A Troubled Peace
Page 20
Only a few notice the four stone plaques on the floor by the exit, crowned with fresh wreaths of flowers and red, white, and blue banners. The plaques commemorate the POWs, the political deportees, the forced laborers, and the Jews who left France through Gare de l’Est “in a tragic voyage to prisons and torture camps and to death at the hands of the German Nazis.” One honors the efforts of the railway workers to speed the return of those who somehow survived.
The handful of travelers who do notice these small memorials stop, café au lait or croissant in hand. A few look back to the trains behind them, perhaps imagining very different smells and sounds and voices. They draw in a deep breath or shake their heads before moving on, reminded of how lucky they are, and that thanks to the brave people who fought against such odds and such cruelty, we are free to enjoy and build a safe life the “absents” could only remember in their dreams.
Let us never forget their struggle toward the heights.
About the Author
L. M. ELLIOTT is the author of several award-winning novels for young adults, including UNDER A WAR-TORN SKY, a Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies (NCSS/CBC) and a Jefferson Cup Honor Book; GIVE ME LIBERTY; and ANNIE, BETWEEN THE STATES, a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age and an IRA/CBC Teachers’ Choice. She lives with her husband and their two children in Virginia. You can visit the author online at www.lmelliott.com.
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Praise for UNDER A WAR-TORN SKY
“A powerful debut novel of adventure and salvation.” —Children’s Literature
“Inspired by true stories of WWII intrigue and action, Elliott captures the courage, self-sacrifice and bravery of the French Resistance forces. Henry learns not only about those who have risked their lives to rescue him but also about himself.” —BookPage
Praise for GIVE ME LIBERTY
“A rich and robust piece of historical literature.” —School Library Journal
“Filled with action, well-drawn characters, and a sympathetic understanding of many points of view.” —ALA Booklist
“Elliott’s vivid descriptions and in-depth research make it easy to envision revolutionary-era Williamsburg.” —VOYA
Praise for ANNIE, BETWEEN THE STATES
“So powerfully drawn that readers will be engaged from chapter one.” —Kirkus Reviews
“A strong and memorable heroine, romance, and an understanding of both sides of the conflict.” —School Library Journal
“Part Ken Burns’ The Civil War, part Gone With the Wind, Elliott’s novel will be devoured by fans of historical fiction.” —ALA Booklist
“YA readers will resonate with the romance and learn about the songs and literature of the time.” —KLIATT
Other Books by L. M. Elliott
UNDER A WAR-TORN SKY
FLYING SOUTH
ANNIE, BETWEEN THE STATES
GIVE ME LIBERTY
Copyright
A TROUBLED PEACE. Copyright © 2009 by L. M. Elliott. All rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of HarperCollins e-books.
Adobe Digital Edition July 2009 ISBN 978-0-06-192020-2
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