A Packhorse Called Rachel

Marcelle Kellermann

• Publisher: M-Y Books
• Year: 2010
• eBook ISBN: 9781906658021
• Topic: Social Sciences
• Subtopic: Social Science Biographies
• Index: Social Sciences

Embark on an extraordinary journey of bravery, defiance, and the indomitable human spirit in "A Pack Horse Called Rachel." Based on the author's own remarkable experiences, this captivating tale follows a courageous twenty-year-old girl, the daughter of a Jewish father, as she navigates the unforgiving landscape of war-torn France in 1944.

Guided by her faithful companion, Nourse, Rachel ventures through the pages of this gripping narrative, immersing herself in the perilous world of the Maquis, a resistance group based in the rugged Auvergne region. Danger lurks around every corner as she confronts the brutal realities of her time, pushing the boundaries of her courage and resolve.

Drawing from personal recollections, the author provides a vivid and authentic account of historical events, capturing the essence of memory with poignant detail. The prose is as beautifully crafted as it is emotionally evocative, seamlessly transporting readers into the arduous and solitary existence of life within the Maquis. Though names have been changed, the author paints exquisite character portraits of the friends and foes that our heroine encounters, exposing the hardships endured by the brave resistance fighters against the backdrop of a harsh winter climate, the treachery of Vichy collaborators, and the hostility of ordinary people in Vichy France.

As the narrative unfolds, Rachel overcomes initial animosity and mistrust, forging a fragile alliance with the lecherous and alcoholic farmer Raboullet, upon whom she eventually comes to rely. She faces the wrath of the Gestapo, endures the betrayal of St Pré, and experiences the bittersweet ecstasy of love, only to be tragically separated from it. From the gripping opening raid to the dramatic trial of St Pré, the book offers profound insights into the minds and souls of the resistance fighters, deepening our understanding with each turn of the page.

"A Pack Horse Called Rachel" is a poignant and illuminating testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. It paints an incisive portrait of the resistance movement, offering an intimate glimpse into the struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs that define the indomitable human spirit. Prepare to be moved and inspired as you join Rachel on her courageous odyssey through a war-torn world, where courage, fear, and defiance intertwine to create an unforgettable tale of survival and resilience.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Contents
• About Marcelle