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The Secret Letter
For readers of Orphan Train, The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Book Thief comes an unforgettable novel inspired by a true story about the power of human kindness and bravery in a time of unimaginable heartbreak.
Germany, 1939: Thirteen-year-old Magda is devastated by the loss of her best friend, shy and gentle Lotte, cruelly snatched from her and sent to a concentration camp – the Star of David sewn on her faded, brown coat. As the Nazi’s power takes hold, Magda realizes she’s not like the other girls in her village - she hates the fanatical new rules of the Hitler Youth. So Magda secretly joins The White Rose movement and begins to rebel against the oppressive, frightening world around her.
But when an English RAF pilot lands in a field near Magda’s home she is faced with an impossible choice: to risk the lives of her family or to save a stranger and make a difference in the war she desperately wants to end.
England, 1939: Fifteen-year-old Imogen is torn from her family and evacuated to the Lake District, a haven of safety away from the war raging across Europe. All she has to connect her to the bombs and the battles are the letters she writes to her loved ones. Little does she know, on the other side of the enemy line, her fate rests on the actions of one girl who will change her life forever…
Germany, 1939: Thirteen-year-old Magda is devastated by the loss of her best friend, shy and gentle Lotte, cruelly snatched from her and sent to a concentration camp – the Star of David sewn on her faded, brown coat. As the Nazi’s power takes hold, Magda realizes she’s not like the other girls in her village - she hates the fanatical new rules of the Hitler Youth. So Magda secretly joins The White Rose movement and begins to rebel against the oppressive, frightening world around her.
But when an English RAF pilot lands in a field near Magda’s home she is faced with an impossible choice: to risk the lives of her family or to save a stranger and make a difference in the war she desperately wants to end.
England, 1939: Fifteen-year-old Imogen is torn from her family and evacuated to the Lake District, a haven of safety away from the war raging across Europe. All she has to connect her to the bombs and the battles are the letters she writes to her loved ones. Little does she know, on the other side of the enemy line, her fate rests on the actions of one girl who will change her life forever…
424 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2019
7481 people are currently reading
6384 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Rix
10 books235 followersI started writing novels after a long career in broadcasting and journalism. My first novel - The Girl with Emerald Eyes (originally published as 'Secrets of the Tower' in March 2015), is set in two time zones - the modern day and 12th century. It explores the extraordinary woman who left the money to build the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
My second novel: Daughters of the Silk Road follows the journey of a family of merchant explorers who return to Venice from China with a Ming Vase. The book again straddles two time zones.
The Silk Weaver's Wife was published in 2017 and is set in the world of the Italian silk industry. The period story follows the journey of a young Veronese woman who is forced into an abusive marriage. The modern heroine uncovers her remarkable story.
My last two novels are set in 20th century. 'The Photograph' tells the story of Hungarian refugee Rachael who escapes to London from Budapest in 1956. Travelling to Sardinia with her archaeologist father, she meets the man who will change her life. Meanwhile in 2018, her anthropologist grand-daughter Sophie is struggling with infertility. As their two stories intertwine, Sophie uncovers her grandmother's secret.
My latest novel: 'The Secret Letter' is due out on 22nd July. It explores the lives of two young girls in the 2nd world war - Imogen separated from her parents as an evacuee, and Magda who is determined to fight the Nazi regime. Their lives are brought together by a young RAF pilot. The story is based in part on the extraordinary experiences of my father who escaped a German prisoner of war camp at the end of the war.
I live in Kent with my family, four cats and chickens.
My second novel: Daughters of the Silk Road follows the journey of a family of merchant explorers who return to Venice from China with a Ming Vase. The book again straddles two time zones.
The Silk Weaver's Wife was published in 2017 and is set in the world of the Italian silk industry. The period story follows the journey of a young Veronese woman who is forced into an abusive marriage. The modern heroine uncovers her remarkable story.
My last two novels are set in 20th century. 'The Photograph' tells the story of Hungarian refugee Rachael who escapes to London from Budapest in 1956. Travelling to Sardinia with her archaeologist father, she meets the man who will change her life. Meanwhile in 2018, her anthropologist grand-daughter Sophie is struggling with infertility. As their two stories intertwine, Sophie uncovers her grandmother's secret.
My latest novel: 'The Secret Letter' is due out on 22nd July. It explores the lives of two young girls in the 2nd world war - Imogen separated from her parents as an evacuee, and Magda who is determined to fight the Nazi regime. Their lives are brought together by a young RAF pilot. The story is based in part on the extraordinary experiences of my father who escaped a German prisoner of war camp at the end of the war.
I live in Kent with my family, four cats and chickens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 638 reviews
July 26, 2019
3.5 stars
When a story is inspired by real courageous people, it always feels so much more meaningful and this novel based on the author’s parents is no exception. Alternating narratives reflect the experiences of two young girls who come of age during WWII. Magda, a German girl living on a farm with her family sees her school friend Lotte, who is Jewish, taken away with her family. She is influenced by her brother Karl, who is in England at university when he writes her a letter divulging that he is totally against what Hitler is doing and will not come back to fight for Germany. She courageously joins the White Rose Movement, a resistance movement and puts herself and her family in danger as well as the British airmen she hides. In England, another young girl, Imogen, based on the author’s mother, is one of the children evacuated to the countryside by their parents to keep them safe from the bombing. She becomes a WREN and does her part for the war effort while trying to find herself. The connection between them becomes apparent and is moving.
There were times early in the book where I felt this was more of a YA story, simplistic at times when Magda and Imogen were young girls. I almost gave it up thinking this was not for me, but I became interested in what would happen to them. They grew up to be young women and it became for me an intriguing story of courage and love. It was light on the depiction of the Holocaust, but it is still an important story reflecting the impact of the war on German citizens, all of whom may not have supported Hitler and there were some courageous people who resisted. It is also a tribute to the author’s parents by telling some of their story. 3.5 stars for a worthwhile read.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley.
When a story is inspired by real courageous people, it always feels so much more meaningful and this novel based on the author’s parents is no exception. Alternating narratives reflect the experiences of two young girls who come of age during WWII. Magda, a German girl living on a farm with her family sees her school friend Lotte, who is Jewish, taken away with her family. She is influenced by her brother Karl, who is in England at university when he writes her a letter divulging that he is totally against what Hitler is doing and will not come back to fight for Germany. She courageously joins the White Rose Movement, a resistance movement and puts herself and her family in danger as well as the British airmen she hides. In England, another young girl, Imogen, based on the author’s mother, is one of the children evacuated to the countryside by their parents to keep them safe from the bombing. She becomes a WREN and does her part for the war effort while trying to find herself. The connection between them becomes apparent and is moving.
There were times early in the book where I felt this was more of a YA story, simplistic at times when Magda and Imogen were young girls. I almost gave it up thinking this was not for me, but I became interested in what would happen to them. They grew up to be young women and it became for me an intriguing story of courage and love. It was light on the depiction of the Holocaust, but it is still an important story reflecting the impact of the war on German citizens, all of whom may not have supported Hitler and there were some courageous people who resisted. It is also a tribute to the author’s parents by telling some of their story. 3.5 stars for a worthwhile read.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley.
July 16, 2019
4 strong stars
There are so many book title buzzwords these days that tend to make me immediately pass over the book. Examples include “Girl”, “Lies”, “Dead”, “Killer”, “Sister”, etc. You know what I mean. “Secrets” is another word that tends to make me look the other way. BUT, any titles using the words “Letter” or “Diary” always get a look. I don’t know why, but those words shoot my curiosity straight up! It was the title of this book that drew me; the colorful and intriguing cover (despite my normal dislike of the backwards girls in the red coats motif) was then enough to push me over the edge and hit that green Net Galley button. Was I rewarded? Yes, indeed I was!
This year I have really solidly connected with historical fiction. My new interest in this genre has really destroyed my TBR list, but it’s definitely been worth it. The Secret Letter is another in a long string of winning stories that have taken my heart this year.
This tale has two side by side storylines covering 1939-1951, with a final leap to 2019, that eventually merge—this fact we infer from the intriguing prologue. The vast majority of the narrative takes place during WWII. Our protagonists are farm girl Magna who lives in the German countryside and city girl Imogene who is British. I love that both sides of the war are represented in this manner, though Magna is sympathetic to the other side. The themes that course through the novel include one of my very favorites - the grace of humanity, which can appear even during times of battle. This theme was well explored in the book and made a real impression on me. Learning points include interesting war positions and career opportunities for intelligent British women, the system of evacuations and billeting of British school children out of the cities, the presence of resistance fighters in Germany, and the treatment of Christmas during the war years in Germany.
The two protagonists are well characterized and highly likeable, especially Magna. There are also a number of interesting, generally well written side characters. There is a bit of romance that for the most part takes a backseat to the rest of the story. That’s not a bad thing, but I did wish we had a little more substance to those relationships to make me cheer even more for them to succeed. There are also a couple of coincidences that seem a little convenient. These are minor criticisms but are the reason for the lost star. I loved, loved, loved the prologue and the last chapter set in 2019 and how many questions that arose during the story are tied up by the end. There are also some really tense moments during this read that add a layer of suspense.
In the author’s note at the end, Ms. Rix tells us that the novel is based on her parents’ real wartime experiences. Her parents’ letters, diaries and her father’s RAF log books were used to develop the story. I love this fact about the book.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Secret Letter and recommend it for those looking for a good wartime storyline.
Many thanks to Net Galley, Bookouture, and Debbie Rix for an ARC of this novel. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
There are so many book title buzzwords these days that tend to make me immediately pass over the book. Examples include “Girl”, “Lies”, “Dead”, “Killer”, “Sister”, etc. You know what I mean. “Secrets” is another word that tends to make me look the other way. BUT, any titles using the words “Letter” or “Diary” always get a look. I don’t know why, but those words shoot my curiosity straight up! It was the title of this book that drew me; the colorful and intriguing cover (despite my normal dislike of the backwards girls in the red coats motif) was then enough to push me over the edge and hit that green Net Galley button. Was I rewarded? Yes, indeed I was!
This year I have really solidly connected with historical fiction. My new interest in this genre has really destroyed my TBR list, but it’s definitely been worth it. The Secret Letter is another in a long string of winning stories that have taken my heart this year.
This tale has two side by side storylines covering 1939-1951, with a final leap to 2019, that eventually merge—this fact we infer from the intriguing prologue. The vast majority of the narrative takes place during WWII. Our protagonists are farm girl Magna who lives in the German countryside and city girl Imogene who is British. I love that both sides of the war are represented in this manner, though Magna is sympathetic to the other side. The themes that course through the novel include one of my very favorites - the grace of humanity, which can appear even during times of battle. This theme was well explored in the book and made a real impression on me. Learning points include interesting war positions and career opportunities for intelligent British women, the system of evacuations and billeting of British school children out of the cities, the presence of resistance fighters in Germany, and the treatment of Christmas during the war years in Germany.
The two protagonists are well characterized and highly likeable, especially Magna. There are also a number of interesting, generally well written side characters. There is a bit of romance that for the most part takes a backseat to the rest of the story. That’s not a bad thing, but I did wish we had a little more substance to those relationships to make me cheer even more for them to succeed. There are also a couple of coincidences that seem a little convenient. These are minor criticisms but are the reason for the lost star. I loved, loved, loved the prologue and the last chapter set in 2019 and how many questions that arose during the story are tied up by the end. There are also some really tense moments during this read that add a layer of suspense.
In the author’s note at the end, Ms. Rix tells us that the novel is based on her parents’ real wartime experiences. Her parents’ letters, diaries and her father’s RAF log books were used to develop the story. I love this fact about the book.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Secret Letter and recommend it for those looking for a good wartime storyline.
Many thanks to Net Galley, Bookouture, and Debbie Rix for an ARC of this novel. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
July 23, 2019
EXCERPT: The letter landed on the mat, just as Imogen walked into the narrow hall from the kitchen. She usually ignored the uninteresting brown envelopes that slipped through the letter box. They lay undisturbed for days in an untidy pile until she was forced to gather them up simply to open the door. But even at a distance, this handwritten envelope was intriguing. In spite of her arthritis, she bent down slowly and retrieved it, along with the pile of bills, and carried them through to the conservatory at the back of the house, Winter sun streamed in as she sat down in her favourite wicker armchair. She laid the unwanted mail on the kelim covered footstool in front of her and examined the handwritten envelope, noting the German postmark and slid her long elegant finger under the flap.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Germany, 1939: Thirteen-year-old Magda is devastated by the loss of her best friend, shy and gentle Lotte, cruelly snatched from her and sent to a concentration camp – the Star of David sewn on her faded, brown coat. As the Nazi’s power takes hold, Magda realizes she’s not like the other girls in her village - she hates the fanatical new rules of the Hitler Youth. So Magda secretly joins The White Rose movement and begins to rebel against the oppressive, frightening world around her.
But when an English RAF pilot lands in a field near Magda’s home she is faced with an impossible choice: to risk the lives of her family or to save a stranger and make a difference in the war she desperately wants to end.
England, 1939: Fifteen-year-old Imogen is torn from her family and evacuated to the Lake District, a haven of safety away from the war raging across Europe. All she has to connect her to the bombs and the battles are the letters she writes to her loved ones. Little does she know, on the other side of the enemy line, her fate rests on the actions of one girl who will change her life forever…
MY THOUGHTS: I didn't get what I was expecting.....and that was a secret revealed by a long lost letter that, through some circumstance, suddenly comes to light. To that end I think the book is mis-named. But that really is my only criticism of The Secret Letter. There is a secret letter, written by Karl to his sister Magda which, although he demands that she destroy it after reading, she hides in her bible.
What I did get was a beautifully written story, based on reality, set during WWII. The characters are well fleshed out and totally believable, as is the plot. The story begins with a letter received by Imogen in 2018, from Magda, a woman in Germany who had met Imogen's husband during the war, inviting her to Germany. The story then backtracks to 1939 and we experience the war through the eyes of two young women, Magda in Germany and Imogen in England, firstly as schoolgirls then as young women helping with the war effort, before coming back to 2018/19 for a reunion of the survivors.
I think that because the author has based some of the story on the wartime experiences of her parents, there is an enhanced sense of reality; of people just getting on with it as best they could. While the war itself was inhumane, there were a lot of instances where people went to extreme lengths to help others, and these actions form the heart of this book. In the author's own words, 'I wanted more than anything else to explore the humanity that exists in wartime - the acts of selflessness and nobility, as well as the love and loss that affected ordinary people.....I also discovered acts of great courage performed by those who chose to rebel against the Nazi regime.'
Debbie Rix has done a wonderful job of portraying the ordinary people who had to fight and whose lives were devastated by the war. She has included them all, from the woman who simply went to bed and didn't get up again, to those who put their own lives on the line.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It won't be the last.
🤩😍😥😍🤩
THE AUTHOR:
I started writing novels after a long career in broadcasting and journalism. My first novel - The Girl with Emerald Eyes (originally published as 'Secrets of the Tower' in March 2015), is set in two time zones - the modern day and 12th century. It explores the extraordinary woman who left the money to build the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
My second novel: Daughters of the Silk Road follows the journey of a family of merchant explorers who return to Venice from China with a Ming Vase. The book again straddles two time zones.
The Silk Weaver's Wife was published in 2017 and is set in the world of the Italian silk industry. The period story follows the journey of a young Veronese woman who is forced into an abusive marriage. The modern heroine uncovers her remarkable story.
My last two novels are set in 20th century. 'The Photograph' tells the story of Hungarian refugee Rachael who escapes to London from Budapest in 1956. Travelling to Sardinia with her archaeologist father, she meets the man who will change her life. Meanwhile in 2018, her anthropologist grand-daughter Sophie is struggling with infertility. As their two stories intertwine, Sophie uncovers her grandmother's secret.
My latest novel: 'The Secret Letter' is due out on 22nd July. It explores the lives of two young girls in the 2nd world war - Imogen separated from her parents as an evacuee, and Magda who is determined to fight the Nazi regime. Their lives are brought together by a young RAF pilot. The story is based in part on the extraordinary experiences of my father who escaped a German prisoner of war camp at the end of the war.
I live in Kent with my family, four cats and chickens.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Secret Letter by Debbie Rix for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Germany, 1939: Thirteen-year-old Magda is devastated by the loss of her best friend, shy and gentle Lotte, cruelly snatched from her and sent to a concentration camp – the Star of David sewn on her faded, brown coat. As the Nazi’s power takes hold, Magda realizes she’s not like the other girls in her village - she hates the fanatical new rules of the Hitler Youth. So Magda secretly joins The White Rose movement and begins to rebel against the oppressive, frightening world around her.
But when an English RAF pilot lands in a field near Magda’s home she is faced with an impossible choice: to risk the lives of her family or to save a stranger and make a difference in the war she desperately wants to end.
England, 1939: Fifteen-year-old Imogen is torn from her family and evacuated to the Lake District, a haven of safety away from the war raging across Europe. All she has to connect her to the bombs and the battles are the letters she writes to her loved ones. Little does she know, on the other side of the enemy line, her fate rests on the actions of one girl who will change her life forever…
MY THOUGHTS: I didn't get what I was expecting.....and that was a secret revealed by a long lost letter that, through some circumstance, suddenly comes to light. To that end I think the book is mis-named. But that really is my only criticism of The Secret Letter. There is a secret letter, written by Karl to his sister Magda which, although he demands that she destroy it after reading, she hides in her bible.
What I did get was a beautifully written story, based on reality, set during WWII. The characters are well fleshed out and totally believable, as is the plot. The story begins with a letter received by Imogen in 2018, from Magda, a woman in Germany who had met Imogen's husband during the war, inviting her to Germany. The story then backtracks to 1939 and we experience the war through the eyes of two young women, Magda in Germany and Imogen in England, firstly as schoolgirls then as young women helping with the war effort, before coming back to 2018/19 for a reunion of the survivors.
I think that because the author has based some of the story on the wartime experiences of her parents, there is an enhanced sense of reality; of people just getting on with it as best they could. While the war itself was inhumane, there were a lot of instances where people went to extreme lengths to help others, and these actions form the heart of this book. In the author's own words, 'I wanted more than anything else to explore the humanity that exists in wartime - the acts of selflessness and nobility, as well as the love and loss that affected ordinary people.....I also discovered acts of great courage performed by those who chose to rebel against the Nazi regime.'
Debbie Rix has done a wonderful job of portraying the ordinary people who had to fight and whose lives were devastated by the war. She has included them all, from the woman who simply went to bed and didn't get up again, to those who put their own lives on the line.
This is the first book I have read by this author. It won't be the last.
🤩😍😥😍🤩
THE AUTHOR:
I started writing novels after a long career in broadcasting and journalism. My first novel - The Girl with Emerald Eyes (originally published as 'Secrets of the Tower' in March 2015), is set in two time zones - the modern day and 12th century. It explores the extraordinary woman who left the money to build the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
My second novel: Daughters of the Silk Road follows the journey of a family of merchant explorers who return to Venice from China with a Ming Vase. The book again straddles two time zones.
The Silk Weaver's Wife was published in 2017 and is set in the world of the Italian silk industry. The period story follows the journey of a young Veronese woman who is forced into an abusive marriage. The modern heroine uncovers her remarkable story.
My last two novels are set in 20th century. 'The Photograph' tells the story of Hungarian refugee Rachael who escapes to London from Budapest in 1956. Travelling to Sardinia with her archaeologist father, she meets the man who will change her life. Meanwhile in 2018, her anthropologist grand-daughter Sophie is struggling with infertility. As their two stories intertwine, Sophie uncovers her grandmother's secret.
My latest novel: 'The Secret Letter' is due out on 22nd July. It explores the lives of two young girls in the 2nd world war - Imogen separated from her parents as an evacuee, and Magda who is determined to fight the Nazi regime. Their lives are brought together by a young RAF pilot. The story is based in part on the extraordinary experiences of my father who escaped a German prisoner of war camp at the end of the war.
I live in Kent with my family, four cats and chickens.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Secret Letter by Debbie Rix for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
July 9, 2019
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a digital galley in exchange for an honest review.
If it hadn't been for the beautiful reviews I had read here on Goodreads, this WWII story would have slipped right through my fingers. Alternating between Germany and England, I quickly became engrossed in Magda and Imogen's storylines. The Secret Letter is a coming of age story during a time when these two countries were torn apart by war. Debbie Rix weaves into the tale the Hitler Youth, The White Rose, the evacuation of British children to the countryside, and other war related activities. It results in a captivating story that makes it a nominee for best WWII book of 2019
As much as I enjoyed the two protagonists, I wasn't a huge fan of Magda's mother. It seemed as the story and the war progressed, she became even more incredibly naive and well, just plain stupid. Other than, I have only praise for this book!
Goodreads Review 09/07/19
Expected Publication 22/07/19
If it hadn't been for the beautiful reviews I had read here on Goodreads, this WWII story would have slipped right through my fingers. Alternating between Germany and England, I quickly became engrossed in Magda and Imogen's storylines. The Secret Letter is a coming of age story during a time when these two countries were torn apart by war. Debbie Rix weaves into the tale the Hitler Youth, The White Rose, the evacuation of British children to the countryside, and other war related activities. It results in a captivating story that makes it a nominee for best WWII book of 2019
As much as I enjoyed the two protagonists, I wasn't a huge fan of Magda's mother. It seemed as the story and the war progressed, she became even more incredibly naive and well, just plain stupid. Other than, I have only praise for this book!
Goodreads Review 09/07/19
Expected Publication 22/07/19
March 8, 2020
This is a historical fiction based on the wartime experiences of the author’s parents.
The book is well written and researched. The story takes place during WWII and is about two girls: one English, Imogen, and the other German, Magda. The stories of the two girls are told separately and only unite at the ending. This is a different but dramatic approach in telling the story. Imogen and Magda grow up during the War and both hate the Nazis. It is a story of bravery and hope. It is an easy to read story. This is my first experience with both the author and the narrator. I highly recommend this story.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is twelve hours and twenty-one minutes. Jacqueline King does a good job narrating the book. King is a British actress and audiobook narrator.
The book is well written and researched. The story takes place during WWII and is about two girls: one English, Imogen, and the other German, Magda. The stories of the two girls are told separately and only unite at the ending. This is a different but dramatic approach in telling the story. Imogen and Magda grow up during the War and both hate the Nazis. It is a story of bravery and hope. It is an easy to read story. This is my first experience with both the author and the narrator. I highly recommend this story.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is twelve hours and twenty-one minutes. Jacqueline King does a good job narrating the book. King is a British actress and audiobook narrator.
April 3, 2022
Magda Maier lives in Germany in 1939, with her parents Pieter and Kathe on the families dairy farm and her older brother Karl is studying at the Heidelberg university. One day Magda best friend Lotte and her family are run out of town. Magda is very upset by how her friend is being treated and she later finds out that the family had been sent to a concentration camp.
Life in Germany starts to change, Magda discovers that she feels differently to her peers, she has no choice and joins the German Girls League it's the girls version of Hitler youth. Magda hates the meetings, uniform, and activities. Traditional events are no longer celebrated in Germany, Christmas being one of them, popular songs have the words changed and libraries are forced to burn books.
While reading The Secret Letter you really start to understand how Germany changed by the oppressive tide of Hitler and the Nazi party. Not all of the German people agreed with what was happening at the time and what could they do? If You didn't support the cause not only did you put yourself in danger and your whole family as well.
Karl finishes his degree, he is offered a place to study at Oxford university and he moves to England. He sends a letter to his sister to explain that he will not be returning to Germany, as he would be made to fight in the war and between the pages he tries to tell her what is really going on in Germany to his sister. The only information the German people receive is what's released by Nazi's party and Karl pleads with his sister to destroy his letter after she finishes reading it.
In England fifteen year old Imogen Mitchell or Immy as she liked to be called lives with her parents Rose and Joe and her pet dog honey in Newcastle. One day her mum sits her down and explains that she's going to be one of the thousands of children evacuated to the country, with the threat of war looming they had no idea when or if Hitler would attack England or where? She and her friends Joy and Helen are sent to the beautiful lakes district where they go to school and enjoy living in the country. Imogen has a secret crush on a family friend Freddie and does her best to hide this from her family and friends.
Both Magda and Imogen are teenagers when the war starts, soon they both grow up to be young women and are required to help the war effort. Magda continues to help on the family farm, she gets restless under the oppressive regime, she becomes involved in the White Rose movement but she discovers how dangerous it can be to rebel against the Nazi's. Magda's life is changed forever when one day she assists a RAF pilot Michael Stewart who is shot down close to her families farm and against her parents wishes she decided to help him and other pilots shot down in Germany to escape and return to England.
In England Imogen has turned nineteen, she puts her plans for further study on hold and joins the Wrens, soon she is helping her boss with the plotting and planning of operation overlord. Years after the war finishes Magda and Imogen find out that they're lives are connected by circumstances and events that happened during the war.
I loved The Secret Letter, it's a story that makes you cry because you can see how hard life was during WW II for two young teenage girls, both had to grow up very quickly and keep going no matter what happened to them and their families during such a turbulent time in history. I gave the book five stars, I loved it and I also enjoyed Debbie's previous book called The Promise.
I shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Twitter, Australian Amazon and on my bog. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Life in Germany starts to change, Magda discovers that she feels differently to her peers, she has no choice and joins the German Girls League it's the girls version of Hitler youth. Magda hates the meetings, uniform, and activities. Traditional events are no longer celebrated in Germany, Christmas being one of them, popular songs have the words changed and libraries are forced to burn books.
While reading The Secret Letter you really start to understand how Germany changed by the oppressive tide of Hitler and the Nazi party. Not all of the German people agreed with what was happening at the time and what could they do? If You didn't support the cause not only did you put yourself in danger and your whole family as well.
Karl finishes his degree, he is offered a place to study at Oxford university and he moves to England. He sends a letter to his sister to explain that he will not be returning to Germany, as he would be made to fight in the war and between the pages he tries to tell her what is really going on in Germany to his sister. The only information the German people receive is what's released by Nazi's party and Karl pleads with his sister to destroy his letter after she finishes reading it.
In England fifteen year old Imogen Mitchell or Immy as she liked to be called lives with her parents Rose and Joe and her pet dog honey in Newcastle. One day her mum sits her down and explains that she's going to be one of the thousands of children evacuated to the country, with the threat of war looming they had no idea when or if Hitler would attack England or where? She and her friends Joy and Helen are sent to the beautiful lakes district where they go to school and enjoy living in the country. Imogen has a secret crush on a family friend Freddie and does her best to hide this from her family and friends.
Both Magda and Imogen are teenagers when the war starts, soon they both grow up to be young women and are required to help the war effort. Magda continues to help on the family farm, she gets restless under the oppressive regime, she becomes involved in the White Rose movement but she discovers how dangerous it can be to rebel against the Nazi's. Magda's life is changed forever when one day she assists a RAF pilot Michael Stewart who is shot down close to her families farm and against her parents wishes she decided to help him and other pilots shot down in Germany to escape and return to England.
In England Imogen has turned nineteen, she puts her plans for further study on hold and joins the Wrens, soon she is helping her boss with the plotting and planning of operation overlord. Years after the war finishes Magda and Imogen find out that they're lives are connected by circumstances and events that happened during the war.
I loved The Secret Letter, it's a story that makes you cry because you can see how hard life was during WW II for two young teenage girls, both had to grow up very quickly and keep going no matter what happened to them and their families during such a turbulent time in history. I gave the book five stars, I loved it and I also enjoyed Debbie's previous book called The Promise.
I shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Twitter, Australian Amazon and on my bog. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
August 2, 2019
This book reminded me again why I love historical fiction novels so much. Even though history is based on facts, there are so many points of view to describe it and so many different situations and feelings that people experienced during specific period, that we can have endless stories to write about it. “The Secret Letter” is yet another version of people’s experience during WWII written in a truly beautiful and engaging style.
Two girls, Imogen and Magda, are forced to live through one of the most horrifying times in world’s history, but with their strong determination and courageous actions, not only they survive WWII but they are also able to make a significant difference in their and other people’s lives. This is a story of bravery, kindness, love, and humanity. What makes this novel even more special is that it is based on a true story of author parents’ experience during WWII.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves historical fiction genre, and I am definitely looking forward to reading other books by Debbie Rix.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author, talented Debbie Rix, for giving me an opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Two girls, Imogen and Magda, are forced to live through one of the most horrifying times in world’s history, but with their strong determination and courageous actions, not only they survive WWII but they are also able to make a significant difference in their and other people’s lives. This is a story of bravery, kindness, love, and humanity. What makes this novel even more special is that it is based on a true story of author parents’ experience during WWII.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves historical fiction genre, and I am definitely looking forward to reading other books by Debbie Rix.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author, talented Debbie Rix, for giving me an opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 2, 2019
The Secret Letter poses these questions- Are morals innately defined by organic character or predominately influenced by the setting of anthropology? Does everyone retain some secrecy behind their own veil of security? Do familial ties remain constitutional if bartering with infringement?
The experiences and journey of Magda and Imogen are refreshing and genuine, rather than romanticized. The story is not always ideal for the character, and likewise the character is not always faultless. This story range focuses on identifying the connection between the two main characters, Magda and Imogen, following the modern historical fiction trend. Yet, the association between the two girls is intriguing from the beginning and stays constantly alluring throughout the entirety of the novel; and, once discovered, their particular connection is one that is different from other novels. Although this story does alternate chapters between two characters like most historical fiction, the pattern and exploration for determining the girls relationship was admirably unconventional and enjoyable.
I found the dialogue between the girls and their mothers especially palpable. The mother-daughter relationships were carefully crafted and conscientiously instrumental throughout the story.
The inclusion of the radio broadcasts, leaflet prints, speeches, and newspapers clippings added to the authenticity of the story. Some works of historical fiction do not include the excerpt from these texts, but this novel actually incorporated the dictation from primary sources. Furthermore, it was exceptional how the story depended on these authentic texts to establish the chapters.
I appreciated how the prose of Imogen during her time as a Wren did not transform into an entire address on women's suffrage. The reader did experience the injustice of equality during the time period through Imogen, but it was uplifting that she was not paralyzed by this notion in order to foster her success.
This story incorporates the resistance of The White Rose group. I have read about The White Rose in other works of fiction regarding the same topics, so I wasn't as enthusiastic for this portion of the novel. I found the age of the surviving characters questionable at the end. However, this was not prevalent enough to take off a star.
Permitted these being available, I thought it would have been neat to include a photo of her mother in her Wren uniform and a photo of her father in his RAF uniform. And even more interesting, possibly, a photocopy of one or two of the notes/diary her father kept in boots.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Debbie Rix, and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.
The experiences and journey of Magda and Imogen are refreshing and genuine, rather than romanticized. The story is not always ideal for the character, and likewise the character is not always faultless. This story range focuses on identifying the connection between the two main characters, Magda and Imogen, following the modern historical fiction trend. Yet, the association between the two girls is intriguing from the beginning and stays constantly alluring throughout the entirety of the novel; and, once discovered, their particular connection is one that is different from other novels. Although this story does alternate chapters between two characters like most historical fiction, the pattern and exploration for determining the girls relationship was admirably unconventional and enjoyable.
I found the dialogue between the girls and their mothers especially palpable. The mother-daughter relationships were carefully crafted and conscientiously instrumental throughout the story.
The inclusion of the radio broadcasts, leaflet prints, speeches, and newspapers clippings added to the authenticity of the story. Some works of historical fiction do not include the excerpt from these texts, but this novel actually incorporated the dictation from primary sources. Furthermore, it was exceptional how the story depended on these authentic texts to establish the chapters.
I appreciated how the prose of Imogen during her time as a Wren did not transform into an entire address on women's suffrage. The reader did experience the injustice of equality during the time period through Imogen, but it was uplifting that she was not paralyzed by this notion in order to foster her success.
This story incorporates the resistance of The White Rose group. I have read about The White Rose in other works of fiction regarding the same topics, so I wasn't as enthusiastic for this portion of the novel. I found the age of the surviving characters questionable at the end. However, this was not prevalent enough to take off a star.
Permitted these being available, I thought it would have been neat to include a photo of her mother in her Wren uniform and a photo of her father in his RAF uniform. And even more interesting, possibly, a photocopy of one or two of the notes/diary her father kept in boots.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Debbie Rix, and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.
May 26, 2019
The Secret Letter by Debbie Rix is a historical novel set in the Second World War.
It tells the story of two girls. Magda who lives in Germany and Imogen who lives in England.
This story is about how the war changes all aspects of their life and the lives of their family and friends. It's a story of courage, determination and friendship.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
It tells the story of two girls. Magda who lives in Germany and Imogen who lives in England.
This story is about how the war changes all aspects of their life and the lives of their family and friends. It's a story of courage, determination and friendship.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2022
This is such a unique look at wartime historical fiction! Rix examines the intimate lives of two families - the Maiers and the Mitchells- on opposite sides of the war and reveals the wider conflicts and complexities of this time period.
It is a dual timeline story told through the eyes of two teenage girls. Imogen Mitchells parents, like others in her school, send her to the Lake District in England for three years at the start of the war. Not only is her schooling not interrupted, but she’s safe in the countryside. Magda Maier grew up on a farm in Augsburg, rural Germany. After they finished high school, Imogen went to work as a Wren and was involved in Operation Overlord and Magda joined the resistance to fight against the Nazi regime. Yes, that’s right. AGAINST. Both of these girls are strong and intelligent and had perseverance that helped them have a significant impact on the war. The two timelines alternated seamlessly and Rix joined them together with the introduction of a young RAF pilot.
Rix reveals how the indoctrination in Germany crept into the girls' education and then spread like wildfire throughout the country. It started with conforming to strict hairstyles and dress codes and escalated with teachers encouraging relationships with soldiers outside of marriage in order to increase the Aryan population. I was shocked to read about ‘mattresses’ and girls feeling uneasy turning down dates from guys in the Hitler Youth for fear of retribution. I was fascinated learning about the Germans who were desperate to fight back against their own government and the courage it took. Standing up to cruelty and opposing the evil of Hitler’s National Socialists was risky. Rix has truly honored the young people of Munich who stood up to Nazi tyranny.
In England, Rix focuses on the young people who developed an incredible ability to retain a sense of morality and humanity in the midst of appalling brutality. Their indomitable spirit shines through this story.
I love how historical fiction fosters such a greater understanding of what a particular time and place in history was like. I had never read about the White Rose Movement, never seen references to BIGOT, didn’t know anything about a Cassini grid for plotters, nor did I know that the WRENS were involved in the invasion plans for D-Day or that there was compulsory involvement in one of the forces when British girls turned 19 years old. Rix has really revealed how much I didn’t know about this time period, despite being an avid reader of wartime fiction. This makes me happy.
A ‘chatty’ read, this book was based on true events. Rix’s parents were the inspiration for Freddie and Imogen. It’s a must read for every historical fiction lover.
I was gifted this advance copy by Debbie Rix, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
It is a dual timeline story told through the eyes of two teenage girls. Imogen Mitchells parents, like others in her school, send her to the Lake District in England for three years at the start of the war. Not only is her schooling not interrupted, but she’s safe in the countryside. Magda Maier grew up on a farm in Augsburg, rural Germany. After they finished high school, Imogen went to work as a Wren and was involved in Operation Overlord and Magda joined the resistance to fight against the Nazi regime. Yes, that’s right. AGAINST. Both of these girls are strong and intelligent and had perseverance that helped them have a significant impact on the war. The two timelines alternated seamlessly and Rix joined them together with the introduction of a young RAF pilot.
Rix reveals how the indoctrination in Germany crept into the girls' education and then spread like wildfire throughout the country. It started with conforming to strict hairstyles and dress codes and escalated with teachers encouraging relationships with soldiers outside of marriage in order to increase the Aryan population. I was shocked to read about ‘mattresses’ and girls feeling uneasy turning down dates from guys in the Hitler Youth for fear of retribution. I was fascinated learning about the Germans who were desperate to fight back against their own government and the courage it took. Standing up to cruelty and opposing the evil of Hitler’s National Socialists was risky. Rix has truly honored the young people of Munich who stood up to Nazi tyranny.
In England, Rix focuses on the young people who developed an incredible ability to retain a sense of morality and humanity in the midst of appalling brutality. Their indomitable spirit shines through this story.
I love how historical fiction fosters such a greater understanding of what a particular time and place in history was like. I had never read about the White Rose Movement, never seen references to BIGOT, didn’t know anything about a Cassini grid for plotters, nor did I know that the WRENS were involved in the invasion plans for D-Day or that there was compulsory involvement in one of the forces when British girls turned 19 years old. Rix has really revealed how much I didn’t know about this time period, despite being an avid reader of wartime fiction. This makes me happy.
A ‘chatty’ read, this book was based on true events. Rix’s parents were the inspiration for Freddie and Imogen. It’s a must read for every historical fiction lover.
I was gifted this advance copy by Debbie Rix, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
November 11, 2019
4.5 rating
What a beautiful book. This is a moving story which tells of two smart and brave girls whose lives are drastically impacted by WWII. Magda, living on a farm in Germany, discovers at an early age that the propaganda of the Nazis is not to be believed and Imogen is evacuated from her home in England to protect her while those she loves are left in harms way. As the war progresses, each young woman does her part to further the causes they believe in. The book begins with a letter explaining how the lives of the two women are connected and we are then treated to their incredible journeys. This book was hard to put down. I’ve read countless WWII historical fiction and this one has its own interesting perspective which adds to its appeal. Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Debbie Rix for the ARC.
What a beautiful book. This is a moving story which tells of two smart and brave girls whose lives are drastically impacted by WWII. Magda, living on a farm in Germany, discovers at an early age that the propaganda of the Nazis is not to be believed and Imogen is evacuated from her home in England to protect her while those she loves are left in harms way. As the war progresses, each young woman does her part to further the causes they believe in. The book begins with a letter explaining how the lives of the two women are connected and we are then treated to their incredible journeys. This book was hard to put down. I’ve read countless WWII historical fiction and this one has its own interesting perspective which adds to its appeal. Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Debbie Rix for the ARC.
September 13, 2019
What a wonderful story, I loved this one and I couldn’t put it down.
I loved the fact that it began in 1937 in England as well as Germany, focusing on two families which gradually they link up with each it other.
It gave you an idea of life from the German perspective as well as the English.
I loved the fact that it began in 1937 in England as well as Germany, focusing on two families which gradually they link up with each it other.
It gave you an idea of life from the German perspective as well as the English.
May 18, 2019
I find well-written historical fiction, such as the Secret Letter, to be important because these books enable you to experience events through the eyes of characters who have become real to you and to feel their emotions, their fears, joys and sorrows.
Here we become immersed in the horrors of WW2 through the hearts and minds of two young girls from supportive family backgrounds and happy childhoods as war breaks out in Europe. They grow up during the turmoil, death and destruction, and mature to become strong women whose bravery unknowingly impacts each other’s lives.
These two girls in 1939 are 15 year old Imogen who must leave her loving family and be evacuated to the Lake District to escape German bombs dropping on English cities. She later postpones her study to become an architect to join the WRENS and her work involves her in the Allied invasion of Germany. Unknown to Imogen, her life is impacted by the actions of Magda, a slightly younger German girl on the other side of the battle.
Magda lives and works on the family farm in the German countryside. Her brother, Karl, is in England, studying at Oxford. He writes her a secret letter and instructs her to burn it. In it, he expresses his dismay regarding the direction Germany is headed under the evil Nazi regime and urges her not to believe the propaganda about the superior Aryan racial views. He also sends a British news article about the German gas chambers.
When Magda sees her Jewish friend Lotte being forcibly led away with her family to a concentration camp, she becomes aware of her brother’s truth. To keep her family out of danger from authorities, she must look like they are going along with changes the Nazis are imposing on the social structure, and join the girls equivalent of the Hitler’s Youth. She despises attending, and the political and atheist changes to Christmas, hymns, and the destruction of many books, all for the glory of Hitler. She secretly joins a resistance group placing her life in danger. She hides an injured British pilot at her family farm and makes it her goal to rescue others.
We witness the girls’ decisions as they mature, and witness death and destruction from their perspectives. We learn about their bravery, fears, friendships, family, and their determination to help the war effort and live for a better future. We are introduced to the men in their lives as they mature: the ones killed or missing in action, their lovers, those they respect, and those they long for, and the ones they fear. I found their male friendships and romantic entanglements realistically written and believable, but it somehow distracted me from the historical aspects of the story. I know the romantic interludes and male-female encounters will have greater appeal for the majority of readers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this engaging look at history which encompasses stories from the British and German context, and which are based on factual events. *3.5 * stars rounded up to 4.
Here we become immersed in the horrors of WW2 through the hearts and minds of two young girls from supportive family backgrounds and happy childhoods as war breaks out in Europe. They grow up during the turmoil, death and destruction, and mature to become strong women whose bravery unknowingly impacts each other’s lives.
These two girls in 1939 are 15 year old Imogen who must leave her loving family and be evacuated to the Lake District to escape German bombs dropping on English cities. She later postpones her study to become an architect to join the WRENS and her work involves her in the Allied invasion of Germany. Unknown to Imogen, her life is impacted by the actions of Magda, a slightly younger German girl on the other side of the battle.
Magda lives and works on the family farm in the German countryside. Her brother, Karl, is in England, studying at Oxford. He writes her a secret letter and instructs her to burn it. In it, he expresses his dismay regarding the direction Germany is headed under the evil Nazi regime and urges her not to believe the propaganda about the superior Aryan racial views. He also sends a British news article about the German gas chambers.
When Magda sees her Jewish friend Lotte being forcibly led away with her family to a concentration camp, she becomes aware of her brother’s truth. To keep her family out of danger from authorities, she must look like they are going along with changes the Nazis are imposing on the social structure, and join the girls equivalent of the Hitler’s Youth. She despises attending, and the political and atheist changes to Christmas, hymns, and the destruction of many books, all for the glory of Hitler. She secretly joins a resistance group placing her life in danger. She hides an injured British pilot at her family farm and makes it her goal to rescue others.
We witness the girls’ decisions as they mature, and witness death and destruction from their perspectives. We learn about their bravery, fears, friendships, family, and their determination to help the war effort and live for a better future. We are introduced to the men in their lives as they mature: the ones killed or missing in action, their lovers, those they respect, and those they long for, and the ones they fear. I found their male friendships and romantic entanglements realistically written and believable, but it somehow distracted me from the historical aspects of the story. I know the romantic interludes and male-female encounters will have greater appeal for the majority of readers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this engaging look at history which encompasses stories from the British and German context, and which are based on factual events. *3.5 * stars rounded up to 4.
January 22, 2022
This book is incredible and what makes it even more amazing is it's based on what happened in the author's family . The story is told after she read her father's letters and diaries and other family journals.
It's a coming of age story starting when Magda is thirteen years old in Germany. Her best friend and her family are snatched and thrown in a concentration camp just because they are "different".
The Nazi's are firmly entrenched and have brainwashed the youth as they must follow the rules of the Hitler Youth. There are some like Magda who rebel against this and are involved in the White Rose Movement. They rebel against the oppressive, frightening world surrounding them.
The story is so well plotted out,the characters so realistic. The book is really fabulous. You can feel the fear they are feeling, one wrong move and they are done for. It lends a suspenseful feel to the book because of the choices they make, what will be the outcome? Sorrow but yet joy comes through the clouds. A definite recommendation here for sure!
Pub Date 25 Jan 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
It's a coming of age story starting when Magda is thirteen years old in Germany. Her best friend and her family are snatched and thrown in a concentration camp just because they are "different".
The Nazi's are firmly entrenched and have brainwashed the youth as they must follow the rules of the Hitler Youth. There are some like Magda who rebel against this and are involved in the White Rose Movement. They rebel against the oppressive, frightening world surrounding them.
The story is so well plotted out,the characters so realistic. The book is really fabulous. You can feel the fear they are feeling, one wrong move and they are done for. It lends a suspenseful feel to the book because of the choices they make, what will be the outcome? Sorrow but yet joy comes through the clouds. A definite recommendation here for sure!
Pub Date 25 Jan 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
July 13, 2019
The Secret Letter is a story that alternates between Magda and Imogen mainly over the course of the second world war.
By finding out more about Magda and Imogen, we get to see what things were like for people in Germany and England. From the time leading up to the war starting, as well as during, and to the final days of it ending. It was really interesting to see what life was like for both of them and their families.
I read this book on holiday and was so gripped by the authors story telling that apart from taking a quick two minute dip in the pool to cool down every hour or so, I was straight back on to my sun lounger with Kindle in hand.
Magda and Imogen both have quite different lifestyles and both do quite a lot in the war movement. I loved the strength of both characters as they are strong minded and know what they want from life. Whilst there is romance in the story this story is so much more than that. It reminds us of a time that we all should never forget and learn from.
The Secret Letter is a beautifully written story that captivated my mind and heart. In parts it was emotional at what people had to live through as well as an horrific reminder of what some people did to fellow humans. The ending was particularly emotional as I felt a whole array of emotions of happiness and sadness. A perfect historical fiction novel that fans of this genre are going to love.
By finding out more about Magda and Imogen, we get to see what things were like for people in Germany and England. From the time leading up to the war starting, as well as during, and to the final days of it ending. It was really interesting to see what life was like for both of them and their families.
I read this book on holiday and was so gripped by the authors story telling that apart from taking a quick two minute dip in the pool to cool down every hour or so, I was straight back on to my sun lounger with Kindle in hand.
Magda and Imogen both have quite different lifestyles and both do quite a lot in the war movement. I loved the strength of both characters as they are strong minded and know what they want from life. Whilst there is romance in the story this story is so much more than that. It reminds us of a time that we all should never forget and learn from.
The Secret Letter is a beautifully written story that captivated my mind and heart. In parts it was emotional at what people had to live through as well as an horrific reminder of what some people did to fellow humans. The ending was particularly emotional as I felt a whole array of emotions of happiness and sadness. A perfect historical fiction novel that fans of this genre are going to love.
September 18, 2021
Excellent book! As many of the ones I read these years, I tend to give an author one chance.....Having read 1,000s over the years and oodles of fabulous ones to be enjoyed, I just can't bear to check out/buy another if I have found it tedious or annoying. ...The author will be a re-reader for me of others by her. The scene was portrayed and gripping as my heart ached reading about the nightmares so many faced with the needless sorrow and misery :( The atrocities and displacements of millions...all for what? Because of one evil man and his henchman who didn't gain anything in the end either. I was drawn to this book for the intriguing title and appealing cover art...then especially as it was based upon a true story. Would recommend it yes...I appreciated the mentioning of Christmas and how the Nazis wouldn't allow talk about their Lord and Saviour Jesus, how they tried to wipe out Christianity and Jewish references etc. She pictured quite an imaginable/easy to visualize tale.
May 11, 2019
Debbie Rix is one of those authors whose books I eagerly wait for and pick up without even reading the blurb - she always delivers. With this book she has raised the bar already set so very high with her previous stunning stories. This story is exquisite perfection. Well crafted, beautifully written, emotional, poignant and immersive. I lived every word. The sense of time and place is, as with all her books, just perfect. All the characters come alive on the page. I felt for both Magda and Imogen, plucky girls transforming into strong women shaped by war. A wonderful story, masterfully written. Very highly recommended to everyone.
June 30, 2019
This historical fiction novel portrays a refreshing perspective on the lives of two girls from vastly different backgrounds - and opposing sides of the war - who transform into women during the backdrop of World War II. Imogen grows up in a middle class English family and chooses to "do her part' for the war, leaving her university studies to become a Wren for the Allies. Magda is a farm girl raised in the German countryside where joining the Hitler Youth is expected of the teens in her community. Fierce bravery and independence are qualities shared by Imogen and Magda whose lives intersect throughout the war but who don't ultimately meet and realize their shared ties until decades later. Many historical details are presented that I found especially enlightening and touching, including the White Rose German Resistance as well the bravery showed by the women who served the Allies in groups like the Wrens. I thoroughly enjoyed The Secret Letter and highly recommend it for those who enjoy a blend of women's fiction and WW II historical fiction - this novel has it all!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 1, 2019
The gorgeous cover and intriguing title alone pretty much had me sold on reading this book, but the blurb sealed the deal. I seem to be especially drawn to historical novels about WWII lately. What appealed to me most about this novel is that the two main characters are on opposing sides of the war. Imogen is British, Magda is German, and each are expected to do their patriotic duty.
Imogen was evacuated to the Lake District in the early days of the war, safely away from the cities the Germans were bombing. She eventually joins the WRENS where she works on Top Secret projects for the war effort. Magda despises Nazi ideals, and secretly joins the White Rose movement after befriending Sophie Scholl at the University of Munich. Magda is determined to do what is right at all times, despite the risk of discovery—leading to a decision that affects the lives of both women.
This was a fast read for me. It pulled me in right from the start, and I just couldn't put it down. Both Imogen and Magda fascinated me, but it was Magda's part of the story that had me frantically tapping the screen. She was constantly dealing with a threat of some sort or another, and had a few close calls that left me feeling terrified for her. Imogen's part of the story didn't leave me with an impending sense of doom all the time, but the difficulties she faced touched my heart, and I just wanted her to be happy.
I found this novel to be beautifully written, and I was a little sad to reach the end. This is the first time I've read a book written by Debbie Rix, and I'm wondering why it took me so long to 'discover' her books. I can't wait to read more from this author!
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Bookouture via Netgalley.
Imogen was evacuated to the Lake District in the early days of the war, safely away from the cities the Germans were bombing. She eventually joins the WRENS where she works on Top Secret projects for the war effort. Magda despises Nazi ideals, and secretly joins the White Rose movement after befriending Sophie Scholl at the University of Munich. Magda is determined to do what is right at all times, despite the risk of discovery—leading to a decision that affects the lives of both women.
This was a fast read for me. It pulled me in right from the start, and I just couldn't put it down. Both Imogen and Magda fascinated me, but it was Magda's part of the story that had me frantically tapping the screen. She was constantly dealing with a threat of some sort or another, and had a few close calls that left me feeling terrified for her. Imogen's part of the story didn't leave me with an impending sense of doom all the time, but the difficulties she faced touched my heart, and I just wanted her to be happy.
I found this novel to be beautifully written, and I was a little sad to reach the end. This is the first time I've read a book written by Debbie Rix, and I'm wondering why it took me so long to 'discover' her books. I can't wait to read more from this author!
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Bookouture via Netgalley.
February 13, 2020
A good effort by this author BUT considering the story is set during the worst of WWII the book has zero atmosphere of war torn England or war torn Germany.
Told from the perspective of two women - Imogene in England and Magda in Germany neither one gives the sense that a war is raging around them, they speak about it and talk about the young men going off to war, but there is no real ‘perception’ of war.
Instead of ‘historical fiction’ I’d tag this as ‘historical fiction romance’. The love stories were rather campy.
Other issues I had were (a) characters were introduced and then disappeared never to be seen or heard of again (b) could have done with better editing – small words missing or added or misplaced – I know it’s not much but it’s still annoying to me.
To the author: I appreciate that you based this book on your parents and I mean no disrespect in my review. Thanks to both for their service no matter what I thought of the book.
Told from the perspective of two women - Imogene in England and Magda in Germany neither one gives the sense that a war is raging around them, they speak about it and talk about the young men going off to war, but there is no real ‘perception’ of war.
Instead of ‘historical fiction’ I’d tag this as ‘historical fiction romance’. The love stories were rather campy.
Other issues I had were (a) characters were introduced and then disappeared never to be seen or heard of again (b) could have done with better editing – small words missing or added or misplaced – I know it’s not much but it’s still annoying to me.
To the author: I appreciate that you based this book on your parents and I mean no disrespect in my review. Thanks to both for their service no matter what I thought of the book.
July 12, 2019
Terrific and emotional coming of age story set during WWII. Fans know there are a lot of books out there right now in this genre but Ria has hit a sweet spot with the stories of Magda and Imogen (Ginny). Moving between Germany and the UK, this tells the tale of how both young women pulled themselves up to fight the Nazis, Magda locally and Ginny as, ultimately, a WREN. Rix has folded in snippets of real materials, such as speeches, which is an excellent device. Neither young woman is perfect- they both have their foibles- which make them so realistic. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Rix is an excellent storyteller and this was an excellent read.
August 6, 2022
Captivating, emotional, and intense!
The Secret Letter is an immersive, dual-timeline tale set in London and Germany during WWII, as well as 2018, that takes you into the lives of two main characters from completely different backgrounds and worlds, Imogen and Magda, whose lives become unimaginably entwined by the consequences of war and the actions of one brave man.
The prose is rich and expressive. The characters are resilient, determined, and brave. And the plot is an alluring, coming-of-age tale about life, loss, family, secrets, separation, desperation, tragedy, friendship, love, and the hardships and horrors of war.
Overall, The Secret Letter is an absorbing, moving, beautifully written tale by Rix inspired by real-life events that, at its heart, highlights that survival of any kind often involves moral dilemmas, action, strength, courage and beyond all else, sacrifice.
Thank you to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Secret Letter is an immersive, dual-timeline tale set in London and Germany during WWII, as well as 2018, that takes you into the lives of two main characters from completely different backgrounds and worlds, Imogen and Magda, whose lives become unimaginably entwined by the consequences of war and the actions of one brave man.
The prose is rich and expressive. The characters are resilient, determined, and brave. And the plot is an alluring, coming-of-age tale about life, loss, family, secrets, separation, desperation, tragedy, friendship, love, and the hardships and horrors of war.
Overall, The Secret Letter is an absorbing, moving, beautifully written tale by Rix inspired by real-life events that, at its heart, highlights that survival of any kind often involves moral dilemmas, action, strength, courage and beyond all else, sacrifice.
Thank you to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2021
I'm giving this 4 stars because 3 is not enough. I liked the book, but at times (too many times) I felt that the story dragged on and on. Almost to the point where I almost didn't finish... It really could have been me for so many gave this book 4 and 5 stars. I'm glad I plodded through to finish it.
May 12, 2019
The Secret Letter is a beautiful novel, inspired by a true story, about bravery, kindness and hope in a time of war, devastation and absolute horror. Magda is a thirteen year old girl German girl in 1939 who lives with her parents on their farm in the countryside. While she is forced to join the Hitler Youth, she is horrified when her friend Lotte is sent to a concentration camp. Magda hates the cruelty and fanaticism of her peers who revere Hitler as a god. She finds out about the White Rose movement, a German rebel group who wishes to fight Hitler and the SS's oppression, and joins them. In a world that is already upside down, Magda's world is further tilted when an English RAF pilot is found near her home after being shot down. Does she risk helping this stranger or put her family in danger? Imogen is a fifteen year old English girl in 1939 who is taken away from her family and forced to evacuate to go to school in the Lake District. As she gets older, she joins the war effort as part of the Wrens. As the war progresses, Magda and Imogen are forced to grow up quickly in a horrifying world. Their lives interconnect and their bravery impacts not only their families but each other.
I love WWII historical fiction. I find the the war and the years/events leading up to it to be both absolutely fascinating and at the same time, heartbreaking and devastating. I have read many novels based on WWII and I won't lie, I almost always enjoy them. While some are clearly stronger than others, I just can't get enough of these stories that are based on events that should be fiction but unfortunately were very real. I found The Secret Letter to be an excellent example of what WWII fiction should be. It is absolutely beautifully written and Magda and Imogen absolutely jumped off the page. They felt real and their stories were incredible to read. I admired their bravery and their willingness to stand up for what they believed in, even if it meant they were endangering their own lives. The author moved seamlessly between the two girls and I loved how she weaved their stories together.
A beautiful story about a terrible time in our world's history. But it is stories like those of Magda and Imogen that give me hope, that people are good and willing to stand up for what is right.
4 stars!
I love WWII historical fiction. I find the the war and the years/events leading up to it to be both absolutely fascinating and at the same time, heartbreaking and devastating. I have read many novels based on WWII and I won't lie, I almost always enjoy them. While some are clearly stronger than others, I just can't get enough of these stories that are based on events that should be fiction but unfortunately were very real. I found The Secret Letter to be an excellent example of what WWII fiction should be. It is absolutely beautifully written and Magda and Imogen absolutely jumped off the page. They felt real and their stories were incredible to read. I admired their bravery and their willingness to stand up for what they believed in, even if it meant they were endangering their own lives. The author moved seamlessly between the two girls and I loved how she weaved their stories together.
A beautiful story about a terrible time in our world's history. But it is stories like those of Magda and Imogen that give me hope, that people are good and willing to stand up for what is right.
4 stars!
February 7, 2020
3.5 stars
The setting of this story is from the start of WW2 until it’s end. It does a wonderful job of detailing some of the historical highlights that happened during the war. It doesn’t get too immersed in the details of these events, but rather refers to them during the plot line. The plot itself alternates between two perspectives- Imogen is a British girl/woman who signs up as a Wren after finishing her high school. Magda is a German girl/woman whose plans to go to university upon high school graduation are thwarted as she becomes involved in German resistance.
The book is nicely written (aside from a fair number of grammatical errors which were hopefully corrected before publishing), and the characters were well developed. If I had to name a couple of suggestions for improvement, it would be better editing as there were some tangents that led nowhere (e.g. Imogen’s relationship with Dougie) and really didn’t need to be in the story. And there was quite a large focus on Imogen and her various romantic interests, which made the story feel more like a historical romance than historical fiction. If that was the intent of the plot, then it should be marketed as such and the romance parts better carved out to create more conflict, controversy or tension.
Overall I liked the book but i wasn’t emotionally connected to it, hence the downgrade in my rating. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The setting of this story is from the start of WW2 until it’s end. It does a wonderful job of detailing some of the historical highlights that happened during the war. It doesn’t get too immersed in the details of these events, but rather refers to them during the plot line. The plot itself alternates between two perspectives- Imogen is a British girl/woman who signs up as a Wren after finishing her high school. Magda is a German girl/woman whose plans to go to university upon high school graduation are thwarted as she becomes involved in German resistance.
The book is nicely written (aside from a fair number of grammatical errors which were hopefully corrected before publishing), and the characters were well developed. If I had to name a couple of suggestions for improvement, it would be better editing as there were some tangents that led nowhere (e.g. Imogen’s relationship with Dougie) and really didn’t need to be in the story. And there was quite a large focus on Imogen and her various romantic interests, which made the story feel more like a historical romance than historical fiction. If that was the intent of the plot, then it should be marketed as such and the romance parts better carved out to create more conflict, controversy or tension.
Overall I liked the book but i wasn’t emotionally connected to it, hence the downgrade in my rating. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2019
Inspired by a true story. Beautifully written. So refreshing. 4 young people during WW2, Magda, Michael, Imogene and Freddie. There lives were changed once the war started. The Secret Letter by Debbie Rix shows the difference of the lives of the people that lived in Germany and those in England. A plane that was forced down in a field in Germany near Magda’s farm changed her life forever.
Imogene, who lived in England is sent to the Lake District as a young girl so she will be away from the war. From there she is sent to many different places and working for the war effort her life is filled. She loved her work and her one and only love is finally found.
Many years after the end of the war the lives of Imogene and Magda come full circle and they finally meet.
Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley and Debbie Rix for the ARC
Imogene, who lived in England is sent to the Lake District as a young girl so she will be away from the war. From there she is sent to many different places and working for the war effort her life is filled. She loved her work and her one and only love is finally found.
Many years after the end of the war the lives of Imogene and Magda come full circle and they finally meet.
Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley and Debbie Rix for the ARC
June 30, 2020
Much too long and I kept waiting for the two stories to weave together, which they finally did in the end, but just too far-fetched. Imogen's character was incredibly unlikable in first part of book. What ever happened to Dougie?! Story seemed like a YA novel most of the time and some of the character voices were truly cringe-worthy, particularly Joy. So obnoxious!!! I did not like this book and would not recommend.
May 13, 2019
Well what a Beautiful story about the war told from both sides two young girls who's lives have been changed by ww2.Immogen in England and Magda in Germany how the war changed the lives of these young girls.I can honestly say this is a wonderful book and well worth 5* (should be more ) a fabulous book.
July 24, 2019
✡ ✡ ✡ ✡ ✡
Inspired by the true story of the author's own parents, THE SECRET LETTER is a beautiful tale about bravery, kindness and hope in a time of war and devastation from the perspective of two very different - and yet somewhat comparable - girls. This touching tale is also incredibly heart wrenching, highlighting the horrors of World War 2 from both sides in a unique way. Imogen and Magda, both extremely affected by the war, may be separated by hundreds of miles but they are united by similar convictions...though it was hardly likely they would ever meet. Their stories intertwine as they come of age and grow into strong young women who each play their own important part in the war...and beyond.
It's 1939 and we begin with 15 year old Imogen growing up in Newcastle in the north east of England. As an only child of somewhat affluent parents, she is not spoilt but rather wise, even if a little mischievous. When war breaks out, her school is evacuated to the Lakes District and the girls billeted to various families in the Keswick area. She passes her time writing letters home to her parents and rambling up gorgeous mountains like Skiddaw with her best friend Joy and fellow evacuee Helen, whilst harbouring a secret love for neighbour Freddie who was away at university before joining the RAF.
Even at 15, Imogen displays a strength of character in her stubbornness and determination. Her letters home are filled with a contrariness as she describes her thoughts on the war and then asking for money for new shoes in the next line. It was quite amusing but also a reflection of the times from the perspective of a young girl still coming to terms with her own journey through adolescence. She meets young Dougie who amuses her as they spend a lot of time together, growing closer, and yet while she is drawn to him she still finds herself carrying a torch for Freddie back home.
The girls go back home to Newcastle during the holidays which begs the question - why is it safe to return home for the holidays but not during the school term? Imogen said it best when she stated "I think the idea was for our schooling not to be disturbed. If we die in the holidays that’s not so important." I thought that an amusing line. A little bit of humour amidst a troubling time, one needs to keep their sense of humour.
Imogen completes her schooling in the Lakes and returns home to Newcastle a couple of years later to attend university where she wanted to study engineering but her gender deems her unable. So she turns to architecture and completes her first year before she is required to join the national service upon turning 19. She joins the Wrens, along with best friend Joy, and she serves as a plotter whilst Joy is a typist having been to secretarial school. Her time as a plotter leads her to London, then later Portsmouth and even Paris where she thrives as a Wren, serving under some important military powers of the time. She comes into fleeting contact with Prime Minister Churchill, King George VI and General Eisenhower as the war begins to culminate. During this time, she is fortunate to have Joy alongside her as they both find love and heartbreak in equal measure before the war is over.
It is during this time she meets American Ben who falls in love with her and asks her to marry him. Imogen enjoys his company and despite being wary, graciously accepts. However, she is moved to Portsmouth under the cover of secrecy leading up to D-Day and she hears nothing from him again until her station in Paris. But the giddiness she felt in his presence has been replaced by discontent and irritation. Does she really love him or was it just a fascination? She realised that she knew nothing about him such was the secrecy of his involvement. Her mother says when you marry someone you will love them forever, with all their foibles and their faults as well as for their gifts and advantages. The problem is the secrecy surrounding Ben's involvement in the war was promising to continue afterwards, and Imogen wasn't sure she wanted that. She was enjoying her new-found independence and she was unwilling to give that up.
Then there is Magda, who is just 13 years old and living amidst the growing unrest of Germany. She is devastated by the loss of her best friend Lotte who was cruelly snatched along with her family and sent to a concentration camp - the Star of David sewn into their coats. Magda didn't understand why she could no longer be friends with Lotte. The fact that she was Jewish was not important; she was her best friend. When Magda receives a letter from her brother Karl, who is studying in England and a staunch objector of his country's new ways, she is shocked by the contents unable to comprehend much of what he was alluding to. At the end of the letter, Karl urged her to show no one and to burn after reading it. But Magda could not. What if it was the last letter from her beloved brother? She desperately wanted to show her mother so she could shed some light on what he was saying...but to do so would be a betrayal to her brother. Instead, she secreted it away in her Bible.
As the Nazi's power takes hold, Magda begins to see a new Germany - one that she does not like nor agree with and the one Karl had alluded to in his secret letter. The fanatical new rules of the Hitler Youth, a group a boys who instill fear in villagers if they do not conform to the new way of the Fuhrer, makes her seethe with anger and yet she cannot escape. On her next birthday she must join the Young Maidens, a group of young, ripe girls who must strive to become the epitome of the perfect German woman/wife - blonde, blue-eyed and submissive - as broodmares for perfect Aryan children. But Magda secretly refuses to conform and joins the White Rose movement, a German resistance who rebel against the oppressive frightening world around them.
But what Magda does not count on is Otto. He is one of the Hitler Youth - a bully - aspiring to the Fuhrer and exclaiming his proclamations. Otto claims Magda as his own (whether she likes it or not) and unfortunately, to save herself and her family from death, she must agree to be Otto's girlfriend - as much as the idea repulses her. When he rises to the rank of an SS officer, Magda is relieved to be reprieved from Otto's wandering hands and ever-watchful eye.
Then an enemy plane - a Lancaster bomber - crashes just beyond the boundary of their farm, and Magda and her father find six dead airmen and one barely alive. Magda insists on helping him and hides him in the secret attic of their farmhouse. By now, Magda is 16 and is incredibly resourceful for her age but she is also determined not to let the abhorrent new rules of her country quash the basic laws of humanity nor dictate her ability to help someone in need. She didn't ask for this war, she didn't want it and she doesn't agree with anything the new regime stands for. And so, over the course of the next few weeks Magda becomes friends with the British airman, Michael. She has never met anyone like him nor he her. Locked away in the small dark attic room, Michael sees no one but Magda and her kindness towards him - the enemy - touches him. Inevitably, they fall in love. But when Otto returns suddenly, Magda must keep Michael safe as the unthinkable happens, tearing her world apart. She must help Michael escape before Otto returns, lest they all be killed. Their parting words for him to return after the war so they could marry, and it is these words, and the promise of brighter days, that keep Magda soldiering on.
So how do Imogen and Magda's worlds intersect? Hundreds of miles apart and even worlds away from one another, these two women's stories tells of life in such a frightening time. The sheer horror of hearing bombs dropping, of having them fall in your path, the panic each time an air raid siren sounds - a sound which now reduces my own dad to tears at the memory of being a child during the war - all of this and more is just mind-blowing that the strength of mankind can live through such a horrific and turbulent time.
Most of us only hear about the war from the British side but what was it like for the Germans who rebelled against Hitler's regime? What makes this story so unique is that we not only hear the British aspect but we also hear a German's perspective. Back in the day, all Germans were seen as the enemy but not all Germans WERE the enemy. This story shows us just that. The abhorrent rules inflicted on the German people under Hitler's despicable and repulsive dictatorship were abominable, to say the least. I would not have liked to have lived under those conditions, against everything I believed in, under a dictator as repugnant as him. Christmas was even taken away from them. No longer could you decorate your trees with stars as it was seen too similar the Star of David and that was assigned to the Jewish people who were banished from their country. Instead they had to decorate with gold swastikas. They even began to pray to the Fuhrer. All schools had to teach the ways of the Fuhrer and not historical fact or even fact, for that matter. It was eye-opening to read just how these new rules were forced upon the Germans and if they dared to go against them, they faced imprisonment or even death.
THE SECRET LETTER is so beautifully written I was completely captivated by every aspect that I didn't want it to end. It was emotional, it was heartbreaking, it was touching, it was eye-opening, it was compelling but most of all it was just simply beautiful. What people of the time had to live through at the hands of a dictator wreaking havoc on a world he wanted to make perfect for himself, it was an horrific reminder of what mankind could do to fellow human beings.
The narrative between the two perspectives of Imogen and Magda is both intriguing and heartbreaking. Both young woman experience first loves, new emotions, heartbreak and disappointment. I loved reading their stories, noting how different their childhoods and journeys into womanhood were, but appreciating them just the same. Each girl/woman had a story to tell and each played an important part to that tale. The beautifully intricate way in which their stories entwine made THE SECRET LETTER a compelling read.
The fact that Imogen's story was based on the author's own parents added to the book's believability. Her mother was a WREN and her father was an RAF pilot who was shot down over Germany. Using her mother's letters, her father's logbook and diaries, she was able to draw a picture of Imogen based on her mother. Some of Imogen's letters were even her mother's written verbatim. It gave a whole new element of realism to the story that made for compelling reading.
I truly appreciated THE SECRET LETTER so much more than I ever expected - I think for being so unique in its perspective. Unlike many others, I don't care how much is actually based on historical fact or how much has been embellished because I am not reading a reference book - I am reading a story. And what a beautiful story it was! Basically, I adored this book from start to finish.
THE SECRET LETTER is a book I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to any fans of WW2 era historical fiction. In fact, I can't recommend it highly enough. If I could give it 10 stars, I would!
I would like to thank #DebbieRix, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheSecretLetter in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Inspired by the true story of the author's own parents, THE SECRET LETTER is a beautiful tale about bravery, kindness and hope in a time of war and devastation from the perspective of two very different - and yet somewhat comparable - girls. This touching tale is also incredibly heart wrenching, highlighting the horrors of World War 2 from both sides in a unique way. Imogen and Magda, both extremely affected by the war, may be separated by hundreds of miles but they are united by similar convictions...though it was hardly likely they would ever meet. Their stories intertwine as they come of age and grow into strong young women who each play their own important part in the war...and beyond.
It's 1939 and we begin with 15 year old Imogen growing up in Newcastle in the north east of England. As an only child of somewhat affluent parents, she is not spoilt but rather wise, even if a little mischievous. When war breaks out, her school is evacuated to the Lakes District and the girls billeted to various families in the Keswick area. She passes her time writing letters home to her parents and rambling up gorgeous mountains like Skiddaw with her best friend Joy and fellow evacuee Helen, whilst harbouring a secret love for neighbour Freddie who was away at university before joining the RAF.
Even at 15, Imogen displays a strength of character in her stubbornness and determination. Her letters home are filled with a contrariness as she describes her thoughts on the war and then asking for money for new shoes in the next line. It was quite amusing but also a reflection of the times from the perspective of a young girl still coming to terms with her own journey through adolescence. She meets young Dougie who amuses her as they spend a lot of time together, growing closer, and yet while she is drawn to him she still finds herself carrying a torch for Freddie back home.
The girls go back home to Newcastle during the holidays which begs the question - why is it safe to return home for the holidays but not during the school term? Imogen said it best when she stated "I think the idea was for our schooling not to be disturbed. If we die in the holidays that’s not so important." I thought that an amusing line. A little bit of humour amidst a troubling time, one needs to keep their sense of humour.
Imogen completes her schooling in the Lakes and returns home to Newcastle a couple of years later to attend university where she wanted to study engineering but her gender deems her unable. So she turns to architecture and completes her first year before she is required to join the national service upon turning 19. She joins the Wrens, along with best friend Joy, and she serves as a plotter whilst Joy is a typist having been to secretarial school. Her time as a plotter leads her to London, then later Portsmouth and even Paris where she thrives as a Wren, serving under some important military powers of the time. She comes into fleeting contact with Prime Minister Churchill, King George VI and General Eisenhower as the war begins to culminate. During this time, she is fortunate to have Joy alongside her as they both find love and heartbreak in equal measure before the war is over.
It is during this time she meets American Ben who falls in love with her and asks her to marry him. Imogen enjoys his company and despite being wary, graciously accepts. However, she is moved to Portsmouth under the cover of secrecy leading up to D-Day and she hears nothing from him again until her station in Paris. But the giddiness she felt in his presence has been replaced by discontent and irritation. Does she really love him or was it just a fascination? She realised that she knew nothing about him such was the secrecy of his involvement. Her mother says when you marry someone you will love them forever, with all their foibles and their faults as well as for their gifts and advantages. The problem is the secrecy surrounding Ben's involvement in the war was promising to continue afterwards, and Imogen wasn't sure she wanted that. She was enjoying her new-found independence and she was unwilling to give that up.
Then there is Magda, who is just 13 years old and living amidst the growing unrest of Germany. She is devastated by the loss of her best friend Lotte who was cruelly snatched along with her family and sent to a concentration camp - the Star of David sewn into their coats. Magda didn't understand why she could no longer be friends with Lotte. The fact that she was Jewish was not important; she was her best friend. When Magda receives a letter from her brother Karl, who is studying in England and a staunch objector of his country's new ways, she is shocked by the contents unable to comprehend much of what he was alluding to. At the end of the letter, Karl urged her to show no one and to burn after reading it. But Magda could not. What if it was the last letter from her beloved brother? She desperately wanted to show her mother so she could shed some light on what he was saying...but to do so would be a betrayal to her brother. Instead, she secreted it away in her Bible.
As the Nazi's power takes hold, Magda begins to see a new Germany - one that she does not like nor agree with and the one Karl had alluded to in his secret letter. The fanatical new rules of the Hitler Youth, a group a boys who instill fear in villagers if they do not conform to the new way of the Fuhrer, makes her seethe with anger and yet she cannot escape. On her next birthday she must join the Young Maidens, a group of young, ripe girls who must strive to become the epitome of the perfect German woman/wife - blonde, blue-eyed and submissive - as broodmares for perfect Aryan children. But Magda secretly refuses to conform and joins the White Rose movement, a German resistance who rebel against the oppressive frightening world around them.
But what Magda does not count on is Otto. He is one of the Hitler Youth - a bully - aspiring to the Fuhrer and exclaiming his proclamations. Otto claims Magda as his own (whether she likes it or not) and unfortunately, to save herself and her family from death, she must agree to be Otto's girlfriend - as much as the idea repulses her. When he rises to the rank of an SS officer, Magda is relieved to be reprieved from Otto's wandering hands and ever-watchful eye.
Then an enemy plane - a Lancaster bomber - crashes just beyond the boundary of their farm, and Magda and her father find six dead airmen and one barely alive. Magda insists on helping him and hides him in the secret attic of their farmhouse. By now, Magda is 16 and is incredibly resourceful for her age but she is also determined not to let the abhorrent new rules of her country quash the basic laws of humanity nor dictate her ability to help someone in need. She didn't ask for this war, she didn't want it and she doesn't agree with anything the new regime stands for. And so, over the course of the next few weeks Magda becomes friends with the British airman, Michael. She has never met anyone like him nor he her. Locked away in the small dark attic room, Michael sees no one but Magda and her kindness towards him - the enemy - touches him. Inevitably, they fall in love. But when Otto returns suddenly, Magda must keep Michael safe as the unthinkable happens, tearing her world apart. She must help Michael escape before Otto returns, lest they all be killed. Their parting words for him to return after the war so they could marry, and it is these words, and the promise of brighter days, that keep Magda soldiering on.
So how do Imogen and Magda's worlds intersect? Hundreds of miles apart and even worlds away from one another, these two women's stories tells of life in such a frightening time. The sheer horror of hearing bombs dropping, of having them fall in your path, the panic each time an air raid siren sounds - a sound which now reduces my own dad to tears at the memory of being a child during the war - all of this and more is just mind-blowing that the strength of mankind can live through such a horrific and turbulent time.
Most of us only hear about the war from the British side but what was it like for the Germans who rebelled against Hitler's regime? What makes this story so unique is that we not only hear the British aspect but we also hear a German's perspective. Back in the day, all Germans were seen as the enemy but not all Germans WERE the enemy. This story shows us just that. The abhorrent rules inflicted on the German people under Hitler's despicable and repulsive dictatorship were abominable, to say the least. I would not have liked to have lived under those conditions, against everything I believed in, under a dictator as repugnant as him. Christmas was even taken away from them. No longer could you decorate your trees with stars as it was seen too similar the Star of David and that was assigned to the Jewish people who were banished from their country. Instead they had to decorate with gold swastikas. They even began to pray to the Fuhrer. All schools had to teach the ways of the Fuhrer and not historical fact or even fact, for that matter. It was eye-opening to read just how these new rules were forced upon the Germans and if they dared to go against them, they faced imprisonment or even death.
THE SECRET LETTER is so beautifully written I was completely captivated by every aspect that I didn't want it to end. It was emotional, it was heartbreaking, it was touching, it was eye-opening, it was compelling but most of all it was just simply beautiful. What people of the time had to live through at the hands of a dictator wreaking havoc on a world he wanted to make perfect for himself, it was an horrific reminder of what mankind could do to fellow human beings.
The narrative between the two perspectives of Imogen and Magda is both intriguing and heartbreaking. Both young woman experience first loves, new emotions, heartbreak and disappointment. I loved reading their stories, noting how different their childhoods and journeys into womanhood were, but appreciating them just the same. Each girl/woman had a story to tell and each played an important part to that tale. The beautifully intricate way in which their stories entwine made THE SECRET LETTER a compelling read.
The fact that Imogen's story was based on the author's own parents added to the book's believability. Her mother was a WREN and her father was an RAF pilot who was shot down over Germany. Using her mother's letters, her father's logbook and diaries, she was able to draw a picture of Imogen based on her mother. Some of Imogen's letters were even her mother's written verbatim. It gave a whole new element of realism to the story that made for compelling reading.
I truly appreciated THE SECRET LETTER so much more than I ever expected - I think for being so unique in its perspective. Unlike many others, I don't care how much is actually based on historical fact or how much has been embellished because I am not reading a reference book - I am reading a story. And what a beautiful story it was! Basically, I adored this book from start to finish.
THE SECRET LETTER is a book I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to any fans of WW2 era historical fiction. In fact, I can't recommend it highly enough. If I could give it 10 stars, I would!
I would like to thank #DebbieRix, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheSecretLetter in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
July 15, 2019
Debbie Rix has written a hard-hitting emotional tale about how World War II affected the lives of two young women, one in Germany and one in England. Although hundreds of miles away, Imogen and Magda were both severely affected by the war. As a matter of fact, they had very similar views, although it was hardly likely that the two girls would ever meet.
For Magda, living in Germany, as a thirteen-year-old teen was not easy. Magda was completely devastated after witnessing her best friend Lotte and her family being snatched away and forced into a concentration camp. This made it impossible for Magda to ever understand the strong political leanings when thousands of young people were being forced to accept Hitler's views. Magda has her own mind about matters, even at risk to herself and her family. When a boy Magda grew up with, Otto, not only rises high in Hitler's army, while at the same time pursues her romantically, things become increasingly difficult for her.
Imogen is fifteen-years-old and living in the country in England when the war begins. She witnesses many tragic and difficult things, including witnessing bombs being dropped. Writing letters to those she loves is as much as she can do to show how she feels about things. Little does she know that a young German girl would one day affect her very life.
I have read a lot of historical fiction over the past year, but this book certainly hit me the hardest. For example, I knew about the bombings that occurred, but in this story the devastation was so very hard hitting for both Imogen and Magda. Tears flowed freely while reading of some of these occurrences. Also, with the situation involving Magda's brother Karl, as well as her helping those in great need was done very well, and showed her incredible resilience.
I really felt for Imogen as her very future lied in the hands of others, and this included her heart's desire. She may not have had the same experiences as Magda, but her story was equally compelling. I savored this story and all that these girls went through. I cried happy tears at the ending because it was something that I kept hoping for the entire time I was reading this book.
This is my second read by Debbie Rix and I had a similar experience when I read The Photograph by her. She is a fantastic author who knows just how to pull the heartstrings with the wonderful ability to connect readers to her characters.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
For Magda, living in Germany, as a thirteen-year-old teen was not easy. Magda was completely devastated after witnessing her best friend Lotte and her family being snatched away and forced into a concentration camp. This made it impossible for Magda to ever understand the strong political leanings when thousands of young people were being forced to accept Hitler's views. Magda has her own mind about matters, even at risk to herself and her family. When a boy Magda grew up with, Otto, not only rises high in Hitler's army, while at the same time pursues her romantically, things become increasingly difficult for her.
Imogen is fifteen-years-old and living in the country in England when the war begins. She witnesses many tragic and difficult things, including witnessing bombs being dropped. Writing letters to those she loves is as much as she can do to show how she feels about things. Little does she know that a young German girl would one day affect her very life.
I have read a lot of historical fiction over the past year, but this book certainly hit me the hardest. For example, I knew about the bombings that occurred, but in this story the devastation was so very hard hitting for both Imogen and Magda. Tears flowed freely while reading of some of these occurrences. Also, with the situation involving Magda's brother Karl, as well as her helping those in great need was done very well, and showed her incredible resilience.
I really felt for Imogen as her very future lied in the hands of others, and this included her heart's desire. She may not have had the same experiences as Magda, but her story was equally compelling. I savored this story and all that these girls went through. I cried happy tears at the ending because it was something that I kept hoping for the entire time I was reading this book.
This is my second read by Debbie Rix and I had a similar experience when I read The Photograph by her. She is a fantastic author who knows just how to pull the heartstrings with the wonderful ability to connect readers to her characters.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
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