Amazingly Brave Men And Women

The Secret Messenger by Mandy Robotham is a marvellous dual timeline novel that I just could not put down.

It is set in 2017 and 1944 from the point of view of a granddaughter and her grandmother. The former finds an old typewriter and longs to discover her grandmother’s roots and wartime experiences.

The reader is transported to Nazi-occupied Venice. We witness the bravery of ordinary men and women of the resistance. “We are all soldiers in some way.” They led dual lives, lived on their wits and had to always be aware of their surroundings.

Morale was important. It was the simple things that lifted it up.

The Nazi regime was brutal. They reigned with terror, committing acts of atrocity.

There was always a question of trust. The Nazis knew how to exploit and manipulate people into giving others away.

The Secret Messenger is a testimony to the bravery of the resistance, ordinary men and women who stood up to a cruel regime, putting the war effort above personal safety. It was a powerful and consuming read.

I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON