“For Freedom: The Story of a French Spy” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Delacorte Press, New York, 2003, 181 pages, Grades 6-8.
After the Nazis conquered France in 1940, the country fell under German occupation. Between 1940-1944, people reacted in different ways in France. In peacetime, we can develop ourselves to match an image that we desire. Wartime is different. In these trying times, people find out who they really are. If they are charitable, they will share their food and the dangers encountered by others. If people are selfish, they will abandon charity and look out for themselves.
During the French Occupation, people chose both of these paths. Some acted with heroism and joined the French Resistance, while others collaborated with the Nazis and denounced their neighbors. Kimberly Brubaker Bradley writes about these absorbing events in a young adolescent novel, “For Freedom.”
May 1940 began like any other early summer in France. People enjoyed the weather and went to parks and restaurants. This soon changes. The German Army launches a massive attack in May and overwhelms the French Army. Within six weeks, the most powerful army in Europe surrenders because of inept leadership and outmoded tactics.
The conquering Germans bomb some areas still holding out and crush all resistance. One city, Cherbourg in western France, is bombed May 29, 1940. Thirteen-year-old Suzanne David is strolling along the beach with her friend, Yvette. Suddenly, the German Air Force attacks and savagely bombs the beach. Suzanne is injured and Yvette is traumatized.
As Suzanne begins recovering, the Nazis occupy Cherbourg. They take over a number of nice homes, including the David residence. The Davids are given 30 minutes to leave. Now homeless, they must find a new residence. Eventually, they find a ramshackle apartment and move in.
As they try to make sense of their lives, Suzanne takes lessons to develop her outstanding singing voice. Soon she is being given roles in operas in western France. But Suzanne is angry and troubled about what has happened to her family and her country.
During a physical exam by the local physician, Dr. Leclerc, she is asked what she would do to help France. A curious question from a doctor. Suzanne responds that she will do anything to rid France of the hated Nazis. Leclerc tells her there is a way. However, if she takes it, there can be no turning back. Suzanne must work for the Resistance until the Germans are driven out. She agrees. This pact with Dr. Leclerc sets her on the path of a spy for the French Resistance. The next three years will be filled with deception, lies and grave danger. What happens?
How does a teenage girl turn into a spy so valuable that General Charles de Gaulle, the leader of the Free French Army in London has her picture? What enormous risks does Suzanne accept to pass codes that will give vital information to the Allies for the Normandy Invasion? Why do all the deceptions and lies she must create to complete her spy missions eat at her heart? What can a person do to overcome a brutal oppressor? What does Suzanne David choose? To find out, go to the library and check out this compelling, true story of Suzanne David’s spy missions in Kimberly Bradley’s novel, “For Freedom.”
Though this is a work of fiction, the entire story is based on the dangerous spying done by Suzanne David during World War II. The young teenage girl repeatedly put her own life and those of others at risk through her work in the Resistance. The coded messages she carried contained vital information about military installations on the Normandy Coast. These messages were critical during the invasion. General de Gaulle will personally award the girl the famous Croix de Lorraine for heroism at the end of the war. This is an amazing story that I hope you get a chance to read. It is well worth it.
