FREE ESSAY ON FAIR STOOD THE WIND FOR FRANCE - BOOK REVIEW

FAIR STOOD THE WIND FOR FRANCE - BOOK REVIEW

Fair Stood the Wind for France - Book Review
The novel Fair Stood the Wind for France by H.E. Bates is a Romance - Fiction set at the
height of World War Two. The story follows the main character, John Franklin, through his
journey when he brings his aircraft down into occupied France. The novel deals with love,
war, isolation and conflict; although there is no specific theme to the book. 
I felt that the book's purpose was very clear. Bates wanted to show that within all the
horrors of war, two people were able to find love and happiness. Franklin had crashed his
plane and his arm was severely damaged. Yet while looking for help he found a wonderful
family, and if that had not happened then Franklin would never have been able to meet
Francoise. Bates makes it clear that there is always some good in all evil, even war. 
The book's title is taken from the poem by Michael Drayton (1563-1631) which is at the
beginning of the book. The short verse of the poem is relative to a naval experience
(from the referral to sails advancing), which partially ties in with the main setting of
the book. Apart from "France", the actual title never said or made reference to. The
title was taken from the poem, which most likely in its complete form was more to do with
war. Although from just the book, the actual title does not have a significant amount of
relation and ties in with the story poorly. 
The story takes place in the Second World War when Franklin and his co-pilots take the
plane down. Franklin's arm is hurt very badly but luckily they go down in an area of
France that is occupied and they can get help promptly. After walking for a significant
amount of time they find a farm where a very pleasant family takes them. The family,
which consists of Francoise (the girl), her father, her brother Pierre and her
Grandmother see to it that Franklin's arm is taken care of. They also helped to get
and/or make citizenship papers for the men. They seek medical help from two doctors who
are successful in amputating Franklin's arm. They produce citizen papers for two of the
men so they are able to go home. Hoping the same for the other two, their plan is for
Franklin and O'Connor to leave once their papers are found. Franklin falls very ill
though and not knowing how his future will develop O'Connor leaves once the appropriate
arrangements are made. When the Germans kill the two doctors that helped Franklin the
daughter of one of them becomes very depressed. With Francoise's father having a very
strong liking of her he too becomes depressed which results in his suicide. Papers are
finally produced for Franklin so he and Francoise leave heading for England. They journey
up a river so that they are able to pass the Germans. At one point Franklin has a sudden
urge to escape to England but when caught by gunned arms runs, he happens upon O'Connor.
O'Connor is injured and rests while Francoise and Franklin look for his papers. They find
citizen paper's for him and board a train headed for England. At the train station
Francoise runs into problems with the Germans and the result is O'Connor's death.
The style this book is not my preference although it is written very well. It is very
descriptive, so much that it is extremely pictorial. Bates describes everything feasible
and draws a very detailed picture in your mind. He also describes feelings extremely
well. When Franklin is enduring much pain in his arm Bates is able to make you almost
experience the pain for yourself. As well when Francoise and Franklin are falling in love
their feelings for each other are depicted very well. The landscapes that the story comes
across are also illustrated excellently. 
The authority of this book I feel is very much intact. The feelings portrayed in the
novel are real and vivid. The love that Francoise and Franklin have for each other is
extremely believable. Bates must know the way humans associate or have acquired some
additional knowledge because the manner that the two relate to each other in the story is
remarkably authentic to actual human interaction. Despite the previous authority
mentioned when Franklin happened to meet Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Baker and they gave him
their former butler's papers, I found that very overwrought. 
Bibliography
n/a