num_pages: 384
description: On a small farm in Normandy as Hitler rises to power in Germany young Ludo comes of age in the care of his Uncle Ambrose an eccentric mailman kite-maker and pacifist. Ludos quiet existence changes the day he meets Lila a girl from the aristocratic Polish family who own the estate next door. In a single glance Ludo instantly falls in love forever; Lila on the other hand remains elusive. Thus begins Ludos adventure of longing passion and steadfast love for Lila who begins to reciprocate his feelings just as Europe descends into war. After Germany invades Poland Lila and her family disappear and Ludos journey to save her from the Nazis becomes a journey to save his loved ones his country and ultimately himself.Filled with unforgettable charactersan indomitable chef who believes Michelin stars are more enduring than military conquests; a Jewish brothel Madam who reinvents everything about herself during the war; a piano virtuoso turned RAF pilotThe Kites is Romain Garys poetic call for resistance in whatever form it takes.
language: English
title: The Kites
publisher: New Directions