The Secret Messenger

· Sold by HarperCollins UK
4.7
13 reviews
Ebook
400
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

The highly awaited new novel from the internationally bestselling author of The German Midwife (also published as A Woman of War).

Venice, 1943
The world is at war, and Stella Jilani is leading a double life. By day she works in the lion’s den as a typist for the Reich; by night, she risks her life as a messenger for the Italian resistance. Against all odds, Stella must impart Nazi secrets, smuggle essential supplies and produce an underground newspaper on her beloved typewriter.

But when German commander General Breugal becomes suspicious, it seems he will stop at nothing to find the mole, and Stella knows her future could be in jeopardy.

London, 2017
Years later, Luisa Belmont finds a mysterious old typewriter in her attic. Determined to find out who it belonged to, Luisa delves into the past and uncovers a story of fierce love, unimaginable sacrifice and, ultimately, the worst kind of betrayal...

Set between German-occupied 1940s Venice and modern-day London, this is a fascinating tale of the bravery of everyday women in the darkest corners of WWII, for readers of The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris.

Praise for The Secret Messenger:

‘Rich and captivating...a vivid story of love, sacrifice and betrayal.’ Woman’s World

‘Intriguing, pacy and fascinating.’ Suzanne Goldring, author of My Name is Eva

‘Unique, emotional and life-affirming.’ Melanie Hudson, author of The Last Letter from Juliet

‘A beautifully written novel, perfect for historical fiction lovers.’ Soraya M. Lane, bestselling author of The Girls of Pearl Harbor

‘Another fantastic page-turner.’ LP Fergusson, author of A Dangerous Act of Kindness

‘I felt I was walking alongside Stella over bridges and along canals at every heartstopping moment... Wonderful.’ Molly Green, author of An Orphan’s Wish

‘One of the stronger novels that pays homage to the women involved in the movements of resistance.’ Reader review

‘Refreshingly different. Even if you think you have read enough war books this year I strongly recommend you read this one.’ Reader review

‘If you like WWII stories, this is a must read.’ Reader review

Ratings and reviews

4.7
13 reviews
Gaele Hi
December 31, 2019
If you have ONE book to grab before the end of 2019 – grab this one! I was enchanted with Robotham’s writing in our first encounter with A Woman of War – a story of a woman who worked as a midwife pre-war, and after finding herself afoul of the “Nazi” rulemakers, was brought to a camp- then used for her skills in the mountain retreat – even with her ‘loyalty’ being a question. From an alternate perspective peppered with actual events, the author made connecting to and understanding the heroine’s motives clear and compelling. And she’s done the same in this dual-timeline story that begins with Luisa, grieving a mother who was remote at best, now in possession of clues that seem to lead to a dramatic life for her beloved Grandmother, Stella. Through a photograph of a man with her grandmother that Luisa doesn’t recognize, and a few other clues – she wants to discover just what her grandmother did during the war, and why her mother (or grandmother) never mentioned it. Stella’s story from 1943 Venice is equally compelling, Venetian by birth and steeped in the ‘tradition” of Venice first, with a family that was most assuredly anti-Fascist, her movement from a city works department into the ‘command center’ of the Nazis in Venice, along with her facility with language and her typing make her a perfect messenger and worker for the Resistance. When you add in the fact that her grandfather was a huge proponent of free speech and democratic values, and many of his friends were ‘captains’ in the anti-fascist resistance, she was a natural fit. From Stella’s story and the questions and dangers she faces to Luisa’s trying to discover the truths of her grandmother’s life and find people who knew her some 70 years earlier – the story is told in alternating moments, each one building the tension and impact of the other. Truly this story transported me to Venice now and then, as well as the information about the clever ways they ‘tricked’ the Nazis, along with the lovely inclusion of a story or hope into the local paper produced with ‘real news’ gleaned from the BBC World Services – the character of Stella comes alive and fuels the interest in Luisa and her search. Truly, Robotham has done a masterful job of creating characters and giving them the questions, traits and courage that we all hope for in our ancestors, and bringing the information about a Resistance fight that many didn’t know existed on such an embedded and integral scale. I love what this author brings to history, mixing fiction and fact together to bring a story that instantly places readers into the “what would I do or risk” mindset, making this story one that should be read for the sheer enjoyment and it’s ability to transport. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
3 people found this review helpful
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Jane Ward
December 9, 2019
The Secret Messenger by Mandy Robotham is Historical Thriller Fiction. A Split Time novel of 1942 Venice and 2017 London. It is a story of brave women and men working to change the outcome of war. Exciting but sometimes deadly adventures with resistance activities involving every part of their lives. A writer's passion is both a blessing and a curse in Nazi controlled Venice. A granddaughter‘s admiration and need to research her grandmother’s history. Unexpected family joys, sorrows and secrets are discovered. Happy I was chosen to read this beautiful story. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars
5 people found this review helpful
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Sharon Gosling
September 17, 2022
I really enjoy all Mandy Robotham's books. she has an uncanny way of drawing one into her stories. they are excitingly real.
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About the author

Mandy Robotham is a Globe and Mail, USA Today, and Canadian, US and Australian Kindle Top 100 bestseller. She has been an aspiring author from the age of nine, but was waylaid by journalism and later enticed by birth. She’s now a practicing midwife who writes about birth, death, love and everything else in between. She graduated with an MA in Creative Writing from Oxford Brookes University.

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