The French Gift

A World War II story of female friendship, longing and sacrifice through war and loss, bringing together the present and the past.


'Kirsty Manning has delivered yet again with this epic novel about women, love and heartbreak. With passion and sensitivity, Manning takes the reader on a journey that is near-impossible to tear yourself away from. Without a doubt her finest work. A triumph!' Sally Hepworth, author of The Soulmate


'Manning's multilayered story is both terrifying and triumphant. Her talent for a surprising twist makes this story a must for her fans.' Publishers Weekly


A forgotten manuscript threatens to unravel the past 


Fresnes Prison, 1940: Margot Bisset, a former maid from the Riviera, finds herself in a prison cell with writer and French Resistance fighter, Josephine Murant. Together, they are transferred to a work camp in Germany, where the secrets they share will bind them for generations to come.


Present-day Paris: Evie Black lives above her botanical bookshop with her teenage son, Hugo. Nursing a broken heart, Evie receives an unexpected letter; she clutches at an opportunity to spend a magical summer with Hugo on the Cote d'Azur.


It's here, on the French Riviera, that the past envelops them and Evie attempts to unravel the official story of a famous novelist. If she succeeds, a murder from a lifetime ago may be solved. 


Inspired by a true story of iconic French Resistance fighter, Agnes Humbert, whose secret journal shed light on a little-known aspect of World War II, The French Gift will captivate readers from beginning to unforgettable end.


Praise for The French Gift:


'Kirsty Manning spins an elegant web across two eras.' The Australian Women's Weekly

'Manning doesn't put a foot wrong: The French Gift is historical fiction at its best a glorious escape from reality, this will captivate readers from the beginning to the unforgettable, surprising end.' Better Reading


'Part mystery, part war history, part romance and with a cracker of an ending Kirsty Manning has woven together a wonderful tale about bravery, the deprivations of war and the power of friendship at the darkest of times.' The Weekly Times


'Captivating I can't wait to see which 'pocket of history' Kirsty Manning will reveal in her next book.' Blue Wolf Reviews


'So divine The French Gift is nothing short of magnificent! A superb example of a story that works to illuminate both the harshest and most spellbinding moments in our history books.' Mrs B's Book Reviews