This was honestly so much better than I ever could have expected. I wasn't certain how much I would like a book about cycling, but it was so well written that I was thoroughly engrossed the entire time!

I admit I was surprised at how this captivated me as I'm not (sorry) a fan of the Tour de France. However, this well written, generous,, and accessible book is about more than cycling- it's about France in the wake of WWI. Set in 1919, this follows a large cast (there are a lot of people featured here) as they cope with the privations and destruction. I found myself rooting for all of them. Know that there are several chapters which are unrelated to the race but which I found interesting nonetheless. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. For fans of WWI histories looking for a different angle.