Let me set the scene for you. It's 1870, and France is in a bad way. The Prussian army is rolling through the countryside, and Paris is about to be surrounded and cut off from the rest of the country. In the middle of this panic, our two main characters cross paths. Claude is a soldier, a man of action who's seen the ugly side of war. Juliette is trying to get back to her family in Paris before the city is sealed shut. When their paths collide, they're forced into an unlikely partnership—a grumpy soldier and a determined city girl, trying to navigate a war zone together.

The Story

The plot follows their dangerous journey. It's part road trip, part escape thriller. They face Prussian patrols, desperate civilians, and their own clashing personalities every step of the way. Claude thinks Juliette is naive and a burden. Juliette thinks Claude is arrogant and rude. But as they rely on each other to survive ambushes and find food and shelter, that friction starts to spark something else. The war isn't just a backdrop; it's a character that forces them to make impossible choices and show their true colors.

Why You Should Read It

I loved this book because it feels so human. Assollant doesn't give us perfect heroes. Claude can be insufferable. Juliette can be privileged and judgmental. But that's what makes their growth so satisfying. You watch them peel back their own prejudices. The historical setting is vivid without being a history lesson—you feel the mud, the hunger, and the constant low-grade terror of invasion. It's also a great look at how ordinary people get swept up in huge historical events. Their personal drama is tiny against the war, but to them, it's everything.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who likes historical fiction with a lot of heart and a double shot of adventure. If you enjoy stories where the romance feels earned through shared struggle, not just instant attraction, you'll be rooting for these two. It's also a fantastic pick if you're curious about a period of French history that doesn't get as much spotlight as, say, the Revolution. Think of it as a historical buddy comedy with higher stakes and a lot more cannons.