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Violins of Autumn
When the Germans begin bombing London in World War II, Betty is determined to do her part. Instead of running air raid drills like most girls her age, she lies about her age and trains to become a spy. Now known by her secret agent persona, Adele Blanchard, she finds herself parachuting over German-occupied France under the cover of darkness to join the secret Resistance movement. Prepared to die for her cause, Adele wasn't expecting to make a new best friend in her fellow agent or fall for a handsome American pilot. With the brutality of war ever present, can Adele dare to dream of a future where the world is at peace and she is free to live and love of her own accord?
326 pages, Hardcover
First published June 19, 2012
About the author
Amy McAuley
3 books115 followersAmy McAuley grew up in Kincardine, Ontario, a small town on the shores of Lake Huron, where she read voraciously and dreamed of one day becoming an author like her idol, Judy Blume. She is the author of the historical YA, VIOLINS OF AUTUMN, published by Walker & Co, and OVER AND OVER YOU.
She now lives in London, Ontario, with her family and two cats.
She now lives in London, Ontario, with her family and two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
February 2, 2022
When I finished this book, I wasn’t sure if I liked it, loved it, or hated it. I’m still hesitating between a 3, 3.5, or a 4 star here. I very much wanted to love it, but… well… let’s see.
The basic plot: a girl of 17 pretends to be older than she is and manages to be one of the very few British female spies parachuted into WWII France. Her job? Help the Résistance. A very interesting premise, with a lot of promise, yet… I felt like it was underdone, somehow?
The writing style wasn’t my favourite, but I’m not a fan of present tense books, so that’s on me. But I also didn’t love the characters. Adèle frankly got on my nerves at times. Her constant lying, her seesawing between Pierre and Robbie, and her general attitude of “I have to prove I’m as good as xyz” bugged me. On the other hand, I felt she was an interesting portrayal of spies… instead of having steel nerves and perfect knowledge, Adèle doubted, messed up, and got scared. Denise was annoyingly flippant and unfeminine; and Marie was silly and young. But my real objection was Robbie. Why on earth was that kid the romantic interest?? He was way too young for it, and had no stability of character. He was cute and kissable and that was it. Adèle was the head and he was the meek follower, and I just didn’t agree with it. Although the fact that he was in the Air Force hurt my heart—poor baby, he should have been back at home. Pierre was the only man worth being the romantic interest, and he really struck me as the most real character beside Adèle—complex, confusing, hard to convince, passionate. I was infuriated that his storyline was cut short for no other reason than favour of Robbie! Oh, I really liked the German guard and his dog, and Pierre’s mother was sweet. Shepherd was a fascinating addition, although despicable.
The mixture of action & calm was good, and I liked how Betty/Adèle mingled friendship + work in the present, memories of the past, and dreams of the future. I’ve definitely read more heart-stopping books like Paris-Underground, but perhaps the fact that I knew part of the plot () had something to do with it. I did appreciate seeing all of Adèle’s underground work, but I was specifically irritated by how every time Pierre + Adèle went out on Resistance work, they ended up in a romantic tizzy… with one especial scene where I was worried it was going to get “bedroomy.” Also, the capture scene felt forced… why in the world didn’t Adèle run on, like Pierre told her? The part in prison was hard and violent, but not as bad or graphic as I feared. And I really did like the “mole in the group” situation and how everyone had to figure out how much cover was blown, who had infiltrated, etc. The ending was good, the backstory was well told, Adèle’s reasons for joining the army were brilliantly explained, and I loved how her fear of water was woven through the book.
My biggest gripe is that the story lacked punch. For instance, the cover is gorgeous, and so is the title, but I’m still trying to figure out just how much it applies to the story. “Violins of autumn” is vaguely mentioned, but doesn’t really seem to relate to the book, and I was disappointed in that. I feel like this sums up my problem with the book. There was no overall big theme. Things seemed to build up to a message (like the “violins of autumn” scene, the murder scene, the flashback where Adèle rememberers why she joined the war) but died down. The biggest arc that seemed to carry through was the whole “discover yourself and be who you want to be deep inside” or something along those lines? I was left confused and disappointed, and unsure of how much I’d enjoyed the story.
In short, I don’t really know what to think. I believe I will try this book again in a year or so and see how I like it then. For now, my opinion is, well done, but could have been better; a great set-up, but it fell short of its potential.
Content: I waited so long to write this confused review that I don’t recall it all. Kisses, hugs, touching, desire—all nondetailed. A scene where Pierre lies on Adèle & kisses her and there was an impression they might go further. Quite a bit of swearing & vulgar language in French & English. A mention along the lines that Adèle thought she’d bare her body to a man in a romantic setting but instead it’s during a strip-search by German prison matrons. Some torture & beating is described. A scene where the girls are in a bar with German soldiers, smoke, and get drunk, and they might think a little about what might happen if things go too far. Robbie, Denise, & Adèle share a blanket one night.
The basic plot: a girl of 17 pretends to be older than she is and manages to be one of the very few British female spies parachuted into WWII France. Her job? Help the Résistance. A very interesting premise, with a lot of promise, yet… I felt like it was underdone, somehow?
The writing style wasn’t my favourite, but I’m not a fan of present tense books, so that’s on me. But I also didn’t love the characters. Adèle frankly got on my nerves at times. Her constant lying, her seesawing between Pierre and Robbie, and her general attitude of “I have to prove I’m as good as xyz” bugged me. On the other hand, I felt she was an interesting portrayal of spies… instead of having steel nerves and perfect knowledge, Adèle doubted, messed up, and got scared. Denise was annoyingly flippant and unfeminine; and Marie was silly and young. But my real objection was Robbie. Why on earth was that kid the romantic interest?? He was way too young for it, and had no stability of character. He was cute and kissable and that was it. Adèle was the head and he was the meek follower, and I just didn’t agree with it. Although the fact that he was in the Air Force hurt my heart—poor baby, he should have been back at home. Pierre was the only man worth being the romantic interest, and he really struck me as the most real character beside Adèle—complex, confusing, hard to convince, passionate. I was infuriated that his storyline was cut short for no other reason than favour of Robbie! Oh, I really liked the German guard and his dog, and Pierre’s mother was sweet. Shepherd was a fascinating addition, although despicable.
The mixture of action & calm was good, and I liked how Betty/Adèle mingled friendship + work in the present, memories of the past, and dreams of the future. I’ve definitely read more heart-stopping books like Paris-Underground, but perhaps the fact that I knew part of the plot () had something to do with it. I did appreciate seeing all of Adèle’s underground work, but I was specifically irritated by how every time Pierre + Adèle went out on Resistance work, they ended up in a romantic tizzy… with one especial scene where I was worried it was going to get “bedroomy.” Also, the capture scene felt forced… why in the world didn’t Adèle run on, like Pierre told her? The part in prison was hard and violent, but not as bad or graphic as I feared. And I really did like the “mole in the group” situation and how everyone had to figure out how much cover was blown, who had infiltrated, etc. The ending was good, the backstory was well told, Adèle’s reasons for joining the army were brilliantly explained, and I loved how her fear of water was woven through the book.
My biggest gripe is that the story lacked punch. For instance, the cover is gorgeous, and so is the title, but I’m still trying to figure out just how much it applies to the story. “Violins of autumn” is vaguely mentioned, but doesn’t really seem to relate to the book, and I was disappointed in that. I feel like this sums up my problem with the book. There was no overall big theme. Things seemed to build up to a message (like the “violins of autumn” scene, the murder scene, the flashback where Adèle rememberers why she joined the war) but died down. The biggest arc that seemed to carry through was the whole “discover yourself and be who you want to be deep inside” or something along those lines? I was left confused and disappointed, and unsure of how much I’d enjoyed the story.
In short, I don’t really know what to think. I believe I will try this book again in a year or so and see how I like it then. For now, my opinion is, well done, but could have been better; a great set-up, but it fell short of its potential.
Content: I waited so long to write this confused review that I don’t recall it all. Kisses, hugs, touching, desire—all nondetailed. A scene where Pierre lies on Adèle & kisses her and there was an impression they might go further. Quite a bit of swearing & vulgar language in French & English. A mention along the lines that Adèle thought she’d bare her body to a man in a romantic setting but instead it’s during a strip-search by German prison matrons. Some torture & beating is described. A scene where the girls are in a bar with German soldiers, smoke, and get drunk, and they might think a little about what might happen if things go too far. Robbie, Denise, & Adèle share a blanket one night.
March 28, 2016
SECOND TIME: I love it even more!!! I think it may be my favorite book! The friendship was so delicious!!! (The love triangle was still awkward, but I understood Adele's decisions even though they were wrong and immature) And the whole spy thing!! And then Robby!!! Do I want a sequel? Ummm idk cuz what if bad stuff happens!!!!! Anyway, read this. Please.
Um wow!!!! This was...amazing, thought-provoking, and deliciously educational! I learned so much about the SOE and being a spy in Paris during WW2. Because Adele is the same age as I, it was weird placing myself in those situations! I appreciated the spies being presented as real people who had emotional breakdowns just like us!! The love triangle was interesting, to say the least. (Actually, it may not have been. I don't read too many books with them so I thought it was interesting.) I'm still wondering who Adele would have picked had it not been for unfortunate happenings. Although one reviewer said they would rather not know that Adele lived through the war from the prologue, I think it added suspense to the story: When is she going to get captured? Oh snap, she's about to get captured! Oh wait, she's still free! And the story of friendship between Denise, Robby, and Adele!!! Ahhhh!! It was so amazingly cute! I also appreciated that the author didn't go into too much detail with the torture. You can say it happened without going into detail! Overall, wow this book was amazing! I will probably be reading it again!
Advisory: There was some language in here. Definitely not even close to the Book Thief, but some bad ones. You could probably go through with a sharpie pretty quickly and be fine. And there's one phrase that's repeated often that I'm guessing is pretty bad for British people. Just so ya know!
Um wow!!!! This was...amazing, thought-provoking, and deliciously educational! I learned so much about the SOE and being a spy in Paris during WW2. Because Adele is the same age as I, it was weird placing myself in those situations! I appreciated the spies being presented as real people who had emotional breakdowns just like us!! The love triangle was interesting, to say the least. (Actually, it may not have been. I don't read too many books with them so I thought it was interesting.) I'm still wondering who Adele would have picked had it not been for unfortunate happenings. Although one reviewer said they would rather not know that Adele lived through the war from the prologue, I think it added suspense to the story: When is she going to get captured? Oh snap, she's about to get captured! Oh wait, she's still free! And the story of friendship between Denise, Robby, and Adele!!! Ahhhh!! It was so amazingly cute! I also appreciated that the author didn't go into too much detail with the torture. You can say it happened without going into detail! Overall, wow this book was amazing! I will probably be reading it again!
Advisory: There was some language in here. Definitely not even close to the Book Thief, but some bad ones. You could probably go through with a sharpie pretty quickly and be fine. And there's one phrase that's repeated often that I'm guessing is pretty bad for British people. Just so ya know!
July 6, 2012
It was interesting to read this alongside Code Name Verity. Both stories recount the life of a courageous female Allied spy in France during WWII, but if one were to compare them Verity is a brutal, worst-case-scenario account of the spy's interrogation and collapse, while Violins is a heroic story seen through teen-romance tinted glasses.
Undoubtedly some research has nourished the plot: we learn about part of the Resistance movement in France, the conditions of civilians and spies in Paris, and the theory behind the Resistance attacks on strategic German operations. The scant detail does make it feel more like 'story-book' war than the real thing, and the historical fiction is heavily counterbalanced with a contemporary teen narrative where the 'ordinary but attractive' seventeen year old spy - who has never before been in love - finds romance with not one, but two very different Allied men.
The serious events that do occur are not exactly glossed over but are somewhat softened, and the moral uncertainty of the protagonist in different situations is fairly easily overcome and then forgotten about. Though she does suffer and everything does not turn out well, overall the book shows the presence of a benevolent author who is able to arrange things quite nicely.
Yet though the story is not extremely deep, it is balanced and goes beyond superficial, and for teens who rarely venture beyond romantic chic-lit it could be a good introduction to slightly more serious historical fiction. To use it as a springboard to discuss the ethics and practices of war it would only serve as an introduction, and especially for older teens, would need to be supplemented with further material. www.GoodReadingGuide.com
Undoubtedly some research has nourished the plot: we learn about part of the Resistance movement in France, the conditions of civilians and spies in Paris, and the theory behind the Resistance attacks on strategic German operations. The scant detail does make it feel more like 'story-book' war than the real thing, and the historical fiction is heavily counterbalanced with a contemporary teen narrative where the 'ordinary but attractive' seventeen year old spy - who has never before been in love - finds romance with not one, but two very different Allied men.
The serious events that do occur are not exactly glossed over but are somewhat softened, and the moral uncertainty of the protagonist in different situations is fairly easily overcome and then forgotten about. Though she does suffer and everything does not turn out well, overall the book shows the presence of a benevolent author who is able to arrange things quite nicely.
Yet though the story is not extremely deep, it is balanced and goes beyond superficial, and for teens who rarely venture beyond romantic chic-lit it could be a good introduction to slightly more serious historical fiction. To use it as a springboard to discuss the ethics and practices of war it would only serve as an introduction, and especially for older teens, would need to be supplemented with further material. www.GoodReadingGuide.com
December 22, 2016
Fantastic. The main character is capable, likable, brave, and doesn't get caught up in romance. The supporting cast is great, the story is exciting, and the history feels well-researched. I sort of wish I'd read this right with Women Heroes of World War II, and I'd certainly recommend it as a companion either before or after reading this one.
Want to read
November 18, 2011SOE teenage spy. What could be better?
June 20, 2012
A young spy is captured in Nazi-occupied France and interrogated about her mission. No, this isn't CODE NAME VERITY. It's VIOLINS OF AUTUMN, and the book may begin with a flash forward to Adele's interrogation, but her story begins a little over a month before in May 1944.
The Allies are poised to invade France at any moment. Meanwhile, their spies must arm and train the French Resistance in preparation for D-Day. Plain, unassuming Betty, now known as Adele Blanchard, is a courier. Trustworthy and poker-faced, fluent in French and German, it is her job to pass secret messages throughout France. It isn't long before things go wrong for her and fellow spy Denise, leaving them stranded in Paris with downed pilot Robbie.
I enjoyed VIOLINS OF AUTUMN despite not being a historical fiction fan. (There is more than enough history woven throughout to thrill any World War II buff.) A great deal of my goodwill is for Adele. She's an admirable character. She thinks fast on her feet and is extremely practical. She's a young woman who knows that her decisions could result in her death or the deaths of others. She begins the book armed with a poker-face, quick lies, and her training, but by the end she must use everything in her arsenal to survive.
There is, of course, romance. Robbie, a sixteen-year-old, lied about his age to join the Air Force and is too soft for the situation he finds himself in. Pierre, a handsome member of the French Resistance, thinks Adele is nothing more than a flighty girl. I appreciated that Amy McAuley gave her heroine two love interests but didn't force a love triangle. Adele is too busy fighting an underground war to worry about which boy she likes.
The missions were quite exciting. Germans lurk around any corner, ready for any slip, from accidentally speaking in English to ordering black coffee. (Due to rationing of milk and sugar, black coffee was assumed.) Adele must complete her missions with little more than a bike and a notebook.
I also liked the friendship between Adele and radio operator Denise. Denise is a little more impulsive than Adele, but she's a skilled spy in her own right and a good friend. I've recently read a lot of books centered around female friendships and I really can't get enough of them. Friendships last a lifetime, especially when your friend is the only person you can trust not to be a double agent.
Espionage, friendship, and romance all played out to the background of WWII. If that doesn't appeal to you, then VIOLINS OF AUTUMN probably isn't your thing. But given how many people love CODE NAME VERITY, I think there are quite a few people looking for just that.
The Allies are poised to invade France at any moment. Meanwhile, their spies must arm and train the French Resistance in preparation for D-Day. Plain, unassuming Betty, now known as Adele Blanchard, is a courier. Trustworthy and poker-faced, fluent in French and German, it is her job to pass secret messages throughout France. It isn't long before things go wrong for her and fellow spy Denise, leaving them stranded in Paris with downed pilot Robbie.
I enjoyed VIOLINS OF AUTUMN despite not being a historical fiction fan. (There is more than enough history woven throughout to thrill any World War II buff.) A great deal of my goodwill is for Adele. She's an admirable character. She thinks fast on her feet and is extremely practical. She's a young woman who knows that her decisions could result in her death or the deaths of others. She begins the book armed with a poker-face, quick lies, and her training, but by the end she must use everything in her arsenal to survive.
There is, of course, romance. Robbie, a sixteen-year-old, lied about his age to join the Air Force and is too soft for the situation he finds himself in. Pierre, a handsome member of the French Resistance, thinks Adele is nothing more than a flighty girl. I appreciated that Amy McAuley gave her heroine two love interests but didn't force a love triangle. Adele is too busy fighting an underground war to worry about which boy she likes.
The missions were quite exciting. Germans lurk around any corner, ready for any slip, from accidentally speaking in English to ordering black coffee. (Due to rationing of milk and sugar, black coffee was assumed.) Adele must complete her missions with little more than a bike and a notebook.
I also liked the friendship between Adele and radio operator Denise. Denise is a little more impulsive than Adele, but she's a skilled spy in her own right and a good friend. I've recently read a lot of books centered around female friendships and I really can't get enough of them. Friendships last a lifetime, especially when your friend is the only person you can trust not to be a double agent.
Espionage, friendship, and romance all played out to the background of WWII. If that doesn't appeal to you, then VIOLINS OF AUTUMN probably isn't your thing. But given how many people love CODE NAME VERITY, I think there are quite a few people looking for just that.
February 26, 2016
This book was amazing! I don't have too terribly much to say about it, but it was heartwarming and powerful, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. World War II has always been a time period that's fascinated me (Molly of the American Girl series, anyone?), so I just had a feeling going in that I would like this book. And I wasn't disappointed. :)
Robbie is a precious cinnamon roll and he just deserves the very best, alright? And so does Adele. And Denise. These characters truly seemed like friends to me, and that's always a good feeling while reading. I'm sorry to leave them now! I will be rereading this book again someday, without a doubt.
(But seriously though-- Adele is younger than me, and she's a courier/spy during a war who puts her life at risk countless times for liberty and justice and all that. What am I even doing with my life.)
Robbie is a precious cinnamon roll and he just deserves the very best, alright? And so does Adele. And Denise. These characters truly seemed like friends to me, and that's always a good feeling while reading. I'm sorry to leave them now! I will be rereading this book again someday, without a doubt.
(But seriously though-- Adele is younger than me, and she's a courier/spy during a war who puts her life at risk countless times for liberty and justice and all that. What am I even doing with my life.)
December 21, 2017
I discovered Violins of Autumn in the library one day while I browsed through the YA section. The WWII-ish font on the spine caught my interest, along with the title itself, which I half-recognized from my recent viewing of The Longest Day (‘…the long sobs of the violins of autumn…’). The synopsis on the inside flap sounded intriguing enough and I took the book home with me, though without many expectations, since it is YA fiction and most of that tends to be pretty awful (quality or content issues or both). But. I was completely blown away. Violins of Autumn is an amazing book, one of my new favorites, and I ended up purchasing it (which only happens very rarely, since money doesn’t tend to come my way, so buying books is always an event to remember) and reading it about four times (so far).
A lot of reviews I’ve read for VoA compare it (usually in an unfavorable way) to Code Name Verity. I disagree. Yes, both stories are about two female SOE agents who are best friends (and lots of other things too, but that’s the main point of each book), but the similarities pretty much stop there. Unlike Verity/Julie, Adele isn’t captured right away. And everything else about the stories and the characters is different too. (Personally, I prefer the characters in VoA to those in CNV – I felt much more connected to them). The writing style in VoA is much more straightforward and less literary than that in CNV, but the writing is still beautiful and there were several places were I had to re-read a snatch of description or some dialogue just to soak up the perfectness. Still, it’s not quite on the same level as CNV. The stories are widely dissimilar, but also just enough alike to make comparisons inevitable…like The Hunger Games and Divergent.
Anyway…
The characters: Adele is the heroine – and what a great heroine! I know that words like ‘resourceful’, ‘brave’, and ‘strong’ are used wayyyy too often in reference to fictional characters, but all those words really do apply to Adele. She’s not perfect, of course, because perfect heroines are boring, but she is one of the better female characters in modern YA fiction. At least in the books I’ve read. There was one poignant little scene near the middle of the book where, after a couple near mistakes, she makes it through a German checkpoint (they take her bicycle, though), walks a short distance away to a tree, and breaks down in tears because the whole experience was so nerve-wracking. But she only cries for a minute or so, and then it’s back to work, which really impressed me. The only thing I have to say against Adele is her indecision when it comes to romantic interests (something I’ll discuss more a little later).
(As a side note, I want to say that I loved how Adele’s backstory was revealed – in bits and pieces here and there. There wasn’t a huge info dump, which I really appreciated. The way the author handled the whole thing made it more interesting.)
Denise, Pierre, and Robbie are the other three main characters (well, main-ish). Denise is The Best Friend – she drops into occupied France right along with Adele, and although they’re pretty much strangers at that point, they quickly warm up to each other until they’re inseparable. Pierre is the leader of a Maquis cell. And that would’ve been all fine and good IF he hadn’t also been one-third of one of the most stupid love triangles I’ve ever known. In my opinion, he could’ve been taken out of the book and the plot would’ve been exactly the same. His character confuses me, doesn’t seem very consistent, and just…ugh. However, Robbie, the downed pilot that Adele and Denise rescued, is an entirely different story. He lied about his age, just like Adele did, so there’s that connection. But he’s a ‘bright and sweet’ (Adele’s words) character all by himself; he’s not defined by being part of The Love Triangle, unlike Pierre. It’s been so long since I’ve fallen as hard for a fictional character as I did for Robbie, and it felt amazing, because he’s amazing and has a lovely family and plays the piano smashingly and he’s brave and just-oh, he’s adorable (and I imagine him looking quite a bit like William Christopher). I’d re-read the book just for him.
Since this review is becoming quite long, I’ll just quickly touch on all the minor characters that stood out to me: Bishop – he dropped in with Adele and Denise, he’s quite a bit older than them, and he’s calm and mature and I really liked him. Marie and Estelle – Two French women (well, Marie is fifteen) who take Adele into their home while she carries out her SOE duties in Paris. Marie is loads of fun, and Estelle’s so sweet. And then there’s a French doctor whose name I can’t spell (or pronounce) – he helps Adele quite a bit through the course of the book, has a witch of a wife, and is a kind of pillar for Adele to lean on at times.
There were a couple of 40’s pop culture references that I caught in Violins of Autumn which made me quite happy (I always like it when I recognize a name or a title or something like that in books and movies). There were mentions of Clark Gable, Nancy Drew, King Kong, etc., etc., but there were two things that really captured my interest: 1) When Adele’s waiting for someone at a sidewalk cafe, she finds an abandoned copy of The Grapes of Wrath and begins to read it. As I recently watched – and really enjoyed – the film, that gave me a nice little thrill. 2) At one point in the story, Adele mentions Roddy McDowall in passing. I wouldn’t say he’s one of my very favorite actors, but I do like watching him in things, even if he does seem a little…weird at times. (And my sister and I laugh over the fact that we don’t know what his real accent is like, because everything we’ve seen him in has him putting on some wretched American one.)
I only had three problems with Violins of Autumn.
~The prologue was unnecessary. It’s a scene taken from near the end of the book when Adele has been captured by the Gestapo, and I didn’t really see any point to including it, since, like I said, it comes from near the end. Why not leave it out and have readers wondering whether or not Adele will make it through the war safely? Just a small thing, but it kind of bugged me.
~The Love Triangle. *beats head against wall* VoA convinced of just how much I hate, loathe, and abhor love triangles. Robbie and Adele are perfect for each other, but then he leaves for England, and she’s suddenly kissing Pierre??? How does that work? Uggggggh. It made me so angry.
~The last one is just personal preference: not enough Robbie. He appears for about a chapter, disappears for five, appears for five, and then disappears for pretty much the rest of the book. *sigh*
Other than those three things, I have no issues with Violins of Autumn. It’s a wonderful read, especially for history buffs and fans of good YA fiction, and, I have to say, much cleaner than Code Name Verity (there’s just a bit of language sprinkled throughout). Ashley, you really do have to read this one ASAP.
~Eva
A lot of reviews I’ve read for VoA compare it (usually in an unfavorable way) to Code Name Verity. I disagree. Yes, both stories are about two female SOE agents who are best friends (and lots of other things too, but that’s the main point of each book), but the similarities pretty much stop there. Unlike Verity/Julie, Adele isn’t captured right away. And everything else about the stories and the characters is different too. (Personally, I prefer the characters in VoA to those in CNV – I felt much more connected to them). The writing style in VoA is much more straightforward and less literary than that in CNV, but the writing is still beautiful and there were several places were I had to re-read a snatch of description or some dialogue just to soak up the perfectness. Still, it’s not quite on the same level as CNV. The stories are widely dissimilar, but also just enough alike to make comparisons inevitable…like The Hunger Games and Divergent.
Anyway…
The characters: Adele is the heroine – and what a great heroine! I know that words like ‘resourceful’, ‘brave’, and ‘strong’ are used wayyyy too often in reference to fictional characters, but all those words really do apply to Adele. She’s not perfect, of course, because perfect heroines are boring, but she is one of the better female characters in modern YA fiction. At least in the books I’ve read. There was one poignant little scene near the middle of the book where, after a couple near mistakes, she makes it through a German checkpoint (they take her bicycle, though), walks a short distance away to a tree, and breaks down in tears because the whole experience was so nerve-wracking. But she only cries for a minute or so, and then it’s back to work, which really impressed me. The only thing I have to say against Adele is her indecision when it comes to romantic interests (something I’ll discuss more a little later).
(As a side note, I want to say that I loved how Adele’s backstory was revealed – in bits and pieces here and there. There wasn’t a huge info dump, which I really appreciated. The way the author handled the whole thing made it more interesting.)
Denise, Pierre, and Robbie are the other three main characters (well, main-ish). Denise is The Best Friend – she drops into occupied France right along with Adele, and although they’re pretty much strangers at that point, they quickly warm up to each other until they’re inseparable. Pierre is the leader of a Maquis cell. And that would’ve been all fine and good IF he hadn’t also been one-third of one of the most stupid love triangles I’ve ever known. In my opinion, he could’ve been taken out of the book and the plot would’ve been exactly the same. His character confuses me, doesn’t seem very consistent, and just…ugh. However, Robbie, the downed pilot that Adele and Denise rescued, is an entirely different story. He lied about his age, just like Adele did, so there’s that connection. But he’s a ‘bright and sweet’ (Adele’s words) character all by himself; he’s not defined by being part of The Love Triangle, unlike Pierre. It’s been so long since I’ve fallen as hard for a fictional character as I did for Robbie, and it felt amazing, because he’s amazing and has a lovely family and plays the piano smashingly and he’s brave and just-oh, he’s adorable (and I imagine him looking quite a bit like William Christopher). I’d re-read the book just for him.
Since this review is becoming quite long, I’ll just quickly touch on all the minor characters that stood out to me: Bishop – he dropped in with Adele and Denise, he’s quite a bit older than them, and he’s calm and mature and I really liked him. Marie and Estelle – Two French women (well, Marie is fifteen) who take Adele into their home while she carries out her SOE duties in Paris. Marie is loads of fun, and Estelle’s so sweet. And then there’s a French doctor whose name I can’t spell (or pronounce) – he helps Adele quite a bit through the course of the book, has a witch of a wife, and is a kind of pillar for Adele to lean on at times.
There were a couple of 40’s pop culture references that I caught in Violins of Autumn which made me quite happy (I always like it when I recognize a name or a title or something like that in books and movies). There were mentions of Clark Gable, Nancy Drew, King Kong, etc., etc., but there were two things that really captured my interest: 1) When Adele’s waiting for someone at a sidewalk cafe, she finds an abandoned copy of The Grapes of Wrath and begins to read it. As I recently watched – and really enjoyed – the film, that gave me a nice little thrill. 2) At one point in the story, Adele mentions Roddy McDowall in passing. I wouldn’t say he’s one of my very favorite actors, but I do like watching him in things, even if he does seem a little…weird at times. (And my sister and I laugh over the fact that we don’t know what his real accent is like, because everything we’ve seen him in has him putting on some wretched American one.)
I only had three problems with Violins of Autumn.
~The prologue was unnecessary. It’s a scene taken from near the end of the book when Adele has been captured by the Gestapo, and I didn’t really see any point to including it, since, like I said, it comes from near the end. Why not leave it out and have readers wondering whether or not Adele will make it through the war safely? Just a small thing, but it kind of bugged me.
~The Love Triangle. *beats head against wall* VoA convinced of just how much I hate, loathe, and abhor love triangles. Robbie and Adele are perfect for each other, but then he leaves for England, and she’s suddenly kissing Pierre??? How does that work? Uggggggh. It made me so angry.
~The last one is just personal preference: not enough Robbie. He appears for about a chapter, disappears for five, appears for five, and then disappears for pretty much the rest of the book. *sigh*
Other than those three things, I have no issues with Violins of Autumn. It’s a wonderful read, especially for history buffs and fans of good YA fiction, and, I have to say, much cleaner than Code Name Verity (there’s just a bit of language sprinkled throughout). Ashley, you really do have to read this one ASAP.
~Eva
June 8, 2012
Adele Blanchard is a secret agent or spy for an organization known as Special Operations Executive which was aligned with the resistance against Nazi occupied France. The book starts off in a plane flying high above the streets of France where Adele and her partner, Denise Langford, are about to parachute out in order to begin their assignments for the resistance. This book drops the reader right in the middle of the action. One reason why I loved it so much was because from page one until page three hundred and twenty-four I was right amongst the action and more so, right amongst World War II.
The writing was so realistic and entirely historically correct. From the resistance organization called, The Maquis, to the Nazi and French police, it was all very relevant to the happenings that actually took place during the war. Being someone who appreciates every inch of history, I was entranced by the book and by the fact that Amy McAuley definitely did her homework as far as the research is concerned.
The book was written from Adele’s perspective and such a brave woman was she! She was up against many prejudices being a woman in the war resistance. It was even said to her, “Taking back our country is a job for men. Not for girls” (40). I was curious to see how Adele would respond to that statement and I was very pleased with her immediate response. Adele took comments like these as challenges and eventually proved her worth as a woman fighting for the freedom of her country. She breaks through Nazi and French police and gets information from places like Nazi factories, which the men of the resistance thought they would never see inside of. Her self-esteem is enough to keep anyone reading this book because of the assurance and faith that she places within herself; we need more young girls like Adele.
The relationships that Adele forms within the resistance are remarkable simply because of the issues that they bond over. They are all fighting for freedom for their home and homeland of their people. Her partner, Denise Langford, that I mentioned before is quite the complete opposite of Adele. This, however, is what makes their friendship so monumental. They complement each other in ways that I do not even think they realized that they could. Adele is more realistic where as Denise has more spontaneous and adventurous tendencies. I believe we all need a friend that is the opposite of us so they can drag us into situations that we never thought we would end up in the first place. These girls are running from Nazis, French police, and a mysterious man who keeps following them, but the beauty of their story is that they never leave the other behind.
Lastly, I love the audacity and willpower of both of these women. They considered themselves of the levels of men, and so they should have. Nothing scared either of them and it was so uplifting to think how these two women made such as difference within a movement of men. One of my favorite parts of the book was when Adele is asked by the leader of the resistance movement to train a handful of young men to use the weaponry that will be provided to them. She makes many statements like this one, “After intense SOE training I’m able to handle and fire Sten guns, Bren guns, bazookas, what have you, but the pistol is my personal favorite” (185). Don’t we all wish that we were bad enough to make those kinds of remarks to a crowd of men armed with weapons? She is awesome! The best part of it all is that Adele has the dominating demeanor to her while at the same time she produces the same amount of class and sophistication.
Amy McAuley’s, ‘Violins of Autumn’, was something that I could not put down until I reached the final page and had finished Adele’s story. For anyone who loves a classy yet kick butt heroine or has a taste and love for history, I will immediately recommend this book! It is full of rapidly unfolding characters and plenty of action that will have you biting your nails and literally praying for Adele’s safety. I love Adele and I am sure by the end of this book that you all will too! Will you help Adele defeat the Nazis?
The writing was so realistic and entirely historically correct. From the resistance organization called, The Maquis, to the Nazi and French police, it was all very relevant to the happenings that actually took place during the war. Being someone who appreciates every inch of history, I was entranced by the book and by the fact that Amy McAuley definitely did her homework as far as the research is concerned.
The book was written from Adele’s perspective and such a brave woman was she! She was up against many prejudices being a woman in the war resistance. It was even said to her, “Taking back our country is a job for men. Not for girls” (40). I was curious to see how Adele would respond to that statement and I was very pleased with her immediate response. Adele took comments like these as challenges and eventually proved her worth as a woman fighting for the freedom of her country. She breaks through Nazi and French police and gets information from places like Nazi factories, which the men of the resistance thought they would never see inside of. Her self-esteem is enough to keep anyone reading this book because of the assurance and faith that she places within herself; we need more young girls like Adele.
The relationships that Adele forms within the resistance are remarkable simply because of the issues that they bond over. They are all fighting for freedom for their home and homeland of their people. Her partner, Denise Langford, that I mentioned before is quite the complete opposite of Adele. This, however, is what makes their friendship so monumental. They complement each other in ways that I do not even think they realized that they could. Adele is more realistic where as Denise has more spontaneous and adventurous tendencies. I believe we all need a friend that is the opposite of us so they can drag us into situations that we never thought we would end up in the first place. These girls are running from Nazis, French police, and a mysterious man who keeps following them, but the beauty of their story is that they never leave the other behind.
Lastly, I love the audacity and willpower of both of these women. They considered themselves of the levels of men, and so they should have. Nothing scared either of them and it was so uplifting to think how these two women made such as difference within a movement of men. One of my favorite parts of the book was when Adele is asked by the leader of the resistance movement to train a handful of young men to use the weaponry that will be provided to them. She makes many statements like this one, “After intense SOE training I’m able to handle and fire Sten guns, Bren guns, bazookas, what have you, but the pistol is my personal favorite” (185). Don’t we all wish that we were bad enough to make those kinds of remarks to a crowd of men armed with weapons? She is awesome! The best part of it all is that Adele has the dominating demeanor to her while at the same time she produces the same amount of class and sophistication.
Amy McAuley’s, ‘Violins of Autumn’, was something that I could not put down until I reached the final page and had finished Adele’s story. For anyone who loves a classy yet kick butt heroine or has a taste and love for history, I will immediately recommend this book! It is full of rapidly unfolding characters and plenty of action that will have you biting your nails and literally praying for Adele’s safety. I love Adele and I am sure by the end of this book that you all will too! Will you help Adele defeat the Nazis?
August 2, 2012
*This is a Goodreads First Reads Book that I won. Thank you!*
I actually thoroughly enjoyed this book. A 16 yr old American girl who's been living with her aunt and uncle in London lies about her age in order to train and then work as a British spy in France during World War II.
Despite the significant time gap between reader and character, Adele (the 16 yr old main character) is fairly easy to identify with. What teenager doesn't go through the "Who am I? What am I doing? Where am I going?" phase. The difference between Adele and today's teenagers is that she decided that she wanted to do something worthwhile. Even if it meant the possibility of torture and loss of her life, it was for a worthy cause.
You go with Adele from the time that she drops into France at midnight to when Paris is liberated by the Allied forces. In that time (what appears to be about a couple of months or so), you see her grow not only as a spy, but as a woman. Saving the life of a downed American pilot, risking her life to let others get away, even getting captured by the Germans and being tortured for information. Her sense of self and willingness to put it all on the line in order to save others, an entire country, was wonderful to see grow.
I hope that all the girls that read this book will have the courage and desire to do something worthwhile with their lives. This is the type of literature that we need to see more of. I most certainly recommend it.
I actually thoroughly enjoyed this book. A 16 yr old American girl who's been living with her aunt and uncle in London lies about her age in order to train and then work as a British spy in France during World War II.
Despite the significant time gap between reader and character, Adele (the 16 yr old main character) is fairly easy to identify with. What teenager doesn't go through the "Who am I? What am I doing? Where am I going?" phase. The difference between Adele and today's teenagers is that she decided that she wanted to do something worthwhile. Even if it meant the possibility of torture and loss of her life, it was for a worthy cause.
You go with Adele from the time that she drops into France at midnight to when Paris is liberated by the Allied forces. In that time (what appears to be about a couple of months or so), you see her grow not only as a spy, but as a woman. Saving the life of a downed American pilot, risking her life to let others get away, even getting captured by the Germans and being tortured for information. Her sense of self and willingness to put it all on the line in order to save others, an entire country, was wonderful to see grow.
I hope that all the girls that read this book will have the courage and desire to do something worthwhile with their lives. This is the type of literature that we need to see more of. I most certainly recommend it.
March 14, 2013
"There were ringing telephones, playing radios, children running past open windows. A dog barked or a neighbor's car pulled up to the curb. Ordinary everyday connections I took for granted my whole life - I can't put into words how much I crave them now."
What can I say about this book? It was so beautifully written. It brought tears to my eyes, knowing this book would be almost realistic enough. Who knows? In this story we see the heroine (yes, heroine. I don't want to use protagonist as she deserves to be dubbed a heroine) struggle through dark times as a seventeen year old spy in a foreign land. I really love a bad ass heroine, and Adele is one of them. It's truly not easy being a woman during war times and being a spy nonetheless.
What can I say about this book? It was so beautifully written. It brought tears to my eyes, knowing this book would be almost realistic enough. Who knows? In this story we see the heroine (yes, heroine. I don't want to use protagonist as she deserves to be dubbed a heroine) struggle through dark times as a seventeen year old spy in a foreign land. I really love a bad ass heroine, and Adele is one of them. It's truly not easy being a woman during war times and being a spy nonetheless.
February 7, 2017
One of those amazing discoveries when browsing in the library, this book is staged in World War 2 in France with a special young lady working in espionage with the Resistance. The author expertly leads you through the intricate story-line, and the characters are so exquisitely constructed that they seem more real than you and I. The characters experience real dangers, real emotions, and real thoughts and dialogues... it's too perfect to be fictional. One of the best books I have read in a long time.
August 26, 2015
I LOVE THIS BOOK.
October 20, 2019
3.5 stars
Likes:
- I enjoyed the writing style, and I think the first person/present tense POV was very effective for this story.
- ROBBIE. <3 He is so young and boyish and sweet. Truthfully, he is one of the main reasons why this story interested me in the first place. 😉
Dislikes:
- The language. It wasn't terrible or on every page, but it was fairly frequent and added absolutely nothing to the story. This is really my biggest complaint. *sighs*
- I feel like I would have liked the story better without Pierre. I think he was unnecessary to the plot, and more than once I strongly felt that he was added simply for romantic tension/drama, which was a little frustrating. 😜
- Occasionally the dialogue felt rather flat and contrived. Particularly in scenes with Pierre. *ahem*
I enjoyed this story very much, and I am so glad that I finally got around to reading it! 😊
Likes:
- I enjoyed the writing style, and I think the first person/present tense POV was very effective for this story.
- ROBBIE. <3 He is so young and boyish and sweet. Truthfully, he is one of the main reasons why this story interested me in the first place. 😉
Dislikes:
- The language. It wasn't terrible or on every page, but it was fairly frequent and added absolutely nothing to the story. This is really my biggest complaint. *sighs*
- I feel like I would have liked the story better without Pierre. I think he was unnecessary to the plot, and more than once I strongly felt that he was added simply for romantic tension/drama, which was a little frustrating. 😜
- Occasionally the dialogue felt rather flat and contrived. Particularly in scenes with Pierre. *ahem*
I enjoyed this story very much, and I am so glad that I finally got around to reading it! 😊
January 6, 2024
Spectacular
I picked this book because I am a historical fiction fan and I am very very satisfied with what I read.
This is a book about a very strong and brave set of women who are spies for the allies in occupied France.
I completely enjoyed it and I hope you do as well because I recommend it to you
I picked this book because I am a historical fiction fan and I am very very satisfied with what I read.
This is a book about a very strong and brave set of women who are spies for the allies in occupied France.
I completely enjoyed it and I hope you do as well because I recommend it to you
May 19, 2014
In the spring of 1944 France has been besieged by Nazis and the people are suffering. Everyone is waiting for D-Day to arrive and everyone needs to do their bit to help the Allies. Betty Sweeney, alias Adele Blanchard is about to do her bit. American born, European educated and British raised, she's ready for any adventure but her adventure is about to become frighteningly real as she prepares to enter enemy territory as a spy for the Special Operations Executive. She must become Adele completely and forget about Betty if she wants to live. With only two superiors and a radio operator, Betty lands in France to find not all goes as planned. She has to keep her wits and use all her training if she wants to survive. She finds enemies and friends can be found in unexpected places.
This book is a war story. It's violent and even disturbing at points. Don't expect a happy, fun. spy mystery. It's very realistic and depicts murder, gun violence and torture. The love triangle is clean and kisses only. I really liked the plot. It was so exciting I couldn't put it down. The story opens with a cliffhanger and you have to read the whole book to find out what happens. Adele's adventures are incredible and seem impossible. The violence bothered me a lot but I knew it wasn't going to be pretty going into the book based on the subject matter. I didn't like the present tense first-person narration because it limited the explanation of what was happening... "Germans are doing bad things to children" that's the understatement of the 20th century! For those who may not know, I think it needed a bit more explanation. It also lacked an author's note on the history behind the story. There are some unexpected plot twists that pop up here and there and some really obvious ones. I liked how the Germans are portrayed as both bad and good and even the Allies are shown doing bad things at the end. I liked that balance because too often in YA books the story is biased in one direction and the characters do things without understanding the consequences. I also liked the description of occupied France and the different locations the story takes us to. I really got a sense of what it felt like to be in occupied France during World War II.
I only had a few plot quibbles namely the epilogue. What happens next?
also
This book is a war story. It's violent and even disturbing at points. Don't expect a happy, fun. spy mystery. It's very realistic and depicts murder, gun violence and torture. The love triangle is clean and kisses only. I really liked the plot. It was so exciting I couldn't put it down. The story opens with a cliffhanger and you have to read the whole book to find out what happens. Adele's adventures are incredible and seem impossible. The violence bothered me a lot but I knew it wasn't going to be pretty going into the book based on the subject matter. I didn't like the present tense first-person narration because it limited the explanation of what was happening... "Germans are doing bad things to children" that's the understatement of the 20th century! For those who may not know, I think it needed a bit more explanation. It also lacked an author's note on the history behind the story. There are some unexpected plot twists that pop up here and there and some really obvious ones. I liked how the Germans are portrayed as both bad and good and even the Allies are shown doing bad things at the end. I liked that balance because too often in YA books the story is biased in one direction and the characters do things without understanding the consequences. I also liked the description of occupied France and the different locations the story takes us to. I really got a sense of what it felt like to be in occupied France during World War II.
I only had a few plot quibbles namely the epilogue. What happens next?
also
November 25, 2015
In 1944, a seventeen-years-old American girl living with her relatives in London named Betty becomes Adele Blanchard and parachutes into Nazi-held France. Part of the British operation helping the French Resistance, she is to become a courrier in Paris while her friend Denise is to become a radio operator. They are first taken in by a welcoming French woman and her less-welcoming son, Pierre. For reasons unknown to Adele, she feels the need to prove herself to Pierre and volunteers to spy on a nearby factory. Denise and Adele head to Paris, rescuing a downed American pilot named Robbie along the way. He and Adele bond but they get separated upon reaching Paris. Their safe house compromised, they scramble to find safe places to stay. Once these are secured, the girls get to work helping the Resistance while Robbie waits to be returned to his unit.
First person present tense must be a growing fad in historical fiction. Once again, my usual complaints per my personal preference remain. But this one has an added reason--the story starts with Adele being tortured by the Germans. So most of the story is technically in flashback, so it should be in past tense. Which would also help when we find out more about Adele's life as Betty. I know many rules aren't set in stone, but I wish changing tenses was one.
Adele is a protagonist one can support, even if she wasn't our narrator. McAuley creates a portrayal of a young woman pretending to be older in a world that's all turned upside down. And she's trying not to die. I like how she's not immediately good at her job. She screws up her first drop. And she loses two bicycles. But she gets better and still manages to spy on the factory. She grows as an agent as D-Day approaches and develops a deep friendship with Denise as well as a relationship with Robbie. Along the way, she also manages to impress Pierre and he starts relying on her more. It makes you wonder how she ends up captured, but the reason is quite good and realistic.
The other characters are interesting as well. Denise at some times was annoying. You wanted to take her, shake her and remind her: "This is war, damnit!" She seemed more interested in being in Paris, shopping and partying. But when she flips out on a German soldier at a nightclub, a new side emerges. As the danger grows more imminent, she's a good soldier even when the enemy tricks her. She and Adele have a true friendship which is one of the best relationships in the book.
I do not think I will ever be adding this to my "romance" shelf. It doesn't fit in with the definition of "romance" held by the RWA and the industry. Neither her relationship with Robbie nor hers with Pierre is central to the book. Neither has a happily ever after or even happily for now. We do not see the end of the war so are not told if Robbie and Adele reunite. I personally would like to believe they do. Pierre was a distraction during the war. Two people facing possible death who found comfort in each other. Even Adele admits she prefers Robbie's company. And you can see the chemistry between them better.
McAuley creates a good picture of Paris under occupation. She also writes the tension the city was under well.
If it weren't for the present tense, I think this might have gotten 5 stars.
First person present tense must be a growing fad in historical fiction. Once again, my usual complaints per my personal preference remain. But this one has an added reason--the story starts with Adele being tortured by the Germans. So most of the story is technically in flashback, so it should be in past tense. Which would also help when we find out more about Adele's life as Betty. I know many rules aren't set in stone, but I wish changing tenses was one.
Adele is a protagonist one can support, even if she wasn't our narrator. McAuley creates a portrayal of a young woman pretending to be older in a world that's all turned upside down. And she's trying not to die. I like how she's not immediately good at her job. She screws up her first drop. And she loses two bicycles. But she gets better and still manages to spy on the factory. She grows as an agent as D-Day approaches and develops a deep friendship with Denise as well as a relationship with Robbie. Along the way, she also manages to impress Pierre and he starts relying on her more. It makes you wonder how she ends up captured, but the reason is quite good and realistic.
The other characters are interesting as well. Denise at some times was annoying. You wanted to take her, shake her and remind her: "This is war, damnit!" She seemed more interested in being in Paris, shopping and partying. But when she flips out on a German soldier at a nightclub, a new side emerges. As the danger grows more imminent, she's a good soldier even when the enemy tricks her. She and Adele have a true friendship which is one of the best relationships in the book.
I do not think I will ever be adding this to my "romance" shelf. It doesn't fit in with the definition of "romance" held by the RWA and the industry. Neither her relationship with Robbie nor hers with Pierre is central to the book. Neither has a happily ever after or even happily for now. We do not see the end of the war so are not told if Robbie and Adele reunite. I personally would like to believe they do. Pierre was a distraction during the war. Two people facing possible death who found comfort in each other. Even Adele admits she prefers Robbie's company. And you can see the chemistry between them better.
McAuley creates a good picture of Paris under occupation. She also writes the tension the city was under well.
If it weren't for the present tense, I think this might have gotten 5 stars.
August 12, 2016
3.5 stars.
Where Code Name Verity is grit and pain; hard choices and mistakes; unbreakable friendship and bravery, Violins of Autumn is a WWII adventure, essentially. Lighter and comparatively "fluffier", for a WWII story. It still holds many of the same ideas and aspects, though written in different lights.
For me, Adele was a bit of a hard character to connect with. It was odd, I liked her well enough, but she didn't draw me into her story like I wish she would have. Perhaps it didn't help that she was so wishy-washy between Robbie and Pierre, a love triangle no one, least of all me, needed or wanted. It didn't honestly play that big a part though, so small mercies, I suppose.
I pretty much loved Denise, what we got of her, and I wanted more with her. Her and Adele's friendship was a great aspect of the book and, while I actually sorta appreciated that it was subtle, it could have been expanded on a bit more. Alas.
Robbie was sweet enough, but felt a bit weak. True, he's a 16 year old boy in the middle of a war with nary a friend when we first meet him, and slowly becomes Adele's main love interest, but really, he's not very compelling a character.
And then there's Pierre, who I almost think I liked better than Robbie, if only because he might have had more character.
In short, it's an enjoyable WWII fictional with unexceptional writing yet also a good pre-cursor if you wish to make your way up to the books that delve a bit more into the horrors and heroism of WWII.
Where Code Name Verity is grit and pain; hard choices and mistakes; unbreakable friendship and bravery, Violins of Autumn is a WWII adventure, essentially. Lighter and comparatively "fluffier", for a WWII story. It still holds many of the same ideas and aspects, though written in different lights.
For me, Adele was a bit of a hard character to connect with. It was odd, I liked her well enough, but she didn't draw me into her story like I wish she would have. Perhaps it didn't help that she was so wishy-washy between Robbie and Pierre, a love triangle no one, least of all me, needed or wanted. It didn't honestly play that big a part though, so small mercies, I suppose.
I pretty much loved Denise, what we got of her, and I wanted more with her. Her and Adele's friendship was a great aspect of the book and, while I actually sorta appreciated that it was subtle, it could have been expanded on a bit more. Alas.
Robbie was sweet enough, but felt a bit weak. True, he's a 16 year old boy in the middle of a war with nary a friend when we first meet him, and slowly becomes Adele's main love interest, but really, he's not very compelling a character.
And then there's Pierre, who I almost think I liked better than Robbie, if only because he might have had more character.
In short, it's an enjoyable WWII fictional with unexceptional writing yet also a good pre-cursor if you wish to make your way up to the books that delve a bit more into the horrors and heroism of WWII.
September 5, 2012
Y’all, I picked up Violins of Autumn by Amy McAuley despite hearing little to no buzz about its release. I love historical YA, and seeing the magic word spy got my reader senses all a-tingle. The WWII backdrop definitely came to life and I found myself very much enjoying most aspects of this story.
Our intrepid heroine, Betty (code name: Adele), isn’t satisfied sitting on the sidelines. She lies about her age so she can train to become a spy. Along the way she makes an unlikely best friend, falls in love with an American pilot and manages to pull off more than her share of bravery. This all makes for a very engrossing read, y’all!
The one weak spot of Violins of Autumn is definitely the romance. It isn’t the focus of the story, and while I’m glad…I was disappointed with Robbie, the American love interest. Bless his heart, he just didn’t do anything for me. I wasn’t feeling the swoons. I did feel a little more with Pierre, the French bad-boy resistance fighter. Cue the groans – I can hear you guys already. “Nooooo! Not another love triangle!” Well, fear not. I definitely don’t think there was enough development to call it a triangle. Just enjoy the boys for what they are and focus on the real strengths of the story!
From parachuting into Nazi-occupied France until its liberation by Allied forces – we follow Adele and see the part she plays in the war. From undercover tours of enemy munitions factories to dodging check-in points on bicycle – there certainly aren’t a lot of dull moments! Then, when things start to go wrong, Adele has to ferret out the existence and identity of an unlikely double agent.
Seriously, I loved seeing Adele’s growth throughout Violins of Autumn. She has to deal with a lot of confusion and growing pains along with the constant pulse of danger. Seeing how the war was changing her while at the same time seeing her struggle not to let it? Definitely made the pages keep turning. I found so many passages very elegantly written:
“Regular life. It still goes on around me.
While a kind man was working up the nerve to ask me on a date, I was working up the nerve to kill him with my bare hands.”
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, Violins of Autumn by Amy McAuley is definitely a book you’ll want to pick up!
Our intrepid heroine, Betty (code name: Adele), isn’t satisfied sitting on the sidelines. She lies about her age so she can train to become a spy. Along the way she makes an unlikely best friend, falls in love with an American pilot and manages to pull off more than her share of bravery. This all makes for a very engrossing read, y’all!
The one weak spot of Violins of Autumn is definitely the romance. It isn’t the focus of the story, and while I’m glad…I was disappointed with Robbie, the American love interest. Bless his heart, he just didn’t do anything for me. I wasn’t feeling the swoons. I did feel a little more with Pierre, the French bad-boy resistance fighter. Cue the groans – I can hear you guys already. “Nooooo! Not another love triangle!” Well, fear not. I definitely don’t think there was enough development to call it a triangle. Just enjoy the boys for what they are and focus on the real strengths of the story!
From parachuting into Nazi-occupied France until its liberation by Allied forces – we follow Adele and see the part she plays in the war. From undercover tours of enemy munitions factories to dodging check-in points on bicycle – there certainly aren’t a lot of dull moments! Then, when things start to go wrong, Adele has to ferret out the existence and identity of an unlikely double agent.
Seriously, I loved seeing Adele’s growth throughout Violins of Autumn. She has to deal with a lot of confusion and growing pains along with the constant pulse of danger. Seeing how the war was changing her while at the same time seeing her struggle not to let it? Definitely made the pages keep turning. I found so many passages very elegantly written:
“Regular life. It still goes on around me.
While a kind man was working up the nerve to ask me on a date, I was working up the nerve to kill him with my bare hands.”
If you’re a fan of historical fiction, Violins of Autumn by Amy McAuley is definitely a book you’ll want to pick up!
January 3, 2013
just love the cover...
Read the complete review here: http://thebookhog.wordpress.com/2013/...
Edited:
Loved the book too.
I can't say why, exactly, I fell in love with this book. I have read many accounts of the Nazi invasion - both fictional and non fictional. I can't even say this book really stood out from among them - that honour remains with 'The Diary of Anne Frank'. But the glimpse this book offered into young people drafted and expected to serve as spies... was laudable and very convincing. Some joining the war despite a protesting, caring family, some to escape their past. None of them, however, escaping the fact that they WERE, indeed, young. I said I can't decide why I fell in love with the book, but I can say where:
There are no cocky spies running around dodging bullets. There are no fiesty protagonists forgetting everything in heat of passion. Adele (She can never be Betty to me) is a beautiful character... So yes, now I have the reason I loved the book - the brilliant characterization and depiction of life then. It must have taken a lot of research...
Fabulous job , Amy McAuley :)
Read the complete review here: http://thebookhog.wordpress.com/2013/...
Edited:
Loved the book too.
I can't say why, exactly, I fell in love with this book. I have read many accounts of the Nazi invasion - both fictional and non fictional. I can't even say this book really stood out from among them - that honour remains with 'The Diary of Anne Frank'. But the glimpse this book offered into young people drafted and expected to serve as spies... was laudable and very convincing. Some joining the war despite a protesting, caring family, some to escape their past. None of them, however, escaping the fact that they WERE, indeed, young. I said I can't decide why I fell in love with the book, but I can say where:
There are no cocky spies running around dodging bullets. There are no fiesty protagonists forgetting everything in heat of passion. Adele (She can never be Betty to me) is a beautiful character... So yes, now I have the reason I loved the book - the brilliant characterization and depiction of life then. It must have taken a lot of research...
Fabulous job , Amy McAuley :)
May 4, 2015
I randomly picked up this book from the library after seeing the cover. The plot summary grabbed my attention (I had recently started watching the TV series 'Bomb Girls' and really enjoyed it) so I decided to take it.
I'm glad I did! I really enjoyed it and appreciated it. It's obvious that the author has done her research and the atmosphere she creates is amazing. So if you enjoy WWII young adult novels/settings then I recommend this.
The book started a little slow for me but it really picked up. I really respected Adele as a character. She is a strong female and a fighter.
My only disappointments were in the romances. They don't play too major a role in the story--which is fine because there is enough going on that they really aren't needed but for some reason after reading the summary I was expecting a little more I suppose.
I would definitely be interested in a sequel based on the premise and how it ended. Even if it wasn't with Adele but within the same environment with different characters I would be interested in reading it.
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
I'm glad I did! I really enjoyed it and appreciated it. It's obvious that the author has done her research and the atmosphere she creates is amazing. So if you enjoy WWII young adult novels/settings then I recommend this.
The book started a little slow for me but it really picked up. I really respected Adele as a character. She is a strong female and a fighter.
My only disappointments were in the romances. They don't play too major a role in the story--which is fine because there is enough going on that they really aren't needed but for some reason after reading the summary I was expecting a little more I suppose.
I would definitely be interested in a sequel based on the premise and how it ended. Even if it wasn't with Adele but within the same environment with different characters I would be interested in reading it.
Check out more spoiler-free book and series reviews on my blog SERIESousBookReviews.com as well as read book series recaps!
August 18, 2013
After reading Code Name Verity (which was intense! and amazing!), I was so excited to read this one, another book about girls and their role in WWII, and it did not disappoint. I honestly didn't want to finish it because it was that good: it literally makes me so happy!!
The book starts with Betty's interrogation, and then goes back to the start, where she, as Adele, parachutes into France with Denise. Throughout the book, we follow her on her adventures through France, leaving messages and supplies for the Resistance on her bike and avoiding capture, and finding hints of normalcy in the time of war.
The author, armed with her beautiful writing, captures the vigor and passion of the French Resistance, and paints her characters in gorgeous colors, with strong personalities and pasts. Along with creating vibrant characters, McAuley breathes life into the setting with great details so I really felt that I was there, crossing streams or gazing at castles along with Adele. I felt a strong connection to Adele, and cheered, cried, and felt with her - she's a very strong, admirable, inexplicably human, female character. I suppose the reason this review is so short is that I have nothing to complain about: this book is one of my favorites now!
The book starts with Betty's interrogation, and then goes back to the start, where she, as Adele, parachutes into France with Denise. Throughout the book, we follow her on her adventures through France, leaving messages and supplies for the Resistance on her bike and avoiding capture, and finding hints of normalcy in the time of war.
The author, armed with her beautiful writing, captures the vigor and passion of the French Resistance, and paints her characters in gorgeous colors, with strong personalities and pasts. Along with creating vibrant characters, McAuley breathes life into the setting with great details so I really felt that I was there, crossing streams or gazing at castles along with Adele. I felt a strong connection to Adele, and cheered, cried, and felt with her - she's a very strong, admirable, inexplicably human, female character. I suppose the reason this review is so short is that I have nothing to complain about: this book is one of my favorites now!
April 25, 2013
I'd give this a 2.5 star rating. I feel bad for doing that, because it's clear the author worked really hard on the research for this novel. but...
The characters didn't interest me at all. I didn't get the "best friend" vibe from the two girls in the slightest until about 3/4ths through the book - up till then it was like barely concealed but civil dislike for each other. So weird.
All the tiny characters kept cycling back but they were so insignificant that I would forget their names and then be confused when they reappeared.
I do not understand the obsession with Pierre in the slightest.
All this makes the book worth about 3.5 stars. But then I inevitably compared it to Code Name Verity, a very similar book. It's not fair to compare, but it happens. And this book is nowhere NEAR the level that Code Name Verity is on. CNV gutted me; I tolerated Violins. I couldn't put CNV down, Violins was meh.
So on its own, it's okay. Maybe worth 3, 3.5, if you don't get the "best...friends?" vibe like me. But if you've read Code Name Verity and liked it, I don't know that you would like this book as much.
Shrug.
The characters didn't interest me at all. I didn't get the "best friend" vibe from the two girls in the slightest until about 3/4ths through the book - up till then it was like barely concealed but civil dislike for each other. So weird.
All the tiny characters kept cycling back but they were so insignificant that I would forget their names and then be confused when they reappeared.
I do not understand the obsession with Pierre in the slightest.
All this makes the book worth about 3.5 stars. But then I inevitably compared it to Code Name Verity, a very similar book. It's not fair to compare, but it happens. And this book is nowhere NEAR the level that Code Name Verity is on. CNV gutted me; I tolerated Violins. I couldn't put CNV down, Violins was meh.
So on its own, it's okay. Maybe worth 3, 3.5, if you don't get the "best...friends?" vibe like me. But if you've read Code Name Verity and liked it, I don't know that you would like this book as much.
Shrug.
September 17, 2013
This is one the best stories on the second World War that is more light hearted than others. Some of the world war books are very depression and graphic but this was only slightly so. This is an amzing book to read, especially in Autumn and I feel it really captures the emotions of the world war and of France.
This is set in France, both in the country side and Paris. The characters mostly speak French which is translated, but there are French phrases scattered in there which I love. The whole ambiance of the book is beautiful and I really couldn't put it down. I finished it within two days only because I had school during the day so I would read morning, night, and whenever I could in between.
There is a tad hint of cliche romance in there but mostly it is done realistically and really capturing the beauty of love in the form of romance and in one's love for your country. It also talks about the political issues in that era but it doesn't bore. Also, it really shows how life was for people living at that time.
Overall, a wonderful book that you should definitely read [as long as you're okay with reading about World War 2.]
This is set in France, both in the country side and Paris. The characters mostly speak French which is translated, but there are French phrases scattered in there which I love. The whole ambiance of the book is beautiful and I really couldn't put it down. I finished it within two days only because I had school during the day so I would read morning, night, and whenever I could in between.
There is a tad hint of cliche romance in there but mostly it is done realistically and really capturing the beauty of love in the form of romance and in one's love for your country. It also talks about the political issues in that era but it doesn't bore. Also, it really shows how life was for people living at that time.
Overall, a wonderful book that you should definitely read [as long as you're okay with reading about World War 2.]
July 5, 2012
May I first say that I really loved this book? It felt authentic, and I could really imagine myself right there with Adele throughout the whole thing. Set in Paris, right before D-Day, Adele, and American spy for the Allies, has to courier messages, be a lookout for her friend and partner Denise, smuggle important itimes, and sabotage anything and everything that could help the German effort once D-Day has arrived.
My one problem with it was the romance part. The author portrayed Robbie, a downed airman, as a little boy for a great deal of the time he spent with Adele and Denise in Paris, not as a potential love interest. And then with Pierre, Adele seems to forget that he is often an egotistical brute, and that a few pages before she had confessed that she was in love with Robbie. Hellooooo?? But while the majority of the romance bothered me, the ending was good:). Although I've made the book sound like a horrible romance novel, it is far, far, far away from that, and it is a truly great read.
My one problem with it was the romance part. The author portrayed Robbie, a downed airman, as a little boy for a great deal of the time he spent with Adele and Denise in Paris, not as a potential love interest. And then with Pierre, Adele seems to forget that he is often an egotistical brute, and that a few pages before she had confessed that she was in love with Robbie. Hellooooo?? But while the majority of the romance bothered me, the ending was good:). Although I've made the book sound like a horrible romance novel, it is far, far, far away from that, and it is a truly great read.
September 26, 2023
Guys. It's on my favorites shelf. This is intense.
Sooooooooo gooooooooooood! I'm freakin' out!
Okay. Breath. The awesome things about this book:
- awesome heroine who be awesome!
- fantastic sidekick / best friend who be fantastic!
- lovable love interest who be lovable!
- "last line zingers" be zingery!
- WWII era with AMAZING historical details
- incredible characterization and development
- fantastic beginning and end
Overall: SUPERCALLIFRAGIAWESOMESAUCE
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Caution spoilers below. Proceed at own caution.
BETTY NEEDS TO MARRY ROBBIE. NOW. RIGHT NOW, RIGHT HERE, WHILE I BE THE MAID OF HONOR.
If she won't, I will. Marry him, that is.
Ohmygosh and then they can have like a son and name him Pierre (unless Robbie is like completely weirded out by that) and then Denise can be his godparent!
THE AFTER STORY STARTS NOW.
Anyway. Yeah. Pierre is good and fine, but she's not in love with him. She's in love with Robbie. I'm sad he died, but I wasn't surprised. At least it wasn't Robbie.
And so concludes my spoiler-filled ramblings.
Sooooooooo gooooooooooood! I'm freakin' out!
Okay. Breath. The awesome things about this book:
- awesome heroine who be awesome!
- fantastic sidekick / best friend who be fantastic!
- lovable love interest who be lovable!
- "last line zingers" be zingery!
- WWII era with AMAZING historical details
- incredible characterization and development
- fantastic beginning and end
Overall: SUPERCALLIFRAGIAWESOMESAUCE
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Caution spoilers below. Proceed at own caution.
BETTY NEEDS TO MARRY ROBBIE. NOW. RIGHT NOW, RIGHT HERE, WHILE I BE THE MAID OF HONOR.
If she won't, I will. Marry him, that is.
Ohmygosh and then they can have like a son and name him Pierre (unless Robbie is like completely weirded out by that) and then Denise can be his godparent!
THE AFTER STORY STARTS NOW.
Anyway. Yeah. Pierre is good and fine, but she's not in love with him. She's in love with Robbie. I'm sad he died, but I wasn't surprised. At least it wasn't Robbie.
And so concludes my spoiler-filled ramblings.
July 5, 2013
This book had so much potential! It's a rarely tapped topic in fiction: British agents in occupied France during WW2. But this book fell flat for me. I had a hard time figuring out who Betty was; she's written one way but acts another. I also found it difficult to pinpoint the plot; there was never a clearly defined goal for Betty and her friends. There was also a lot of expository dialogue about historical facts. Not only did it feel forced, but so did Betty's reactions. However, I absolutely swooned over Pierre! And Robbie, too, though that romance could have had a little more development. Well done on the boys! Also, the settings were very clear and easy to visualize.
All in all, this had a lot of potential to be a great read. The characters were interesting (most of them were better painted than Betty), and the concept was unique and fresh. I wish there had been more plot and less history, but there was so much potential here, I'll be keeping an eye out for future books from Amy McCauley.
All in all, this had a lot of potential to be a great read. The characters were interesting (most of them were better painted than Betty), and the concept was unique and fresh. I wish there had been more plot and less history, but there was so much potential here, I'll be keeping an eye out for future books from Amy McCauley.
Read
August 13, 2023It was an alright read, and I learned some extra things about WWII that could've happened. I liked the hints of "both sides of the war are suffering" but it still had complicated expressions about the rejoicing over the suffering of other people, even if they were Germans.
Alas I think the reading of WWI and II stories may be over, we'll see😅
Alas I think the reading of WWI and II stories may be over, we'll see😅
Read
August 7, 2014Every aspect of this book was amazing! The main character wasn't some stereotype of a woman, and it was so realistic! I found that I could relate to the character, and made me feel as if I could do anything I set my mind too! I really needed that. The book was easy to understand, and helped me understand more of the world war and how it must have been like. I love history, and this book certainly will not fail to impress you. I also love romance, and I don't think that was overdone, it was a perfect mix! I like how the author explains things and goes into detail, especially how the author describes the way Adele feels after her time at prison. Definitely a must read.
January 5, 2016
I can never get enough stories about girls and women set during WWII, and I absolutely loved this one from start to finish. Even the inclusion of a love triangle didn't bother me since it's not at all the focus of the story, and Adele's female friendships are given just as much (if not more) attention. Adele herself is smart and spunky and totally likable. If you like Code Name Verity or Agent Carter, you'll probably like this.
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