The Last Train from Paris: An absolutely emotional and gripping World War 2 historical novel by Juliet Greenwood

Author:Juliet Greenwood [Greenwood, Juliet]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781805082859
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Published: 2023-10-22T16:00:00+00:00

The next morning, Sabine rose in the chill of the dawn, amongst subdued coughing and the trampling of undergrowth as others nearby tried to find some measure of privacy to relieve themselves. There was still a little milk for Valérie, bought earlier in the day from a farm and kept fresh overnight in the stream. They eked out the pat of butter, leaving the bread, bought at a village several days before and now dry, and the last few jars of last year’s jam, which would keep for longer in the heat.

Around them, families were making their own breakfasts, some meagre, many with nothing at all. The women with two young girls next to them packed their rucksacks wearily, ready to take to the road again.

‘We can’t,’ whispered Maman.

‘We’re in this together,’ said Mémé. ‘Or we’re all lost. Our travelling companions are sharing what they have. We must do the same.’ She took one of the remaining loaves to the women, who fell on it with the eagerness of those who hadn’t eaten properly for weeks.

Sabine helped Mémé harness the horses while her mother took care of Valérie.

‘You need to know how to do this, Sabine. In case anything happens to me.’

‘We won’t leave you.’

‘Yes you will. If I get ill or can’t go any further, you must leave me behind and carry on. It’s the only way to survive. You must think of your child. Of both your children. You must survive, or they will not.’

‘I won’t leave you,’ said Sabine firmly.

Mémé kissed her. ‘You’re a good girl, my dear. Time to get on our way.’ Sabine held Valérie as she walked with her mother beside the cart, directing Mémé under the underhanging branches and out towards the road, avoiding a large boulder they must have narrowly missed in the dark.

‘It’s clear,’ called Sabine, stepping out onto the road, closing her eyes briefly to savour the warmth of the sun on her face, blissful after the chill of the night. Valérie burbled with delight in her arms at the dance of shadows across the open space as the nearby branches swayed.

‘Look out!’ For a moment, the words didn’t sink in. Sabine’s eyes shot open, blinded by sunlight. Something whizzed past, striking the trees behind. There was a roar of engines above. Screams erupted, sending the refugees scrambling for the cover of the trees, as an aeroplane, strafing the road with bullets, swept towards them.

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