Map of the Heart

Map of the Heart: What i loved about this book is that it steered me into different directions for my next read: Provence, photography and World War Two in the south of France. The author is the first I’ve read that highlighted US landing from the Med into various villages along the coast of France, the chaos of Italian and then the German occupation and the huge cost to the local population. Even now in 2017, there have been only a few ‘symposiums’ on ‘the war’ and the ongoing consequences to communities. Even now, questions about collaborators are still the main focus - mostly coming now from the children of those who suffered; it still doesn’t feel likes it’s been resolved.The French chapters were evocative and conjured up images of light, delicious scents and Cezanne/Van Gogh. Bories still exist - I walk amongst them all the time, wondering how they’re still standing after all these years. I was lucky enough to go one Cartier Bresson’s last exhibition but am curious about Willy Ronas: is he a real person?The story of Camille, her father and Julie cocooned within a small community with all its comforting familiarity but also its vicious teenagers was well portrayed. Enter Finn and the dynamics of how Julie’s loss can ever reconcile her with a future and new love.For an author as experienced and as well-connected with a bevy of editors, copy-editors and proof-readers, I can’t understand how quite often the transition from one scene to another was clumsy. Nor can i understand what appears to be Americanisms: what is an ‘incredible tool’ [sounds derogatory]; what are ‘dark and stormies’? how can Bandol wine have the scent of grapefruit [the terroir would say ‘no’]; what is a ‘flat white’? In Aix, ‘colorful booths lining both sides of the street’ [no, only at Christmas]; ‘the day you shared your PB and J with me …’ [what’s this?]; what’s a ‘hall tree’?

I loved the tiers of the story. Each part intriguing and exciting. The build of the story was interesting and enjoyable. Thank you

Another amazing story frim Susan. Could be living through events along with characters, flows beautifully along. Highly recommend. Quick delivery and well packaged. Happy happy happy customer

Heart warming story with good characters.Set in two different time periods with a twist in the tale.Usual high standard of writing from Susan.

Great read yet again can't wait to read the next one saving it for my holiday to the states this year

I loved this book. The plot was very well written.A great sit by the fire with a glass of wine, and don't pester me book.

Lovely

Dive into history and romance with this novel from Susan Wiggs, a heart-warming tale of family history and the hope of adventure and love around the corner.Photography plays a big part in this novel, which I found fascinating! As we all know a picture is worth a thousand words, and Wiggs' imaginative way of using photography as a theme to help connect modern life to that of the people who lived during World War II, is brilliant.  While we can't see the photos, we can imagine them in great detail, and they add an extra depth to this sweet tale of love and loss, and the importance of history.Some of the most precious treasures a family may hold can be hidden under a shroud of dust in the attic of the ancestral home...delve into Map of the Heart to find out what Camilla and her family uncover, and maybe find the motivation to learn something new from your own ancestors too.Full of intriguing characters, a hint of adventure, and a glimpse into the past, Map of the Heart is a mesmerising story that you won't want to put down.**** stars from me!I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.