The Time of Cherries

In 1861, Burgundy, Christine 'Kiki Vellay, a vineyard worker's daughter, is forced to marry an older man who abuses her. She is seduced by a young naval cadet and plots to run away, but her husband is killed. She is wrongly accused of his murder and is on the run. Kiki reaches Paris in disguise and discovers she is pregnant. She takes on various jobs to survive, but her child is stolen. She embarks on a desperate attempt to find him, leading her from imprisonment in the Conciergerie to a chateau in the Loire, back to Paris during the Franco-Prussian war, and culminating in a dramatic conclusion during the Paris Commune. The Time of Cherries is a gripping account of a woman's resilience in the face of immense hardship.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 544 pages
Publication date: 28 August 2023
Publisher: Book Guild Publishing Ltd

In the year 1861, in the picturesque region of Burgundy, a young woman named Christine 'Kiki Vellay found herself trapped in a cruel predicament. Born into a family of vineyard workers, her future was predetermined by the harsh reality of poverty. Faced with the prospect of marrying an older man in exchange for a small piece of land, Kiki knew that her life would be filled with misery and abuse. However, hope sparked within her when she met a young naval cadet named Jean. Jean's charm and charisma captivated Kiki, and she found herself drawn to him against all odds.

Determined to escape her oppressive life, Kiki hatched a plan to run away with Jean. However, their journey was cut short when her husband discovered their plans and brutally attacked them. In the chaos that followed, Kiki's husband was killed, and she was wrongly accused of his murder. With nowhere to turn and no one to trust, Kiki was on the run.

As she made her way to Paris, Kiki disguised herself to avoid detection. Upon reaching the city, she was shocked to discover that she was pregnant. Determined to provide for her child, Kiki took on various jobs to survive. However, her joy was short-lived when her child was stolen from her during a crowded market. Kiki's heart sank as she faced the unbearable pain of losing her beloved child.

Driven by a fierce determination to reclaim her child, Kiki embarked on a desperate search for him. Her journey took her from the infamous Conciergerie, a prison in Paris, to a beautiful chateau in the Loire Valley. Along the way, she encountered a cast of characters, including a sympathetic priest, a loyal servant, and a mysterious spy.

As the Franco-Prussian war loomed over Paris, Kiki found herself caught in the midst of the chaos. Volunteering as a spy for the French resistance, she risked her life to gather information and protect her fellow citizens. However, her mission was not without its challenges, as she faced danger and betrayal at every turn.

In the final bloody week of the Paris Commune, Kiki's story reached its dramatic climax. With the city under siege by the Prussian army, Kiki found herself in a race against time to save her child and prevent the city from falling into chaos. Through her courage, resilience, and unwavering love for her child, Kiki emerged victorious, and her child was safely returned to her.

The Time of Cherries is a powerful tale of resilience in the face of immense hardship. It is a gripping account of a woman's instinct and longing for her child. Through Kiki's journey, we witness her strength, determination, and unwavering love for her family. The novel also sheds light on the social and political climate of 19th-century France, highlighting the struggles of the working class and the injustices they faced.

In conclusion, The Time of Cherries is a masterpiece of historical fiction that will leave readers captivated and inspired. It is a testament to the human spirit and the power of love to overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

Weight: 668g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915603999