A Mensageira Secreta

by Mandy Robotham

Veneza, 1943
O mundo está em guerra e Stella Jilani leva uma perigosa vida dupla. Durante o dia, trabalha no covil do lobo como datilógrafa e tradutora do alto-comando nazi; à noite, arrisca a vida como mensageira da Resistência Italiana.
Contra todas as probabilidades, Stella tem de contrabandear mensagens secretas, decifrar informações vitais sobre as operações nazis e produzir um jornal clandestino, na sua adorada máquina de escrever. Mas, quando o general alemão Breugal começa a ficar desconfiado, Stella sabe que a sua vida está em risco.

Londres, 2017
Luisa Belmont encontra, no seu sótão empoeirado, uma antiga e misteriosa máquina de escrever. Determinada a descobrir a quem pertence, Luisa mergulha no passado e acaba por desvendar uma destemida história de amor, um sacrifício inimaginável e a pior das traições…

Da autora do best-seller A Parteira Alemã, uma história fascinante que retrata a coragem das mulheres anónimas que enfrentaram com bravura os momentos mais sombrios da Segunda Guerra Mundial.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Historical, War, Romance, Audiobook

384 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 2019

Reviews

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

1944, Venice: Stella, a member of the Venice Resistance Central Brigade, takes a job working in Nazi headquarters to help pass information to the resistance. Stella, an anti-fascist, risks her life daily by working among Black Brigade fascists and Nazi’s where she helps type and translate documents for them. Working for the enemy, Stella is asked to translate a document that will change her future and cause her to choose between her country or her family.

2017, Bristol: Luisa’s mother dies and she begins to go through her things. She unearths a plethora of artifacts that relate to her grandmother in her mother’s attic. Luisa seeks to find answers about who she is and the roots of her maternal family.

Historically: This is one of the stronger novels that pays homage to the women involved in movements of resistance. The Jewish ghetto raids, Bloody Summer of Venice, bombing of Guidecca, the Riva dei Sette Martiri, and many others made a detailed appearance in this fictional account. (Though it goes through the Jewish ghetto raids, the atrocities the Jews endured and the genocide committed against them is not a focus in this novel.) The Nazi's reprisals in Venice that were witnessed by Stella really struck a chord with me. The Ca’Littoria and Santa Maggiore jail are mentioned several times in this novel, though never any harrowing details.

My technical notes: Out of forty chapters total, fourteen of those chapters took place during modern day with Luisa’s character in 2017/2018. Luisa’s chapters in 2017/2018 are notably much shorter. Most of the story centers around the past during 1944 in Venice with Stella (26 chapters to be exact). A romance is involved and does play a large role in the story; however, I felt like it did not detract from the historical elements. I felt the romance complemented the story well. No vulgarity and no sexy details.

Rating Explained: I really enjoyed this novel and learned a lot about Venice during 1944. I enjoyed the mystery behind Stella’s job and co-workers, which kept me trying to figure out who Stella could trust and who she couldn’t. Sometimes there were too many descriptions of the scenery concerning Venice that caused me to feel disengaged. I did not specifically look forward to Luisa’s chapters until the second half of the book. I appreciated that most of it focused on Stella rather than Luisa. The ending was fast paced and I blew through it. Overall, the story really caused me to think about how we measure valor and it was a good read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Mandy Robotham for a copy. Opinions are my own.


Ada Gobetti, a central member of the Italian resistance movement. (Very briefly mentioned in the novel.)


An original vintage 1940S OLIVETTI M44 typewriter. Similar to the one Stella would have used in the story.

More on these topics:
This is a great short article that summarizes The Seven Venetian Martyrs and shows a picture of where it occurred.

Learn more about the liberation of Venice here.

Mandy Robotham's first novel was The German Midwife (published in the UK under the title A Woman of War). The Secret Messenger is her second novel.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an egalley in exchange for an honest review

I really enjoyed the author's debut novel "The German Midwife" and this WWII dual timeline kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. In the present timeline, a grieving Luisa Belmont stumbles upon some intriguing family heirlooms buried in her recently deceased mother's attic that sets her on a journey to find out more about the grandmother she so dearly loved. It is a journey that will take her from London to Italy.

In 1943, Stella Jilani is a member of the Resistance in Venice, Italy working in an underground newspaper, meeting members of the Resistance and also gaining access to information in the Reich office where she works. But with so many people watching, the stakes are high and if caught, Stella will lose her life.

I love my historical fiction and this book was no exception. I appreciated the shift to Italy where as the author states the Resistance movement is often overlooked in favor of other countries .such as, France. The only part I didn't care for was the " hail mary" at the end of the story where a happy ending seems to be needed. Other than that, I would certainly recommend to any historical fiction fan.


Goodreads review published 03/12/19
Publication Date 12/12/19

[Elisabeth Plimpton · Rating 3 out of 5]

An eye-opening historical fiction about Venice and the Italian resistance in WWII.

The Secret Messenger tells the story of Venetian writer Stella who is living in fascist run but German occupied Italy in the 1940s. She joins the resistance, transporting messages across the canals of Venice and writing for an undercover newspaper. All the while, she disguises herself and works as a translator in the Reich, using what information she can remember to help the resistance cause. How long can she stay hidden in plain sight and will someone piece together her secret revealing her true identity?

Present day. When Louise’s distant mother suddenly passes away, she discovers an old typewriter in the attic along with photos that are marked with unknown initials and taken before her mother was born. Struck with grief and confusion, Louise begins to wonder about her Grandmother’s past and feels compelled to find out more.

This novel wasn’t as captivating as I’d hoped. The plot was slower paced and dragged in places. The last hundred pages were the most engaging and action-packed. However, it was interesting and educational to read about Venice during the war years. The author did a good job at portraying how Venetian’s felt stripped of not only their identity but their beloved city’s freedom. I felt I learned more about both Mussolini’s rule and Hitler’s force in Italy during this time.

There were many characters to keep track of, and I found it difficult to connect with the main characters. At times, the storyline and characters fell a bit flat. It sounds like an odd critique for a historical fiction, but I thought that there wasn’t quite enough of the present to connect with the past story. The ending was clever as everything came together nicely. All the main questions were resolved; however, I was left a bit confused by some of the smaller details that weren’t clearly explained.

Overall, even though this wasn’t the most gripping historical fiction novel I’ve read, it was still impactful. It was interesting to learn about what is was like to live in Venice in the 1940s as well as how the Italian resistance helped to win the war and preserve the city’s essence during this scary and tragic time in history.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, Avon UK and Mandy Robotham for my copy of her new book: The Secret Messenger.

Venice 1943, the city has been invaded by the Nazis, the people of Venice do what they can to fight back and many are involved in the resistance. Woman all over Venice are helping by smuggling notes and messages around the city and right under the German's noses. Hidden in prams, bags, babies nappies, shoes and in ladies underwear. People living in Venice at the time are really struggling, food is scarce, everyone has lost weight, the cities population has almost doubled in size due to a influx of refugees, the water supply is low due to pipes being damaged during allied bombing raids and the only ones with full stomachs are the Germans.

Stella Jilani starts work at Nazi headquarters in the office, she speaks fluent German and her job involves translating documents for the Germans. Stella has a great memory, she's the perfect person to pass on vital information to the resistance, she takes regular bathroom breaks and hides notes in a secret compartment in her shoe. She's a messenger for the Italian resistance, she's also involved in the publication of a local underground newspaper, she writes at night using her portable Olivetti typewriter and she doesn't get a lot of sleep. People think she's a collaborator, but she and her younger brother Vito are both involved in fight to free Venice. Stella increases her resistance work, the Partisans need outside information on how the war is going and soon she's smuggling vital radio parts.

As she's typing away at work, she can hear the German General Breugal going off in his office, a fascist called Christian de Luca is also working for the Germans, he has to deal with the generals moods and yelling. Stella becomes one of the most wanted fugitives in Venice, due her work with the publication of the underground newspaper, also her main feature in the paper is a love story it gives the locals some hope, all over Venice people are reading it and talking about it. This makes General Breugal furious, he has posters printed, a reward will be given for any information that leads to the capture of the mole, he starts having random people arrested and shot to show the locals that he means business. The only clue he has, is the person typing up the articles for the newspaper is using a typewriter and it drops a letter?

Bristol London 2017, Luisa Belmont mother has just passed away, from a short illness, her mother was rather cold and not very loving. She inherits her mothers house and while going through her mothers things in the attic she finds a mysterious old typewriter, old pictures and crumbling documents. Luisa starts looking into the past, she has memories of her grandparents and she knows they once lived in Venice? Luisa uncovers a story about life in Venice during WW II, her grandparents secrets, it's about espionage, reprisal, revenge and most of all finding love.

The Secret Messenger has a dual timeline, it works well, I had no trouble following it and going between the two time frames. I knew nothing about life in Venice during WW II, the beautiful city was taken over by the Nazis and by reading the book you can almost hear the jack boots marching on the cities pavers. The residents of Venice during WW II, suffered years of terror, violence, fear and abuse.

I enjoyed reading The Secret Messenger, I gave it four stars, I have also read the authors previous book called, The Woman Of War and I highly recommend reading both.
I have shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Barnes & Noble, Australian Amazon, Twitter, Kobo and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/

[Paul Weiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

“As she reads and deciphers over her Italian dictionary, she is becoming convinced that her grandmother was more than simply a bystander to war .”

Seen through the literary device of the 21st century discovery of documents and a mysterious old typewriter with one of its keys badly out of alignment, THE SECRET MESSENGER is a gripping dramatization of one woman’s travails, stresses, and dangers as she works undercover in the anti-Nazi resistance in Venice during World War II.

All of the topics that one would expect to appear in a novel dealing with themes of occupational resistance make their appearance at some point or other in this thoroughly entertaining novel – torture, arrest, and arbitrary imprisonment, rape and murder, fear, espionage, curfews, commodity shortages, propaganda, media suppression, traitors and collaborators, and much, much more.

All of that said, let’s not forget that THE SECRET MESSENGER is, after all, a novel and purely fiction. So it won’t come as a surprise to any reader that there is a romance element involved in the story. The requisite climactic ending twist is unexpected, clever, convincing and entirely satisfying.

No problems with a solid recommendation to lovers of wartime historical fiction. I just can’t imagine that any lover of the genre would be less than thrilled with it. Happy reading!

Paul Weiss

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set between German-occupied 1940s Venice and modern-day London. Stella worked in the office of a German officer during the day but then worked for the Resistance at night. Luisa is clearing out her mother's belongings when she discovers an old typewriter that belonged to her grandmother, Stella. Stella was just one of the many people who put their lives at risk. She's constantly trying to keep her family safe. Luisa decides to travel to Venice in search of her family history.

The story focuses in the 1940s. There is great detail in what Venice was like during the Nazi occupation. It was interesting to find out exactly what the Resistance achieved in Venice. The story is told from a dual timeline and we get a different perspective on the war. Stella's story was definitely the better part of the book. Luisa needed to k ow what had happened in her grandmother's past. There were some twists as the story unfolded. A very enjoyable read.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Mandy Robotham for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Bev Walkling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many thanks to #NetGalley and Avon Books for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book by Mandy Robotham which is due to be published December 12th, 2019. The following are my personal thoughts.

First off, kudos to the artist for the excellent cover design.

It took me awhile to make my way through this book. It is the second novel that I have read by this author (the first being The German Midwife). I found the beginning of the story very slow moving and to make it even more difficult for me, I herniated a disk in my back which caused difficulties in concentration and just generally slowed down the reading process in total.

I think one of the challenging things for me was that the author basically picked Venice as her location and then went out to “find” a story. Some of what she found was fascinating and very informative. I have visited Italy and also Venice. I tend to look for things related to the war when I travel but I don’t remember seeing or hearing very much about it while I was there. There were some things that the author wrote about that I might well look for should I make a second visit some day. Another difficulty I had while reading this is that the author chose to tell the stories as if they were happening right now. I always seem to struggle with books written this way and occasionally find authors veer outside of it which can cause even more confusion. What she had to say was educational, but I just didn’t “feel” it very much. At times I felt as if I was reading subtitles intended for those with hearing impairments. This is definitely a personal issue that I have, and it might not affect other readers the same way.

Having said that, I never felt that the characters were fully developed. Stella talked often about how important it was not to let people know what she was doing. She took risky chances and met up with an Allied pilot of Italian extraction. One of the first things she did was tell her best friend, Mimi all about him. To me that just didn’t fit with what she was saying about the need for secrecy.

There were some twists and turns in the book which I found interesting. While I never felt I really got to know Luisa, the descendant of Stella Jirlani, I could understand her motivation because I share that motivation in terms of my own ancestors who served in the wars. Luisa visits Venice and meets with a man (based on a real-life person that the author met) who will help her with her research who said something that did really speak to me.
“Whether or not they are dead and gone, history defines us. It makes us what we are right now.” This was spot on for me.

I had to laugh when Stella’s father commented on Mussolini describing him as “a big clown” and declaring that clowns “create havoc. And they get away with it.” It seems all too current sadly.

For me this book was a three star read.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first reading by this author and it was such a great read! A nice twist on historical fiction as I don't believe many of us think of Venice as a city as affected by WWII. A surprise twist near the end I wasn't expecting but loved! Highly recommend!!

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set between German-occupied 1940s Venice and modern-day London. Stella worked in an office of a German officer during the day but then worked for the Resistance at night. Luisa is clearing out her mothers belongings when she discovers an old typewriter that belonged to her grandmother, Stella. Stella was just one of the ma y people who put their lives at risk. Shes constantly trying to keep her family safe. Luisa decides to travel to Venice in search of her family history.

The story focuses in the 1940s. There is great detail in what Venice was like during the Nztzi occupation. It was interesting to find out exactly what the Resistance achieved in Venice. The story is told in a dual timeline and we get a different perspective on the war. Stella's story was definitely the better part of the book. Luisa needed to know what had happened in her grandmother's past. There were some twists as the story unfolded. A very enjoyable read.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books Uk and the author Mandy Robotham for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read literally hundreds of books about WWII – none set in Italy – until now, this is the second one in 2021 alone. I was sorry that this one was a disappointment.

Two timelines and two locations.

Set in Venice (1943/44) we meet Stella, who finds herself working under the Nazi’s noses as a typist in the Reich headquarters in Venice. A perfect place for her to gain vital information for the Resistance.

Stella is a “staffetta” (a word I never heard before). Italian meaning ‘courier’.

Luisa, Stella’s granddaughter (UK – 2017) finds a typewriter, some photographs and some scraps of paper in the attic after her mother dies which leads her to seek out her grandmother’s story. Nothing much about the mother which leaves a weird void.

This is a rather unemotional story set during a raging World War. There is no hint of suspense or danger as Stella carries out her assignments for the Resistance.

This story did not need Luisa, it filled pages unnecessarily.

It could actually be a story about a typewriter with a wonky ‘e’.

[Jennifer (not getting notifications) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid 3.5 stars
This was my first ebook from the library. Honestly, I prefer a book I can hold. This story had great promise, but I had a hard time connecting to the main character Stella (during the war years) and her granddaughter (current day).

[RoseMary Achey · Rating 2 out of 5]

A great premise, however the characters were so flat. I actually dozed off twice while reading the early portions of the book-the early chapters were very tedious. The last 20% was much more engaging.

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable story indeed...it made me feel as if I was alongside then at times in their times of anxiety and anguish. Always so much sorrow of course when reading these historical stories that are quite imaginable. I had pretty much figured out that a certain character was not who everyone was expecting him/her **done to not be in any way a spoiler** ;) to probably be. It had my interest as I didn't to have to put it down. The dismaying parts however were the usage of the name of Jesus and Christ as swear words....takes off a star for me from a 4.5 to 3.5 Disheartens me yes but I will read others of hers at some point as I do have two more of hers on my bookshelves.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books like this remind me why historical fiction truly is my favourite.

Set in Venice during WWII, The Secret Messenger tells the story of Stella, a young woman working with the resistance and her struggles along the way.

Majority of the WWII historical fiction novels I read are based in Auschwitz, Berlin, or France, so it was very interesting to learn of a Venetian perspective. It’s often thought that Italians battled a “soft war”, but although their hardships were different, they aren’t any less horrific.
This novel had the perfect combination of twists, intrigue and romance, and there were times where I couldn’t turn the page fast enough to learn what happens next. I also enjoyed how it wasn’t quite as graphic as some of the other historical fiction novels I’ve read, and despite this, the author was still able to make me feel so fearful and invested in the lives and safely of all the characters.

The main character, Stella, was everything I hope for in a lead - I felt so connected to her and her strength and intelligence was inspiring!

I can’t recommend this book enough.

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite there being an influx of historical fiction set during WW2, I never tire of the era and enjoy reading the different locations and people the war affected. So I was excited at the prospect of reading this addition to the genre. Added to that, THE SECRET MESSENGER was a dual timeline story set between German-occupied Venice in the 1940s and modern day London and Bristol. I do love a dual timeline tale!

Venice 1944: Stella Jilani is a 27 year old proud Venetian, longing for the Venice of old. One that includes freedom from Nazi occupation and Italy's fascist dictator Mussolini. Ever since she was a young girl, Stella loved to write and as soon as she was old enough she gained a job on a newspaper as a journalist. But that came to an end when a story came her way about an incident where she was told by her editor to embellish the story in favour of the fascists. Stella wanted only to tell the truth but the truth was not what the paper wanted...they wanted propaganda that supported the fascist regime.

But Stella would not be swayed. She put her journalist experience to good use in the Venice Resistance Brigade writing for their underground newspaper. And she is soon given the position of a typist and translator for a high ranking Reich officer at Nazi High Command, where she secretes information she obtains in her position and passes it on to the members of the Resistance. As a secret messenger she walks a fine line each day relaying this information as well as trafficking essential supplies.

Throughout her journey is her beloved typewriter her grandfather gave her long before the war. On it, she produces information that is published in the forbidden underground newspaper. She also begins a tale of love which inadvertently makes it way into an edition, enthralling many Venetians alike, as they eagerly await the next installment. Even her colleague Cristain De Luca, Head Secretary to General Bruegal who she also works for, is intrigued by the story.

Cristian is a bit of a dark horse and Stella has trouble working him out. There are times she sees something of a sensitive side in him but at others he fixes her with a cold stare and she wonders if she had merely imagined it. But one thing is for sure, Stella must keep her secret life from Cristian for in this war you can trust no one. And yet, she cannot help but enjoy his company when they are away from Nazi High Command.

But then, Stella's life is threatened when the Nazi's search her apartment looking for her typewriter, after receiving information that she was the one responsible for the underground newspaper and the story that had captured Venetians. Breugal and Strauss have long been suspicious of her activities and when they find nothing in her apartment, she is then sacked from her position at Nazi Command, the newspaper disbanded and a warrant is issued for her arrest. Before she is captured, she receives paperwork entitling her to a travel pass which enables her to escape. However, she is confused as the pass is signed by Breugal just as her arrest warrant is. But Stella doesn't wait for explanations, hastily bidding her Venice goodbye as she makes her escape.

But her story does not end there...

London 2017: Luisa Belmont has recently lost her mother and is clearing out her vast home when she comes across an old typewriter in the attic. Having never seen it before, Luisa has no idea who it belongs to. So she decides to delve into the past to discover the story behind this piece of history. Along with the typewriter she also finds some old photos and some crumbling documents hidden away in a box and she wonders why her mother has kept this part of her heritage hidden away. The people in the photos are very obviously relatives as she recognises her mother in the features of the young woman though the photo was dated 1950...and her mother was born in 1953. She resolves that it must be her grandmother.

Luisa is aware that her mother and grandmother fell out some years before and hardly ever spoke. Her own mother was cold and distant and she pondered on whether the relationship with her own mother was then reflected in that which she later shared with her only daughter. Although she had shared half her life with her distant mother she felt that she didn't really know her...or much about their Italian heritage.

In the course of her delving into the past, Luisa discovers the story of her grandmother's life in Venice during WW2, her secrets, her sacrifices, her fears and ultimately, finding love.

I love historical fiction but it took me a while to find my way through this book and I felt it was very slow moving...not just at the beginning, but throughout much of the story.

THE SECRET MESSENGER had an intriguing premise...but for me, it fell a bit flat in its storytelling. Although I was intrigued by the story and was eager to find out what happened, I found the writing to be too descriptive with two of my pet peeves in books - 1) long chapters, and 2) incessant monologuing by Stella detailing just about everything that inadvertently puts me to sleep. I was disappointed because I thought the story had promise. I, did, however soldier on to finish the book...admittedly, skimming a lot of in-between monologuing that I could do without.

There was so much that didn't make sense to me as the author didn't bother to translate some of words, both in dialogue and Stella's own monologue. My Italian is very limited and it wasn't helped by the lack of translation in parts.

There was also not a lot of relative development in Luisa, despite her being Stella's granddaughter. The reader isn't given much of a chance to get to know Luisa as all she is doing is digging into the past and nothing else. She had no personality and lacked depth. Stella, on the other hand, featured far more than her granddaughter of the present day and yet she still didn't have a lot of development either. Basically all Stella did was monologue about work by day, resistance by night...day in, day out....with not much else in between.

There could have been so much more done with THE SECRET MESSENGER than was done making it simply drowning in the shadow of those far more interesting and intriguing books of a similar vein. I would far more recommend "My Name is Eva" by Suzanne Goldring, "The Secret Letter" by Debbie Rix, "A View Across the Rooftops" by Suzanne Kelman and "A Fight in Silence" by Melanie Metzenthin than THE SECRET MESSENGER. It had so much potential but just failed in the delivery. It actually put me to sleep on several occasions with Stella's endless monologuing.

Having said that, I am in the minority here as many others have thoroughly enjoyed it where I haven't. I was disappointed as I had high expectations for it that it just didn't live up to.

I would like to thank #MandyRobotham, #NetGalley and #AvonBooksUK for an ARC of #TheSecretMessenger in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

[Genevieve Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - as I loved Ms Robotham's first, "The German Midwife". She has a powerful voice and her first-person narration is beautiful. I felt connected to the main character, Stella, throughout, and her fears were my own, as were her joys. Venice - such a unique location for a WW2 story, and yet it was a true story! Just when we think we know all there is to know about that horrible war, more stories surface, forever educating, forever helping us remember. "The Secret Messenger" twists and turns, like the watery mazes of Venice, and the farther along in the book I got, the more involved I became. The ending was wonderful, the friendships beautiful, and the romance just right. Having said all that, while dual timelines can be fascinating, I wasn't a fan of this one. I understand wanting to connect to the present tense reader, but I found it interrupted the main story and dragged it out needlessly. Maybe it's just me, the historical fiction lover, but I really didn't care about the present day story.

[thea 🧚 · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.
this book has so much potential in the sense of the plot, but the writing really let it down for me, the characters fell a little flat and I couldn't really connect to the story!

[Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com

A dangerous betrayal, war, love, resistance, survival and secrets swirl around The Secret Messenger by bestselling author Mandy Robotham. As a World War II fiction specialist, Mandy Robotham brings to light a tumultuous time in history in a unique corner of the world, Venice in 1943-44. Robotham’s story unveils a series of perilous events involving a brave woman playing a deadly game with the Reich. The Secret Messenger is a staple read for all fans of historical fiction.

Situated in Venice in the year 1943, The Secret Messenger introduces an enterprising woman named Stella Jilani, who bravely works as a typist by day and a resistance worker by night. Smuggling secret messages, deciphering codes and relaying information for those she works for, Stella puts her life at risk for the resistance cause. Stella’s essential work as a typist for an underground newspaper operating in Venice also puts her in a very difficult position. When Stella’s activities catch the attention of a German commander, Stella knows her days are numbered. With the commander on a relentless quest to discover who is betraying his party’s secrets, Stella must do all she can to avoid detection. The Secret Messenger travels forward in time to 2017 in London, where a woman named Luisa Belmont uncovers an old typewriter in her attic. Luisa begins to piece together the lost story of the origins of this typewriter and how it managed to be the central playing card in a deadly game of war and betrayal.

I recently read The Berlin Girl and The German Midwife, both penned by the author of The Secret Messenger. I now consider myself a devoted fan of Mandy Robotham’s work and I will definitely be seeking out Robotham’s next release as soon as it becomes available. I was really excited to read The Secret Messenger, it seemed to have my name written all over it. I have a unyielding fascination for World War II fiction and the chance to visit a very different location during this era was just what I was looking for.

Firstly, the aspect of The Secret Messenger that seemed to work really well for me was the setting base. Although Mandy Robotham’s book is a dual timeline narration, the bulk of the action is set in wartime Italy. Zoning the action in Venice was a fabulous choice by the author. I think Robotham did a truly magnificent job of illuminating this setting and time period. I have visited Venice, but this city was brought to life again in my mind thanks to Robotham’s strong prose. Adding an extra historical and war spin to this remarkable city, along with how it coped under the Nazi regime was enlightening. Robotham draws our attention to the Nazi influence on the floating city and its citizens. Many appalling acts committed were against the innocent people of Venice at this time, which is fully exposed via Robotham’s engrossing narrative. The Secret Messenger will shock, surprise and upset you in places.

Leading the charge in this novel is central female protagonist Stella Jilani. Stella is a superb female leader, who helps to move the cogs in this book. Brave, fearless, astute and selfless, I really admired Stella. I rooted for Stella every step of the way as she worked tirelessly for the resistance, which put her directly into the arms of the enemy many times over. Stella’s life story reminds us of the true courage and heroic actions of many ordinary people during the war. Supporting Stella are a bevy of secondary cast members, both good and bad, which gives Robotham the space to play around with plenty of plot twists and narrative interludes. In the 2017 storyline, we are presented with a protagonist who is suffering from a significant loss, but this pivotal character still manages to drive the story in forward motion. I did find Luisa Belmont’s story less compelling, but Luisa is a strong catalyst who helps to ensure that Stella’s story rises to the surface after remaining hidden for many years.

Turn to The Secret Messenger if you are looking for an uncommon take on the resistance effort in Venice during the heat of the Second World War.

[Sydney Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the author of The German Midwife, this is a story following a Venetian woman leading a double life during a time of war.

By day, Stella works as a translator in a high ranking Nazi officers office. By night, she is a member of the Resistance working in the basement of a bar to churn out a forbidden, resistance newspaper. Stella walks a fine line each and every day as she relays information she finds out from the Nazi communications she translates to those fighting for a pre-war Venice.

Woven into the story is Luisa, Stellas granddaughter who is on a quest to uncover the true story of her grandparents during the war.

It’s hard to write a review without giving away a lot of vital details so let me take a second and tell you why I struggled with it and when I reached the turning point that had me hooked. The first half of the book, I felt, moved quite slowly and actually seemed to move around in a circular pattern. Then I realized that in the early days of WWII, things moved slowly and taking it one day a time was the only thing to really do. Once I hit the midpoint, things started to get exciting and I found myself not being able to put it down.

Another thing I struggled with was the language or vocabulary. I could definitely tell the author was not American so I had to reread a few things to understand what I was reading. I realized I was trying too hard at that and just let my eyes find the words on the page and that made a huge difference.

Definitely worth the read, if only to experience occupied Venice during WWII.

[Kaeshi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This. Was. So. Boring. Mind you, I love reading historical fictions. It's my go-to genre, so that's saying something. I've decided to mark this as DNF because I just couldn't.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, I loved and I think you will too.

[Ilona * ksiazka_w_kwiatach * · Rating 4 out of 5]

W ostatnich latach coraz częściej spotykamy powieści, których fabuła osadzona jest w czasach II wojny światowej. Rynek wydawniczy wręcz oblegany jest przez książki z gatunku literatury wojennej. Choć mogłoby się wydawać, że na temat wydarzeń wojennych napisano już niemal wszystko, wciąż okazuje się, że temat ten nie został jeszcze w pełni wyczerpany. Osobiście uwielbiam literaturę wojenną i za każdym razem, gdy pojawia się nowa powieść z tego gatunku, nie potrafię przejść obok niej obojętnie.

„Tajemnicza wiadomość” to debiutancka powieść Mandy Robotham, której fabuła rozgrywa się w dwóch przestrzeniach czasowych.
Rok 1943, Wenecja. W świecie ogarniętym wojenną pożogą Stella Jilani prowadzi podwójne życie. Za dnia pracuje jako maszynistka i tłumaczka w kwaterze głównej Trzeciej Rzeszy, nocą zaś, ryzykując życie swoje i bliskich, przenosi wiadomości dla włoskiego ruchu oporu. Kiedy niemiecki generał, którego Stella jest tłumaczką, zaczyna coś podejrzewać, pewne jest, że zrobi wszystko, by wykryć „kreta”. Od tej chwili Stella wie, że jej życiu zagraża ogromne niebezpieczeństwo.
Rok 2017, Bristol. Luisa Belmont, po śmierci matki, znajduje na strychu pudło, w którym ukryte są stare zdjęcia, wycinki i zapiski oraz maszyna do pisania. Luisa wie, że to pamiątki po babci, która urodziła się i wychowała w Wenecji. Niestety, nie zna przeszłości ani życia babci, więc postanawia wyruszyć do Wenecji. Tam spotyka Giulia Volpego, historyka z Instytutu Ruchu Oporu, który angażuje się w poszukiwania śladów Stelli.

„Tajemnicza wiadomość” autorstwa Mandy Robotham to jedna z najpiękniejszych powieści z gatunku literatury wojennej, jakie miałam przyjemność czytać. Uwielbiam historie, których fabuła rozgrywa się w dwóch przestrzeniach czasowych, dlatego sięgając po powieści Mandy Robotham, czułam, że ta historia mnie zachwyci. I nie myliłam się.
Powieść, którą snuje autorka, wciągnęła mnie od pierwszych stron, a ja z przyjemnością kartkowałam kolejne strony, zachwycona jej niezwykłym klimatem. Mandy Robotham w sposób niesamowicie realistyczny oddała atmosferę Wenecji lat 40. Czytając książkę, oczami wyobraźni widziałam wszystkie malownicze miejsca, wysepki, kanały i uliczki. Oprócz wspaniale oddanego klimatu Wenecji, autorka w bardzo obrazowy sposób kreśli przed nami realia II wojny światowej. Niejednokrotnie podczas lektury mocniej zabiło mi serce. Duże wrażenie zrobiła na mnie kreacja głównej bohaterki – silnej, zdeterminowanej i odważnej. Mimo ogromnego zagrożenia, nie poddawała się i stawała do walki z największym wrogiem.
„Tajemnicza wiadomość” to niesamowicie angażująca, piękna i przejmująca powieść z bardzo dobrze nakreślonym tłem historyczno-obyczajowym oraz niezwykłymi bohaterami, których losy i doświadczenia wzbudzają w czytelniku ogromne pokłady emocji. Powieść czytałam z zapartym tchem i wypiekami na twarzy, a nic nie mogło oderwać mnie od lektury. Zachwycił mnie piękny i plastyczny język autorki oraz niezwykły dar do przelewania emocji, które odczuwamy wspólnie z bohaterami. „Tajemnicza wiadomość” to lektura idealna na długie jesienne i zimowe wieczory, którą polecam nie tylko miłośnikom literatury wojennej. To jedna z tych książek, które na długo zapadają w pamięci czytelników. Polecam.

[Bookoholiccafe · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read!!!
In 2017, Luisa Belmont who is grieving for her mother, finds an old typewriter in her mother’s attic and decides to delve into past to find the story behind it and who it belongs to.

Most of the story centers around the past, when we read about Stella Jilani, who is leading a double life. She is a typist for the Reich office during the day and by night she is a messenger for Italian resistance.

Stella traffics essential supplies across the city and convey Nazi secrets. Stella also has her beloved typewriter that she uses to produce her underground newspaper.

Stella’s life is threatened and could be in danger when General Breugal, a German commander becomes suspicious of her activities.

The story is a dual timeline of past and present which makes it very interesting. So much research was done for this book. It gives its readers a lot of information about Venice during 1944.

At some points long description of Venice scenery caused me to feel disengaged. But the book is very well written, and I felt drawn to the story of these two women and was hooked from the start.

My thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for sending me an ARC copy.

Review posted on my blog: https://bookoholicscafe.blogspot.com
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[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

London 2017. Luisa Belmont's mother just died. She and her mother were never close, but Luisa feels the loss deeply. When she discovers a box in her mother's attic containing photos and an old typewriter, she's determined to discover her family history.
Venice 1943. During the day Stella Jilani works as a translator and typist for the Reich. At night she delivers messages for the Resistance and works at an underground newspaper. Each and every day she puts her life on the line to preserve the freedom of her beloved city and it's people.
So much WWII historical fiction focuses on Germany, England and France, it was interesting to read of the perils of the Italian people. I also enjoyed the focus on the role women played in the war effort and the courage they exemplified. The description of Venice made me want to visit Venice and walk the cobbled streets and navigate the waterways. Intriguing and fascinating.
4.5 stars.

[Rita Tomás · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5*
Com um ponto de vista incomum - Veneza e a resistência italiana durante a 2ª Guerra Mundial-, A Mensageira Secreta é uma homenagem às mulheres envolvidas nos movimentos de resistência.

Leva-nos a acompanhar a vida dupla de Stella enquanto agente da resistência e a jornada de Luísa em busca do passado da avó, alternando entre passado e presente.

Não é extraordinariamente cativante, mas é uma leitura interessante.

[Soraya Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical fiction read.

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Messenger
By: Mandy Robotham
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Had to finish my last Robotham book before her next one The War Pianist comes out on Feb 16. She’s another amazing Historical Fiction author who never disappoints.

1943-Stella is leading two lives. In Venice she is a typist for the Reich, while working for the resistance at night. Her mission is very dangerous and she hides and delivers messages. I am always amazed our how resourceful resistance workers were.

London-2017

Luisa finds a old typewriter in her mothers home. She has Inherited the home. She also find old notes and she seeks to find the truth from years ago. What could her grandmother been involved in?

A beautifully written story.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stella has a dangerous job of working in the Reich office during the day and at night working for the Resistance. Her articles and stories for the Underground newspaper cause fury for the Nazi's and they are determined to catch her. She escapes Venice in a surprising way.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the beginning. The vibrant descriptions of Venice during 1943 and the double life that Stella led had me captivated. The terrible conditions during the war and the risks she took as a messenger for the resistance brought the story to life.

The history is woven throughout the story and the author obviously has done her research. There is lots of suspense with times where I held my breath wondering what would come next. There are two time frames presented within the book, as Louisa into 2017 tries to trace her grandmother's past.

The main characters were well-developed and I felt like I had really come to know them by the end of the book. The only negative that almost made me not read it, was early on there was a character that used profanity using the Lord's name. The story was so interesting that I read on and it got better with no more instances.

I was provided with an ARC by the author and voluntarily choose to review it.

[Deborah Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another dual timeline novel. The Prologue begins in Venice in June 1934. A seventeen year old young woman is being pulled by her grandfather threading their way to the front of the crowd. She had to crane her neck to see the imposing girth of Benito Mussolini with Hitler at his side. Chapter 1 jumps to London, June 2017 where Luisa is still morning the death of her mother two weeks later. She finds an old typewriter case up in the attic; the main link to the two time periods.

This is one of the best novels that pay attention to the women involved in the resistance movement during World War II. It is 1944, Venice. Stella, an anti-fascist, risks her life daily by working in the Nazi's headquarters translating documents. At the same time she is also a member of the Venice Resistance Central Brigade. During the day Stella makes note of any information that may be important to the Resistance's cause. In the evening Stella works for an underground newspaper. Here she relays the information she has obtained from her job and writes articles for the paper.

2017, Luisa opens the case. "Even under the dim light, she can see it is beautiful - a monochrome mix of black and grey, white keys ringed with a dull metal and glowing bright against the dimness." As she pulls the case from a pile of boxes the lid on one of the boxes falls off and a single black and white picture catches her eye. It's of a man and woman standing outside a basilica in St. Mark's Square in Venice. The woman has similar features to her mother, but not the man. On the back are words "S and C, San Marco, June 1950." Luisa, a journalist, senses a mystery. What else is contained in the cardboard box? This is just the beginning of the journey Luisa will take.

This is a 5 Star winner. I encourage you to read it and find out the entire story.