What a delicious series! The food LeBeau cooks serves as a wonderful device to pull all five of the stories together. It creates a great thread to showcase different points in the camp’s history throughout the war as well. Food would have been one of the constant issues in Stalag 13: the series mentions it sometimes, but it would have been far more critical than they show. You pick up nicely on elements present in the series and set them into a well-researched historical context that is enlightening on the role of food in social connections – between Schultz and the prisoners and particularly between LeBeau and Newkirk.

The first chapter establishes the long pattern of LeBeau cooking for Schultz, plus the prisoners’ need for hot and nourishing food in the winter and the difficulty of getting it. Schultz’s point of view is what really makes that chapter work. Chapter 2 gives us the hilarious debate over national cuisines between LeBeau and Newkirk; it captures the dynamic between them perfectly. (And thanks for the tu/vous lesson at the end: it’s really useful to hear how a native French speaker explains that. I hadn’t thought about that kind of issue in translating the series into French.) The cassoulet in Chapter 3 does triple duty, warming up the cold prisoners (with even Newkirk complimenting it), bribing Schultz, and welcoming Carter into the fold. The general and his wife make marvelous villains in Chapter 4, highlighted in their appreciation of the cuisine of the country that they have been pillaging. (What we learn about the wife does help make up for her behavior, though.) LeBeau’s patriotism burns so brightly throughout the story, in both his anger and his later celebration of the liberation of Paris. (Nice touch in noting he sings “with both talent and enthusiasm” as a tribute to Robert Clary’s abilities as a song and dance man.) Newkirk popping in and out was a nicely comic bit, and the end scene between him and LeBeau was funny touching without being sentimental – just perfect. The last chapter was also sweet in the men’s urgency to help their sick comrade: how very appropriate to see them taking care of LeBeau, who remains a strong presence in the story, even off stage.

Many thanks for this lovely series that was such a great pleasure to read!

Très amusant. J'aime toujours LeBeau, surtout quand il fait la cuisine. Votre histoire donne de bonnes explications - comment LeBeau trouve ses ingrédients; comment Schultz découvre qu'il est chef, etc.

Merci.

Rutika (la soeur de Snooky)

Catching up for the PBA's an d I just read this on my IPOD in one sitting. As someone who has been to France, I tip my hat to you. This had to be one of the most charming stories I have ever read. And how marvelous to read this from Schultz's POV. I can't say how much I loved this, except that my mouth was watering. I loved your portrayal of LeBeau and his transformation, and your historical knowledge of the hardships later in the war.

Magnifique (did I spell that right?), thank you!

Chapter 3: Another wonderful portrayal of Schultz in this story. Also a nice introduction of Carter, and Schultz's thoughts on him, in this.

Chapter 4: I like how you address an interesting point with this chapter. I never thought about it before, why would the sight of human blood bother him, but not animal blood? Anyway, this story shows a nice little snapshot of such a significant part of WWII history. I can almost picture LeBeau and his joy over the news, as well as his stand against the general. I like that scene with LeBeau and Schultz talking after. There's so much emotion in the Frenchman's words. Wonderful end with LeBeau and Newkirk, though, as you really highlighted their friendship.

Chapter 5: And the story comes full circle. I think this was my favourite chapter off all. Thanks for posting this.

What a wonderful way to end the story bringing it back full circle between Newkirk and LeBeau. Loved it. A unique look at the camp, and our favorite guard. I so hope the plot bunny strikes again. You're writing style is fresh, vibrant, and you make it look easy!

Just lovely. You had my mouth watering the whole time, and the idea of organizing these stories around recipes was just inspired. Brava!

Well, darn. I hate to see this end. :-( Very much enjoyed this final installment, however. Thanks for sharing with us!

Oh, what a lovely final chapter - more serious than the preceding ones, but with such an optimistic feel at the end in spite of everything. I'm not sure that soup will be haute cuisine, but I bet it goes down a treat with the recipient.

Many thanks - I've really enjoyed this story.

dust...

Like I said, being a Hogan's Heroes novice, you've really rekindled my interest in the series. I'll have to see if it's on Netflix somewhere. :)

This is a great opening chapter, it completely sets the tone for the rest of the story.

"Don't tell him I said that." At the risk of repeating myself, aww.

Once again, congratulations on completing your first chaptered story! Myself, I'm just happy I was here to witness it. :)

Chaos

Banter is always fun, especially between two fellas like Newkirk and LeBeau. :D

Oh, man, apple strudel. Nothing beats apple strudel!

I love the way you write Schultz. I've only seen a handful of episodes of Hogan's Heroes, so you've really brought him to life for me. :)

Wish we had snow. Nothing but a dry Christmas 'round these parts this year. :(

Seems like LeBeau can work magic with whatever ingredients he's got on hand!

I want a badge from the Escape Committee. One with a kangaroo on it! :P

Again, such an 'awwww'-inducing chapter. Gotta love camaraderie, no matter the form it comes it.

Chaos

Yay! My favorite chapter! I laughed and got a little teary-eyed just rereading it.

Gratin Dauphinois...*mouth waters*

I love Schultz's whisper of "Are they fighting for real, this time?"! After almost four years he still can't tell.

This chapter is just ringing with emotion. I can't even begin to imagine what the French were feeling when they heard the news...well, LeBeau's reaction seems pretty darn close to what I'd imagine. :D

Chaos

*ahem*

Congratulations, Bel! :) After eleven years, I'm so glad to see that your first completed story is a very well-written one with heart.

Now, I shall proceed to review all the chapters...in reverse!

There's a definite poeticness on your part, setting the final chapter at the end of the war. And with food supplies low and diseases running rampant...

"Nah, think I'll let that pass. Mein Kampf's not all it's cracked up to be."

Oh, Newkirk, you rascal. :D

This whole chapter is one big "D'aaaawwwww" from me. I just hope LeBeau can stomach their makeshift soup, rosemary or no. :3

Chaos

Very enjoyable and touching last chapter dealing with the last few months of the war with the Allies were closing in showing how food shortages and disease affected the prisoners of everybody especially those of Stalag 13. "The folded red scarf on an empty bunk," was heartbreaking. Loved Newkirk's line at the end regarding the rosemary. I could hear the characters saying these words. Great job.