The Forger of Marseille

Linda Joy Myers writes about an era of displacement and loss, the chaos of Europe as it is taken over by a Fascist dictator and war. Through the eyes of three characters—Sarah, a young Jewish artist from Berlin; Mr. Lieb, a father figure to Sarah, a luthier; and Cesar, a Spanish Republican who escaped Franco’s Civil War, you will journey to a time of upheaval and danger, where what matters most is courage, ingenuity, and love.

As the war presses toward Paris, they must make decisions—flee or stay in Paris—the Nazis are at the gates. The worse nightmare for Sarah, Mr. Lieb, and Cesar is to be under the thumb of the Fascists. They join other refugees on the roads out of Paris trying to escape the war, a scene of unbelievable chaos and tragedy as thousands trudge the roads by foot or bicycle. The Luftwaffe stukas machine gun the refugees on the road, wounding Cesar and killing innocent people, even babies.

They believed they would find safety in south of France with friends when they arrive in Marseille, but the collaborationist government is hunting for enemies, refugees, especially Jews. The hit list includes well-known anti-fascist artists, writers, and scientists who escaped the Reich. Sarah is asked to use her art skills to create the only path to freedom—false documents and a new identity. When Mr. Lieb is arrested and put in Les Milles prison, she helps to forge a plan: rescue him and lead him over the Pyrenees into Spain. Can she persuade the American Varian Fry to help rescue her father when Fry is trying to save people like Max Ernst, Andre Breton, Hannah Arendt, and Marc Chagall? The Forger of Marseille explores the question of identity, courage, and the power of art to save lives. Published by She Writes Press, July 2023.

Praise for The Forger of Marseille

“Myers movingly conveys the traumas faced by her Jewish characters who flee Nazi Germany only to find themselves caught up in the turmoil of the 1940 Paris exodus and the early months of the occupation of France. Their involvement in Marseilles’ growing resistance movement highlights the crucial work of Varian Fry and Donald Caskie who aided the escape of countless individuals pursued by the authorities. In this gripping story of a tumultuous period of history, Myers offers us a vivid and compelling read.”

—Hanna Diamond, author of Fleeing Hitler, and professor of French History at Cardiff University

Praise for The Forger of Marseille

“The Forger of Marseille transports you to interwar Europe where you experience warmth, wine, and song in the cafés of Paris and also discover skills the forger must master to rescue Europe’s victims. In her historical novel, Myers reveals important figures such as Varian Fry who saved thousands, and points an accusing finger at France as it capitulates to occupation and betrays its citizens. A lesson for nations of today and a call for peace through art.”

—Judith Berlowitz, author of Home So Far Away

Praise for The Forger of Marseille

“In this carefully researched and crafted novel, The Forger of Marseille, Linda Joy Myers tells the story of resistance by those who risked their lives to save others—one of the few bright spots in the Holocaust. While accurately portraying what went on in France in 1940, Myers weaves elements of love, tension, art, music, and the gradual unfolding of her characters as they begin to trust one another. Myers draws the reader in with her descriptive prose and insight into what individuals endured during that horrific time.”

—Merle R. Saferstein, retired Director of Educational Outreach at the Holocaust Documentation and Education Center in South Florida

Praise for The Forger of Marseille

“The Forger of Marseille a historical gem! Myers delivers an absolute page-turner with just the right amount of suspense and laced with a gripping love story. The historical detail, pitch-perfect prose, and realistic dialogue makes this one unputdownable. You’ll be thinking about these characters long after the last page is finished. Highly recommend!”

—Michelle Cox, author of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard series.

Praise for The Forger of Marseille

“This well-paced story of an artist turned forger in WWII era France weaves fictional characters with real-life people in a novel of gripping authenticity.”

—Barbara Stark Nemon, award winning author of Even in Darkness and Hard Cider.