Light Through a Fractured Lens – A Story of Courage, Love, and Survival in 1940s France
Publisher: Isabella Media Inc.
Author: Ken Paiva
Step into the shadows and light of 1940s war-torn France with Light Through a Fractured Lens, the powerful new historical fiction novel by Ken Paiva. This compelling tale transports readers into a world where hope and despair coexist, and where the strength of the human spirit is tested at every turn.
A Story That Will Stay With You
The novel follows Monique Joubert, a resilient and striking young woman whose life is shattered by the German occupation of France. At only eighteen, she seeks refuge at the Sainte-Anne Psychiatric Institution in Paris after a series of devastating personal losses. But when the Germans seize the institution, Monique and her best friend make a daring escape—unaware that her brother, Marcel, has joined the resistance.
As she searches for him through the streets of occupied Paris, Monique becomes a target for Pierre Girard, a ruthless Vichy Police Captain with dangerous intentions. Forced into hiding with Jacqueline and Lizette, a mother and daughter ensnared in Girard’s schemes, Monique’s struggle for freedom becomes more desperate by the day.
Meanwhile, Marcel’s resistance work draws the attention of both the Gestapo and Girard, creating a deadly game of cat and mouse. Across the sea, their father, Henri—long presumed dead—fights to return to his family, only to face unexpected obstacles.
Inspired by True Events
Drawing inspiration from real history, Light Through a Fractured Lens captures the tension, fear, and fierce will to survive that defined life under occupation. Through the Joubert family’s intertwined journeys, readers experience the courage it takes to defy tyranny, the bonds of family that cannot be broken, and the moments of love that shine even in the darkest times.
About the Author – Ken Paiva
Ken Paiva is a retired Engineer and Operations-Program Leader whose four-decade career spanned military, medical, and industrial innovations. He began as a civilian for the U.S. Navy, helping validate the first submarine-based Tomahawk Cruise Missile Systems before shifting to medical software, where he worked on groundbreaking proton treatment planning systems. He later led management and operations programs for General Electric Digital Software for over 20 years.
Ken’s deep understanding of human resilience, shaped by his professional experiences and travels, infuses Light Through a Fractured Lens with authenticity and emotional depth.
Why You Should Read This Book
If you’re a fan of historical fiction that combines richly developed characters, gripping suspense, and heartfelt storytelling, this novel will leave you breathless until the final page. It’s a testament to the indomitable human spirit—a story of survival, love, and hope against overwhelming odds.
📖 Order your copy today and experience the unforgettable journey of the Joubert family.
www.booksbykenpaiva.com