The Secret Pianist

by Andie Newton

When a British RAF Whitley comes under fire over the French coast and is forced to drop their cargo, a spy messenger pigeon finds its way into unlikely hands… The occupation has taken much from the Cotillard sisters, and as the Germans increase their forces in the seaside town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, Gabriella, Martine and Simone can’t escape the feeling that the walls are closing in. Yet, just as they should be trying to stay under the radar, Martine’s discovery of a British messenger pigeon leads them down a new and dangerous path. Gaby would do anything to protect her sisters but when the pianist is forced to teach the step-daughter of a German Commandant, and the town accuses the Cotillards of becoming ‘Bad French’ and in allegiance with the enemy, she realises they have to take the opportunity to fight back that has been handed to them. Now, as the sisters’ secrets wing their way to an unknown contact in London, Gaby, Martine and Simone have to wonder – have they opened a lifeline, or sealed their fate?

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Fiction, France, Historical, British Literature, Music

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 22, 2024

About the author

Andie Newton is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction. Her work has been published in multiple languages and has topped e-book bestseller charts around the world. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Washington State University and a master’s in teaching. When she’s not writing gritty war stories about women, you can usually find her trail running in the desert and stopping to pet every dog that crosses her path. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her family.

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cotillard sisters Gabriella, Martine and Simone like everyone in France have struggled under the German occupation, they continue to run their aunts dressmaking shop and keep their heads down.

A British RAF Whitley is flying over the French coast, part of operation Columbia and they have to release their cargo before they reach the designated target because it comes under attack and they drop fifty messenger pigeons. The sisters save one, they decide to send it back to England and with details about what's happening along Northern French Coast, Guy Burton receives it and he works for The War Office, he has to make sure they're not being given false intelligence and it’s not.

Gaby would do anything to protect her sisters and she’s forced to teach the step-daughter Lauren of a German Commandant Streichner, the locals hate him and anyone who associates with the Germans are considered collaborators, no one will speak to them and boycott their business. The sisters wonder what they have done, have they helped the British forces, or opened up a can of worms and put themselves in more danger, what they don’t know is in Boulogne-Sur-Mer the British spies are in the area, poised for the invasion and so is the French resistance.

I received a digital copy of The Secret Pianist by Andie Newton from HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The author came across some interesting information while researching her previous book A Child of the Reich and she uses this as a basis to write her latest novel.

The narrative is well written, it gives the reader a realistic idea of what it was like to live in France during the German occupation, the food shortages, and curfews, and how people felt about anyone who's a collaborator and others who were on the Germans side. The power someone like Commandant Streichner had, and if you were asked to do something for him you couldn’t say “no”, they used this to get what they wanted, manipulated people and made threats to hurt their loved ones or worse.

Five stars from me, another great novel by Andie Newton, I really liked Gabriella and Guy Burton's characters, how ironic she was composing a piece of music called The Heroines before the war started, it's about women who are warriors and don't know they are one and this perfectly sums up Gaby.

[Christy fictional_traits · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Women who feel helpless at home while their men are off at war, then take matters into their own hands, though of course, nobody expects women to help win the war, which is to their benefit'.

Gaby, Martine, and Simone are three sisters living on their own, on the coast of Northern France. After their hasty escape from Paris, they have since managed to live relatively quietly as seamstresses - well as quietly as you can live in an occupied town. Their days of quiet safety shatter one day when the local Commandant comes knocking on their door at the same time Martine reveals she's rescued a British carrier pigeon. After Gaby is forced to work for the Commandant, blacklisting her family as traitors, a decision is made to finally do their bit to help win this war.

Inspired by true events, 'The Secret Pianist' explores the use of messenger pigeons by untrained citizens living in occupied territories. Would you put your family in jeopardy by revealing information about the enemy, using a pigeon? Hoping against hope that not only are you not caught but that the pigeon is killed or captured? This story gives a nod to those everyday, unsung heroes. I enjoyed reading the story overall but did find it a slow start for me, yet conversely, I found the ending a bit rushed. Overall a nice story for WW2 historical fiction fans.

Thank you NetGslley and One More Chapter for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read a few books highlighting Winston Churchill and his Air Ministry’s Operation Columba and the value of messenger pigeons in wartime. However, the pull of The Heroines, the Cotillard sisters, and their story, in addition to the author’s amazing ability to bring history alive for me pushed this book towards the top of those spotlighting the same topic.

Martine, Simone and Gabriella Cotillard single-handedly held my attention throughout the story. They pulled back the curtain on what it was like to live in France during the German occupation; the fear was palpable and the courage needed to survive, let alone help others, was inspiring.

Newton showcases those whose will to survive outweighed the forces of those who were bent on destruction. My heart went out to a little girl who taught herself how to survive the occupation and the fine line she walked to keep ‘family’ safe and happy. Newton reminds readers about the importance of being your own heroine and the lengths we will go to protect the things and people we love.

I appreciated a look into the role of radio in wartime France and could imagine the pull of Radio Londres for those who were relying on getting information into the right hands. The addition of The She Wolf, the black ribbons, the nosy neighbour, the far reaches of the Abwehr and the mysterious Cpt. Walter Webber were a nice balance to the Cottilard’s story. I valued the reminder that our outlook and actions change when we have someone other than ourselves to think about. So often books set in WW2 focus on one person and their own challenges. Days later, I’m still thinking about this book and wondering if I could put my faith in a messenger pigeon’s information when I have no idea about the sender, his/her authenticity, or chain of command. I love books that make me pause and give me food for thought.

How does the secret pianist come into play in this story?! No, I haven’t forgotten to mention it, but guys, it’s a SECRET pianist. I can’t tell you. You’ll have to read how composers influenced the wartime effort.

I was gifted this copy by Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Pianist is historical fiction at its finest. Sisters Gaby, Martine and Simone Cotillard live in northern France. After their aunt passed away, they continue to live in her house and run her seamstress shop as they are accomplished seamstresses themselves. When we think of war animals we think of horses and dogs, this one involves carrier spy pigeons. A common enough thing used during the war; the pigeons were trained to carry secret messages to a set destination. One of the sisters finds a British messenger pigeon that had dropped from a plane involved in Operation Columbia. She and her sisters decide the keep the pigeon and use it to send messages back to London. The book had so many twists and turns I hadn't seen coming. When there is a terrific hardship such as this neighbors turn on neighbors. Who can you trust, who is ready to turn you in to the Germans. Each sister has a backstory and plays an important role in the story Gabriella is an accomplished pianist and has been made to give piano lessons to the Commandant's stepdaughter, which of course gets the neighbor's tongues wagging. The book is so detailed, I could vividly picture all that was going on. Some surprising things happened that I wouldn't have expected. Well-developed characters, I could feel my heart beating faster as I read. Tension, tenacity, suspense and a slight bit of romance. Based on true occurrences and well researched. Excellent book, I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. I'm on the hunt for more books by this author.

Pub Date 12 Jan 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Cindy aka "The Book Fairy" · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was an easy to read with its great flow that kept me picking this up every chance I could get. The language was decent and wholesome except for near the end with a God **** unfortunately. There weren't any f bombs nor explicit/TMI so to speak scenes for which I was pleased. The characters were likeable and the situation felt so imaginable with the despicable and arrogant manner that the Nazis treated citizens in their own countries; I felt indignant for them with the unfair treatment sure!

I kind of figured who was a traitor/spy but yet pleasantly surprised with who another character actually turned out to be! This book passed my "one chance" as it was a first time for this author but I will gladly read more by her :)

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a British RAF Whitely comes under fire over the French coast and is forced to drop its cargo, a spy messenger pigeon finds its way into unlikely hands. The occupation has taken much from the Cotillard sisters, and as the Germans increase their forces in the seaside town of Boulogne-sur-Mer. Gabriella, Martine, and Simone can't escape the feeling that the odds are closing in. Yet, just as they should be staying under the radar, Martine's discover of a British messenger pigeon leads them down a new and dangerous path.

Set in occupied France during WWII. Sisters Gabrielle, Martine and Simone work as seamstresses. They also work together to fight against the German oppressors. This story is based on true events.

This is a story about the French Resistance and the use of carrier pigeons. A story about sacrifice and survival. I liked and admired the Cotillard sisters and the other women of the Resistance. It has also been well researched. This is a well-written, enjoyable, and easy to read book.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #AndieNewton for my ARC of #TheSecretPianist in exchange for an honest review.

[Kimberly Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story had its moments. The premise and story line were good, the characters also good but the way it was laid out made the story feel so slow but rushed all at the same time. Overall a good read and a good way to see life in France during German occupation

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves all the stars!!! This was such an incredible read! I honestly cannot put into words how amazing this story was. This had so many twists and turns that I was not expecting but was here for! I loved the characters, I loved the story, and I loved the writing. The Secret Pianist is about courage and hope. It is a must read for any WWII historical fiction fans!

I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read about WWII, messaging pigeons, double agents and the French Resistance. I liked it, but I think someone less familiar with the events of WWII and the French Resistance might like it better. It lacked some depth but was a quick, enjoyable read with some surprises along the way.

[Paulette Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable tale of sisterly love, sacrifice, and survival set in occupied France before the D-Day invasion. Newton’s gripping, well-researched novel is populated with unlikely heroes and glimmers of hope in unexpected places. If you believe every WW2 story has already been told, think again. This one is special.

[Billye · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting but not very well written.

[LAMONT D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a winner inspired by the real-life story of the Debaillie family in Belgium per the author's note in the back. The story of the carrier pigeons is also intriguing and adds to the historical narrative. Maybe because of the emphasis of music and the piano playing I was drawn in as well to her storyline and characters. I will be tempted to read more from this author in the future.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!! I never knew the British used pigeons during WWII. I googled this and discovered that thirty-two pigeons were decorated with the Dickin Medal. For some reason I found this information very interesting and would have never guessed birds were used to send information back and forth. Luckily, the Cotillard sisters find one of the messenger birds and send valuable information back to the British. This puts Gaby, Martine and Simone in more danger than they realize. Love the antagonizing relationship the sisters have with their nosy neighbor, Antoinette. Poor Milly. Unfortunately, she got the wrath of Martine. I had to laugh when Antoinette was looking for her missing chicken and Martine looked out the window while shoveling eggs into her mouth. I definitely wasn't expecting the secret that Antoinette disclosed to the sisters. The sisters had a hard time knowing who to trust with people being labeled "good French" and "bad French." Loved Lauren. She was waiting for the right piano teacher to come along, which happened to be Gaby. Unfortunately, working for the commandant was not considered "good French." Wasn't surprised who the spy turned out to be, I sort of suspected it.

Definitely recommend the book. Loved the characters, writing style and story. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Madeline Elsinga]

DNF at 55 pages

Excuse me while I go cry over yet another DNF for this month…clearly I’m not doing a good job picking my TBR 🙃

I loved Newton’s The Girl I Left Behind but sadly the execution for this book fell flat. There’s all telling no showing which is a writing/narration style I hate. The characters read a lot younger than I think they’re supposed to be? I’m just not intrigued enough to see if it gets better and as someone who has read a lot of WW2 novels, I’ve gotten very picky about what I read in this genre now, most of it-including this novel-isn’t new or unique

[Lisa Henderson-Farr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love Historical Fiction, especially about WWII, and this one was perfect.

The Cotillard Sisters, Gaby, Martine and Simone, have fled to their aunt's house in Boulogne-sur-Mer after fleeing from Nazi soldiers looking for French Resistance in their apartment building. The sisters run a seamstress shop, trying to remain under the German's radar. They don't want any interaction that may have their neighbours thinking thy are collaborators with the German Forces. Sometimes those choices are no longer yours to make, but are forced upon you with dire consequences if not complied to. This is where Gaby found herself after Commandant Streicher shows up at her door ordering her to give piano lessons to his daughter. To refuse would bring danger to her sisters and so she must find a way to accomplish this and keep her sisters safe at the same time.
This becomes a difficult task when her sister Martine, finds a Homing pigeon dropped by the British and wants to use it against the Germans by sending important info back to the British. After some consideration Gaby decides to use her attendance at the Commandant's house to spy on him for any information that could help the British.

I loved everything about this story. I loved the relationships of the sisters and their different personalities. I loved the patriotism of the characters and their refusal to submit to the Nazis will. The idea of not everything being black and white, circumstances can be different than what the appearances suggest them to be. Survival is all that matters but your choices in accomplishing that goal can define you as weak or strong, selfish or altruistic.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for adventure, standing up for your beliefs and love.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

[Barbara Blindauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good Historical Fiction about three French sisters who are trying to survive under German occupation. They have secrets from one another but must work together when the oldest sister must give piano lessons to the Commandant’s daughter. One sister captures a pigeon that has been dropped by the English to gather information. They decide to become spies. No one is whom they seem to be. This was a time when neighbors turned on neighbors but did they or did they make sacrifices.

[Carol Perreault · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three sisters try to live their lives in occupied France as seamstresses in a house left to them by their aunt, but are thwarted left and right by German forces and nosy neighbors looking for any reason to report them to the Germans.

[Maureen Holloway · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting story based on true sisters (Belgian, not French). While it was well researched and told about the use of carrier pigeons and British intelligence agents using secret radio messages, the writing was often repetitive and the ending rushed.
Because of the uniqueness of the story, however, I do recommend it, especially if you are not knowledgeable about WWII and how the British helped the French Resistance against the Nazis.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s 1944 in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, and the stakes in the Second World War have never been higher. In The Secret Pianist, three French sisters work together to fight against their German oppressors—at the same time many of their neighbors believe them to be collaborating with the enemy. This book is a story of war, resistance, love, and—above all—hope.

I greatly enjoyed this new historical fiction book by Andie Newton. Her three sisters—Gaby, Martine, and Simone—are all fully-developed, multidimensional characters that make you care about their fate. You read the book wanting them to come out ahead and be happy in the end, while you also know this was an unforgiving war and it might be unlikely that they all make it through.

Newton depicts the difficult line between collaborator and resistance well, making the reader understand the nuances of how the Germans made some of the French people into collaborators—and how some did it on their own. I highly recommend this book to others.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for review.

[Shelagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging from the first and packed with plot twists, The Secret Pianist is a fantastic story that I really loved reading. I loved the way the story, which is set during the latter stages of WWII, is told from both sides of the channel. In France, we follow brilliant pianist and composer Gabriella Cotillard and her two sisters as they begin sending secret information about German activities in their town of Boulogne-sur-mer to English intelligence via messenger pigeons that Gabriella’s youngest sister Martine found nearby. Meanwhile, in England, Guy Burton is thrilled when the first message comes through and proves to be valuable. The story kept me on edge because of the bravery of the sisters, the fear that imposed itself into nearly everything they did and the blackmail, betrayal and loss of trust they faced. There were also unexpected friendships that added warmth and lightened the story. This has been one of the best war stories I’ve read in a long time.

[Kristin- Kristin's Bookstack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent storytelling! I liked the urgency, secrecy, and danger found in every chapter because it kept me invested in the story and on the edge of my seat. I liked that it wasn’t gruesome, but still honest about terrible things that happened during World War II in France. I also loved that the characters were ordinary people with a strong will to survive. It made it easier to relate to. I was surprised to learn that this book is based on a true story about the Debaillie Family in Belgium! It was a story that stayed on my mind for several days after reading it. I enjoyed this book better than Child of the Reich which is also an excellent book! If you love reading WWII historical fiction, you will enjoy this book as well!

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK, and One More Chapter for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel loosely based on real characters! I particularly found interesting the relationship between the three sisters, showing how difficult it is to reach essential decisions. Particularly, when it deals with Resistance and the three women wish to agree on each decision. Danger, safety? The different personalities of the sisters can complicate matters.... Very entertaining novel, with sounds of music, of pigeons flying and spying... Some romance but not overwhelming. The plot focused on resistance work and the three sisters ' relationship. Warmly recommended!

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The read refers to the wartime practice of dropping carrier pigeons to receive messages and to return to their coop forming the background element in German occupied France. The book is beautifully written, includes a lot of detail and events, a very entertaining read.

The pilot of a British plane comes under an attack and preferring to get rid of his cargo rather than being shot down he releases his little packets of pigeons for which one initially is discovered by the three sisters, Gabriella, Martine and Simone Cotillard who live in Boulogne-sur-Mer, a seaside town that the Germans are now taking a particular interest in, particularly as it forms part of their submarine activities.

The times are very tense, the girls make a living with their dressmaking skills but at this time they mainly do repair work and reinvent old clothes into new styles. They are, like many, careful not to have Germans patronise their business for fear of being labelled “bad French”. However, all this care comes undone when the German Commandant discovers Gaby's ability to play piano. Not only is she a pianist but she is also a composer, who, due to the war her studies have ceased. In their haste to leave Paris, many of Gaby's compositions have been lost so the few remaining pages are very precious to her. However, as the story progresses even some of last sheets of music will be used as messages for the British with the discovery of some of the lost pigeons.

Gaby is blackmailed by the German official into teaching his young step-daughter the piano. This is terrible for the sisters as they become labelled as bad French for which abuse and loss of customers follows. Gaby discovers that the little girl, while precocious, is able to play the piano well but her anxieties for her French mother for the position they are in she plays badly and portrays bad behavior. Gaby’s position is precarious, she has to make progress with Lauren and fortunately with her warm demeanor succeeds in calming her. However, this becomes a double edged sword when, in seeing a successful outcome the Commandant decides to add Lauren's name to a concert being held by a visiting German pianist who now lives in the flat in the same building as the three sisters and who is to perform for dignitaries and Hitler. The girls had sent off a pigeon with a secret message to the British in one of Gaby's compositions with information on the concert. Gaby is beside herself, knowing the danger Lauren is now in.

On the other side of the ditch Guy Burton, pigeon operative for the war office, is in a bind, having secured confirmation that the three French girls are who they say they are, is fully aware of the danger they are in due to a British traitor, the Germans are trying to track them down and the other missing pigeons.

The read continues revealing those working for the resistance having been thought of as traitors, including the girls’ very annoying and nosey neighbour, their next door German pianist who makes the ultimate sacrifice and Guy Burton discovering the traitor in the war office and after falling in love with Gaby's music finally makes it to France to meet the composer.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is being posted as part of the The Secret Pianist blog tour hosted by Rachel’s Random Resources.

The Secret Pianist is the latest novel from historical fiction author Andie Newton. This was my first time reading anything from the author but her compelling storytelling had me hooked from the very first page and I finished the book in a single sitting.
This engaging story is packed full of emotional twists and turns, exploring powerful themes such as sisterhood, patriotism, resistance, betrayal and the power of music. Andie Newton writes suspense well and pairs this with some heartwarming moments in the story too. The history behind the book was clearly very well researched. I particularly enjoyed the exploration of people being dubbed ‘bad French’ by their community and how they were treated as a result.
The Secret Pianist is largely told through a first-person narration from Gaby, the eldest Cotillard sister. I really loved all three sisters as characters and thought their sisterly bond added something really special to the story. Their contrasting personalities were fantastic and their sisterly relationship seemed authentic and well-written. I would say that for at least the first half of the book all three of them generally read as younger than they actually were meant to be but they did seem to all really mature through the events of story. For all three sisters there is also an aspect of romance to the plot and this was all well-written.
The book did generally feel more light-hearted than many other World War Two historical fiction works of a similar nature. But this actually felt quite refreshing as I got to enjoy the historical aspect which avoiding the darker themes you often come across.
Overall, The Secret Pianist is a powerful and easy read for fans of historical fiction. Anyone with an interest in the use of carrier pigeons during World War Two will particularly enjoy this book, as will those who enjoy portrayals of strong sisterly relationships.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk

*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in now way influenced by the gifting opportunity.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

To start with I thought this was going to be a romance, which is not my bag. But I'm so glad I kept going because I loved the book!

The story is actually based on true events. The writer tells us her inspiration came from the Debaillie family of Lichtervelde, Belgium, who had a pigeon and then had to decide what to do with it.

Like the Debaillies, the Cotillard sisters had differing ideas about what constituted patriotism. They had to leave Paris in a hurry, we learn, because of the company they were keeping. Backed into a corner by the German Commandant, which leads to them being ostracised as "Bad French," they agree to use their pigeon to send intelligence to the British.

It seems their intelligence has been well received, but events start to spiral out of control. There's a gripping tension around a music concert. And even more thrills as the sisters run for their lives.

There are some very memorable characters in the book. The three sisters are all very different. They're modern and ahead of their time for a quiet town in wartime.

There's the German captain, who moves into the adjoining apartment much to their distress. The girls are very suspicious of him and imagine he is overhearing their conversations and reporting them.

Then therere's the mother of 9 year old piano prodigy Lauren. She is usually seen wafting about in a peignoir and is having an affair with the Commandant. She surprises us. As does one of their nosiest neighbours, whom they suspect of being a collaborator.

British intelligence agent Guy, who owns the pigeon program, considers the Cotillards his agents. The method used by the girls to confirm their identity leads the lonely Guy to wonder about Gabriella.

There are a couple of happy endings but we welcome them after all the girls have been through.

Uplifting and heart warming. Thanks to Rachel Gilbey from Rachel's Random Resources, the author and publishers for the advance copy.

[L.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly, absolutely loved this and raced through it in just a couple of days, not wanting to put it down. Three sisters in occupied France work together to keep the Nazis at bay despite events conspiring against them and marking them out as "bad French". Not unlike The Three Musketeers, Gaby (the pianist) and her sisters Martine and Simone vow to only act if they're all in agreement, and sometimes those lines are blurred.
After finding a pigeon, the obvious debate is whether to eat it or not, but with it being a British War Office pigeon, they decide to use their knowledge of the Nazi setup in their home of Boulogne-Sur-Mer to help the allies. When their efforts are acknowledged, the urge to do more is compelling. However, the German authorities are aware of "The Heroines" and are keen to catch them.
Gaby is "obliged" to work for the Commandant who is looking for them, as a piano teacher to his step-daughter, and attending his home to give lessons soon becomes common knowledge amongst the villagers.
The story tells of their efforts to cause maximum harm to the Nazis' plans while being shunned by their neighbours. Across the channel, the man who sent the pigeons wants to ensure the sisters are safe, but his hands are tied too.
Romance, family conflicts, war secrets, and spies are all in the mix in The Secret Pianist, and the relationships between the main characters are fully-developed and wholly believable. As with any good story, there are unexpected twists and all is definitely not how it seems, making this a real page-turner. That said, the ending did seem rushed as all the storylines were tied up rather too quickly.
Of course, as a fan of Andie Newton, I expected a great story and was totally immersed in the characters' lives and predicaments. More please!

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

The three Cotillard sisters were forced back from Paris to Boulogne-sur-Mer, where they did their best not to be noticed as they ran their seamstress shop in a town under strict German control. The desperation and fatigue that Gaby felt at their situation under the Occupied forces came across clear and strong from the opening chapters. There was an air of sadness about her, having left her musical life behind in Paris, but as the sisters made plans to resist, she found a new strength and purpose to life, despite everything she had lost.

The role the pigeons played as messengers, drawing information not from trained agents, but ordinary residents, was an unusual and different take on other historical novels I’ve read set during this period. The risks were high, but the sister’s determination and courage to fight, while at every turn the Germans seemed to be closing in on them, made for compelling reading.

Gaby’s piano music was the catalyst and driving force in this book and the connections and communication she made through her music were powerful, even those that caused distress and trouble for the sisters. Shunned by their friends when they had little choice but to obey the demands the Germans made on them, brought to life the pressures and conflicts that tore communities apart during the Occupation.

As the sisters were dragged into more and more dangerous situations, the twists and turns and ‘oh no’ moments came thick and fast. There were many occasions when it seemed their time was up, only for someone or something to step in unexpectedly, and suddenly who they thought they could trust, changed track once again.

This book has a different take on the risks and challenges ordinary people took to survive, and is one for those of you who enjoy historical fiction set during the Occupation.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cotillard sisters, Gaby, Martine and Simone, are trying to stay under the radar of the Nazis and survive the war. Gaby was a pianist and gave up her chance at romance to complete her musical work. Now she is hunted by a German officer to teach his stepdaughter how to play the piano, meanwhile she is also sending messages to England via pigeon...
The Secret Pianist is an historical novel set in France and England during WW2.
Having read several WW2 books recently, I did feel a little fatigued when I started this book. However, this was soon blown out of the water. I was quickly swept up in the village life as the sisters try to resist the Germans while also avoid detection. Neighbours spy on each other, ready to denounce for collaboration as well as resistance. The sisters are caught in the middle!
The book is written in the first person perspective of Gaby and the third person of Guy in London. Gaby doesn't know who to trust except her sisters but their actions have dangerous consequences. Guy is thrilled that his pigeon drop has been successful but is haunted by the sheet music it is written on. I kept my fingers crossed that the two main characters would meet up and have a happy ending together (no spoilers if they do or not!)
I thought the historical elements of the book were really well researched. The French community is divided between 'good' and 'bad', those staying true to their country and those interacting with the enemy. However, this is not at all straightforward and the judgement of others often falls far from the truth. Gaby is compelled to give lessons, accept a German officer as a neighbour, take German business; all of which mark her out as a collaborator but she has no choice and is trying to protect others.
The Secret Pianist is an emotional and engaging historical novel about the triumph of hope in the face of adversity.

[Entrada Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sisters. Traitors. Spies. The tagline for Andie Newton's The Secret Pianist immediately draws readers into a world of intrigue and high stakes during World War II's German occupation of France. Centered around the Cotillard sisters - Gaby, Martine, and Simone - the book explores how ordinary citizens navigate morality, patriotism, and survival when their sleepy seaside town of Boulogne-sur-Mer comes under Nazi control.

After the Germans increase their military presence in Boulogne, the sisters begin to feel trapped and that their basic freedoms are slipping away. But their circumstances change when Martine discovers an injured British messenger pigeon, offering them an opportunity to resist the Germans' increasing restrictions. Though initially wary of endangering themselves and being labeled "Bad French" for seemingly collaborating with the enemy, the sisters are emboldened by the chance to fight back.

What follows is an engaging story full of secret messages, spycraft, impossible choices, and the realities of resistance. And at its heart, a testament to the power of sisterhood in even the darkest of times. Gaby's role as a pianist - one who must play for both her neighbors and the German commandant and his family - underscores the moral grays that permeate the sisters' decisions. By aiding the British spies, are they betraying their own community? Can they live with themselves if they do nothing?

Newton evocatively depicts life under Nazi rule and the simmering tensions within a small community. With memorable characters and high emotional stakes, The Secret Pianist is a stirring tale of the boundlessness of sisterly devotion and finding courage when it matters most.

A great historical fiction book. Clean. Recommended.

[Elizabeth Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Pianist is an intriguing story set mainly in Normandy during 1944. Three adult sisters live together after the death of their aunt. Having abandoned their former lives in Paris they are now seamstresses with a shop taking in clothing repairs. But each sister has a back story. Gaby was a gifted pianist and composer but having put her music first, she blames herself for her boyfriend’s death. Her sister’s Simone and Martine have troubled relationships with their boyfriends because of the German occupation.
Trying to avoid involvement with the occupying forces, they must also be tactful and circumspect since no-one can be sure of loyalty or betrayal. Unfortunately, the German Commandant in Boulogne-sur-Mer discovers Gaby’s skills and orders her to teach his step-daughter, Lauren, to play the piano. A volatile child, Lauren takes to Gaby and soon reveals she already has considerable musical skill. Meanwhile Martine has brought home two British messenger pigeons she had seen parachuted down. The sisters decide to send information about the German forces via the pigeons, writing on the paper on which Gaby had written her best composition “The Heroines”.
In London we encounter Guy Burton, an MI6 official waiting for the return of the pigeons he had sent out. A likeable man, he is constantly at loggerheads with his superiors and is not frightened to make decisions for himself, where the lives of his agents are threatened.
This tense story is fraught with danger and acts of heroism but there are also surprises amongst the population of the town. A German Captain lodged in their Aunt’s apartment shares Gaby’s love of music and the interactions with their annoying neighbour, Antoinette are most amusing. An exciting and heart-warming novel.