The Letter Carrier by L.C. Lewis – Review by katie stapleton

The Letter Carrier by Laurie L.C. Lewis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVE historical fiction and actively seek to read all the stories I can about WWII. Most deal directly with Germany and viewpoints from those imprisoned in concentration camps. Every once in a while, you find one about another occupied country, written about someone who lived through it. These books are transfixing, heartbreaking, and full of hope all at the same time. The thing is, many countries (Italy and France particularly) were victims of destroyed documents. Those stories that can be corroborated after much deep digging – often are hard to tell and we are very quickly losing the remaining people who can tell the tale. So, when something like this comes along it is brilliant and brave and wrecking, and touching.

The Letter Carrier is nothing short of all of this. It takes place in occupied France during the war and is a true testament to the depravity wrought by the Third Reich and living conditions of those involved. The author does a tremendous job of transporting you to Braquis – bringing sharp focus to the unthinkable things no one should have to live through, and capturing part of your heart in return. I wept for Michelle and her family more than once, but through faith and hope, they lived to tell the tale. Hopefully this serves as a reminder how fragile life is, and brings light to dark times lest we fail to learn from and tragically repeat these lessons.

L.C. Lewis is a poignant writer with a knack for carrying the emotions through the page. I felt what the characters were feeling. I got a sense of an oft skipped over perspective of the war and how truly young kids had to grow up faster than they should have. I am forever grateful to L.C. for capturing the spirit of Michelle, and being able to tell her tale. Brava!

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