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The Secret Messenger

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The Secret Messenger

By: Mandy Robotham
Narrated by: Alma Costa, Karen Cass
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About this listen

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.

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

‘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

©2019 Mandy Robotham (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited
20th Century Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Jewish Women's Fiction World Literature Italy Romance War England

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Critic reviews

"Unique, emotional and life-affirming." (Melanie Hudson, author of The Last Letter from Juliet)

"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)

All stars
Most relevant  
This story had me gripped from the first chapter. Left me wanting more knowledge of Stella.

It hits home exactly what people went through to ensure we are able to live the life we do today and what heroes they really are. So often this is forgotten.

Awesome.

Gripping

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behind the pain and grief the Nazi's caused. A cruel time that needs to be remembered

A lovely story

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Best book I have listened to bringing back sights of that marvellous city and its sparkling water.

Best book I have listened to bringing back sights of that marvellous city and its sparkling water.

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this was a big treat. well written and kept you on your toes throughout. the reader was perfect too. loved it from beginning to end

a great read

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I was unsure about this book but decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did!!! A story about the 2nd WW resistance and Venice in a book.
I was absolutely gripped as it was about two subjects that I’m very interested in and a recent visit to Venice.
I could place all the streets and places of interest and found myself walking the path again.
Narrators were brilliant, loved the idea of two narrators which worked very well.
Very recommended

Brilliant

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Nothing to dislike, however, you need to stay focused as the characters merge and bit here

A good story and enjoyable listening.

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Really enjoyed listening to the book and possibly learning a bit more about life in Europe during the war!

Brilliant

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I really enjoyed it. Read it on a trip to Venice and felt everything come to life. Worth a read.

Very well put

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Very well narrated and an intriguing story which has given me the desire to further research Venice during the war.

Captivating story.

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Enjoyed both the present and the past couldn’t stop listening!
Wonderful! Both presenters captured their characters and I could see Stella and Luisa vividly!

I was transported to wartime Venice with such vibrancy!

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