I am usually not one for WWII history or fiction, but this book entranced me.
The two sections were loosely linked, with some repeating characters. It's a complex story, with twists and turns. My knowledge of the escape from Paris (first section) is confined to Casablanca, and I must say I occasionally pictured Humphrey Bogart standing in the rain. In a way, I enjoyed the second section more, about an occupied town more. How you get used to people and forget that they are the enemies.
But what puts this book over the top (and almost to 5 stars) is the story behind the book. I applaud the editors for including letters, her notes on her plans for the book, and a biographical introduction. Those stories combined make for a very powerful book. And is enough to make you wonder again about the enormous cultural loss that occurs during war.
Highly recommended.