The History Press Book Review: Silent Village by Robert Pike*

[Ad-gifted] We are approaching Remembrance Day and although it is to remember the people fallen in [all] the wars or conflicts that take place, it has a special resonance with WW2.

Our latest book review is that of Silent Village by Robert Pike. Published by The History Press, the book tells the harrowing story of the village of Oradour-sur-Glane where nearly all the members of the village sadly lost their lives in the hands of an SS Panzer Division. Oradour-sur-Glane stands today as a memorial of those lives lost and in this book, you learn of the families that once inhabited this French rural village and give a voice to the dead and those that were left behind.

What I thought of Silent Village

Firstly, this book may not be everyone’s cup of tea. It tells a story, that isn’t just a story as it really happened – of lives lost during the war. But at the same time, it gives an understanding of some of the atrocities that people went through living in occupied France. Often I don’t feel it’s fully conveyed and understood how much the French lived in fear during the war years. They lived in a land that was theirs but where they were not allowed to be themselves.

The book was something I wanted to read, having had my French grandmother and grandfather both in their late teens during the war living in occupied France (in Metz the North East – Alsace-Lorraine region, where some of its residents had sought refuge in Oradour). My grandmother was forever scarred and rarely spoke about the war, getting cross if we asked her questions – choosing to erase the awful memories from her life. I later heard stories from a great-uncle unpleasant but not alarming for the people living in the Alsace-Lorraine area during this time. So when we were asked to review this book I wanted to be able to understand some of the events prior to this awful day and see how it might have been living during this torturous time, in acknowledgement of my grandmother and her untold memories.

The book takes you through the lives of some of the families living in the village before and during the time of the SS invasion. You learn of the Major and his family, shop owners, local farmers and farm workers. You are told about the tram that allowed the village and its people to access the nearby bustling city of Limoges and how important the connections to bigger towns were for the economy of this once-idyllic place.

The only thing I found difficult with the book, is the movement of stories from one family/person to the next. I often had to go back and read the page again to make sure I hadn’t missed any key points. The way in which it has been written is to give voices to almost every person that was part of the village but I often found myself wondering more about some of the people and wanted to know more about them – but unfortunately was left a little short. Some of the stories from certain people felt more complete, but others like the one chapter about a cyclist – Albert Mirablon a member of the French resistance – who was sent to the nearby town of St Junien the day of the massacre and then went on to visit family in Oradour. We don’t learn much more about him other than he lost his life and it feels as though there is much more to his story.

However, one story that surprised me was that of the escapee Yvonne who was seemingly advised by some soldiers to go as far away from the village as possible – as if she returned she would likely be killed. It’s clear that there are so many unanswered questions with regards to the events at Oradour-sur-Glane and that this village was targeted but the reasons as to why are so unclear and still to this day largely unanswered. There are theories and possibilities but no clear evidence to point at the real reasons as to why all these villagers sadly lost their lives at the hands of the SS Panzer Division that day of 10th June 1944.

Nonetheless, this is a fascinating read and it made me tearful reading the anguish that these people went through during the days leading up and the day of the massacre itself. It’s miraculous that there were a very small number of people who survived and strange to think of those who managed to flee or hide – ensuring that no one will ever forget the day Oradour-sur-Glane was forever changed…

Where can you get your copy of Silent Village and how much is it? 

You can buy yours from Amazon here and it costs £16.22 for a hardback copy and £13.95 for the paperback book, similar to what is featured in the review. The kindle download is also available for £6.99. Please check Amazon for the latest price as this might change.

About the book 

About the Publisher

The History Press is a publisher dedicated to all things historical. Here you will find publications that range from Ancient or Medieval history to entertainment history, for those who like something more lighthearted – history from the war eras including WW2 and the days of Napoleon. And if you want to know about past sporting history or a bit more about past Kings and Queens – they have it all.

Many books are available in a number of formats including hardback, paperback and ebooks. So you can read them from your electronic reading device and enjoy them when you’re on holiday or you can buy them as a gift in their hardback form, making them the perfect addition to a history lover’s bookshelf. If you’d like to see the books on offer head to their website.

About the Author 

Robert Pike has been writing about France and The Second World War since he was a student at Exeter University. Having studied French and History he is perfectly versed in writing books on France during this time period.  As well as writing he also teaches and writes content for French A-level practice books.  He lives in Worcester with his wife and two children.

Review by: Lex Ward

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