Retired civil servant and established writer Andrée Rushton has written a new inspiring historical novel exploring the French resistance movement during World War II, showing the fortitude of the women of the time while weaving through inspiration from her own family’s history.

Set against the backdrop of France during the Second World War, Andrée Rushton took inspiration from the stories her mother told her about her escape from Paris only days before the Nazis arrived. After arriving in England, her mother joined WAAF and met her father (an RAF sergeant). Through the novel Andrée explores the question: what if her mother had never escaped?

This historical novel follows Nicole as she faces the realities of occupied Paris, delving into her deepening commitment to the French Resistance movement and her involvement in writing and editing the underground Valmy newspaper.

Andrée Rushton lives in London and has degrees in both history and social work. She was a social worker before becoming a civil servant until retirement. Nicole’s War is Andrée’s third historical novel, following The War Baby (2016) and The Hanged Man (2020). Andrée also writes short stories and poetry and is the secretary of the Friends of Putney Library.

About Nicole’s War:

Against the backdrop of France during the Second World War, Nicole, a young British woman, must face her own challenges. As the Nazi forces advance, Nicole tries to escape to England but becomes separated from her family and eventually returns to occupied Paris.

There, as the war intensifies, Nicole’s commitment to the Resistance deepens and she begins to write for the underground Valmy newspaper. However, her growing involvement leads her into increasing danger, facing the constant fear of arrest and execution or deportation.

Nicole’s War is an evocative and moving exploration of love, the power of hope in the face of adversity and the unyielding spirit of those who fought for freedom during one of history’s darkest periods.

Nicole’s War is publishing on 28th January 2024, and is available for preorder at The Book Guild, online and all good bookshops.