Karina Author, Book, Distribution

Karavan Press and Protea Distribution become local distribution partners for ODETTE by Joëlle Searle

A story of a woman’s coming of age in war-torn Paris. Her challenges, adventures and passions.

Odette is a young, highly intelligent, headstrong Parisian woman, from a bourgeois military background. She finds herself flirting around the edges of a bohemian lifestyle during the heady days of resistance fighters and WWII. Her story takes us through her work in Paris at the French Ministry of Defence, their relocation to make way for German occupation, her meeting of an enigmatic man, her journey into a world of resistance fighters and espionage during which time she discovers the pleasures of womanhood and love.

Jean is Mauritian-born of a German father and an Irish/French mother. He is an enigma. Nobody really knows who he works for. Is he a spy or not, if so, for friend or foe? He is charismatic, a born leader and undertakes daring missions as lead of a Parisian resistance cadre. He is captured and interred at Gurs internment camp. His story takes us from Mauritius to the heart of Parisian artistes and intellectual bohemians, and to the underground resistance movement, where as a leader, he sets up escape routes for the Jews of Paris.

This is their story.

“An immersive and lively tale of love, resilience, and courage, Odette transports us back to another ear while telling a compelling, pacey adventure story.” – Penny Haw, author of The Invincible Miss Cust, Woman at the Wheel, and Follow Me to Africa

“Searle’s riveting tale of passion, heartache, and devastating betrayals kept me at the edge of my seat as I travelled back in time with her. Immerse yourself in this epic tale.” – Gail Gilbride, author of Under the African Sun and Cat Therapy

Publisher: Lulu.com, U.S.

South African distribution partner: Karavan Press and Protea Distribution

Publication date: October 2024

ISBN: 978-1300969679

JOËLLE SEARLE was born in Mauritius and came to South Africa aged two. She is retired and currently lives in Hout Bay at the southern tip of Africa with her husband Alf and a border terrier, Lulu. She has four children and eleven grandchildren.

If you are a bookseller, please contact Protea Distribution to order copies of Odette. If you are a reader, please ask your local bookshop to order the book for you via Protea Distribution.