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  • When We Were Brave

  • A Completely Gripping and Emotional WW2 Historical Novel
  • By: Suzanne Kelman
  • Narrated by: Alison Campbell
  • Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (76 ratings)
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When We Were Brave cover art

When We Were Brave

By: Suzanne Kelman
Narrated by: Alison Campbell
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Summary

The face of the woman in the photograph was tilted upwards, as if enjoying the sunshine just for a moment, even as the wreckage of the bombed-out street lay behind her...

Cornwall, 1944: Blinded by love, Vivienne Hamilton eloped to Paris with a Nazi prisoner-of-war, never to be seen again. A disgrace to her family, her name would not be mentioned by any of her relatives for over 75 years.

Present day, London: When Sophie discovers a photograph of her great aunt Vivi from World War II, it throws her into a world of confusion. Because, as she learns about this secret relative, she quickly realizes that the photograph doesn’t fit with her family’s story. It shows Vivi leaving an address associated with a spy network in London - a place she had no reason to be - and it is dated right before she disappeared.

Meanwhile Sophie’s own life feels as blasted and bombed as the blitzed city in the photograph she’s looking at. Her beautiful daughter - as full of joy and wild energy as Vivi had apparently once been - is gone; and Sophie’s heart has been left broken into pieces.

Retreating to the family home in rural Cornwall to seek solace from her pain and the feelings of guilt that she could have done more to protect her daughter, Sophie finds herself becoming obsessed with Vivi’s life.

But nothing can prepare Sophie for what she is about to uncover - the story of a woman who risked everything for the person she loved the most; and a secret family history that could be the key to Sophie’s own future.

A powerful, haunting and unforgettable audiobook about love, heartbreak and betrayal set in World War II Britain and France. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale, Under a Scarlet Sky, and My Name is Eva.

Listeners love Suzanne Kelman:

"A heart-wrenching story of ordinary people elevated to the realm of heroes through love and sacrifice...It is an emotional journey of heartache and love that will leave you in tears. One of the finest books I have ever read." (NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars)

"Oh my goodness! Evocatively unsettling yet hauntingly beautiful...the story is incredibly powerful...I read this book with bated breath. I cried, I grieved and I hoped...I was left both heartbroken and satisfied. Suzanne Kelman...has floored me with this book." (Robin Loves Reading, 5 stars)

"A captivating story of love, friendships and hope for the future. It’s written with such depth that the characters and settings come alive before your eyes." (Chells and Books, 5 stars)

"Heartbreaking...Make sure to have your box of tissues at the ready while you read this beautifully told story!" (Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars)

©2020 Suzanne Kelman (P)2020 Bookouture

What listeners say about When We Were Brave

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent story and very well delivered.

Extremely enjoyable
Càptured the listeners imagination and held it to the end. Character accents were delivered with clarity and imagination.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Tedious

Tried very hard to get into this book. I really didn’t like the style of writing , there was no real substance to the story. The narration was monotone and to be honest annoying. I had to give up .

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

So moving

This was a very moving story of love and war and sacrifice.We must never forget what so many did for our peace today.A well written and read book.Very emotional at the end.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Dull

Lacked pace imo.
Used to a little more fluency with the story line. Not my favourite

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Incredible

This was amazing amazing journey and although it was slow to start the last 4 hours were gripping - I’m hungry for her next book now.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Beautifully read

A lovely book , it did make me cry towards the end but I was gripped , well read and a Fascinating story line
Such amazing people worked during the war so we can be here today . I know it s fiction however we do know everyone played a part with some very brave men and women going behind enemy lines as SOE working with the resistance, and other groups to help shorten the war
Amazing brave people thank you
A lovely audible the second book I have by her

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Gripping book,

I loved this book. I was totally gripped throughout and the storyline kept me guessing right till the end, it was also a good insight to those brave spies in WW2. Narration very good too.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Great read

The narrator was amazing one of the best i've listened to.
I really felt like I was transported back in time.
The story was so believable and easy to follow. I felt emotional, sad, and happy in just one chapter.
I think it is based on a true story and adapted by the author.
Definitely recommend, you won't be disappointed.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

The Brave

A good story story could have been true , a good read I enjoyed it

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Not very credible.

Nicely written and well read but the story isn't very credible and it goes on a bit. It's more of a love story/romance than a ww2 spy story.
Easy to listen to, though.

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