Fair Stood the Wind for France

<p><strong>Fair Stood the Wind for France</strong> first published in 1944 is author H. E. Bates' fictional account of a downed English bomber-pilot and his crew over occupied France during World War II. The men are taken in by a French family who hide them in their home. However the pilot injured during the plane's landing must remain in France to heal while his crew begin their journey back to friendly territory. The pilot falls in love with the home-owner's daughter their relationship grows and eventually they travel together across France seeking a way back to England.</p><p><em>Fair Stood the Wind for France </em>rises above the average romance however. Set against the horrors of war it takes on a life-affirming force enhanced by the simple yet elegant prose of the author. Bates also excels at evoking a sense of place; much of the story occurs over the course of a hot summer in rural France and there are many beautiful descriptions of the French countryside as it bakes in the summer heat. In 1980 the book was the subject of a 4-part television mini-series by the BBC.</p>