I read many books and write many reviews. The rave reviews for this book have troubled me like no other. I was struck by the countless plot inconsistencies, anachronisms, flat characters, improbable behaviors, word repetitions and historical and cultural inaccuracies. It seems there was no one at the wheel on this one and yet the public adores it. The French who have reviewed it seemed torn between amusement and disgust. World War II buffs who are knowledgeable about the French Resistance likewise. Even if you don't care about the historical and cultural errors- which you may not even realize- how about the plot inconsistencies? The author forgets to age Isabel 4 years along with her sister. Plants growing in a ravaged garden. Chickens wandering about while people are starving. Roses growing over a wall during a French winter. People freezing in one paragraph and perspiring in the next. I could go and on. I was jolted out of the world the author was creating so many times by the mistakes I could not possibly enjoy this book.