The Librarian Spy
A Novel of World War II
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4.2 • 428 Ratings
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
A NATIONAL BESTSELLER—for fans of All the Light We Cannot See and The Tattooist of Auschwitz!
“Readers will be on the edge of their seats…. A brilliant tale of resistance, courage and ultimately hope.” –Kelly Rimmer, New York Times bestselling author of The Warsaw Orphan
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London comes a moving new novel inspired by the true history of America’s library spies of World War II.
Ava thought her job as a librarian at the Library of Congress would mean a quiet, routine existence. But an unexpected offer from the US military has brought her to Lisbon with a new mission: posing as a librarian while working undercover as a spy gathering intelligence.
Meanwhile, in occupied France, Elaine has begun an apprenticeship at a printing press run by members of the Resistance. It’s a job usually reserved for men, but in the war, those rules have been forgotten. Yet she knows that the Nazis are searching for the press and its printer in order to silence them.
As the battle in Europe rages, Ava and Elaine find themselves connecting through coded messages and discovering hope in the face of war.
“Uplifting, inspiring and suspenseful, this is one to savor!” –Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Riviera House
“Madeline Martin is a fantastic author. The Librarian Spy is a stunning tour de force of historical fiction.” –Karen Robards, author of The Black Swan of Paris
Don't miss Madeline Martin's next heartwarming historical novel, The Booklover's Library!
Also by Madeline Martin: The Last Bookshop in London The Keeper of Hidden Books
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Two shrewd and courageous women battle the Nazis with only their wits in this thrilling historical novel. As World War II rages, Ava leaves behind her beloved job dealing with rare books at the Library of Congress to work for U.S. intelligence in Lisbon, where she discovers she wants to do more. Meanwhile in Lyon, Hélène joins the Resistance to help her detained husband, connecting her with Ava in a way that will prove exciting—and extremely dangerous. Madeline Martin’s riveting portrait of wartime Europe draws on the stories of real-life women who aided the war effort with their ingenuity. The Librarian Spy is a dashing, unforgettable tale of loyalty and heroism.
Customer Reviews
Brilliant story
I never once got bored. The character development was so beautifully done and for anyone who has found meaning in literature you will feel the emotion resonate in your soul. Highly recommend
The Librarian Spy
Ava reluctantly agrees to leave her job at the Library of Congress to use her skills to help the Allies combat the war raging on the European continent. Meanwhile, Hèlène becomes Elaine and joins the resistance in Lyon. Her gentle nature compels her to help those around her despite her husband’s desire to keep her safe and circumstances leave her with no question that she must help. Soon, the two women see more of the horrors of the war than they expect, but they still hold onto hope that they can somehow do some good.
Obviously, this book addresses one of the more horrific aspects of recent history. I honestly try to avoid books that feature this time period because the agonies men inflict upon each other weigh heavily on my heart. I couldn’t resist a book that promised a little light brought into that darkness by a librarian and the printed word though. And, yes, parts of it made my stomach clench and tears fill my eyes.
Pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
This one was impossible to put down.