Why a Booktrail?
WW2: At the close of World War II, a chance encounter sets the course for one man’s destiny…
Seasons of the Moon
What you need to know before your trail
During the Nazi occupation, fifteen-year-old Paul Vertune, the sensitive son of wheat farmers, prefers gazing at the ocean and contemplating life’s mysteries over toiling in the fields of the Brittany coast. One fateful day, Paul’s life is spared by a compassionate German soldier. When Paul’s village is liberated, an angry mob turns against their occupiers. The German soldier, near death, asks Paul to promise him one thing: find his daughter and tell her that her father loved her.
As Paul becomes a man, he fulfills his childhood dream of sailing the world, even as twists of fate steer his life in unexpected directions. But through it all, Paul never forgets his promise.
Locations
ResetTravel Guide
Brittany
Most of the book takes place in and around Brittany amongst the farmland, pools, fields and open space. Freedom before the shadow of war takes over
“Something had changed in the village, We soon witnessed the arrival of a battalion of Nazis with orders to secure the Brittany beaches in case the enemy tried to land there. They came to the farm to seize our wheat
We were now the children of an occupied France, a republic split in two.”
Brittany was wearing its autumnal clock, the trees their ochre robes
Old City Walls of Vannes
The nearest town to the setting in the book and it’s the town which is liberated by the Americans who fought their way down through northern Brittany
Paris
Taking the train to Paris, he realises that this maybe the same country but he’s only a farm boy compared to the city people.He calls himself, amongst the crowds, as being in “ the middle of this choreography” The city is so changed that he barely notices the Eiffel Tower.
They spend time on the Isle Saint louis after coming in to tParis from the barracks
Bordeaux
If life were a book then Bordeaux would be a new long chapter. The city seemed uninviting at first sight, The faces of the buildings along the river wore a thick blackish coat, as if soot had covered everything with its foul stain, making the environment for centuries to come”
Spain
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
The ship sails and reaches here and the men on board explore. The captain says that even though he’s sailed for 30 years, he still is amazed by the beauty of the islands
Booktrailer Review
Susan: @thebooktrailer
Seasons of the Moon was a lyrical and nicely meandering read. A boy destined to become a wheat farmer but whose choices change the direction of his life as the moon change in the sky.
The language is beautiful and magical. Very insightful too:
when you’re a kid, you want to grow up fast. when you’re older, you want to be a child again. i tell you, humanity has been built on a paradox since the very start. there’s no logic to it. ”
The language I initially found flowery became a reflection of Paul’s sensitive nature and how he perceived the world. It’s like having a life flash before you as time slows down at significant times and speeds over the rest. A nice touch which allows you to longer and place the jigsaw pieces together.
Paul is a sensitive and likeable soul. His relationship with the moon and the sea, the way he makes friends with the sea and the full circle of life how he comes to help that soldier to find his daughter.
A story of how life, moons, decisions can change everything.
Booktrail Boarding Pass: Seasons of the Moon
Destination: Brittany, Mainz, Bordeaux, Gran Canaria Author/Guide: Julien Aranda Departure Time: WW2
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