Twentieth Century
In which I review Abbott Kahler’s Eden Undone
Abbott Kahler, who previously published under the name Karen Abbot, consistently writes works of narrative non-fiction that combine impeccable research, the story-telling devices of fiction, memorable characters, and impeccable prose. As a reader, I find it hard to put them down. As a writer, I marvel at her writing chops. As a reviewer, I struggle…
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From the Archives: Joan of Arc and the French resistance
More than once in the last few years, I’ve stumbled across stories in old issues of the Chicago Tribune that caught my imagination even though they did not deal with my current project. This headline from May 13, 1945, grabbed my attention: “FRANCE HONORS JOAN OF ARC AS ‘FIRST PARTISAN’. “ The piece began “The…
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From the Archives-Shin-Kickers From History: Gaston Madru Secretly Films Occupied Paris
I have more new (or more acurately, old) stories to tell you, but I also have four book events over the next eight days–all different in format. So for the moment, allow me to share a few old posts dealing with occupation, resistance, and journalists at the front. ***** Today I stumbled across an unexpected…
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