The French Agent

Officially World War II is over but for Sabine Brouillette, a former member of the French Resistance, the battle continues to bring to justice to those who betrayed her country to the Germans. When she discovers that a member of the SOE who worked closely with her group of partisans was the person who betrayed them she is determined to track him down, even if it means travelling to the other side of the world.

In Sydney Diana White is waiting for the return of her husband who served with the RAF during the war. As well as looking after their seven year old son, Freddy, Diana is a landscape gardener involved in a number of exciting new projects. There is a severe housing shortage in Sydney and Diana wants to ensure that new large scale developments factor in the environment in the initial planning. Diana is looking forward to having Caspar home again with his family but when he returns it is obvious that something is definitely wrong.

The French Agent by Belinda Alexandra portrays a picture of the struggle of the resistance fighters in France as they fought the Germans and also attempted to protect their families and friends. It is largely a story of loss. It is also a story of politics as countries realign their allegiances due to changing threats to the nation - in this case the impending Cold War. How the experience of war affects not only those who were fighting but also the lives of family members if they return home is a theme of the book. The importance of preserving our bush and garden landscapes as housing developments move further away from the city is another theme.

Belinda Alexandra has provided the reader with another novel providing a perspective of the affects of war on the lives of ordinary people. Unfortunately many of the issues are still very relevant in 2023.