The 'Rather Dated' Book Club's July read, this book tells the story of John Sidney Howard, an elderly man, who, following a bereavement, decides to go to France for a fishing trip for the good of his health. The only thing is that it's the summer of 1940 and it's rumoured that the Nazis are going to invade France. This minor detail doesn't put off the veteran soldier and he proceeds to a remote village in the Jura mountains and enjoys fishing in the peaceful surroundings.
When the Nazis invade France very shortly afterwards, Howard decides that he should go home and do his duty in whatever way he can. When the proprietors of the auberge ask if he could take their two children to safety, he feels he cannot refuse. Also, could he take the maid's child? After all, what's one more and she's so good with the little girl. Howard maps out his route towards to coast.
What follows is a nightmare scenario for Howard, as he and his little brood head full tilt into the war. Trains fail, roads get clogged with refugees and they learn to dread the drone of low-flying airplanes. This quiet hero stays calm and steers his little gang through the chaos (including some really harrowing scenes) until, many adventures later and picking up more children along the way, they eventually reach a place of safety. I also liked the story that was embedded in the narrative, that of Howard's son and the girl who was nearly his fiancee.
I loved this book for the vivid description of these terrible times. This book was published before the end of the war, when victory was not at all certain. I love the authenticity of books like these. I also loved the framing of the narrative; the two men sitting in their club sheltering from an air raid and Howard relating how he had had 'a spot of bother' getting out of France. I was struck by the modesty of the man. What a hero! This was an excellent read and I'm definitely interested in reading more Nevil Shute.