FAIR STOOD THE WIND FOR FRANCE

English pilot John Franklin and his crew survive a plane crash in occupied France. Although Franklin is seriously injured, he and the crew make their way to a farm, where they are cared for by the lovely Françoise and her stoic family, until they eventually attempt to escape. This tale of heroism is based on actual events. Geoffrey Howard reads the story in a tautly economical voice, which heightens Franklin's desperate emotion and effort as he struggles to survive and save his crew. The several French characters are all identifiable by accent and aural presence. Originally published in 1944, the book itself has an old-fashioned style. Bates takes time to describe the French countryside, the characters and the situation. Howard's restrained delivery carries the modern reader into the heart of this remarkable story. L.R.S. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 00]