Why a Booktrail?
1942: A hidden tunnel. Two frightened children. One woman who must risk everything.
The Lost Orphans of Lyon
What you need to know before your trail
When Yvette Dubois’s husband inherits a remote chateau, she reluctantly leaves Lyon behind – only for Armand to abandon her there to manage the vineyard alone. Isolated among unfamiliar staff, Yvette feels trapped in a life she never wanted.
Everything changes the day she hears a mysterious knocking in the library. Behind a tapestry, she discovers a hidden tunnel – along with two frightened orphans. Yvette learns the chateau once acted as an escape route for Jewish children and others fleeing Nazi persecution.
Yvette vows to continue the important work, wanting to honour the legacy. But Armand insists their safety depends on appeasing the occupiers. And defying him could destroy their future – and their freedom.
As German patrols tighten their grip on the area and whispers of betrayal grow louder, Yvette must risk everything to protect the innocent – even if the day may come when she’ll need to use the tunnel to save herself…
Travel Guide
Lyon/Le Chambon-sur-Lignon
The story is heavily inspired by the very real tale of a French village who helped to save and shelter children from the Nazis.
Led by Pastor André Trocmé and his wife Magda, villagers hid and forged papers for around 5,000 Jewish refugees, ensuring their safety. Most of the refugees were children.
There are some scenes in Lisbon but the main story is firmly set in and around Lyon.
BookTrail Boarding Pass: The Lost Orphans of Lyon
Destination/location: Lyon, France Author/guide: Helen Parusel Departure Time: 1942
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