When the Nightingale Sings

by Suzanne Kelman

1939, Berlin, Cambridge, Paris, California. The world is in the grips of a terrible war. Can two young women change the course of history?

As war is declared in Europe, shy young Judy Morgan finishes her studies in Physics at Cambridge University. She never thought she’d be friends with someone as beautiful and glamorous as Hedy Lamarr, a young Jewish woman who has fled the Nazis, but Judy can’t ignore her brilliance.

It is a time when women are expected to stay at home, but as bombs tear apart the country she loves, Judy knows she must act. With Judy’s unparalleled knowledge of how the world works, and Hedy’s flair for invention, Judy is sure they can find a way to keep their loved ones safe.

But in war, impossible decisions must be made, unthinkable sacrifices must be suffered, and their work puts them in grave danger.

As they journey down a dark, uncertain path together, Judy realises her next step could tear their friendship apart. But the fate of the world is in her hands. Tragedy is inevitable, but can Judy solve the puzzle she has set herself, save millions, and put an end to this terrible war?

Fans of The Nightingale and Beneath a Scarlet Sky will love this unputdownable, heartbreaking but uplifting novel. Based on two true stories of amazing ‘hidden women’ who altered the fate of the Second World War, this unforgettable novel about extraordinary courage, love and sacrifice proves the power of friendship even in the darkest hours of history.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, World War II, Audiobook, War, 20th Century

447 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Suzanne Kelman is an Amazon international bestselling author in America, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Her books have sold over 475,000 copies worldwide and accumulated ten rights deals across eight territories.
Her WW2 historical fiction books are published by Bookouture - an imprint for Hachette U.K.

She is also the author of the bestselling book, "The Rejected Writers' Book Club", published by Lake Union, which is the first book in the Southlea Bay series. Other books in the series include, "Rejected Writers Take the Stage" and "The Rejected Writers' Christmas Wedding".

Kelman is an award-winning writer/screenwriter whose accolades include the Best Comedy Feature Screenplay Award from the L.A. International Film Festival, the Gold Award from the California Film Awards, and the Van Gogh Award from the Amsterdam Film Festival.

In 2015 her script, Held, was recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures and was shortlisted to the top ten in the Academy Of Motion Pictures Nichols Fellowship competition.

As well as a screenwriter and a published author, Suzanne is also a playwright, and her award-winning comedy play, "Over My Dead Body", had its World Premiere at Outcast Theatre in Washington, Fall 2019.

Born in the United Kingdom, Suzanne now resides in Washington State.

Please sign up for her newsletter to stay in touch - https://www.suzannekelmanauthor.com

Reviews

[Bharath · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Suzanne Kelman’s historical fiction writing, having read ‘A View across the Rooftops’ and ‘Under a Sky on Fire’. As with her previous books, the character development in this book is excellent.

A story of two women - Judy Morgan & Hedy Lamarr (assumed name); both have their dreams & ambitions. But it is a difficult period and, in an era, when not much is expected from women. Hedy breaks free from an abusive marriage in Austria and flees first to London. As a Jew it is a lucky break for her as Hitler is just about to force the merger with Germany. Judy Morgan, encouraged by her father, has good academic credentials and wants to make a career in scientific research. As she joins Cambridge lab, she has a boss who has no respect for her skills (being a woman), but she has a supportive research partner in Tom. Judy & Hedy meet in London, and this sets the stage for a long-term friendship.

Hedy moves to the US, and after a period of struggle, makes a successful career in Hollywood. There is however a lingering pain that nobody sees her intellect & scientific temper and it is only her face & body which seems to count. Her relationships go nowhere as a result, and she feels a deep inner void. In contrast, while Judy builds a stable & strong relationship with Tom, there is a lot of personal tragedy and pain (which makes for very depressing reading). They meet again when both of them are at critical junctures of their lives, and the war is also taking a huge toll.

I understand that this book borrows from true stories. The pace as with her books, is somewhat slow but the writing and the character depth is great. However, the science descriptions are sketchy and ideally should have had some more research & depth to make it more authentic. The novelty of the story wears down a little in the second half of the book, and overall, I did not find this as impactful as her earlier books.


Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture & the author for a free electronic review copy.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you know that at Cambridge University, women were allowed to study, but not permitted to receive an official degree nor honors UNTIL 1947?!? ! Yes, you read that correctly. Instead, they received a Tripos certificate to confirm completion of studies. One of the main characters in this book is based on Joan Curran, the physicist who developed the technology to conceal aircraft from radar during WW2. SHE INVENTED SOMETHING WE STILL USE TODAY AND WAS NEVER RECOGNIZED FOR IT NOR RECEIVED A DEGREE FOR HER STUDIES!

Did you know that if you are reading this on your cell phone or if you read ebooks, you’ve got Hedy Lamarr to thank? Hedwig Kiesler was another unsung female inventor. It was her and George’s signal-hopping invention that became the foundation of cellular, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi innovation. The navy sat on her design until the patent ran out before incorporating it. She was finally recognized in the 1990s, but died in 2000 with NONE OF THE MONEY SHE WAS ENTITLED TO...DESPITE HER INVENTION BEING ESTIMATED TODAY AT $30 BILLION.

It’s for these very reasons that author Suzanne Kelman was prompted to write about these two amazing women. Both women had made significant discoveries and struggled to be recognized for their worth. Kelman chronicles their quest for recognition and highlights the life-long friendship they forged along the way. While these two women may have never met in real life, the author has stayed true to their achievements.

This informative read is enhanced with letters shared between the two friends. I think it was an ingenious way for the author to avoid an information dump in her narrative. Make sure you monitor your blood pressure while reading….you’ll be in the red after reading what these two women put up with and lived with every. single. day.

Filled with heartwarming stories about their friendship and support as well as their amazing wartime courage, this novel recognizes two extraordinary women who changed the fate of WW2 and the course of history. You’ll need to read to find out how the clever title relates to the narrative.

“Friendships forged in fire were the hardest to extinguish.”

Publishes October 21, 2021.

I was gifted this advance copy by Suzanne Kelman, Bookouture and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true story. A story of the friendship between 2 women during the ww2. A scientist and an actress. They story of how they try to change the stereotypes. How they try to be accepted into a maledominated field.
We follow them through heartbreak, tragedy and loss. You Will Just fall in love with them.
It was an interesting story of love and war. And a strong friendship. I would highly recommend the book
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read This e arc in exchange for an honest opinion

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends for Life

Heartwarming and heartbreaking this is a story of the friendship of two unlikely women during WWII. Hedy and actress in California and July a scientist in Cambridge England. How their chance meeting at a museum in London turned out to be a lasting friendship.

Although both women had intelligent minds , society and the pride of men in it would not accept that a woman could be smart enough to invent something substantial. They both fought against this prejudice and voiced it amongst each other in their correspondence.

Both women had much heartbreak and tragedy in their lives as the war rages and lives went on it was not smooth sailing in either of their lives. They had disappointments and betrayals from themselves and others. They were there for each other until one unfortunate incident of the war tore them apart.

It took them many years to reconcile from this unfortunate circumstance and it was only into their later years that they did so.

It was an endearing story of love and war and the friendship that outlasted it all. It was truly a wonderful book to read and I would recommend it.

Thanks to Suzanne Kelman, Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy for my honest review.

[em · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid Historical Fiction, fictionalising the life of Hedy Lamarr and her life. I appreciated the quick and fast-paced plot that Kelman wrote, given this book spans over several decades it was a refreshing pace to read something that didn't drag on. However, in saying that I feel that certain scenes or important moments were skipped over a little too quickly, in favour of other less necessary scenes. The characters were developed, albeit Judy more than Hedy. Overall, an enjoyable read that kept me entertained.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #WhenTheNightingaleSings #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Sydney Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friendship that lasts forever.

What do a scientist and an actress have in common? Brilliant minds and a bond that withstands the tests of time, distance and war. Hedy and Judy meet at a museum in London in the early 1930’s and quickly form a bond that neither of them expected but one that would never be broken. Both scientifically brilliant, they both struggle for their voices to be heard during a time when women were expected to stay at home and tend to the children. They battled frustration, heartache, and loss and always had each other to turn to despite leading very different lives.

I loved this story. It’s based on the true stories and scientific contributions of famed actress Hedy Lamar and scientist Joan Curran. It is not known if Hedy and Joan ever knew each other but it is a great fictionalized friendship that has made its way to the pages of this novel. It also introduced me to women I knew very little about or in Joan’s case…Not at all.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Suzanne Kelman for early access to this lovely story.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzanne Kelman has done it again with this fantastic read When the Nightingale sings.
Slightly different from her previous books. This story describes an undergoing friendship between two women that span over fifty years. Based on real people Judy is a scientist in a man’s world. She works hard but is never recognised for her hard work and Hedy is an inventor but is not taken seriously so she becomes a very well-known actress. But being famous is not enough. She wants to do her bit for the war. So, she co invents a patent for a radio signalling device, which changes radio frequencies to keep enemies in the war from decoding messages.
Thank you Bookouture for a copy of When the Nightingale sings. I have read the authors previous novels and this one also doesn’t disappoint. This is a fabulous story of two women from two different backgrounds meeting in a museum in London and becoming the best of friends. In a time when women weren’t recognised for their work and must fight against the prejudices from men. This was at a time when women were supposed to be at home looking after the home and the children. It is sensitively written of the two women with both having tragedies in their own lives that will eventually tear them apart. This is a great read I highly recommend

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am excited to be taking part in the #BooksOnTour #BlogTour for Suzanne Kelman's unforgettable story of friendship and courage WHEN THE NIGHTINGALE SINGS.

This story begins in part in Cambridge where a young Welsh physicist studied for a degree she was not permitted to receive, gaining only a certificate to confirm her completion of studies. She went on to work at the Cavendish Lab in Cambridge, developing the technology to confuse the enemy through radar during WW2. That woman was Joan Curran, who was portrayed in this heartwarming and heartbreaking story as Judy Morgan. A woman of great courage, great spirit and great mind who found a special kinship in someone who loved science as she did. Someone who was known as "the most beautiful woman in the world" but largely unknown for the technology she herself invented.

Hedwig Keisler was an unknown Jewish woman from Austria, escaping not only the approaching Nazi regime but a husband with ties to the Third Reich. She found her way to Hollywood via London where she became known as "the most beautiful woman in the world" but she wanted to be known for than that. She had an analytical mind and an interest in physics and invention. It was her and a fellow inventor who came up with the idea of signal hopping - the very foundation upon which Bluetooth, WiFi and cellular technology is based. However, being a woman made it difficult for such innovations to be taken seriously and her "invention" was shelved until the patent ran out, which therefore meant she was largely unrecognised for the design and received no royalties for which she was entitled. She was finally recognised for it in the 1990s but died in 2000 without any royalties. That technology today is worth billions and billions of USD and it was all down to an idea that a woman came up with based upon a piano that plays itself in the 1940s. That woman was the famous actress Hedy Lamarr.

Both women made significant discoveries which would aid the Allies in the fight against the enemy but struggled to be taken seriously or recognised for their worth. Kelman has written before accounts based on true events and fictionalised them but each story is a powerful tale of courage, strength and resilience. WHEN THE NIGHTINGALE SINGS is one such story in which a friendship is forged between two women who fought against the odds to be recognised for who they were and on their own merits.

At the beginning of the story, we meet an elderly woman now in her 80s ruminating over the years since past as she prepares for an honourary award of a degree she earned sixty years ago. Although now frail, Judy Jenkins ponders over what has gone before and longs for a reconciliation with her closest friend with whom she had lost contact just before victory over the Japanese was declared in 1945. So many years, so many memories, so much has already passed...but one thing Judy longest for before she too left this earth was to reconcile with Hedy. Just one more time.

Cambridge 1937: Young and shy student Judy Morgan was feeling excited and nervous about completing her studies. She knew she would not be awarded a degree, although she'd earned it, but her greatest wish now was to get a job at the Cavendish Laboratory as a research scientist. En route home to Wales, she decides to visit the Science Museum in London which she has never seen and there she meets Hedwig. The two women find a kinship in one another over their shared love of science and invention and spend an interesting afternoon in a cafe sharing thoughts and ideas. But as the time ticks on, Judy is aware of the last train home to Cardiff is approaching and bids farewell to Hedwig. Before parting, the women exchange addresses with the firm intention to correspond with one another.

Judy returns to Wales and to a letter awaiting her, offering her a position at the Cavendish Lab. She is ecstatic and upon arriving back in Cambridge to begin her new job she is shocked at the attitude of the man she is to be working under, Professor Finnegan, who believes a woman's place is in the home. He pairs her with Tom Jenkins, a similarly shy and self-confident man, but the two form a working relationship that soon becomes a friendship before Tom stutteringly proposes. Judy, of course, accepts and shares her exciting news with Hedwig in her next letter. But life isn't to be easy for Judy - neither in the professional nor the personal front and her struggles soon pave the way for an even bigger event that will change her life.

Austria 1937: Trapped in a loveless marriage to a cruel man, Hedwig Kiesler escapes its confines one night with the help of her maid. She flees first to Paris where she catches up with best friend Stefan, a journalist, before travelling to London in the hope to become an actress. There she meets Judy at the Science Museum and sees in her a woman with whom she shares more than just an interest. It was with a fleeting thought that she suggested they exchange addresses so as to correspond with someone who appreciated her mind and for who she was - more than just a face.

Using most of her the money she could glean from selling some jewellery her maid had expertly sewn into her coat, she bought a passage on the Normandie for America where she attracted the attention of Louis B. Mayer who immediately signed her up with a seven year contract with MGM Studios upon arriving in Los Angeles. But her name was a bit of a mouthful. And it was then that Hedy Lamarr was born.

Over the years, Hedy made a name for herself filming opposite already established and well-known Hollywood names such as Clark Gable and Jimmy Stewart. But she longed to find someone to love her just for her. She rushed into a second marriage after a whirlwind romance with a scriptwriter lasting only two years. She swore off marriage instead focusing on her career but jumped into another marriage with a British actor she'd worked alongside in her first Hollywood movie Algiers some years before. That too didn't last and Hedy was once again left bereft.

Through it all she had her friendship with Judy and was thrilled when she and husband Tom moved to the US to work outside Berkeley on a top secret project for the US military. But in a cruel twist of fate, the two women came face to face with something that came between them and threatened to destroy their friendship. Both Judy and Hedy were strong and resilient and rose above whatever life threw at them, but each of them continued to struggle with things neither of them could or would share...except with each other. Except they couldn't. And so life went on...

I've been a fan of Suzanne Kelman since her historical WW2 fiction debut "A View Across the Rooftops" and have enjoyed each of them since. Well-researched and in a mix of fact and fiction, she weaves a heartbreaking tale of two women who struggled to be recognised for more than who they were seen as. WHEN THE NIGHTINGALE SINGS is an epic tale of their friendship, their resilience, courage and strength in a time when women were not recognised as individuals. While some of the scientific parts went over my head a little, I was still able to appreciate their contributions in the efforts both women made in the inventions of chaff (Judy aka Joan Curran) and signal hopping (Hedy Lamarr).

Of course, I knew the name Hedy Lamarr but I soon found myself googling several times to learn a little bit more about her since I only knew her as a famous Hollywood actress of the 30s and 40s. But as I was to discover, she certainly was more than just "the most beautiful woman in the world". WHEN THE NIGHTINGALE SINGS brings both women's story to life in a heartbreaking way as they each fought battles of their own.

A story of life-long friendships, love, resilience and courage against the backdrop of war, WHEN THE NIGHTINGALE SINGS is a fascinating re-telling of two women's fight to be more than they are seen as, their friendship and the inventions they developed that changed the world.

Perfect for fans of historical wartime fiction and those interested in reading about the unsung heroes of history.

I would like to thank #SuzanneKelman, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #WhenTheNightingaleSings in exchange for an honest review.

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

[Lindsey (Bring My Books) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley & Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.

BRING BORROW BYPASS

Having thoroughly enjoyed two of Suzanne Kelman's previous works (A View Across the Rooftops, one of my top 10 of 2019, and When We Were Brave), this is painful to say ... but this one didn't hit right for me.

I think writing books based on history is always going to be a difficult feat, and I generally give a fair amount of leeway in the distortion of timelines and the imagination of conversations. That being said, When the Nightingale Sings took those liberties a bit too far for me to stay invested in the story.

The basic storyline revolves around 2 women with brilliant scientific minds in a time when they were neither respected nor recognized - and I truly respect the aim Ms. Kelman had in writing this book. However, I had my issues with the narrative choices used to tell the story and it detracted from my overall enjoyment.

The creative imaginings of the life of Hedy Lamarr, a prominent and well known historical figure, felt slightly off from almost the beginning and my misgivings increased as the book progressed. The author explains almost all of her narrative choices in the Author's Historical Note, but some felt contrived to the point of inconceivability - such as putting Hedy Lamarr and her British scientist friend on the deck of a boat in Pearl Harbor almost moments before the attack.

I would readily recommend both A View Across the Rooftops and When We Were Brave, but this one is one I wouldn't find myself recommending.

Content Warnings: Miscarriage (Multiple), Infertility, Hysterectomy

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, but this one for me took too many liberties with the truth. Author based her fictional character on a real life female scientist during the war and made her a very important part of Hedy Lamarr's life when there isn't any proof that these people even met. Wouldn't have minded if there was a casual relationship between the two, but basing the story on these two characters being best friends was too much for me.

[Kristen Karnosky · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Bonnie Grover · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enduring love story between best friends.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. As a female scientist myself (the new term for my job is clinical laboratory scientist), I appreciate what these groundbreaking women did to make it possible for me to have a scientific career. How sad that they were not taken seriously.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publishers for letting me read this emotional and poignant book

a story of life long friendships and love with the added bonus of a war getting in the way...

learnt some things whilst reading this, that the grass isnt always greener on the other side and to enjoy your life and what you have, this book will make you appreciate what you have...

two women from different backgrounds...one ends up a famous hollywood actress the other becomes a scientist and through the years their friendship remains steadfast until the devastation of war pulls them apart...excellent compelling read

will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking forward to reading this because I LOVED "A View Across the Rooftops" and "When We Were Brave." Unfortunately, this wasn't one of my favorites. It was OK and would give it 2.5 stars. I didn't realize Hedy Lamarr was a real actress. I had to google her. What I found on the Internet was more interesting than how she was portrayed in the book. I would have never guessed she actually had a child in the book. James was never with her. She travelled so many places and must have left him home with the nanny because he was never with her. I just couldn't get into the story and I love historical fiction. I didn't love the characters. There could have been a little bit more about Hedy and her first husband. He wasn't the best husband ever but I thought he would have been much worse for the way Hedy planned her escape. The way Judy and her husband talked made me laugh. They seemed liked teenagers just discovering the opposite sex. Their dialogue on their honeymoon was just too much. I would have thought something else would have destroyed Hedy and Judy's relationship. The reason behind the end of their friendship was ridiculous. Hedy blamed Judy for something she had no control over.

Definitely give the book a try. It just wasn't for me. Look forward to reading more books by the author. Loved the cover of the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Judy Odom · Rating 4 out of 5]

When The Nightingale Sings is an engrossing story that will capture your heart.

It is a story of war, a story of resilience, a story of courage and endurance.

It is also a story of friendship that endures for years.

Judy Morgan and Hedy Lamar meet by accident and are staunch friends from that moment on.

Then World War 2 hits and Hedy is making movies and doing what she can for the war effort while Judy is a scientist on a secret mission that will change lives and the course of the War.

Both ladies are strong and independent and like the time they are living in their contributions are glazed over.

It is also the story of their determination and strength for not only them to be recognized but other women as well.

The pages turn quickly as you follow their stories.

As always take the time to read the author's notes at the end.

Suzanne Kelman has a way of drawing the reader in from the first to the last page.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for a captivating read that I wont soon forget.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two women become friends at the height of WW2 - based on a true story but this is historical fiction - it's a story of friendship, one's an actress, the other a scientist, the plot is pretty fast paced and I appreciate that, we follow the story through heartbreak, tragedy and loss through a war of love and war, a strong friendship is a must.

Judy as a character is pretty well developed and I liked her over Hedy, plus I felt her role as a scientist was far more superior in the war however, she was working as a full educated woman but in a mans world, that must have been pretty tough for her. Hedy on the other hand tuned to be an actress despite this, she complies with the need to do her bit for her country and war effort in an academic way, which I applaud. These are the things that interested me most within the book, though they share a great bond in the book, I really appreciated reading about how the war affected them, their lives, and eventually their friendship. I really love reading about the war and how each experience although different can be replicated and related to by many people.

With thanks to Netgalley for the free arc in return for my review.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Content Warning** This book does deal with pregnancy loss and traumatic miscarriages.

I have to admit that before reading this book I knew nothing about Hedy Lamarr. I had heard her name and knew vaguely that she was a film star a long time ago, but that was as far as it went. I certainly knew nothing of her inventions or had any idea that she was much more than a celebrated beauty. I also knew nothing of Joan Curran, a Welsh physicist who played a key role in some of the advancements that helped the allies during the second world war. In this book, Suzanne Kelman takes Hedy Lamarr and reimagines Joan Curran as Judy Jenkins and tells a story of them becoming friends and struggling against the male-dominated society that dismisses their brains and achievements. At one point (and forgive me here for not having taken an exact quotation at the time) Judy thinks that one of the men treats her achievement like praising her for having baked a cake. It really sums up the what that they are dismissed and diminished well.
I always love reading about women who have achieved so much but that we have forgotten about. Of course, I'd much prefer that we hadn't forgotten, but it is good to rediscover people. Judy's achievements in this book mirror Joan's at least until the end of the war. Her personal life is fiction though because, unlike Hedy, she didn't live in the spotlight, so there is more room for things to be imagined. Both women have much to deal with in their lives. As if living in wartime wasn't hard enough. While their brains and talents may be the scaffolding of this story, it's the fact that they are very much women and women with the same worries and concerns as the rest of us that really gives it life.
There is a little bit of a tendency to tell rather than show for some of the book which does slow it down a little. With so much to cover in terms of the work that Judy in particular does, I'm not sure that this could have been avoided.
This was a fascinating read which had me googling Joan Curran and Hedy Lamarr as soon as I had finished it. If you enjoy historical fiction, particularly women's fiction, then I think that you will love this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

I did not like about one half of the book but found the other half riveting. Hedi Lamarr, Joan Curran, and Sam Curran were real characters, and this book is about, in part, about the atomic bomb. Joan was a graduate of Cambridge In England. She had the mind and intelligence to make her part of the bomb. There is little known about her inventions because she was a woman. She presented her work through her husband. Hedy Lamarr was the most beautiful woman in the world, but she an inventor with a fine mind. The author touched on many areas of discrimination against women by men. That was the way things were and the world has moved along. I did not like the Hollywood scene, but the author used no offensive language or sex scenes.

Thank you, Ms. Kelman, for a good read.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

World War II-era books are some of my favorites, and this one seemed a bit different from many I've read in the past. I found Kelman's book to be engaging. She did a great job of blending fact and fiction. I enjoyed learning a bit about the female inventors during the war. I'm glad to see that they're finally getting recognition. I also really enjoyed the friendship between Hedy and Judy.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting take on WWII - one from a female scientist and the other a female actress in Hollywood. There are real people in the story as well as fictional and lots of different aspects of WWII - the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Manhattan Project, etc. Both of the main characters struggle with sexism and wanting things they can not have. Despite this, there are moments of beauty and hope woven throughout.

[Lori Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable story about 2 women that meet by chance. One goes on to being an actress and one is a scientist. The story follows their friendship and what happens in both their lives during the war, during heartache and during betrayal. The conclusion is heartwarming and touched me very much. An incredible author that I will be reading more of. Excellent book!

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating novel starting before WWII and ends in 1998. It follows two women and their life long friendship, one being the most beautiful woman in the world, Heddy Lamar. I loved both women, faults and all. The narrator added to my enjoyment, bringing each character to life. Happy reading and listening!

[Ange Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible true story. I am amazed at these 2 ladies and what they achieved! I love how the author paralleled the two stories, it’s beautifully written and I couldn’t put it down.
If I had one criticism of this book, it would be the ending. We didn’t get to see how the reconciliation between Hedy and Judy panned out. Did Judy end up moving to FL? How long were they friends until she died?
I read online about Judy, and it doesn't seem like much of her personal life mirrored the book, I'd love to find an interview with the author to better understand the reasoning behind this.

[Trish Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book on the whole, although I found the pace a bit slow, especially in the beginning. The day-to-day formalities of the era likely contributed to this feeling. But the way the lives of the two main characters (Hedy Lamarr and Judy Jenkins) unfolded created a captivating juxtaposition of American and British points of view, especially of the times. I love when reading about people or events compels me to do some research to find out more about them. Lamarr was an actress/inventor who pioneered the technology that would one day form the basis for today's WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth communication systems. Joan Curran (who the Jenkins' character was modeled on) a physicist who worked on the Manhattan Project, which developed the Atomic Bomb. To my knowledge, these women did not know each other, but both were denied credit for discoveries that changed the world.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just beautiful. Poignant. Haunting. Thought provoking. A must read. What a wonderful, heart wrenching story this is. Very highly recommended.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rounded up to 3.5 because it was interesting in some parts but most of it was kind of boring. It’s about Hedy Lamar and her best friend Judy. Judy is a scientist and Lamar was a inventor at some time in her life. It revolves around WW2 and bombing of Pearl Harbor. Lots of historical content but still wasn’t a great story!!!!

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

NetGalley

Member Review
Cover Image: When the Nightingale Sings
When the Nightingale Sings
by Suzanne Kelman
Pub Date: 21 Oct 2021
Review by

jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 17 Sep 2021
My Recommendation
With grateful thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
What a fabulous tale, with Hedy and Judy a story that spans a life time thev'e had there ups and downs in that time its an extremely poignant tale that really does make you think about old friends and what really matters in life I can highly recommend this outstandingly beautiful book.
Don't forget! Come back to your Review on the pub date, 21 Oct 2021, to post to these retailers.

[Edens Book Den · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

When the Nightingale Sings is truly an epic tale of friendship. The backdrop takes the reader from 1930’s Austria, to Paris, London, through the Golden Age of Hollywood, to World War 2 and beyond. Suzanne Kelman has crafted a tale based on the true story of an extraordinary lifelong friendship between Hedwig Keisler (aka Hedy Lamarr) and Judy Morgan. Hedy Lamarr who only seemed to be remembered for her contributions to the film industry in Hollywood, was so much more than just a beautiful actress.  What many people don’t know is she had a great scientific mind. Her friend Judy was also a brilliant scientist working on military technology and advancement to support the Allies war effort.  This is the behind the scenes story of two courageous women who lived on opposite sides of the world making their mark in a field dominated by men. We get a glimpse into their personal lives, failures and triumphs, love and loss. This story will grab you from the beginning and you will get swept up in the journey. It’s equal parts solemn and triumphant. At times it is heartbreaking and I definitely want to mention that is deals with pregnancy loss. You will root for the happiness of the two main characters and are inspired by the women they were. I wholeheartedly recommend this book, if nothing else than to read about two strong women defying odds in their time.

[Emma Crowley · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the Nightingale Sings by Suzanne Kelman begins in 1998 in Cambridge, 85 year old Judy knows the time she has left is short and the friendship long ago forged during the turbulent times of World War Two is one she would like to find closure and acceptance with. But there have been many, many years of silence between herself and Hedy and instantly the readers interest is piqued. You want to know what caused this rift from what seems to be a friendship that existed through the worst of times but yet was unable to come out stronger on the other side? As Judy takes to the stage to receive an honoury degree she clings to one last facet of hope that Hedy has come to this special event and that they can make amends. But to discover how this point has been reached the author takes us back in time to the late 1930’s and through the war years as we see an incredible friendship build up but one in which loyalties were severely tested which ultimately led to the deep separation that Judy now in the present wishes nothing more than to put right.

The story had a great flow to it and I loved how the chapters moved between the two main protagonists Judy and Hedy. They never actually physically met many times, yet the bond they shared appeared to be unbreakable as their love of science bound them together. The end notes were interesting as it gave more of a background to the two women and how the author changed some things around to suit her telling of the story rather than have everything based on fact. Even though the author did say there is no evidence that the two women met I’d like to think they did as I found this story fascinating as it provided the reader with a totally different aspect to the war that you would never think about and which was almost always dominated by men.

Admittedly for a portion of the book I was looking for a bit more war action so to speak, and to really see how things were going on the ground, but then I realised this was not that sort of historical fiction book. Rather it is more character driven and focuses on these two women who are trying to do their best in their respective fields but at the same time trying to escape the moulds that had been created for women at the time. They were both creative and innovative thinkers but a male dominated society continued to conspire against them and I felt this was really highlighted in Judy’s situation.

Out of the two it was Judy that I was really drawn to, I wanted to read lots more chapters from her viewpoint as I found her to be a women ahead of her time more so than Hedy. I found Hedy to be frustrating and although she too wanted to help in the war effort I just felt she didn’t always have the same drive that Judy had. Judy graduates from college in Cambridge in the summer of 1937 her specialty being physiscs. I couldn’t quite comprehend that she didn’t receive a proper degree even though she had done the same work as her fellow male classmates. It was clear that society viewed women as only being fit for working in the home but here was a character who was so much more than that.

Judy was lonely at college and resented by fellow classmates for being on a scholarship but I loved how she pushed against every injustice that came blocking her path. She had such a passion for science and she knew she was in the right place and that with time and hard work she could prove that to all around her. A chance but brief meeting with Hedy at a science museum in London sees the friendship cemented. Hedy is in transit from Austria to America escaping her husband in the hopes of pursuing a film career. It could have seemed very far fetched that a friendship could develop after such a brief meeting but the author really made it work over the course of the unfolding plot.

Time and time again Judy goes against the grain of what society expects a woman can do and she earned nothing but respect and admiration in my eyes. She gets work in a lab and meets Thomas Jenkins and they work alongside each other and later go on to marry. When war is declared, the work they both do intensifies and Judy shows off her very clever mind and her forward thinking yet never gains any respect and appreciation for all that she does from the main men at the lab. I don’t know how she put up with so many put downs and the lack of acknowledgement for her work but it showed her true grit, determination and strong character that she wanted to help in any way she could in order to see the Germans defeated. At times the technical work herself and Thomas were involved in became a bit too much for me. I understand detail was needed in order to enhance the overall picture of what they were doing but I became a bit confused and glossed over these parts but it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the story.

I thought the letters that flew back and forth over the Atlantic between Hedy and Judy were a brilliant addition to the book. It helped join the two women’s lives together and gave a deep insight into their friendship. Judy’s life takes her on a dark path emotionally and mentally and a new drive appears deep within her. A thirst for revenge in a way although revenge seems too strong a word. I sensed in the later quarter that the reason for the present day rift between herself and Hedy would be revealed. As we edged ever closer to this point something became clear to me and I could tell one aspect of what was forthcoming and I almost didn’t want to read it in fear of the emotions it would stir in me. But of course I persisted and I thought the way the author brought the strands of the story together and exposed the reasons was very well done. What could have been a let down, wasn’t at all and it all made perfect sense and gives the reader much food for thought regarding both women and their actions, viewpoints and feelings.

I haven’t said much about Hedy and maybe that’s because I didn’t warm to her as much. Reaching America and becoming a Hollywood starlet was she just that little bit out of reach and harder to connect with than Judy who was more down to earth and relatable? There was lots of detail of her time spent on film sets and loads of name dropping of famous Hollywood stars she encountered and worked with. The inclusion of businessman Howard Hughes provides an important link to a pivotal aspect of the overall storyline. But two things that struck me was how did films continue to be made during the war and how could normal people sail across the Atlantic during the war years? I would have thought it was incredibly dangerous to brave the Atlantic and as for the films well I suppose they provided a distraction for people when they needed it most but at times it just seemed unnecessary and superficial.

Hedy’s life took on a typical actress path but I loved when she became involved in wanting to do her bit for the war and showed off her science brain that was quite clearly under utilised and just bursting to come forth with all that she wanted to see the light in order to help the war effort. The connection between Hedy and Judy was wonderfully written throughout and showcased what an uphill battle they faced every day to be taken seriously as women with brilliant ideas and initiatives. Throughout you are hoping that as we revert back to the event at the beginning that things will work out for them both if at all possible.

When the Nightingale Sings is a good historical fiction read, different from those out there in the genre at the moment. It’s not my favourite by Suzanne Kelman but it’s still very much worthy of a read.