“Tambourine” is a tale of courage and hope in the face of unrelenting danger. It is a story of ingenuity and strength, and the human capacity for survival. Anna and her Gypsy family are in constant risk of their lives as they attempt to reach Spain and find refuge there from the Nazis and Vichy French.
The hatred of Jews and Gypsies that is perpetrated by the Vichy allies of Hitler is shared by many Frenchman who are ready to turn them over to the authorities. Yet through all their travails the family finds help from unexpected sources – partisan fighters who protect them and welcome them as fellow fighters, Catholic priests who are willing to risk their lives to give them shelter, and simple French families ready to give what help they can. In this “Tambourine” is an affirmation of the basic decency that is at the core of our humanity and a rejection of ethnic hatred.
"Tambourine" is dedicated to the good, brave people of Spain who provided refuge to Gypsies and Jews fleeing the Vichy French.
This is a story of courage and hope in the face of unrelenting danger. It is a story of ingenuity and strength, and the human capacity for survival. Anna and her Gypsy family are in constant risk of their lives as they attempt to reach Spain and find refuge there from the Nazis and Vichy French. The hatred of Gypsies and Jews that is perpetrated by the Vichy allies of Hitler is shared by many Frenchman who are ready to turn them over to the authorities.
“Tambourine” is as much a psychological adventure as it is a war story. Through fear, courage, violence, guilt, incredible passion, and unceasing emotional pressures the characters must struggle with how to interact with each other while at the same time struggling to survive.
Yet through all their travails the family finds help from unexpected sources – partisan fighters who protect them and welcome them as fellow fighters, Catholic priests who are willing to risk their lives to give them shelter, and simple French families ready to give what help they can. In this “Tambourine” is an affirmation of the basic decency that is at the core of our humanity and a rejection of ethnic hatred.
Excerpt
Andres’ uncle held the rifle against the trembling SS soldier’s head and looked at him curiously. It was as if the old Gypsy had been struck with light. I don’t think he had ever before held a gun.
The whole concept of killing your enemy was new and strange to him. Andre’s uncle was a gentle man; he had a good nature and had never hurt a soul in his life. He always kept to himself and cared for his family as best he could. He had suffered a lifetime of abuse as a Gypsy, having been kicked around and treated like scum ever since he was a little boy. No one had ever told him that he could fight for his life or for his honor.
Here he was standing with the rifle in his hand, having already shot one Nazi, thinking shall I kill this bastard or let him live? How strange is the feeling you have when you are the master of someone else’s life.
“Shoot,” I said, “Jesus Christ shoot, man!” but he remained motionless, as if he hypnotized by the sight of the crying German. I grabbed the rifle from his hands. The German started getting up toward me. I could see a flash of metal in his hand. He had a knife. I pointed at his heart and shot. He rocked a little and then collapsed. I kept shooting repeatedly, until Andre’s father tapped on my shoulder. “Enough, Hija,” (daughter) he said, “He is dead now.”
I rocked from side to side, an overwhelming nausea shook my body, the taste of urine and blood was in my mouth and my guts. I bent down on my knees and vomited streams and streams of frustration until my whole body seemed to be emptied out.
Andres and Paco came back with Gisele. She was naked and quivering, a glassy look in her eyes. I ran and held her in my arms. I looked up at Andres; he was nodding his head to me, his eyes tearing. I kissed the girl and said, “Come Gisele, you are safe now.”
I went to the wagon with her and took some water and a washcloth and cleaned her body. She was lying on the hay silently, listening to the women screaming and crying. They had found Sara back in the woods, dead. Her naked body had been stabbed so many times they could hardly recognize her.
I dressed Gisele with warm clothes and laid her down. The men were untying the horses. They would no longer have their rest; we had to get away fast.
Must Read!
"It is a heart breaking, strong story, a must read for all french and spanish readers."
Incredible read!
I was in tears with this amazing saga. I think that this book should get more attention.
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