Just because we are winning doesn't mean we aren't scared.

Like Tori, I too was very surprised by the humanity of the German soldiers in Dolce. It was a very interesting and refreshing look at war because often times when we study a specific side we tend to look down upon the opposing force(s). Many conversations between townspeople and the German soldiers were interesting but the one between Bonnet and Madeline on page 232 is important to note. Bonnet responds to Madeline's inquiry about the duration of his stay, "We don't know ourselves ... That's military life for you: in war, it all depends on orders, a general's whim or chance." We see raw honesty here and a glimpse into Bonnet's uncertainty about his future. Of course the majority of the French people understand that there are German families who have lost their loved ones or are unable to contact them, but it is often impossible to see past your own pain and sympathize with your enemy in any way, shape or form.

Also, in Dolce we see Madeline falling for Bonnet slowly and effortlessly and actually taking his pain into consideration, despite her "better judgement". Although Madeline is already married and has a family, I'm looking forward to seeing the development of her relationship with Bonnet. On page 251, she finally admits to falling in love with Jean-Marie "the very first moment she saw him lying on that stretcher, exhausted, covered in mud, in his bloody uniform!" Now I know this is a story about war and that is our main focus, but like Madeline, deep in a secret part of my heart I too am a hopeless romantic and am curious to see if she will act upon her feelings for Bonnet this time, or keep them undercover like she did with Jean-Marie.