54 great opening lines: 17

There was once an art critic, I have been told, who had a sure way of identifying ancient Maltese art objects:  he found himself crying before them.

Lest Innocent Blood be Shed, Philip Hallie

*****

The story of a village in the south of France, Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, where every household and farm sheltered or hid refugees between 1941 and 1944, under penalty of death.  In four years, thousands of Jewish refugees were saved;  only nineteen were lost.

Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, France, looking over the railway line on which refugees arrived from 1941-1944
Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, France, looking over the railway line on which refugees arrived from 1941-1944

7 Replies to “54 great opening lines: 17”

  1. Philip Hallie’s book was the first attempt to tell the world about the death-defying efforts of these villagers, after more than 30 years. It’s a good book. The village is a very peaceful place – I recommend a visit.

  2. Well that’s amazing! And because of your post (sometime) I went to Elne, St Eulalie, today. The size and height of the church and its walls are mind-blowing. I went through the cloister too – I particularly liked the capitals of Eve being pulled from Adam’s rib (???).

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