The Maginot Line was France's super weapon of World War II. A long stretch of bunkers and gun placements. Designed to keep an invasion of Germany at bay. The Maginot Line was born from the lessons and fears of World War One, and was made as a deterrent to keep the Germans at bay should war come again. War did come, and the Wehrmacht simply went around the line. Soon enough, they were marching over Paris. Needless to say, the French were not happy. And the French Resistance was born.
“From Normandy to The Hell of Ravensbrück; Life and Escape from a Concentration Camp: The True Story of 44667” follows the life of Aline Virmoux, a member of the French Resistance. She spent a good part of the war, active and successful, until her capture in 1944. Her husband, also a member of the Resistance was deported to the notorious Dachau work camp while she was kept in Ravensbrück.
Like many of Pitard's works, there is a strong reverence for history and the trials of the past. But it is far more pronounced here, considering this book is based on a historical account.
Francis Pitard puts a strong focus on the story of struggle and the triumph of survival. The prison life depicted here is true to the period represented. An effort to dehumanize and exploit every inch of the prisoner's being was implemented. Ensuring that surviving each day was a feat in itself. And this is where Aline Virmoux's story shines. We see how each day was a battle. Though she was far from her role as a soldier of the French Resistance, it was clear that her journey was a victory for herself and her country.
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“From Normandy To The Hell Of Ravensbrück; Life and Escape from a Concentration Camp: The True Story of 44667”
Author: Francis Pitard
Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
Published Date: September 16, 2016
Book Genre: Memoir, Survival, War, World War Two
About the Author
Francis F. Pitard is a consulting expert in sampling statistics and Total Quality Management. His hobby is archeology and anthropology of ancient Polynesians. Before becoming an American citizen he lived two years in Tahiti and six years in New Caledonia. The author believes that quality of life is essential to everyone. He is convinced that each of us holds the key to such quality through peaceful ethics, self-confidence, self-respect, self-control and respect of the freedom of others. His novel is meant to fight the arrogance of those who want to rule this world. His fight is meant to transform arrogant leaders into peaceful ones who will protect people around them and inspire the ones far away.
He was born in Normandy, France, during World War II, a few miles from the infamous invasion beaches. His great uncle Louis died in a concentration camp in Germany, and his wife, Aline, escaped from the Ravensbrück concentration camp. As a young man, Francis Pitard was fascinated by his elderly aunt's stories about the French Resistance. He knows what war is all about, and how valuable peace is.
His work often takes him to copper mines, high in the Andes, where it is easy to meditate along the fascinating Inca trail. At times he and his wife, Deloris, spend days hiking the rocky hills of Easter Island, preparing the sequel of “Heirs of a Lost Race,” which will be the inspiring Rapa-nui Settlers, by Choice and Necessity. He now lives with his family near Denver, Colorado.
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