*book gifted for review Today I'm on the Blog Tour for the incredible Horizontal Collaboration by Navie and Carole Maurel.
"Horizontal Collaboration" is a term used to describe the sexual and romantic relationships that some French women had with members of the occupying German forces during World War II. In this poignant, female-centered graphic novel created by writer/artist duo Carole Maurel and Mademoiselle Navie, the taboo of "sleeping with the enemy" is explored through the story of a passionate, and forbidden, affair. In June 1942, married Rose (whose husband is a prisoner of war) intervenes in the detainment of her Jewish friend and then accidentally embarks on a secret relationship with the investigating German officer, Mark. There is only one step between heroism and treason, and it's often a dangerous one. Inside an apartment building on Paris’s 11th arrondissement, little escapes the notice of the blind husband of the concierge. Through his sightless but all-knowing eyes, we learn of Rose and Mark’s hidden relationship, and also of the intertwined stories and problems of the other tenants, largely women and children, who face such complex issues as domestic violence, incest, and prostitution. This fascinating graphic novel tackles the still-sensitive topic of who it is acceptable to love, and how, and the story's drama is brought vividly to life by intimate and atmospheric illustrations".
My thoughts?
I found this an atmospheric and vivid read with stunning and very real graphics. It was my first graphical novel and I really enjoyed the story.
Rose and her granddaughter are talking about love and her granddaughter believes she's never been heartbroken but Rose has her own very real love story to tell...
The story follows a group of very different women during WW2 in France. They are neighbours living in the same apartment block. The husband of the concierge, Camille is blind but hears everything... Rose's husband is a prisoner of war and she's bringing up their son Lucien alone. Her husband's friend Leon lives in the block with his wife Judith and she feels he's always checking up on her.
By chance when he's checking their building for Jewish residents after a tip off Rose meets a German officer, Mark and there's an instant connection between them. They meet up again and begin a very real love affair. They need to keep it secret but grasp moments of time together as often as possible. Although she's careful the other residents are noticing how happy and blooming she is and begin to gossip.
Rose's son sees something he shouldn't and lets the cat out the bag and angry and brutish Leon goes to investigate. Rose blocks his way being quick to retrieve her spare key from their safekeeping. She realises they must be even more careful or even stop seeing each other altogether.
Simone visits flighty and beautiful cabaret star, Josephine who also works as an escort and bears her soul to her but Josephine doesn't take it well and is unable to go on.
Mark passes a letter to Madame Flament, to give to Rose. She's an elderly resident who is not what she seems..
Attacks happen by the Free French group and officers are killed. Rose is shunned by her neighbours and feels like she's walking about in a dream. Those who believe certain women collaborated with the enemy are gathered up and punished for what they have done. All Rose can think of is her deep love for her handsome soldier which was never to be but she wouldn't have missed it for the world and tells her granddaughter true love is worth everything even heartbreak.
I absolutely loved the story and would recommend.
Huge thanks for this blog tour support x
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