To Live Out Loud by Paulette Mahurin

My latest novel is out and I’m thrilled to share it with all my family and friends. All profits are going to help rescue dogs from kill shelters. Below is a brief synopsis and some of the first reviews on Amazon.

SYNOPSIS

In 1895, France was torn asunder by a scandal that rocked the nation and divided the country. An innocent Jewish military officer, Alfred Dreyfus, was unjustly sentenced to life imprisonment on a desolate island. The news that could exonerate him was leaked to the press, but was suppressed by the military. Anyone who sought to reopen the Dreyfus court-martial became victimized and persecuted and was considered an enemy of the state. Émile Zola, a popular journalist, determined to bring the truth to light, undertook the challenge to publicaly expose the facts surrounding the military cover-up. This is the story of Zola’s battle to help Alfred Dreyfus reclaim his freedom and clear his name. Up against anti-Semitism, military resistance, and opposition from the Church of France, Zola committed his life to fighting for justice. But was it worth all it cost him, to those around him, and to France? This is a narrative of friendship, courage, and love in the face of the adversity and hatred. It is a story of how one man’s courageous actions impacted a nation. From the award winning author of The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap comes a book that will leave you examining your notions about heroism, courage, and your role in social change long after you read the last sentence.

REVIEWS

AMAZON.COM

French history brought to life, July 30, 2015

By

CarolB

This review is from: To Live Out Loud: A Novel (Kindle Edition)

J’accuse. With that one word, Emile Zola took on the French government, the military, and the Catholic Church in defense of Alfred Dreyfus, a French artillery officer unjustly accused and convicted of treason. Told from the perspective of Zola’s fictional friend Charles, To Live Out Loud recounts the story of how Zola – who had no relationship with Dreyfus – became involved, bringing passion and commitment and risking his own life to fight not just for Dreyfus but also for truth and liberty in his beloved France. In this tightly written little novel, author Paulette Mahurin skillfully blends fact and fiction while conveying the tension, suspense, and anti-Semitic climate in France of the time. I was engaged from the first page.

A Stunning Piece of Historical Fiction, August 1, 2015

By

Calaf68

Verified Purchase(What’s this?)

This review is from: To Live Out Loud: A Novel (Kindle Edition)

This historical fiction novel, To Live Out Loud, is the epitome of what this genre is all about. Paulette Mahurin takes us to France where we meet Alfred Dreyfus and Emile Zola, as well as a Jewish friend of Zola’s who relates this intriguing tale.

The entire purpose of the historical fiction genre is to allow the reader to be transported to a different time, a different place, and at the end of the read, hopefully learn something the reader did not know before. Mrs. Mahurin has done all of the above and she has done so magnificently. She places us is France, she places us at the Dreyfus trial, she places us in moments where Zola garners the courage to stand up against what he feels is injustice. I believe this is what makes this book so special. This is the learning moment from the novel. It can apply to our lives today. So many people are complacent with things that happen all around, which we know are wrong, but are afraid to confront. This novel shows that what is needed is that courage to stand for what you know is right. The story is told very well. The writing is descriptive and flows nicely. The chapters are short, which makes reading it so easy. This is truly a stunning piece of historical fiction. One that I highly recommend.

5 stars A Fight For Justice

ByPaulon August 1, 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I am a lover of history, and this historical fiction book fit the bill. I loved the plot and detail in the story. Of course, I loved the story itself as well. It is a story the deserves telling. Ms. Mahurin is one of my favorites for shining the light on injustices and the fight against them (see the Persecution of Mildred Dunlap). The dialogue was fantastic. I love the description of a character (whom I will not name for fear of a spoiler) as “a character of questionable repute”. The vivid descriptions served the story as well.What I liked best: I love the fight for justice. The strength necessary and tribulations endured by Emile Zola make me question how I would react if placed in a similar situation. I can hope that I would act the same, but I’m not certain that I would. In either case I loved reading this story, and turned page after page to find out the outcome. I would recommend this book to any and all readers. The fight against injustice and prejudice can be applied to any era and appreciated by all. It is a wonderful tale that will stir emotions inside you and provoke many internal debates. You will be happy you read it, I assure you.

Intimate View of the Dreyfus Affair and Emile Zola’s involvement, July 31, 2015

By

Margaret Dodd

This review is from: To Live Out Loud: A Novel (Kindle Edition)

“This cleverly woven historical novel details the background of the Dreyfus Affair in the late 19th century, and injects the passionate writings and actions of Emile Zola on behalf of justice. As told through a narrator friend of Zola’s, the reader will clearly understand the devious forces at work to falsely implicate a Jewish army captain in a political coverup. With the moral stature of France itself in jeopardy, the outcry caused by the elaborate deception eventually brings France back to stasis and a new way forward, her honor restored. The fluid writing draws the reader through this well-researched time period, with the emotions of the age exposed. I recommend this highly readable book.” Margaret Kay Dodd, publisher of The Green Stick: A Memoir by Reg van Cuylenburg

A treat of a novel: convincing, important and moving, July 30, 2015

By

Bookworm

This review is from: To Live Out Loud: A Novel (Kindle Edition)

The author has chosen a memorable moment in history to illustrate the need for tolerance. The novel focusses on a world famous scandal and miscarriage of justice in France and the subsequent, long winded attempt to clear the name of a man falsely accused of treason. Told from the perspective of an outsider, a family friend, we see Dreyfus, his wife and the man who takes on their case with loving and caring eyes. This creates an intimacy for us reader that makes the politically motivated incident and the anti-Jewish sentiments of the time all the more tragic and despicable. Written with a smooth and continuous flow this story wastes no time and sticks to the relevant events. The quotes from Emile Zola that run through the chapter headings show what a man he was – as does Mahurin with her great characterisation with all the people in this precious novel. Few authors can say so much in so little words. Prepare to be moved by this wonderfully told piece if historic fiction and the sense of humanity that the author brings to the pages so vividly. The book is a testament to the strong ones who stand up for their beliefs and work hard to make the world a better place. We must never forget what the world would be like without those heroes who continue to force the world forward into a more human society. A real treat of a novel, convincing, important and utterly enjoyable.

A MUST READ!, July 29, 2015

By

curly

This review is from: To Live Out Loud: A Novel (Kindle Edition)

I think this is Paulette’s best yet. A fascinating part of history that is depicted in a well told manner. I was pulled in and actually became a part of the story fighting for justice. Highly recommended!!!

All Amazon.com reviews:

http://www.amazon.com/Live-Out-Loud-Novel-ebook/dp/B012XXTRS2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1438438737&sr=1-1&keywords=to+live+out+loud+by+paulette+mahurin#customerReviews

AMAZON U.K.

5Great read!

ByBill Wardon 2 August 2015

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

This is a fabulous read! Combining real events that have been wonderfully researched with a fictional character to narrate the story, the author has brought to life the 1895 story of Dreyfus condemned to life imprison and branded a traitor for a crime he didn’t commit. This takes place in France and we follow the attempts of Emile Zola to prove his innocence. Zola writes a headline newspaper story revealing the truth but is then sued for libel and the authorities do everything possible to prevent the truth coming out. It is the story of how one man risked everything to help a fellow human being who had been unjustly accused and for no personal gain, simply having the courage to speak out against the army and government for the sake of his beliefs. Brilliantly written, as I have come to expect from this author, I read the book in one sitting and felt very uplifted at the end that there are people in the world who will risk all for what is right. As relevant today as in 1895 this is a great book and an easy 5*.

5Makes History read like fiction!

ByLorna Leeon 31 July 2015

Format: Kindle Edition

What does it mean to have courage? Who are the heroes in any struggle? Are they only the ones in the public eye who take a stand and suffer the consequences of colliding with the status quo? Or could the heroes be those who work unfailingly behind the scenes, supporting, encouraging, and giving sustenance to those outspoken leaders of “the cause?”Beyond these compelling philosophical questions, Paulette Mahurin’s newest book tackles the unfortunately ageless human tragedy of prejudice and the concomitant social injustices that inevitably follow. She uses the infamous Dreyfus Affair, set in late 19th century France as her entre into exploring both the best and the worst in humankind. While Alfred Dreyfus (an officer in the French military who was also Jewish) was unjustly imprisoned for treason, he is not the central character of this novel. Emile Zola, a notable French writer and journalist who adamantly believes in justice takes up the cause of exposing the injustice that was done to Dreyfus. Mahurin deftly tells this historically accurate tale through the eyes of Zola’s lifelong friend, mentor, and father-figure—a man named Charles.Meticulously researched (with passages from actual court records), passionately written, and told in the fashion of other novels that make history read like fiction (Laura Hillenbrand’s “Seabiscuit” or “Unbroken”), Mahurin’s book is a must-read. I not only learned a great deal about this historical episode of government corruption and cover-up, but I gained an appreciation for the deep roots of global anti-Semitism. These problems are not only the stuff of current events. This book illustrates the disheartening reality of how the darkest elements of human society endure through the centuries.

Mahurin’s book also reminds the reader that countervailing forces to this bleak historical orbit of political corruption and hatred exist. There are heroes—both outspoken and quiet—among us. All are working in their own ways toward a just and better world. Mahurin is one of those heroes.

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5 stars Great historical read

ByMr. “Max”on 30 July 2015

Format: Kindle Edition

I was given a copy of this book to do a read and honest review on. Based on the 1895 scandal that rocked a nation and divided France, a Jewish soldier was unjustly sentenced to a lifetime imprisonment to Devil’s Island. When the news broke that he was falsely accused, Emile Zola stepped up to the plate to expose the facts to exonerate Alfred Dreyfus. The riveting events that are portrayed, based on factual events, make for a compelling read in this fictionalized story based on the true unfolding of the Dreyfus Affair and Zola’s attempts to free Dreyfus. Taken from courtroom transcripts and documented historical references the author weaves a story with scenes and dialogue that read like a top rate thriller, right down to the last page. Highly recommend.

Where to purchase (Paperback is due out in a couple of weeks)

http://www.amazon.com/Live-Out-Loud-Novel-ebook/dp/B012XXTRS2/ref=la_B008MMDUGO_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1438210990&sr=1-3

Or at any other Amazon site