fictional elements, giving readers a genuine sense of the era's turbulence and the immense challenges faced by the characters. Through her meticulous research, an authentic and immersive atmosphere is established. The characters in The Firefly of France are well-developed and relatable. Claire's fearless determination and unwavering loyalty make her a captivating protagonist, while the supporting characters each bring their own unique strengths and vulnerabilities to the narrative. This ensemble cast allows readers to understand the diverse experiences and perspectives of those involved in the resistance effort. The pacing of the novel is both intense and well-balanced. Angellotti expertly alternates between moments of heart-pounding action and quieter, reflective scenes, ensuring that readers remain fully engaged throughout the story. Furthermore, the author's fluid writing style effortlessly transports readers into the narrative, facilitating an emotional connection to the characters and their struggles. While The Firefly of France is undeniably an absorbing and well-crafted novel, it does occasionally suffer from some predictability in its plot. Certain narrative twists can be anticipated before they occur, limiting the surprise factor that would have added even more impact to the story. Nonetheless, the overall strength of the writing, character development, and historical context overshadow this minor flaw. In conclusion, Marion Polk Angellotti's The Firefly of France is a captivating historical fiction novel that seamlessly blends real events with compelling fictional storytelling. With its engaging characters, expertly researched backdrop, and immersive writing style, this book is sure to transport readers into the heart of World War I-era France. Fans of historical fiction and tales of bravery will thoroughly enjoy this gripping and emotionally resonant read. First Page: THE FIREFLY OF FRANCE by Marion Polk Angellotti TO THE MEMORY OF THE HEROIC GUYNEMER "THE ACE OF THE ACES" PREPARER'S NOTE This text was prepared from a 1918 edition, published by The Century Co., New York. THE FIREFLY OF FRANCE CHAPTER I ALARUMS AND EXCURSIONS The restaurant of the Hotel St. Ives seems, as I look back on it, an odd spot to have served as stage wings for a melodrama, pure and simple. Yet a melodrama did begin there. No other word fits the case. The inns of the Middle Ages, which, I believe, reeked with trap doors and cutthroats, pistols and poisoned daggers, offered nothing weirder than my experience, with its first scene set beneath this roof. The food there is superperfect, every luxury surrounds you, millionaires and traveling princes are your fellow guests. Still, sooner than pass another night there, I would sleep airily in Central Park, and if I had a friend seeking New York quarters, I would guide him toward some other place. It was pure chance that sent me to the St. Ives for the night before my steamer sailed. Closing the doors of my apartment the previous week and bidding good bye to the servants who maintained me there in bachelor state and comfort, I had accompanied my friend Dick Forrest on a farewell yacht cruise from which I returned to find the first two hotels of my seeking packed from cellar to roof... Continue reading book >>

The Firefly of France By: Marion Polk Angellotti (1894-1979)

In Marion Polk Angellotti's gripping historical fiction, readers are transported to the heart of World War I in her intriguing novel, The Firefly of France. The author masterfully weaves a tale of love, courage, and sacrifice against the backdrop of a war-torn France.

The story follows the journey of the fearless heroine, Claire de Beaulieu, as she defies societal expectations and becomes a vital part of the French Resistance. Angellotti's vivid descriptions help paint a vivid picture of the war-ravaged surroundings and the resilience of the French people.

One of the strengths of this novel lies in Angellotti's meticulous attention to historical accuracy. She seamlessly blends historical events, such as the Battle of Verdun, with fictional elements, giving readers a genuine sense of the era's turbulence and the immense challenges faced by the characters. Through her meticulous research, an authentic and immersive atmosphere is established.

The characters in The Firefly of France are well-developed and relatable. Claire's fearless determination and unwavering loyalty make her a captivating protagonist, while the supporting characters each bring their own unique strengths and vulnerabilities to the narrative. This ensemble cast allows readers to understand the diverse experiences and perspectives of those involved in the resistance effort.

The pacing of the novel is both intense and well-balanced. Angellotti expertly alternates between moments of heart-pounding action and quieter, reflective scenes, ensuring that readers remain fully engaged throughout the story. Furthermore, the author's fluid writing style effortlessly transports readers into the narrative, facilitating an emotional connection to the characters and their struggles.

While The Firefly of France is undeniably an absorbing and well-crafted novel, it does occasionally suffer from some predictability in its plot. Certain narrative twists can be anticipated before they occur, limiting the surprise factor that would have added even more impact to the story. Nonetheless, the overall strength of the writing, character development, and historical context overshadow this minor flaw.

In conclusion, Marion Polk Angellotti's The Firefly of France is a captivating historical fiction novel that seamlessly blends real events with compelling fictional storytelling. With its engaging characters, expertly researched backdrop, and immersive writing style, this book is sure to transport readers into the heart of World War I-era France. Fans of historical fiction and tales of bravery will thoroughly enjoy this gripping and emotionally resonant read.

First Page:

THE FIREFLY OF FRANCE

by Marion Polk Angellotti

THE MEMORY OF

THE HEROIC GUYNEMER

"THE ACE OF THE ACES"

PREPARER'S NOTE

This text was prepared from a 1918 edition, published by The Century Co., New York.

THE FIREFLY OF FRANCE

CHAPTER I

ALARUMS AND EXCURSIONS

The restaurant of the Hotel St. Ives seems, as I look back on it, an odd spot to have served as stage wings for a melodrama, pure and simple. Yet a melodrama did begin there. No other word fits the case. The inns of the Middle Ages, which, I believe, reeked with trap doors and cutthroats, pistols and poisoned daggers, offered nothing weirder than my experience, with its first scene set beneath this roof. The food there is superperfect, every luxury surrounds you, millionaires and traveling princes are your fellow guests. Still, sooner than pass another night there, I would sleep airily in Central Park, and if I had a friend seeking New York quarters, I would guide him toward some other place.

It was pure chance that sent me to the St. Ives for the night before my steamer sailed. Closing the doors of my apartment the previous week and bidding good bye to the servants who maintained me there in bachelor state and comfort, I had accompanied my friend Dick Forrest on a farewell yacht cruise from which I returned to find the first two hotels of my seeking packed from cellar to roof... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
War stories

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