I am delighted to share my recent interview with Carolyne at Perfectly Provence about my World War II novel, The Sunflower Field:

The Sunflower Field, a World War II Novel set in Provence ~ by Perfectly Provence

Inspired by her expat experiences in the South of France, Caroline Longstaffe began writing her blog “Shutters and Sunflowers” in 2012. Her stories transport you from the United States to Provence, with the occasional dispatch from the United Kingdom. Longstaffe’s articles, provide readers with well-researched “Travel Tips from an English Girl in California, in love with Provence.“

Since 1999, San Francisco has been home-base for the Longstaffe family. However, once their children were pursuing advanced study programs in Europe, it seemed like the time to explore the couple’s dream of owning a house in the South of France. Although they spent 18 months between Uzès and Lourmarin, they did not come away with a new home. However, did have a deeper enthusiasm for the area. Read the full backstory here.

On her return to California, Caroline Longstaffe had the germ of an idea for a novel. A book inspired by real World War II characters set in Provence. After, two years of research and writing she has finished the draft of her debut novel – “The Sunflower Field.”  The book combines Longstaffe’s background as a student and teacher of history, with her love of Provence.

It may have been serendipity when Longstaffe discovered, through her mother, this historical nugget:

I was already familiar with the Polish cryptologists, Jerzy Rozycki Marian Rejewski and Henryk Zygalski and that they, contrary to what most people think, were the first people to crack the Enigma code, but I had no idea that they had lived in Uzès.

Caroline Longstaffe agreed to share some of the novel’s details with Perfectly Provence readers. “The Sunflower Field is their story, interwoven with a fictitious story set in 2010 about the solving of a second world war mystery.”

What is the Polish cryptologists’ connection with Uzès?

The Polish cryptologists first cracked the Nazi’s communication system – Enigma – in 1932 in Poland. They shared their intelligence with the Allies, in 1939, on the eve of World War II. Escaping the Nazi invasion of Poland, the trio went to Paris to join an Allied code-breaking group working closely with the British team at Bletchley Park. Alan Turing came from Bletchley to visit them in January, but by May with the capitulation of France, they fled again, this time to Algeria. A few months later the three Poles secretly crept back into southern France arriving at Château des Fouzes in Uzès. Here, they continued their vital work (decoding messages from North Africa) for the next two years assisted by the Resistance.

What spoke to you about this war era story?

During times of war, people are frequently called upon to do extraordinary things, finding inner strength, which they never realised they possessed. I have often wondered whether I would have been able to find such courage. What would I have done if I had been in the perilous situations they confronted? The bravery and fortitude of such people, especially those involved in espionage and the Resistance, within the enemy occupied territory, is both humbling and often inconceivable in its magnitude.

Weaving the threads of a story within such a rich tapestry, during the treacherous days of World War II was, in part, a way of exploring such ‘what if’ questions. As a historian, once I learned the story of the Poles, whose work was the foundation for one of the most significant contributions to the ending of World War II, setting my story during the war was enticing and irresistible.

Can you describe your character, Collette?

Collette is an eighteen-year-old member of the Resistance. A young girl caught up in the horrors of war, coping with stressful situations. Someone with a steadfast determination to play her part whatever the cost, but at the same time still a young girl. At times struggling with the misery of her situation, with her raw emotions and someone, like most young girls, capable of falling in love. I hope that her courage and resolve leaps from the pages!

The code breakers were based in Uzès. What is the book’s connection with Provence?

Provence is the primary setting of the story. The Sunflower Field tells the cryptologists’ story interwoven with a fictitious story set in the present. When in 2010, Sophie’s father dies, she finds a letter written in 1944 which takes her to Uzès and then to Lourmarin. She finds herself unravelling a spellbinding wartime drama. A mystery involving a priceless art treasure and the indomitable Resistance, both of which prove to have connections with the present. The bulk of the narrative, set during the war and in 2010, takes place in either Uzès or Lourmarin. Provence is the stage for “The Sunflower Field.”

How did you do your research for the novel?

As a student and teacher of history, the research was fascinating. The book takes places in two eras, the story of the cryptologists in 1940-42 and solving the mysterious letter in the present. For the World War II part, I have endeavoured to incorporate an account of what happened by introducing some fictional characters to facilitate the intertwining of their story within that of the present day.

Some of my research was done online and from resources such as the Uzès archive office. I also interviewed local French people who shared their genuine and fascinating stories. These have enriched the narrative by retelling real events. My desire is that in addition to revealing the truth about the Polish decoders, “The Sunflower Field” will deepen the understanding of life during the Second World War by the sharing of these incredible tales.

What advice do you have for anyone thinking they might want to write a book?

Have a passion for your subject. Just as in any creative process, the biggest challenge is believing in yourself enough to keep going. Like many things in life, it is easy to abandon your dreams, and convince yourself that what you are trying to create is not worth the effort. Don’t allow that little bird called ‘doubt’ and her twin sister ‘fear’ to land on your shoulder and stay there. If you have a passion for what it is you are trying to create you will succeed in finishing your project.

As much as I would love my book to become a best-seller, and I have the cast for the screenplay all picked out. If that never happens, I have a sense of accomplishment in knowing that I didn’t give up! I have written a book, and even if it isn’t that good, I did it. It is my debut novel, and I am sure I have much to learn. But how do we learn, if not by the actual doing. Maybe what I learned next will help me with the sequel.

How did you land on the title for your book?

As you know, my blog is called Shutters and Sunflowers. Because those wonderful French shutters and endless fields of sunflowers are two things that come to mind when I think of Provence. I didn’t plan to choose a book title to connect it to my blog, the title found me…

We look forward to reading “The Sunflower Field” to discover more about the brave Polish code breakers, Collette and Sophie. Read more of Caroline’s blog posts and travel tips here.

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Perfectly Provence recently interviewed me to ask for my top tips for visiting Provence.
My suggestions are by no means a fully comprehensive list, as I told Perfectly Provence's creator, Carolyne Kauser-Abbott, there is so much to see and do that my first thought is don't try to do it all it once!
So click here to read my ideas 'Provence Travel Tips from Caroline Longstaffe'

And don't forget to check out Perfectly Provence's highly recommended digital magazine, collected from Provence's top regional writers about this captivating part of France; the culture, wine, food, accommodation and sights of unforgettable Provence!

And please don't hesitate to CONTACT ME if you would like any additional help, I always love to hear from you!

CLICK BELOW FOR MY PDF TRAVEL GUIDES ON:
UZÈS the beautiful bastide town 40km west of the medieval city of Avignon
and
LOURMARIN 'une belle ville de France' nestled on the vine drenched slopes of the southern Luberon Valley.

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Perfectly Provence is a highly recommended online resource, for those of us who want to learn more about Provence, its culture, its wine, its food, great places to stay and what not to miss when you are there.

It's creator, Carolyne Kauser-Abbott, gathers content collected from Provence's top regional writers and this month that includes Shutters and Sunflowers! What is it about this enchanting part of the world that is so captivating, that has an English girl living in California returning there again and again?

Click here to discover the answer and read the Perfectly Provence Article Shutters and Sunflowers, the Provencal Landscape

And don't forget to check out Perfectly Provence's fabulous digital magazine, all about Provence!

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Travel France Online has recently included my experience of returning to the magical bastide town of Uzès, 25 km west of Avignon. Having lived for several months Uzès had captivated my soul and visiting it a year later reminded me why! Uzès is the oldest duchy in France, it has a rich history and there is much to see; the Chateau, the Saint-Théodorit Cathedral and its Romanesque 11th century Tour Fenestrelle and just a 10 minute drive away, the incredible UNESCO world heritage site, Pont du Gard. Built in 50AD as part of the Roman aqueduct of Nimes, the arches of Pont du Gard are an ancient 2000 year old architectural marvel. Uzès itself is charmingly romantic, full of meandering, cobbled streets, flanked with golden limestone, shuttered buildings, many radiating off Place aux Herbes, the beautiful market place which rests at its center, home to a fabulous twice weekly market. Returning to this beloved place and re discovering its essence reminded me why Uzès is truly a special place.

Click here to read Travel France Online's article and and remember Travel France Online's site should you be planning a trip to Diane's beautiful country, it is an invaluable resource for your travels to France!

You can remind yourself of Shutters and Sunflowers original article here.

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Travel France Online has just added my visit to the ghost town of Oppede-le-Vieux to their portfolio. Situated in the Luberon Valley, in the department of the Vaucluse, Oppede-le-Vieux oozes atmosphere and ambience. Abandoned long ago it is a strikingly eerie spot and a stroll through its mystical, cobbled streets which lead to its 12th century ramparts should not be missed if you are in this region of Provence. Don't forgo the opportunity to become immersed into the spell binding shadows of Oppede-le-Vieux's beguiling ruins, the remnants of which remain a testament to a hauntingly by-gone era.

Click here to read Travel France Online's article and and remember Travel France Online's site  should you be planning a trip to Diane's beautiful country, it is an invaluable resource for your travels to France!

You can remind yourself of Shutters and Sunflowers original article here.

Click here for the location of Oppede-leVieux

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE PDF GUIDE ABOUT NEARBY  LOURMARI & THE LUBERON VALLEY  my suggestions of where to stay eat and play, do let me know your recommendations !

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Travel France Online's just published my research on the charming architecture of Provence which beguiles the thousands of visitors that stay in this stunningly beautiful area of France each year. Despite the much admired golden stone walls, brightly painted shutters and low hung, clay tiled roofs these charming buildings were not build so much as to appeal to the eye but with more practical requirements in mind, the need to withstand the fierce gusts of the Mistral wind and the relentless summer heat. Regardless, the overall effect is entrancing and helps make Provence an idyllic spot. Its' dramatic landscape, abundant countryside of vineyards, fruit trees, olive groves, lavender and sunflowers together with its golden stone villages make it all utterly entrancing!

Click here to read Travel France Online's article and and remember Travel France Online's site  should you be planning a trip to Diane's beautiful country, it is an invaluable resource for your travels to France!

You can remind yourself of Shutters and Sunflowers original article here.

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE PDF GUIDE ABOUT LOURMARIN & THE LUBERON VALLEY  my suggestions of where to stay eat and play, do let me know your recommendations !

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Travel France Online's latest addition to their portfolio is a visit I made to the charming, coastal village of Bandol in the department of Var, Provence. Nestled within the embrace of a sweeping Mediterranean bay, Bandol is renowned for its clear waters and sandy beaches. The surrounding vineyards are some of the oldest in France, its first vines were planted by the Romans over 2,500 years ago! Bandol's close proximity to the port of Marseille meant its wine was exported globally from very early times, Bandol wine bottles could be found in India or Brazil 2 centuries ago! Stroll its charming quay side, admire the neat moorings of cheery, brightly painted boats and stop for a while to sip the regions truly delicious wines, you won't be disappointed!!

Click here to read Travel France Online's article and and remember Travel France Online's site  should you be planning a trip to Diane's beautiful country, it is an invaluable resource for your travels to France!

You can remind yourself of Shutters and Sunflowers original article here.

Click here for the location of Bandol

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Travel France Online has just published Shutters and Sunflowers' article about Christmas Puddings as part of a wonderful collection of Christmas wishes from all over France put together by Diane de la Guillermie, this fabulous website's founder. For me, as a child, just as it is now and probably has been for several generations, the days before Christmas were always busy, collecting greenery to decorate the house, finding the tree, buying and wrapping presents, writing cards, standing in endless lines at the Post Office and of course preparing special food.

Our mother seemed to spend endless hours in the kitchen, often making yet more mince pies which seemed to disappear as friends and family unexpectedly appeared to drop off cards and presents.

I can remember when I was finally allowed to help and feeling very grown up tasked with making a chocolate Yule log, mince pies, sausage rolls and Christmas pudding, so began my life long love of cooking!

Christmas Pudding is a very English tradition, often referred to as ‘Figgy Pudding’. It is the easiest thing to make as everything is just tumbled into a bowl.

The stirring is very important and a time to make a wish.

The wishing certainly works as I remember one year getting something incredibly special with a scrunched up face and rosebud lips, 9 months later!!

The other great thing about Christmas pudding is that it keeps really well so I always make a few and freeze them, in the basins they’ve been made in.

Hence this year I don’t actually have one to make!

On Christmas Day, after all the labour of a magnificent lunch, it is a wonderful desert, as apart from gentle steaming, there is no last minute work involved.

Popped in its basin into a pan of gently bubbling water, it hisses and sizzles until ready to be serve.

Turned upside down and donned with a sprig of holly, it should then be splashed with a generous pour of brandy and immediately light, quite a spectacle!

I serve it with creme fraiche or brandy butter (I use icing sugar/ powdered sugar) and sometimes a white sauce, the rum being optional! It’s very rich, so everyone only needs a little which means there’s plenty left for the next day!

As a child, our Christmas puddings were always served stuffed with foil wrapped sixpences, put there by the ‘Christmas fairies for luck’, it made it quite magical!

Click here to read this article and other great Christmas posts in Travel France Online  and remember Travel France Online's site  should you be planning a trip to Diane's beautiful country, it is an invaluable resource for your travels to France!

You can remind yourself of Shutters and Sunflowers original article here.

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Shutters and Sunflowers' article about Cassis has just been published by 'Travel France Online' the excellent, free, online travel resource founded by Diane de la Guillermie which in her words, aims '........to help you discover and enjoy French history and culture'. I have visited Cassis many times and enjoyed its unspoiled charm and the incredible Calanques de Cassis, the incredible finger like forges which penetrate its surrounding cliffs.

Watching the World go by in Cassis.

Cassis, a small, picturesque Mediterranean town and long time favourite destination of the French, lies about 40km south of Aix-en-Provence.

Unlike some of its more grander neighbours along the Côte d’Azur, Cassis has maintained a certain gentle authenticity, with its gaily coloured boats and tall, shuttered buildings, a sparkling water front and gently sloping sandy beach.

Click here to read the Cassis article from Travel France Online from Shutters and Sunflowers and remember Travel France Online's site  should you be planning a trip to Diane's beautiful country, it is an invaluable resource for your travels to France!

You can remind yourself of the original article here.

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE PDF GUIDE ABOUT NEARBY  LOURMARIN & THE LUBERON VALLEY 

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Travel France Online  is, in the words of its founder, Parisien, Diane de la Guillermie:  'a free online travel resource........to help you discover and enjoy French history and culture'. Having traveled extensively herself, Diane established this guide to share perspectives about French history and culture and as she so aptly puts it, 'to give genuine insight of France to readers from all over the world and hopefully tempt them in discovering more of France.'

Diane found my blog on Twitter and asked me to be a contributor which I am delighted to be.

Do look at her wonderful site which I am sure will be an invaluable resource for your travels to the beautiful part of the world she is from, La Belle France!

Click here to read the article Diane published from Shutters and Sunflowers about L' Abbaye Notre-Dame de Senanque which lies peacefully amidst the lavender fields, within the gentle embrace of an enfold of the Luberon Valley, just outside of Gordes in breathtaking Provence.

I spent a wonderful afternoon there this summer, it truly is a place of contemplation and peaceful tranquility. You can remind yourself of the original article here.

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE PDF GUIDE ABOUT NEARBY  LOURMARIN & THE LUBERON VALLEY 
my suggestions of where to stay eat and play, do let me know your recommendations !

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