Paris, 1871. Four young people will rewrite their destinies. Paris is in revolt. After months of siege at the hands of the Prussians, a wind of change is blowing through the city, bringing with it murmurs of a new revolution. Alone and poverty-stricken, sixteen-year-old Zephyrine is quickly lured in by the ideals of the city's radical new government, and she finds herself swept away by its promises of freedom, hope, equality and rights for women. But she is about to fall in love for a second time, following a fateful encounter with a young violinist. Anatole's passion for his music is soon swiftly matched only by his passion for this fierce and magnificent girl. He comes to believe in Zephyrine's new politics - but his friends are not so sure. Opera-singer Marie and photographer Jules have desires of their own, and the harsh reality of life under the Commune is not quite as enticing for them as it seems to be for Anatole and Zephyrine. And when the violent reality of revolution comes crashing down at all their feet, can they face the danger together - or will they be forced to choose where their hearts really lie?
I was incredibly excited to hear about this book being released. I've loved Lydia's previous books because she writes my sort of historical fiction. Her books are always well researched with a brilliant attention to detail without being dry and detracting from the story. Liberty's Fire is no exception.
Liberty's Fire is the story of the Paris Commune. Previous to reading this book I knew nothing about this part of European history despite having a degree in Modern European History and I was utterly fascinated to find out about it.
I enjoyed this book for several reasons. I loved the two main characters Zephyrine and Anatole and seeing their relationship blossom over the course of the book. I was rooting for them for the first page. I also loved the secondary characters especially Jules as he was a really intriguing character.
I also loved finding out more about the Paris Commune. It is such an interesting part of history and I am so pleased I found out more about it. My inner history geek now wants to know more.
All in all a fascinating read which I thoroughly enjoyed because of the historical detail and awesome story.
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