First Reviews for my new book Where Irises Never Grow

Thank you to everyone who has purchased a book and taken the time to write a review. I’m grateful for your help. The profits from my books go to help get dogs out of kill shelters.

FIRST REVIEWS FOR WHERE IRISES NEVER GROW FROM AMAZON U.S.

Amazon CustomerTOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE VOICE5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read! Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2020Verified Purchase I’ve been a fan of Paulette Mahurin’s writing for a few years now and each time her new book comes out, I grab it right away. “Where Irises Never Grow” is another fine example of Ms. Mahurin’s literary talent. From the opening chapters, in which an old newspaper cutting is found in a first edition of Aesop’s Fables, I was riveted to the plot that ultimately led to Nazi-occupied France and the mystery behind the two names on an old newspaper cutting. I won’t be retelling much of the plot to avoid spoilers, so I’ll just say this: if you’re looking for a meticulously researched French Resistance novel that will pull at your heartstrings and reveal not only love, sacrifice, and devotions, but also atrocities of Klaus Barbie, rightly nicknamed The Butcher of Lyon, search no further. “Where Irises Never Grow” is a stark reminder of a recent past, in which xenophobia and nationalistic hatred lead to the annihilation of millions of people; it is also a warning for our generation not to repeat the mistakes of our forefathers and apply our all to fight bigotry, racism, and dictators that inspire the ugliest sentiments in their followers. The story of Charlotte and Victor Legrand, the story of Agnès Eisenberg and her beloved Jaques is a must-read for sure. Just make sure to have a box of Kleenex ready – you’ll most likely need it. The ending in which we meet an elderly Holocaust survivor is so heartbreakingly beautiful, it’ll remain with you long after you close the book. A truly timeless novel that should be read by everyone. Highly recommended!

R35.0 out of 5 stars Where Irises Never Grow Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2020Verified Purchase I’m an avid fan of this author, so I was thrilled to discover her newest book. The beginning especially piqued my interest, as I’m addicted to folklore. I want to read the fictional character Monica’s dissertation that she wrote about folklore. 🙂 A sentiment from Monica ties in with the book she discovered, a French version of “Aesop’s Fables”: “She was aware of how stories could easily change from fable to propaganda.” This theme is cleverly — and heartbreakingly — woven into the tale of a French family. Bring out the tissues; you’ll need them. It’s so difficult to believe how people let themselves be deceived by Hitler’s propaganda, and how he divided the nation with hate. I also love the meaning of the title that you’ll discover as you read the story.

Heather Hansen5.0 out of 5 stars HEATHER HANSEN REVIEW Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2020Verified Purchase I never thought I’d have an inkling of what it must have been like for Jewish people during WWII. The oppression and fear they must have felt. After reading this and having so many different emotions stirred I gained a deep compassionate respect for what a Jew must have felt. In hiding. Being rounded up. Being interrogated. Put on a packed train and sent to a death camp. I also felt for those in hiding, the fear they must have felt, the relief for those who did make it out. It’s hard to imagine how many didn’t live to tell their story. I don’t know how anyone can deny the Holocaust and it is in stories like this that don’t hold back, that portray a realistic display of what happened, that I am motivated to speak out that there’s no doubt this happened. No doubt millions perished at the fascist Nazis’ hands. We must see it for what it is and never forget. Especially in these trying time it is imperative to remember and not have the past repeat.
A remarkable read that I highly recommend.

Dolli Alexander5.0 out of 5 stars A must read Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2020Verified Purchase This incredibly well-written timely story starts out in 2017 when a graduate student purchases an antique book that has a mysterious note in it that takes her back to Lyon, France during the Nazi occupation in WWII. A young Jewish girl is hiding in the house of the French Legrand family. The head of the family works with the Vichy government; he is also a resistance member. As tension in Lyon tighten all the Legrands hold dear is threatened and compels the reader to want to know what will happen. This hard to put down read doesn’t hold back and emotions burn from the page through well-case, excellently described characters. This is not simply a book about the tragedy of the oppressive Nazi regime but also a story about the resilience and goodness of the human spirit, the best of the human condition manifests when faced with adversity to do right by another. It is a statement about the power of friendship and love. A must read.