Resistance and Betrayal: The Death and Life of the Greatest Hero of the French Resistance

This book along with Ted Morgan's AN UNCERTAIN HOUR, should be on your must reading list if France during the Nazi occupation is of any interest. Exposing the many competing factions that made up the resistance movement and how even the common German enemy could not prevent them from working for their own interests first and France's second. His chapter dealing with excesses of the resistance forces during the L'epuration was the most interesting to me, as the french populace had no time to rejoice for the removal of fascist terror, as they were immediately confronted with communist inspired terror led by the resistance. The many acts of terror comitted by the resistance have never received the condemnation that they deserve, as well many Vichy police officials were able to segue smoothly into the new french government apparatus and were able to avoid any examination of their wartime activities. This book was disturbing to me, in that as in life as well as war, many people acclaimed as heroes were not heroic, and that sadly many of the real heroes will never get their just recognition for their own bravery and selflessness. Marnham's style makes this read more like a detective novel and less like the non-fictional historical book that it is.

Every person capable of reading "Resistance and Betrayal" needs to read Jean Moulin's example of character and humanity at its highest level. Every high school and college student needs to understand his granite will, the demands of such a great freedom quest, and the ability of one human being to take on the daunting task of freeing his homeland from tyranny. Moulin shows that one person with a vision can indeed make a difference.When I saw the face of Jean Moulin on the Cover of "Resistance and Betrayal," tears erupted from my eyes on down my face. The instant emotion shocked me, forced me to pick up the book. The tears still come every time I see the face of Jean Moulin.Why? Jean Moulin is one of the few heroes who took responsibility out of goodness rather than vainglory. Jean Moulin cared so much for the freedom of his Beloved France that he suffered until death to achieve this grand goal and become the greatest hero of the French Resistance. As an artist, Jean Moulin speaks to my heart and soul. I must paint him, create him in an image that speaks to his greatness.Read Jean Moulin through Patrick Marnham and come away knowing that greatness is possible for any human being determined to realize a vision for the good of the people of a country, like Moulin, like Ghandi.