La Dame des vignes hautes (a novel in French) by Louis-Olivier Vitté | Calmann-Lévy

Dive into the rural world of Limousin with The Lady of the High Vines, a novel written by Louis-Olivier Vitté and published by Calmann-Lévy. The story takes place in 1946 in the Dordogne Valley, a region marked by the scars of World War II.

Johanna, a forty-year-old woman, lives with her in-laws on an isolated farm perched on the heights of the valley. They eagerly await the return of Pierre, Johanna's husband and a prisoner in Germany. To survive during Pierre's absence, the family has had to sell almost all their land. They have only an old vineyard left, located on poorly exposed terrain and overrun by brambles.

Despite the difficulties, Johanna decides to dedicate herself to the revival of this vineyard. She sees it not only as a way to provide for the family but also as a tribute to her absent husband. However, the task proves to be a titanic challenge.

It is then that a stranger, recently settled in the village, offers his help. This man, with undeniable charm and great work ethic, quickly unsettles Johanna. Despite herself, she finds herself thinking more and more about him, at the risk of forgetting Pierre. Meanwhile, the men of the village start returning from captivity, reminding Johanna of the reality of her marriage and her duty.

Louis-Olivier Vitté, a writer deeply attached to his roots, offers us a romantic drama rich in emotions, where passion clashes with moral and social obligations. The novel is a tribute to the rural world of Limousin, of which the author knows all the secrets and where he excels in conveying the atmospheres, landscapes, and mentalities of the time.

With this novel, Calmann-Lévy enriches its "France from Always and Today" collection, a series of books dedicated to stories that reflect the richness of French heritage. The Lady of the High Vines fits perfectly in this line, offering a story that is both poignant and authentic.

Technical characteristics of the book:

• Format: Paperback
• EAN13: 9782702160442
• ISBN: 978-2-7021-6044-2
• Publisher: Calmann-Lévy
• Publication date: 09/13/2017
• Collection: France from Always and Today
• Number of pages: 272
• Dimensions: 23 x 15 cm
• Weight: 392 g
• Language: French

The Lady of the High Vines is a must-read for fans of historical and romantic novels, who will appreciate the depth of the characters and the rich descriptions of post-war Limousin. It is also a tribute to the resilience and passion of the women of that era, through the unforgettable character of Johanna.