Brief

After losing his son in World War II, school teacher François Dufy becomes an alcoholic recluse, living near the woods in the town of Bergerac. Everything changes when he’s drawn to join the French resistance against the occupying Nazis - and find love again with a beautiful British spy.

What We Liked

- The story relies heavily on its central character to supply momentum the entire way, and this ends up being its strongest trait;
- The book gains engagement from its lack of commitment to specific historical events - relying on personas created from scratch to develop a strong, adventurous narrative;
- Timeless theme of good vs. evil and adventure aspects widening the demographics;
- The characters here would draw strong actors and help the film gain a following;
- Not many WWII movies set against the French resistance; untapped potential;
- With anti-hero François Dufy at the center of its universe, a series would create a strong following thanks to the very charismatic character, and a strong actor that would give a face to the show; this follows the footsteps of Hugh Laurie’s Gregory House or Bryan Cranston’s Walter White, among others.

Synopsis

World War II. François Dufy, a middle-aged school teacher, moves to the woods in Bergerac, France, after losing his son in the war. Disillusioned, he becomes an alcoholic recluse with poor hygiene habits and earns a living by hunting and selling game. His life starts to change when he saves Jewish teenager Rachelle from two Nazis and soon becomes her caretaker — she turns his world upside-down and makes him prone to join the war effort.

Dufy agrees to help Colonel Arnaud, an old friend from World War I and current leader of the Resistance, by using his hunting skills to help the younger members of the group go deep into the woods and find Shirley, a British spy dropped by an ally plane. Her mission is to train the rebels and help them take France back from the Nazis. Dufy is instantly infatuated with the beautiful soldier - and they get closer as, after a German ambush, Shirley needs to hide in his house for several weeks. Although operating within the Resistance’s bounds and harboring a fugitive, however, Dufy refuses to admit he’s now part of the partisans.

Everything changes when Arnaud gets captured and killed by the Germans. Encouraged by a letter left to him by the Colonel, Dufy now becomes an integral part of the rebel army, using his skills as a past sniper to devastating effect, made more effective by posing as the town drunk. The group form important alliances throughout town, such as Bernard, owner of a local restaurant who gives Shirley a job, so she can spy on the attending Germans. The group’s efforts grow. During an attack to a train coming through town to supply the German Army, however, they once again get ambushed by the enemy and separate. Rachelle is captured.

To Dufy’s dismay, Shirley uses her skills as a spy to go undercover as the German leader’s lover and obtain information about Rachelle’s whereabouts. It pays off — the Resistance rescues her and stops a German convoy carrying prisoners. Shirley reveals her true romantic feelings for Dufy, but states she has to go away on a mission. Rachelle, in love with a young rebel, vouches to leave as well. Dufy decides to go back home, feeling useless and ready to take his own life. Once again, Shirley changes everything when she comes back and saves him.

About The Author

Fredrik Nath is a full-time neurosurgeon, born in Sweden and brought up in London. He loves a good story and writes what he would want to read.