In her latest historical novel, Far From Home, #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel weaves an emotionally charged tapestry of love, loss, and resilience against the treacherous backdrop of World War II. Steel, known for her prolific output and mastery of romantic storytelling, ventures into the complex terrain of Nazi-occupied France with remarkable sensitivity and insight. While the novel follows familiar patterns that Steel’s dedicated readers will recognize, it also offers fresh perspectives on the moral complexities faced by those caught between dual identities during wartime.
A Tale of Two Worlds Colliding
The narrative begins in July 1944, introducing us to Arielle von Auspeck, a character whose very existence straddles conflicting worlds. Half-German, half-French, and married to a retired German colonel, Arielle embodies the personal cost of international conflict. Her privileged life in Berlin appears untouched by the ravages of war until her husband Gregor’s involvement in the failed Operation Valkyrie—a real historical attempt to assassinate Hitler—shatters everything.
What follows is Arielle’s transformation from aristocratic comfort to survival mode as she flees to Normandy with false papers provided by a German commander sympathetic to her husband’s cause. Steel excels at capturing this dramatic shift, portraying with convincing detail how Arielle adapts to her new circumstances:
“The decision process went on for days, as Arielle tried on many outfits, and decided which ones were chic enough for Paris. She had a large matching travel hat box, for the hats that went with the dresses. Gregor had booked a first-class compartment for her on the train, with a small room for Monika in the same car. She was only staying until Gregor arrived. And the hotel was sending a chauffeur-driven limousine to meet them. Gregor always saw to it that Arielle had every comfort possible.”
This paragraph effectively illustrates Arielle’s privileged existence before it’s stripped away, making her subsequent struggles all the more poignant.
Character Development That Resonates
Steel’s greatest strength in this novel lies in her character development, particularly:
- Arielle – Her evolution from protected aristocrat to self-sufficient survivor highlights the resilience of the human spirit. Her determination to find her children while navigating a dangerous political landscape makes her a compelling protagonist.
- Sebastien Renaud – The French lawyer-turned-forger provides an excellent counterpoint to Arielle. His quiet strength and dedication to using his talents to save lives adds moral complexity to the story.
- Marianna – Arielle’s daughter represents the younger generation caught in war’s crossfire, forced to grow up too quickly and make difficult choices.
The relationship between Arielle and Sebastien develops organically against their shared losses, avoiding the trap of feeling rushed despite the compressed timeline. Their connection builds from friendship to something deeper with a believable progression that respects their individual grief journeys.
Historical Context and Narrative Impact
Steel demonstrates considerable historical research in her portrayal of occupied France and the mechanisms of the French Resistance. The depiction of everyday life under occupation rings true, from food shortages to the constant fear of being reported to authorities. Particularly effective is her portrayal of the general store where Arielle finds work:
“They had had a steady stream of customers all morning. Olivia took care of them herself, as they all knew her. They asked about Arielle in hushed whispers, and were impressed that Olivia had hired Arielle to assist her. Her creative touches were visible in several areas of the store, and customers commented on how nice it all looked.”
This passage illustrates how Steel grounds the larger historical drama in everyday moments and human connections.
Where the Novel Sometimes Falters
Despite its considerable strengths, Far From Home by Danielle Steel isn’t without flaws:
- Convenient Coincidences – At times, the plot relies on fortuitous encounters that strain credulity, particularly when characters manage to find each other in the chaos of postwar Europe.
- Simplified Politics – While the novel addresses the moral complexities of the era, some of the political nuances of occupation, collaboration, and resistance are somewhat simplified.
- Pacing Inconsistencies – The narrative occasionally rushes through important emotional developments, particularly in the final third of the book, where years of separation and grief seem quickly resolved.
- Predictable Romantic Elements – While the central romance is handled with sensitivity, it follows a somewhat predictable arc that Steel’s regular readers will recognize from her other works.
These criticisms, however, don’t significantly detract from the novel’s overall impact and emotional resonance.
Thematic Richness
Steel explores several powerful themes throughout the narrative:
Identity and Belonging
The question of national identity during wartime forms a central theme. Arielle’s struggle with her German and French heritage reflects larger questions about where loyalty should lie when countries are at war. Steel writes poignantly:
“I think I’d use that one. They’re going to be less worried about letting French citizens into Germany than trying to figure out who are the good Germans and who are the bad ones, but that’s just my guess. I could be wrong.”
This line encapsulates the novel’s exploration of how identities become weapons during conflict, forcing individuals to hide parts of themselves to survive.
The Resilience of Family Bonds
Despite separation, danger, and uncertainty, the connections between family members—both blood and chosen—provides the emotional backbone of the story. Arielle’s determination to reunite with her children and Sebastien’s quest to find his daughter highlight the enduring power of parental love.
Moral Courage in Impossible Circumstances
The characters’ choices reveal different forms of resistance against evil. While Gregor chooses direct action against Hitler, Arielle and Sebastien demonstrate quieter forms of courage through their Resistance work, showing that heroism takes many forms.
Stylistic Elements
Steel’s prose is accessible and emotion-driven, focusing more on character development and plot advancement than literary flourishes. This straightforward approach suits the material, allowing readers to connect directly with the characters’ experiences without stylistic barriers.
Dialogue serves as a primary tool for character development and plot exposition. At times, conversations feel slightly formal or explanatory, but they effectively communicate the emotional states of the characters and move the narrative forward.
Comparisons to Steel’s Other Works
Far From Home stands comfortably alongside Danielle Steel’s other historical novels like “Pegasus” and “The Duchess,” maintaining her signature blend of romance and historical drama. However, this novel demonstrates a slightly more nuanced approach to historical complexity than some of her earlier works.
For readers familiar with Steel’s extensive bibliography (with over 190 books published), this novel will feel both familiar and fresh—offering the emotional satisfaction her fans expect while exploring new historical territory.
Final Assessment
Far From Home by Danielle Steel succeeds as an engaging historical drama that personalizes the vast tragedy of World War II through the experiences of compelling characters. While it occasionally simplifies complex historical realities and relies on convenient plot developments, these elements don’t diminish the novel’s emotional impact or its exploration of important themes.
Steel deserves particular credit for:
- Creating a protagonist whose dual heritage allows exploration of both sides of the conflict
- Depicting the French Resistance with respect and nuance
- Balancing romance with historical realism
- Capturing the disorientation and grief of families separated by war
For readers interested in similar historical fiction, Anthony Doerr’s “All the Light We Cannot See” and Kristin Hannah’s “The Nightingale” offer complementary perspectives on occupied France, though with different stylistic approaches.
Who Should Read This Book
Far From Home by Danielle Steel will appeal to:
- Longtime Danielle Steel fans
- Readers of historical fiction, particularly WWII narratives
- Those interested in stories about the French Resistance
- Readers who appreciate family dramas with romantic elements
- Anyone drawn to themes of identity, survival, and moral courage
Far From Home by Danielle Steel is a compelling read for its emotional resonance, well-drawn characters, and thoughtful exploration of wartime moral complexities. While not flawless, it represents Steel at her strongest, balancing historical drama with personal relationships in a way that illuminates both. The novel reminds us that in the darkest times, human connection remains our greatest source of hope and strength—a message as relevant today as in the era Steel so vividly brings to life.
As Arielle reflects near the end of the novel: “We’ve learned what is—our children, our lives, the people we love. The trappings can always be replaced and bought or sold. The rest can’t.” In these simple words, Steel captures the enduring truth at the heart of this moving historical drama.
