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Operation Moonlight
1945: newly recruited SOE agent Elisabeth Shepherd is faced with an impossible mission: to parachute behind enemy lines into Nazi-occupied France to monitor the new long-range missiles the Germans are working on.
Her only advice? Trust absolutely no one. With danger lurking at every turn, one wrong move for Elisabeth could spell instant death.
In the present, Betty is about to celebrate her 100th birthday. With her carer Tali at her side, she receives an invite from the Century Society to reminisce on the past.
Remembering a life shrouded in secrecy and danger, Betty remains tight-lipped. But when Tali finds a box filled with maps, letters and a gun hidden in Betty's cellar, it becomes clear that Betty's secrets are about to be uncovered.
Nostalgic, heart-pumping and truly page-turning, OPERATION MOONLIGHT is a both a gripping read and a novel that makes you think about a generation of women and men who endured so much, and knew what it truly meant to survive.
Her only advice? Trust absolutely no one. With danger lurking at every turn, one wrong move for Elisabeth could spell instant death.
In the present, Betty is about to celebrate her 100th birthday. With her carer Tali at her side, she receives an invite from the Century Society to reminisce on the past.
Remembering a life shrouded in secrecy and danger, Betty remains tight-lipped. But when Tali finds a box filled with maps, letters and a gun hidden in Betty's cellar, it becomes clear that Betty's secrets are about to be uncovered.
Nostalgic, heart-pumping and truly page-turning, OPERATION MOONLIGHT is a both a gripping read and a novel that makes you think about a generation of women and men who endured so much, and knew what it truly meant to survive.
448 pages, Paperback
First published July 21, 2022
15 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Louise Morrish
5 books97 followersLouise Morrish is an author, bookseller, and creative writing tutor whose debut novel won the 2019 Penguin Random House First Novel Competition. She finds inspiration for her stories in the real-life adventures of women in the past, whom history has forgotten. She was a Librarian for 30 years, and lives in Hampshire with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
March 28, 2022
I found this book hard to get into. I was reading it mainly for the S.O.E part of the story and this took quite a while to get going. Once it did come into it I found the story picked up a lot.
However, I never took to Elizabeth in either time line. It's nothing I could put my finger on I just had no empathy for her. She did have a lovely relationship with her Carer, Tali, who certainly had her own problems.
There's an episode that takes place in France and while I had a slight inkling of what might happen it still came as a surprise to me. This part of the book could have been fleshed out more. It could have done with more tension and the mission was a bit too simple.
It's still a very good read. I've read lots about the S.O.E and you can tell the author had done her research thoroughly.
However, I never took to Elizabeth in either time line. It's nothing I could put my finger on I just had no empathy for her. She did have a lovely relationship with her Carer, Tali, who certainly had her own problems.
There's an episode that takes place in France and while I had a slight inkling of what might happen it still came as a surprise to me. This part of the book could have been fleshed out more. It could have done with more tension and the mission was a bit too simple.
It's still a very good read. I've read lots about the S.O.E and you can tell the author had done her research thoroughly.
October 16, 2022
This is a wonderful dual timeline historical novel. I equally enjoyed the modern day thread focusing on the almost-one-hundred-year-old Betty and her carer, and the 1940’s timeline featuring Elisabeth and her heroic role in the SOE. Beautifully written and researched, this was a truly compelling read, emotionally moving and with the perfect amount of jeopardy to keep me glued to the pages! A truly accomplished debut and I very much look forward to this author’s next book.
July 4, 2022
I didn't know much about the book or author and chose it on the blurb alone - and so glad I did. It was very well written, totally absorbing, and with a very authentic feel - probably because it is based on the stories of several unsung heroines in England's history.
The story is told in two timelines, cleverly intertwined. In the current one Madame Betty is rapidly approaching her 100th birthday, and being cared for by Tali a lovely carer with secrets of her own. The other is the 1940s and the world is at war. Elizabeth, a French speaker, is recruited by the SOE to be parachuted into Nazi occupied France to obtain information necessary to the war effort. When Tali finds an ancient suitcase belonging to Betty from her past, the two worlds start to collide.
The novel is very fast paced in the 1940s timeline, and gives a real insight into the real SOE recruits, and how much they sacrificed so that the allies would win the war. A fantastic 5 star story.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The story is told in two timelines, cleverly intertwined. In the current one Madame Betty is rapidly approaching her 100th birthday, and being cared for by Tali a lovely carer with secrets of her own. The other is the 1940s and the world is at war. Elizabeth, a French speaker, is recruited by the SOE to be parachuted into Nazi occupied France to obtain information necessary to the war effort. When Tali finds an ancient suitcase belonging to Betty from her past, the two worlds start to collide.
The novel is very fast paced in the 1940s timeline, and gives a real insight into the real SOE recruits, and how much they sacrificed so that the allies would win the war. A fantastic 5 star story.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 4, 2022
I didn't know much about the book or author and chose it on the blurb alone - and so glad I did. It was very well written, totally absorbing, and with a very authentic feel - probably because it is based on the stories of several unsung heroines in England's history.
The story is told in two timelines, cleverly intertwined. In the current one Madame Betty is rapidly approaching her 100th birthday, and being cared for by Tali a lovely carer with secrets of her own. The other is the 1940s and the world is at war. Elizabeth, a French speaker, is recruited by the SOE to be parachuted into Nazi occupied France to obtain information necessary to the war effort. When Tali finds an ancient suitcase belonging to Betty from her past, the two worlds start to collide.
The novel is very fast paced in the 1940s timeline, and gives a real insight into the real SOE recruits, and how much they sacrificed so that the allies would win the war. A fantastic 5 star story.
The story is told in two timelines, cleverly intertwined. In the current one Madame Betty is rapidly approaching her 100th birthday, and being cared for by Tali a lovely carer with secrets of her own. The other is the 1940s and the world is at war. Elizabeth, a French speaker, is recruited by the SOE to be parachuted into Nazi occupied France to obtain information necessary to the war effort. When Tali finds an ancient suitcase belonging to Betty from her past, the two worlds start to collide.
The novel is very fast paced in the 1940s timeline, and gives a real insight into the real SOE recruits, and how much they sacrificed so that the allies would win the war. A fantastic 5 star story.
July 18, 2022
This book is wonderfully fast paced and kept me invested in the story as it progressed down it’s dual timeline. The writing was almost lyrical in parts, and you can tell that the author wrote this based off of real life inspirations of the heroines of WW2, and has clearly done their research on the subject. This was my first book from this author but it definitely won’t be my last. I love books (and authors) that bring stories about all of these unsung heroes to the forefront, especially if they’re women, because we don’t shine enough light on them sometimes. Definitely add this to your TBRs for a nice summer read.
Thank you to Century books for sending me a copy of this.
Thank you to Century books for sending me a copy of this.
March 24, 2023
Really disappointing. The modern storyline was too long, boring and by the end quite depressing. The wartime storyline was really good at first, I liked the sections on her training as a spy but her actual mission is really brief with too much attention given to the love story and the end of that plot line… really? It just didn’t ring true for me. Not what I was hoping for.
June 9, 2023
A really engrossing read told in two timelines. Betty is approaching her 100th birthday when her carer Tali takes her along to the Century Society to create a memory box. Betty is reluctant to open up but when Tali finds an old suitcase of Betty’s belongings it raises some interesting questions about Betty’s past. In the historical thread (my favourite part of the book) we follow a young lady called Elisabeth who is recruited into the Special Operations Executive, a secret British organisation put together to sabotage the Nazis in occupied Europe during WW2. Both threads worked perfectly together as Betty’s history is revealed and the story came to a neat and satisfying end. It was evident how much research the author had done and it blew my mind to think how the SOEs were trained in such short time and how terribly scary it must have been to be out there doing what they did and to have to come back home and slot back into their original lives without being able to tell anyone what they had been through. They were absolute heroes. Reading the book definitely made me want to find out more about those women.
July 7, 2022
I adored this book. It flits between Betty's wartime past and her 100-year-old present, but for me, the sections in the past were the really captivating parts - the sections in which I was 'with' Betty as she risked her life for the war in ways I hadn't ever considered had happened. Louise Morrish's extensive research on the SOE and wartime Britain and France shine through, and I had a most enjoyable history lesson in the reading as well as a thoroughly good read. The 'now' sections did well to show how, to Betty, her escapades in the war were not something she wants to dwell on (a very relatable angle - my 97-year-old grandfather hates to talk about the war), and the subplot of Betty's carer's own life decisions adds lighter respite from the heavier topics that are the main theme of the book. I highly recommend this book and look forward to seeing what Louise Morrish produces next, but hope it will include more of the lesser-known activities of our grandparents' generations before their history is lost.
August 3, 2022
As I know the author I was very much looking forward to reading this but I was taken by surprise by how much I loved it. Really enjoyed the two time frames running side by side, the knowledge of the SOE was amazing and all the characters were well written. I would recommend to anyone who is interested in WWII or enjoys a book you can't put down.
June 27, 2022
I loved this book, it was a page turner that had me gripped from the start. Having heard stories from family members about the role of the SOE agents I was delighted to find that this novel didn't disappoint. I loved Elisabeth's character and how she kept her war time experience secret all her life.
The book is beautifully written and a well researched story that had a bit of everything, love, betrayal, heartbreak, mystery and much much more.
This book is one that I will definitely read again.
The book is beautifully written and a well researched story that had a bit of everything, love, betrayal, heartbreak, mystery and much much more.
This book is one that I will definitely read again.
July 31, 2022
I was really interested in this book when I heard that the author is inspired by the experiences of real women from the Second World War. I’m especially fascinated by what women did during the war as we usually just hear about the lives of those at home. Yet many women did important and dangerous work during the war and we read the fictionalised account of one such woman in this wonderful dual timeline novel.
Operation Moonlight is a terrific read. I warmed to the main character Betty both as a centenarian in the present day strand of the story and Elisabeth in the wartime part. She was such a brave and feisty character, even as a frailer older lady. She may have needed a carer to help her at home but she was as composed as ever mentally and well aware of exactly what she wanted.
I didn’t know much about the work of the Special Operations Executive in World War Two and so I learned quite a bit from the work Elisabeth carried out during the war. It was such a dangerous mission where she really could trust nobody, and at one point I was almost shouting at her to remember that. There were more than a few heart-stopping scenes and I could only admire the courage of Elisabeth and indeed the real life women who carried out such secret missions. The author has clearly done a lot of research, making the wartime strand of the story feel very real.
In the present day story, I particularly liked the character of Tali, Elisabeth’s carer. She had come to the UK from Mauritius and had her own difficult situation to face. In her own way, she had to be brave and stand up for what she believed in too. She was not just an employee but a friend and she proved herself to be a true friend to Elisabeth.
Operation Moonlight was a book I found enthralling from start to finish. I enjoyed both strands of the story equally and found the author wrote about the themes of bravery, friendship and secrets extremely well. Operation Moonlight is excellent historic fiction blended with a heart-warming contemporary story.
Operation Moonlight is a terrific read. I warmed to the main character Betty both as a centenarian in the present day strand of the story and Elisabeth in the wartime part. She was such a brave and feisty character, even as a frailer older lady. She may have needed a carer to help her at home but she was as composed as ever mentally and well aware of exactly what she wanted.
I didn’t know much about the work of the Special Operations Executive in World War Two and so I learned quite a bit from the work Elisabeth carried out during the war. It was such a dangerous mission where she really could trust nobody, and at one point I was almost shouting at her to remember that. There were more than a few heart-stopping scenes and I could only admire the courage of Elisabeth and indeed the real life women who carried out such secret missions. The author has clearly done a lot of research, making the wartime strand of the story feel very real.
In the present day story, I particularly liked the character of Tali, Elisabeth’s carer. She had come to the UK from Mauritius and had her own difficult situation to face. In her own way, she had to be brave and stand up for what she believed in too. She was not just an employee but a friend and she proved herself to be a true friend to Elisabeth.
Operation Moonlight was a book I found enthralling from start to finish. I enjoyed both strands of the story equally and found the author wrote about the themes of bravery, friendship and secrets extremely well. Operation Moonlight is excellent historic fiction blended with a heart-warming contemporary story.
July 25, 2022
I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve come to really enjoy dual timeline books, this one begins in 2018. 100 year old Betty is trying to sleep but the full moon is too bright, as she reaches into her pocket she finds a strange looking key but she can’t remember what it’s for. Betty can hear her live in carer Tali snoring in the next room, Tali is also her friend not just her carer.
1944 begins with Elisabeth catching a train then a bus from Guildford to London after receiving a letter from a Captain Porter to attend a meeting in London to discuss the photographs of France she sent to the Admiralty. She soon finds out that Captain Porter works for the SOE and he recruits her to do some dangerous undercover work in France but that’s only if she passes the training camp.
Historical Fiction is possibly my favourite genre to read and Operation Moonlight reminds me why it’s my favourite genre to read.
Betty and Doris have been friends since 1944 they met when they both ended up at the training centre together after being recruited.
I adored the friendship they had all through the war and after right up until 2018.
I was so enthralled by the detailed parts of the war effort and the secretive organisations we set up to try and beat the Germans, you can tell the author really knows what she’s writing about and must have researched this subject extensively.
A truly captivating novel that has everything you could wish for! It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read.
I’ve come to really enjoy dual timeline books, this one begins in 2018. 100 year old Betty is trying to sleep but the full moon is too bright, as she reaches into her pocket she finds a strange looking key but she can’t remember what it’s for. Betty can hear her live in carer Tali snoring in the next room, Tali is also her friend not just her carer.
1944 begins with Elisabeth catching a train then a bus from Guildford to London after receiving a letter from a Captain Porter to attend a meeting in London to discuss the photographs of France she sent to the Admiralty. She soon finds out that Captain Porter works for the SOE and he recruits her to do some dangerous undercover work in France but that’s only if she passes the training camp.
Historical Fiction is possibly my favourite genre to read and Operation Moonlight reminds me why it’s my favourite genre to read.
Betty and Doris have been friends since 1944 they met when they both ended up at the training centre together after being recruited.
I adored the friendship they had all through the war and after right up until 2018.
I was so enthralled by the detailed parts of the war effort and the secretive organisations we set up to try and beat the Germans, you can tell the author really knows what she’s writing about and must have researched this subject extensively.
A truly captivating novel that has everything you could wish for! It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read.
July 25, 2022
I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve come to really enjoy dual timeline books, this one begins in 2018. 100 year old Betty is trying to sleep but the full moon is too bright, as she reaches into her pocket she finds a strange looking key but she can’t remember what it’s for. Betty can hear her live in carer Tali snoring in the next room, Tali is also her friend not just her carer.
1944 begins with Elisabeth catching a train then a bus from Guildford to London after receiving a letter from a Captain Porter to attend a meeting in London to discuss the photographs of France she sent to the Admiralty. She soon finds out that Captain Porter works for the SOE and he recruits her to do some dangerous undercover work in France but that’s only if she passes the training camp.
Historical Fiction is possibly my favourite genre to read and Operation Moonlight reminds me why it’s my favourite genre to read.
Betty and Doris have been friends since 1944 they met when they both ended up at the training centre together after being recruited.
I adored the friendship they had all through the war and after right up until 2018.
I was so enthralled by the detailed parts of the war effort and the secretive organisations we set up to try and beat the Germans, you can tell the author really knows what she’s writing about and must have researched this subject extensively.
A truly captivating novel that has everything you could wish for! It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read.
I’ve come to really enjoy dual timeline books, this one begins in 2018. 100 year old Betty is trying to sleep but the full moon is too bright, as she reaches into her pocket she finds a strange looking key but she can’t remember what it’s for. Betty can hear her live in carer Tali snoring in the next room, Tali is also her friend not just her carer.
1944 begins with Elisabeth catching a train then a bus from Guildford to London after receiving a letter from a Captain Porter to attend a meeting in London to discuss the photographs of France she sent to the Admiralty. She soon finds out that Captain Porter works for the SOE and he recruits her to do some dangerous undercover work in France but that’s only if she passes the training camp.
Historical Fiction is possibly my favourite genre to read and Operation Moonlight reminds me why it’s my favourite genre to read.
Betty and Doris have been friends since 1944 they met when they both ended up at the training centre together after being recruited.
I adored the friendship they had all through the war and after right up until 2018.
I was so enthralled by the detailed parts of the war effort and the secretive organisations we set up to try and beat the Germans, you can tell the author really knows what she’s writing about and must have researched this subject extensively.
A truly captivating novel that has everything you could wish for! It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read.
July 20, 2022
Beautiful. Compelling. Heartbreaking & heartwarming, Laura Morrish has written a stunning debut historical novel.
The reader goes on an exciting and thrilling adventure as we journey back in time, where we meet a younger Betty (Elisabeth) as her daily life is turned upside down when she’s recruited, trained and finally becomes a member of the SOE (Special Operations Executive) and given her first clandestine mission.
However, this is a dual timeline, so we venture between 2018 & 1944, and things in 2018 are as intriguing as the events that unfolded in 1944, so no matter which year it is, there is something that has you utterly invested.
When I started reading this, I was more interested in 1944 (WWII has always fascinated me). However, as we discover more about Tali and her life and watch the beautiful relationship between Tali and Betty, I wanted to know what happened in both times equally.
The level of detail shows the phenomenal research and love that Louise has put into telling the stories of these brave women, stories that may otherwise fly under the radar (pun intended)
Thank you so much, Century Books, for gifting me a copy in return for an honest review.
The reader goes on an exciting and thrilling adventure as we journey back in time, where we meet a younger Betty (Elisabeth) as her daily life is turned upside down when she’s recruited, trained and finally becomes a member of the SOE (Special Operations Executive) and given her first clandestine mission.
However, this is a dual timeline, so we venture between 2018 & 1944, and things in 2018 are as intriguing as the events that unfolded in 1944, so no matter which year it is, there is something that has you utterly invested.
When I started reading this, I was more interested in 1944 (WWII has always fascinated me). However, as we discover more about Tali and her life and watch the beautiful relationship between Tali and Betty, I wanted to know what happened in both times equally.
The level of detail shows the phenomenal research and love that Louise has put into telling the stories of these brave women, stories that may otherwise fly under the radar (pun intended)
Thank you so much, Century Books, for gifting me a copy in return for an honest review.
March 17, 2022
A thoroughly engaging historical novel. Operation Moonlight is about Betty as she reaches her 100th birthday. But Betty is no ordinary woman. As the book flips between WW2 and the present day, we find that she is one of those unsung heroes of the war; one of the countless people who risked their lives in secret operations.
I enjoyed the historical aspect of the novel, but for me the real treat is the interaction between Betty and her Mauritian carer, Tali. Older people are often written as one-dimensional characters but here Morrish expertly writes about a woman who is still very much the person she always was despite her age. I feel like we're quick to dismiss people as just old without considering the lives they've led, the things they've done, but here Betty is still so vital.
A real page turner and truly enjoyable.
I enjoyed the historical aspect of the novel, but for me the real treat is the interaction between Betty and her Mauritian carer, Tali. Older people are often written as one-dimensional characters but here Morrish expertly writes about a woman who is still very much the person she always was despite her age. I feel like we're quick to dismiss people as just old without considering the lives they've led, the things they've done, but here Betty is still so vital.
A real page turner and truly enjoyable.
July 27, 2022
This book was absolutely amazing! This was the first Historical fiction book that I have read so I thought it would take a while to get into but once I started I could not put it down. Both time periods were well researched and executed beautifully. I was not expecting to get so engrossed by the 1944 timeline, but the description of how things worked such as the Morse code machine and how life was for people was so interesting and a joy to read. Tali's romance in the 2018 timeline was so well written and to read about a sapphic relationship so causally in a book with no explanation was refreshing and made me feel so happy that it was included. These two timelines wove together so well that I could not pick a favourite.
All the Characters were well developed and thought about, which left me wanting to learn more about all of them. I would definitely read about all of the characters stories, such as Dorris' and Gilbert's missions even to Betty's fathers story.
This book made me smile, laugh and cry. 5/5 stars and a must read book even for someone who has never read this genre
All the Characters were well developed and thought about, which left me wanting to learn more about all of them. I would definitely read about all of the characters stories, such as Dorris' and Gilbert's missions even to Betty's fathers story.
This book made me smile, laugh and cry. 5/5 stars and a must read book even for someone who has never read this genre
August 20, 2022
I loved this gripping dual-timeline novel about a centenarian and her past as a SOE agent during WW2. In Guildford in 2018, Betty’s carer Tali discovers an old suitcase in her cellar containing a gun. In 1944, Elisabeth parachutes into France to obtain vital intelligence for the war. The details of Elisabeth’s training and mission are impeccably researched, yet lightly worn. The modern timeline, following Tali’s own self-discovery is heartwarming - Tali is a wonderful character.
In her Author’s Note, Morrish writes of the 39 female SOE agents, 12 of whom were captured and executed by the Nazis. It is sobering to think of those young women who chose to leave the safety of Britain and risk their lives in occupied France. Operation Moonlight is a fitting tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.
In her Author’s Note, Morrish writes of the 39 female SOE agents, 12 of whom were captured and executed by the Nazis. It is sobering to think of those young women who chose to leave the safety of Britain and risk their lives in occupied France. Operation Moonlight is a fitting tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.
May 17, 2022
About: 📚
Betty is approaching her 100th birthday living at home with Tali, her carer. But she isn't your average old lady. Betty was once Elisabeth, a newly recruited SOE agent sent across enemy lines into Nazi-occupied France to spy.
Thoughts: 💭
This historical novel was both beautifully written and well-researched. It also had some great modern mystery/romance/thriller aspects.
I loved Betty's strong nature and the fabulous supporting characters. It's a gripping story that unfolds via a dual timeline of occupied France 1944 and the present day.
I'd definitely recommend this title to you all, and it's one that will be staying on my shelf, so I can revisit it at a later date.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - All the stars!
September 17, 2022
Louise Morrish has written an engaging novel about the SOE, with the advantage of an interesting modern strand. This is the story of Elisabeth who was recruited by SOE in early 1944 because of her language skills and was dropped in to France shortly before D-day. In 2018 and approaching her hundredth birthday she has always abided by the Official Secrets Act, even though the existence and activities of SOE were in the public domain by this time. Despite her relatively short secret wartime occupation Elisabeth's whole life has been impacted by the events of 1944. Recommended reading.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.
July 31, 2022
I enjoyed Operation Moonlight by Louise Morrish The dual time line worked well .I particularly liked the contemporary story, where we are introduced to an elderly woman and her carer. Their relationship and carer Tali’s back story were an excellent addition to the book.
It is this modern day story line that introduces 100 year old Betty’s past as an SOE operative in France in 1944. The step back to that period shows the extensive research and passion the author has for the period. While it is the main. plot line of the book, it isn’t the only one and I liked them all.
It is this modern day story line that introduces 100 year old Betty’s past as an SOE operative in France in 1944. The step back to that period shows the extensive research and passion the author has for the period. While it is the main. plot line of the book, it isn’t the only one and I liked them all.
November 4, 2022
A fantastic debut novel telling the rarely-told story of the female SOE agents. The dual-storyline increases interest as you find out what happened to Elisabeth/Betty during the Second World War at the same time as her modern-day career, Tali. You can tell that the author has spent a significant amount of time researching the reality behind her fiction, which enhances the escapism of the story as there are no glaring historical errors which can often be a source of much annoyance in historical fiction!
July 22, 2022
When @centurybooksuk contacted us about this one I said yes in a heartbeat. Operation Moonlight is a ticklist of all the things I used to look for in a book before I joined bookstagram - wartime historical fiction, dual timeline, romance but action packed with a pretty kick ass female lead - all things that I still very much enjoy.
One timeline follows Elisabeth, a fairly ordinary but bilingual girl, as she embarks on a very dangerous wartime mission in occupied France. The other timeline features 100 year old Betty and her carer, Tali, who begins to discover the nature of what Betty got up to during the war upon discovering an old suitcase filled with Betty’s wartime possessions.
I loved reading this. Despite it being a little chunky I absolutely flew through it with ease. It was easy to become absorbed in and I warmed to the characters very quickly (give me an old biddy as a central character any day of the week!) The book seemed to be very well researched and covered an area I’ve not looked into before. The author includes a very handy further reading list on the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and women in the war which I’ll definitely be diving into.
A brilliantly fast paced book that also taught me a great deal. Definitely recommend, particularly if wartime historical fiction is your jam!
One timeline follows Elisabeth, a fairly ordinary but bilingual girl, as she embarks on a very dangerous wartime mission in occupied France. The other timeline features 100 year old Betty and her carer, Tali, who begins to discover the nature of what Betty got up to during the war upon discovering an old suitcase filled with Betty’s wartime possessions.
I loved reading this. Despite it being a little chunky I absolutely flew through it with ease. It was easy to become absorbed in and I warmed to the characters very quickly (give me an old biddy as a central character any day of the week!) The book seemed to be very well researched and covered an area I’ve not looked into before. The author includes a very handy further reading list on the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and women in the war which I’ll definitely be diving into.
A brilliantly fast paced book that also taught me a great deal. Definitely recommend, particularly if wartime historical fiction is your jam!
July 27, 2022
A thrilling dual timeline novel that kept me hooked throughout! I especially loved the plot twist near the end which I was not expecting! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction and strong female characters.
February 27, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this well/researched book. The story moved along at just the right pace, I felt connected to the characters, and felt it ended very well.
April 2, 2023
I loved this book, loved how you got to see now and then of Betty's life.
Brilliant insight on how it was. You very rarely hear womens stories of wartime. Love how much research went into Operation Moonlight.
Brilliant insight on how it was. You very rarely hear womens stories of wartime. Love how much research went into Operation Moonlight.
March 31, 2024
Great storyline talking about now and before, telling Betty's story during war and now as an almost centenary. Tali, her carer, helps her, including understanding her past.
A story of finding your past, finding new friends, finding love, and mean people getting what they deserve.
A story of finding your past, finding new friends, finding love, and mean people getting what they deserve.
July 21, 2022
Tali is looking after a 99 year old lady, Betty, whilst running away from issues at home. She comes across an old suitcase with all sorts of interesting items including a gun. Do these items hold clues to what Betty did during the war? The other part of the story is Betty's and tells us about how she was recruited into the SOE, underwent training, and then was dropped into occupied France on a dangerous mission. Things did not go quite as planned, and people do not end up being as trustworthy as she hoped. Fascinating look at what the women did in the SOE in the War
August 28, 2022
Love this book. Fascinating, detailed, war drama with hint of romance. I didn’t want to put it down as I was intrigued in the planning and execution of the plot. One of the best books I’ve read.
December 18, 2022
This is a wonderful book for those who like a bit of adventure mixed in with human introspection, the challenge of overcoming dread and the dilemma of needing closeness but being reticent about trust.. There are two narratives, one set in 1944 told by Betty, a young French speaking Typist from Guildford who accidentally gets involved with the SOE helping the French Resistance prepare for D-Day. The second narrator is Tali, a young girl newly arrived in Britain from her native Mauritius. It is now 2018 and Tali is caring for Betty who is approaching her centenary and still living in the house in which she grew up. The two stories are told in alternating chapters with the different timelines running in parallel. This device I found very effective in capturing the readers imagination and building tension in the various plots. There is a lot of detail about SOE training and operations suggesting the Author thoroughly researched this subject. One achievement is capturing the constant terror these operatives must have experienced operating behind enemy lines under desperate circumstances with capture, torture and probable execution an ever present risk.
I would certainly recommend this book to people who enjoy Historical Fiction and like a bit of adventure and are interested in the SOE activities during WW2. . Even though it is tagged as “womens fiction” I found it enjoyable and I am a 67 year old man!
Congratulations to Louise Morrish on her debut novel. I enjoyed her character development and writing style and look forward to reading her next book!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Random House for allowing me to review this book.
I would certainly recommend this book to people who enjoy Historical Fiction and like a bit of adventure and are interested in the SOE activities during WW2. . Even though it is tagged as “womens fiction” I found it enjoyable and I am a 67 year old man!
Congratulations to Louise Morrish on her debut novel. I enjoyed her character development and writing style and look forward to reading her next book!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Random House for allowing me to review this book.
July 3, 2022
The present and past tenses are interchanged in the double era story of one woman’s life. Alternating chapters reveal the reality of 1940’s wartime Britain and the current 21st century life of the now centenarian heroine of the novel. Alongside this character is the changing life of the carer who lives in to look after her. Her life is a huge contrast to her Mauritian origins. This is an interesting story and is an enjoyable read.
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