THE VINEYARDS OF CHAMPAGNE

This novel takes place in two time frames--during WWI and in the present day. Narrator Xe Sands handles both with aplomb. Her tonal quality for the two time periods is quite distinct, so it's easy to keep track of whose story is being told. Emile and Lucie dominate the war story with tales of life as a soldier and those left behind. In the contemporary subplot, Rosalyn, a young widow, travels to Champagne, France, for work and is drawn into the WWI tale. Sands deftly articulates accents from three countries, males and females of varying ages, and the emotions associated with grief, resilience, frustration, and joy. Get ready to plan a trip to France after hearing this book. B.E.S. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2020]