Review of 'The Secret Keeper' by Siobhan Curham
Novel release date: July 27th, 2022
🕵️♀️
Wow! What a captivating spy story! I cannot rave enough about how much I enjoyed this novel of Siobhan’s. A WWII novel from a different perspective: an actress recruited to the spy world to perform the most death curdling performances of her life. Page after page I was on the edge of my seat wondering was going to happen to her next. Her courage and determination were admirable but her daringness at times made me hold my breath! The build of tension in this novel is huge and you get many of those ‘I don’t want to look as I know something scary is going to happen’ feelings like when watching a mystery thriller.
I found the spy training information very interesting. It was not a job for the faint hearted. A world filled with double agents and traitors. Who do you trust and not trust? When to act cool, coy, or show opposite emotions (smile when you are cringing inside). Hair-raising hide and seek, reveal and conceal, friend or enemy experiences. It is one of those jobs that if you are not made of steel, you must develop a tough exterior. And, of course, if you are captured? Will you turn or stand true?
Siobhan has given us another wonderful story about ordinary women who perform extraordinary acts of courage in the fight for freedom. In The Secret Keeper, Elena, the actress turned spy, is that woman who finds herself able to do the impossible. Her motive is to rescue her grandmother in France: to play a part in defeating Hitler. Her grandmother becomes an inspiration in more ways than one… her words become a mantra for Elena in facing her fears…her will to keep on in the face of great danger. Grand-Mere Rose finds ways, too, to keep herself going against all odds with thoughts of her granddaughter and by writing letters to her while the Nazis occupied Paris and her home. These letters never leave her room for she writes of things that could jeopardise her life. Grand-Mere Rose keeps these as a record of events for her granddaughter to one day read.
This story fleshes out vengeance, fear, hate, betrayal, cowardice but also loyalty, perseverance, hope and courage. It makes us question: what would we do if we fell into the hands of the enemy? Would we switch sides to save our life, or die loyal to our country?
The novel explores love, too, found in unexpected places: but also, the fear of not knowing who to trust. Fear of losing control of one’s feelings that could sway the rational mind. How easy is it to spot a traitor? Who could betray those closest to them?
This is an emotionally packed story of an exciting cast from all sides. The drama is tense but everything comes together. I don’t want to say much about the plot as to give anything away. The element of surprise and unexpected twists are important in a story like this.
I will never forget The Secret Keeper and especially these words: “Love your fear. Seek the wonder. Embrace the mystery,’ words that Elena kept repeating, when she was up against the odds and the enemy again and again. Words her Grand-Mere Rose instilled in her heart. Good advice!
This is a must read World War II novel. It is a soul-stirring compelling adventure that kept me pinned to the pages: always in the moment. And always focused on the hearts and true identities of the characters. There is so much to take away from this story. Including more words by Grand-Mere Rose: ‘The human spirit is a remarkable thing.’ I highly recommend this amazing historical fiction novel. 5 Brilliant Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a review copy.
