Julien Rossignol's Redemption

Follows the arc of Isabelle and Vianne's father from an alcoholic, neglectful parent to a heroic forger and martyr.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Broken Father

A Man Destroyed by War The Great War's Legacy Julien Rossignol was broken by the Great War. He drinks, ignores his daughters, and sends them away. He is a ghost of a man. Isabelle's Return When Isabelle is expelled, she comes to Paris. Julien is cold. He works for the German high command, or so it seems. The Bookshop Isabelle reopens the bookshop. Julien forbids her from using the back room. She thinks he is a collaborator.

The Forger Revealed

The Truth The Airman Isabelle hides an RAF pilot in her secret room. Julien discovers the smell of urine. He confronts her. The Confession Julien reveals that he forges identity papers for the Resistance. He works at the high command to steal blank documents. He is not a collaborator but a hero. A New Understanding Isabelle sees her father differently. He has been protecting her all along. Their relationship begins to heal.

The Sacrifice

The Execution The Arrest Isabelle is arrested. Julien goes to Girot. He confesses to being the Nightingale to save her. The Firing Squad Julien is executed in the square. Isabelle watches from her cell. He mouths "I love you." The Letter Before his death, Julien leaves a letter for his daughters. He asks for forgiveness. He tells them he loved them.

August 1939 – June 1940

May 1941

October 1944