In haste this morning as there are still mince pies to eat and presents to open, but I couldn’t bring myself to miss a FF prompt! This week, Rochelle has presented us with the photo below, taken by Doug MacIlroy. I’d welcome your comments on my story. And if you’re got extra reading time and missed either of last week’s stories, I would love for you to nip back – they are two of the pieces I’m most proud of from this year.
Have a great Boxing Day!
Acceptance
The boy Frederich arrived in Saint-Etienne with the Volkssturm; a girl called Aimee made the man return. But a happy marriage and five popular children hadn’t won over his neighbours. Women spat as he passed, the men turned away or shouted obscenities.
“Doesn’t it upset you?” I asked him once.
“Why?” The slightest accent tinged his perfect French. “I did bad things in this village and a hundred others. My father taught me to resist abuses of power, and yet I conscripted to save my skin. This is the living death I chose the first time I raised my gun.”
* * *
For more about Frederich’s dilemma, click here.
For more about his father, and a hint about how this connects to the photo, click here.
And apologies for the lack of accents on Etienne and Aimee – I can’t work out how to make wordpress display them.
elmowrites 
I guess in the end love gave him the courage to face the people he had once persecuted out of fear for his life.
Love is powerful, but I think his neighbours could benefit from a lesson in understanding. Conscription is a tough master.
You write so well Jen, and you certainly promote an interest in your characters. Will go and read more. Well done.
Oh this dilemma has happened all over.. I recall a book from Norway focusing on a girl being ostracized for being born to a German father…. Maybe doing repentance by moving there is more just….Great story
Yes, I hesitated over the children here, but decided they had won through the prejudice. War creates such terrible situations – even in the long term.
Dear Jen,
You made my historical fiction loving heart skip a beat. At first and second glance I’d say this will stand as one of my favorites this week.
Glad you took the time from your festivities to write. I love it that others are as obsessive as I about this weekly addiction.
Enjoy the rest of your holiday.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks, Rochelle. It’s funny that this story grew from a few simple bits of research; I’m being to see why you go down this route so often!
A very powerful piece. I’ll be sure to read more about Frederich.
Ah the truth in your fiction and the price to pay for making compromises. Very rich 100 words Jennifer.
Beautifully done; there’s such a resigned acceptance and conviction in the voice of the MC.
Dear Jennifer,
You know how I don’t say too much when the story is really good? This is one of those moments. Shutting up now.
Aloha,
Doug
I echo Doug’s sentiments. Great story. What a terrible choice to have to make and have it follow you through life.
Absolutely, David. Thanks for stopping by at this busy time, and leaving your support, for me and for Frederich!
Well done, Jenn. I love historical fiction too. Oddly enough, most of my historical fiction is based on cartoon characters. 🙂
With your writing style, Russell, hardly odd at all!
You would think he and his family would at least move to another village – self-flagellation for a lifetime seems excessive!
I agree, Liz. I think he’s pretty depressed about the part he played, and feels this is his due. We don’t have to agree with him.
Such a powerful thought that a former persecutor is willing to accept being ostracized by his neighbours because he recognizes that he brought it on himself. Very well written!
oh wow…this is a moving story… and how brave of him to stay… need to check out the link as well as you make me curious about his story… very well written…
I always look to you, Jennifer, for a compelling, well written story… and you never let me down! 😉 If I read this right, we both went back to the same time… PS) I write mine on Word, and then copy/paste, to get the accents, etc.
Thanks, motherland. I’ll grab a look at yours as soon as I get chance for some reading…
My WP has been haywire for a few days, and I haven’t gotten my blog subscriptions. I was late to this party, and still catching up, myself. Luckily, I still have lots of time to sit around and read.
War! It does things to people. We need to be aware of all sides of the story.
Accents or not, good story!
Scott
Mine: http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2013/12/26/ff-friday-fictioneers-carolyn-leaves-reality-rated-r-12272013/