The Rape by Von Richter

Traces Vianne's trauma and survival under the brutal SS officer who replaces Beck.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Von Richter Arrives

A New Terror The Interrogation Vianne is questioned about Beck's disappearance. She lies. Von Richter decides to billet at Le Jardin. The First Night Von Richter is cruel from the start. He takes the best room, the warmest blankets. He makes Vianne cook for him and his men. The Threat He notices Daniel and suspects the boy is not Vianne's. He uses this as leverage. Vianne is trapped.

The Rape

The Bargain The Confrontation Von Richter confronts Vianne about Daniel. He threatens to deport the boy. Vianne begs him not to. The Price Von Richter rapes Vianne. She endures it to protect Daniel. She does not cry out. The Aftermath Vianne is filled with shame and rage. She cannot tell Antoine. She carries the secret like a stone.

Enduring the Monster

Daily Terror The Routine Von Richter rapes Vianne repeatedly. She learns to read his moods. She becomes numb. Sophie's Awareness Sophie sees the bruises. She confronts Vianne. Vianne cannot explain. Sophie hates Von Richter. The Pregnancy Vianne discovers she is pregnant with Von Richter's child. She is horrified. She decides to pass the baby off as Antoine's.

Von Richter Leaves

Freedom The Departure As the Allies advance, Von Richter leaves. He calls Vianne a whore. She says nothing. Relief and Shame Vianne is free, but the trauma remains. She must now face Antoine and the future. The Secret Vianne never tells Antoine the truth about the baby. She buries the memory deep. The war ends, but its scars remain.

October 1942

November 1942

1943 – 1944

August 1944