Ellie Midwood's Reviews > Where Irises Never Grow

I’ve been a fan of Paulette Mahurin’s writing for a few years now and each time her new book comes out, I grab it right away. “Where Irises Never Grow” is another fine example of Ms. Mahurin’s literary talent. From the opening chapters, in which an old newspaper cutting is found in a first edition of Aesop’s Fables, I was riveted to the plot that ultimately led to Nazi-occupied France and the mystery behind the two names on an old newspaper cutting. I won’t be retelling much of the plot to avoid spoilers, so I’ll just say this: if you’re looking for a meticulously researched French Resistance novel that will pull at your heartstrings and reveal not only love, sacrifice, and devotions, but also atrocities of Klaus Barbie, rightly nicknamed The Butcher of Lyon, search no further. “Where Irises Never Grow” is a stark reminder of a recent past, in which xenophobia and nationalistic hatred lead to the annihilation of millions of people; it is also a warning for our generation not to repeat the mistakes of our forefathers and apply our all to fight bigotry, racism, and dictators that inspire the ugliest sentiments in their followers. The story of Charlotte and Victor Legrand, the story of Agnès Eisenberg and her beloved Jaques is a must-read for sure. Just make sure to have a box of Kleenex ready - you’ll most likely need it. The ending in which we meet an elderly Holocaust survivor is so heartbreakingly beautiful, it’ll remain with you long after you close the book. A truly timeless novel that should be read by everyone. Highly recommended!