The Lavender Keeper

The Lavender Keeper by Fiona McIntosh is a historical fiction novel published by Penguin Random House in 2013. This edition spans 496 pages and is presented in English. The story follows lavender farmer Luc Bonet, who is raised by a wealthy Jewish family in the French Alps. As World War II erupts, Luc joins the French Resistance, leaving behind his family’s fortune and lavender fields. Meanwhile, Lisette Forestier embarks on her own mission to infiltrate a senior German officer’s circle, aiming to undermine the Reich. Their paths cross during the Paris occupation, where trust becomes a rare commodity amid the chaos.

Readers will find a narrative that intertwines personal sacrifice and the complexities of love against the backdrop of war. The plot delves into themes of loyalty and betrayal as Luc and Lisette navigate their dangerous circumstances, all while grappling with their growing emotions for one another. The novel captures the tension of occupied Paris and the struggles of those fighting against oppression, offering a glimpse into city life during a tumultuous period.