A novel of historical fiction, The Tin Snail, tells about hiding a new design from the Nazis.

Angelo has little self control and follows his passions without thinking. His Italian father designed a famous car for the French, his adopted country. Time has passed and the Germans are more famous and he feels he’ll never think of another innovative design until Angelo comes up with an idea. At the Paris car show, Angelo wrecks the car. To get out of sight of the owners, Angelo and his father go to the owner’s house in a small French village. While there, they design a car. Unfortunately, the car cannot go into production because the Nazis invade France.

Angelo worries that the Nazis will arrive in their village and want their prototype. All of the village worries as well. They come together with a plan in case the Nazis arrive. How dangerous will this be?

I’ve said too much as it is, but the historical note at the end is very interesting. The French were very clever in the ways they stealthily fought against the occupying forces. You learn a couple of their methods, which kept the Nazis from using the French. It’s a cute novel for those with some patience. ( )