On a rainy Brisbane night diehard Natasha Lester fans trekked to West End for the launch of her latest historical fiction novel, The Mademoiselle Alliance. Natasha was in conversation with our favourite journalist and author, Frances Whiting.
This book tells the story of Marie – Madeleine Foucard – hero and only female leader of the French Resistance. She was a remarkable woman who was one of the most wanted by the Gestapo during World War Two. Hers is a story of courage, love and friendship during times of uncertainty and fear.
Marie – Madeleine was a mother, rally car driver, pilot, journalist and leader. She was known as ‘ the beautiful spy’ and her epic escapades seem almost superhuman now. She was so strong, resilient and loyal to those she led and she just kept fighting because she knew it was the right thing to do.
We meet a cast of characters whose bravery also shines through but at the heart of the story is a romance. The love story between Marie – Madeleine and her second in command, Leon Faye. Leon is also a hero and a man not afraid to be led by a strong woman.
This meticulously researched novel moves from Morocco, 1928 to Paris, 1938 taking the reader on a perilous journey which surely helped to shorten the duration of the war. The story of Marie – Madeleine Foucard shares how a young Parisian mother feted for her beauty and glamour, comes to lead one of the largest spy networks in France.
Natasha Lester is an automatic buy for me and has many titles available including my favourite, The Riviera House and her last novel, The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard, which was longlisted for the 2024 ARA Historical Novel Prize. The Mademoiselle Alliance is out now. Natasha Lester is now touring Australia. Watch out for her in a bookstore or library near you. She is a wonderful storyteller.
michellebeesley.com 