The Shopkeeper of Alsace - by Laura Knoy (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

One unstoppable woman. Two World Wars. Based on a True Story.

When WWII comes for her family, Sarah thinks she's ready. She's had training, after all, coming of age in Poland during World War I.

In 1920, Sarah leaves behind the ruins of Poland for France, full of youthful hope and ambition. Jewish immigrants are welcome, and soon, she's built the Perfect French Life. In the postcard-pretty Alsatian town of Colmar, she runs a thriving clothing store, gaining a reputation as a stylish and savvy businesswoman. She has three adorable children, a gorgeous husband, and a close extended family.

Sarah's legendary sixth sense for trouble grows through the 1930s, as Germany gathers strength under a frightening, new nationalist party. Everyone around her insists that there won't be another war, and if there is, France will win. But Sarah calls upon her lessons learned from World War I, and begins to plan for the worst. Still, no instinct can fully prepare her for the next global conflict.

From the Great War in Poland to the long-contested borders of Alsace to the remote refuge Sarah finds in the Cévennes mountains, The Shopkeeper of Alsace is an uplifting tale of family, love, resilience, and one unstoppable woman. Perfect for fans of We Were the Lucky Ones, The Nightingale, and The Alice Network, this dramatic debut brings to life a little-known corner of wartime history-and an inspiring real-life heroine you'll cheer for.

Review Quotes

"A literary tour-de-force rich in love, history, and heartache. Laura Knoy expertly puts to page the timely and unforgettable true story of a woman who carried her family through two world wars." - Miranda Hardister, editor and bookseller

"The giant events of the 20th Century become intensely personal through this story of a thoroughly relatable, real-life heroine, Sarah. The Shopkeeper of Alsace is a deeply satisfying immigrant saga of love, family, war . . . and hope." - Suzanne Rico, award-winning journalist, and creator of the nationally acclaimed WWII podcast The Man Who Calculated Death

"A beautifully conceived depiction of endurance, determination, and bravery in a time of wartime peril. The Shopkeeper of Alsace, inspired by real-life individuals and lesser-known events of World War II, combines detailed history with an engaging and moving human story. In her impressive debut novel, Laura Knoy offers an insightful depiction of the struggle to survive." - Margaret Porter, award-winning author of 15 historical novels, including Beautiful Invention: A Novel of Hedy Lamarr