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The Librarian Spy
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London comes a moving new novel inspired by the true history of America’s library spies of World War II.
Ava thought her job as a librarian at the Library of Congress would mean a quiet, routine existence. But an unexpected offer from the US military has brought her to Lisbon with a new mission: posing as a librarian while working undercover as a spy gathering intelligence.
Meanwhile, in occupied France, Elaine has begun an apprenticeship at a printing press run by members of the Resistance. It’s a job usually reserved for men, but in the war, those rules have been forgotten. Yet she knows that the Nazis are searching for the press and its printer in order to silence them.
As the battle in Europe rages, Ava and Elaine find themselves connecting through coded messages and discovering hope in the face of war.
Ava thought her job as a librarian at the Library of Congress would mean a quiet, routine existence. But an unexpected offer from the US military has brought her to Lisbon with a new mission: posing as a librarian while working undercover as a spy gathering intelligence.
Meanwhile, in occupied France, Elaine has begun an apprenticeship at a printing press run by members of the Resistance. It’s a job usually reserved for men, but in the war, those rules have been forgotten. Yet she knows that the Nazis are searching for the press and its printer in order to silence them.
As the battle in Europe rages, Ava and Elaine find themselves connecting through coded messages and discovering hope in the face of war.
402 pages, Paperback
First published July 26, 2022
3040 people are currently reading
64134 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Martin
79 books4,585 followersMadeline Martin is a New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, and international bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books that have been translated into over twenty-five different languages.
She lives in sunny Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions), two incredibly spoiled cats and a man so wonderful he's been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. When she's not writing, researching or 'moming', you can find her spending time with her family at Disney or sneaking a couple spoonfuls of Nutella while laughing over cat videos. She also loves research and travel, attributing her fascination with history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.
Check out her website for book club visits, reader guides for her historical fiction, upcoming events, book news and more: https://madelinemartin.com
She lives in sunny Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions), two incredibly spoiled cats and a man so wonderful he's been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. When she's not writing, researching or 'moming', you can find her spending time with her family at Disney or sneaking a couple spoonfuls of Nutella while laughing over cat videos. She also loves research and travel, attributing her fascination with history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.
Check out her website for book club visits, reader guides for her historical fiction, upcoming events, book news and more: https://madelinemartin.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,936 reviews
October 22, 2022
Set in 1941 in Lisbon and Lyon, the novel tells of the lives of two women, Ava and Elaine, working against the Nazis in WW2. Ava is a librarian at the Library of Congress in Washington DC when she is approached to join a special government group and go to Lisbon to work for a covert operation (the IDC) obtaining intelligence on the Nazis from newspapers and other publications. Portugal has remained a neutral country during the war so she will be able to French and German newspapers and flyers from the underground, film them on microfilm and send then back to Washington where they are analysed. Elaine (real name Hélène) joined the French resistance when her husband was arrested for being a member of the resistance, something he had kept secret from her. At first Elaine would help distribute the underground newsletter the group printed and later learnt how to operate the printer herself.
I loved the way Madeline Martin immerses us in two separate words during WW2. There is the difficulty of life in Lyon, occupied by the Germans with spies and Nazi collaborators around every corner. People are barely getting by with not even enough food available to meet the meagre rations allowed, while the Germans can be seen in the restaurants and bars eating well and drinking French wine. The little details of daily life and things Elaine would do to eke out her rations, such as collecting breadcrumbs to add to meals to stretch them further, added extra colour to the novel. In contrast, life in Lisbon is much easier for Ava with no rationing and plenty of food available, but she still needs to be careful of the Portuguese secret police and German spies. She is also distressed by the thousands of refugees from all parts of Europe who have flooded into Portugal, that she can see waiting in long queues outside the American embassy every day waiting for visas to freedom.
Although Ava and Elaine are the main characters in the novel, both courageous and dedicated, the secondary characters are just as important. James, who works with the British Librarians in Portugal, other women and men in the resistance in Lyon and their bravery in the face of possible capture and torture and the refugees with their harrowing stories of persecution, loss of loved ones and hope of freedom. It was interesting too to get a glimpse of how the allies were gathering intelligence in Europe to use to use against the Nazis by sorting propaganda from the real and to store for future historians. A riveting and fascinating read that I recommend to those who enjoy historical fiction.
With thanks to Harlequin Australia via Netgalley for a copy to read
I loved the way Madeline Martin immerses us in two separate words during WW2. There is the difficulty of life in Lyon, occupied by the Germans with spies and Nazi collaborators around every corner. People are barely getting by with not even enough food available to meet the meagre rations allowed, while the Germans can be seen in the restaurants and bars eating well and drinking French wine. The little details of daily life and things Elaine would do to eke out her rations, such as collecting breadcrumbs to add to meals to stretch them further, added extra colour to the novel. In contrast, life in Lisbon is much easier for Ava with no rationing and plenty of food available, but she still needs to be careful of the Portuguese secret police and German spies. She is also distressed by the thousands of refugees from all parts of Europe who have flooded into Portugal, that she can see waiting in long queues outside the American embassy every day waiting for visas to freedom.
Although Ava and Elaine are the main characters in the novel, both courageous and dedicated, the secondary characters are just as important. James, who works with the British Librarians in Portugal, other women and men in the resistance in Lyon and their bravery in the face of possible capture and torture and the refugees with their harrowing stories of persecution, loss of loved ones and hope of freedom. It was interesting too to get a glimpse of how the allies were gathering intelligence in Europe to use to use against the Nazis by sorting propaganda from the real and to store for future historians. A riveting and fascinating read that I recommend to those who enjoy historical fiction.
With thanks to Harlequin Australia via Netgalley for a copy to read
August 15, 2022
3.5⭐️
“Understanding and knowledge were wasted if one did not apply them to life.”
In 1943, Ava Harper, a librarian working in the Rare Book Room at the Library of Congress in Washington DC recruited to work in Lisbon, Portugal, a neutral zone during WWII to gather intelligence on the enemy from all available print media. When Ava lands in Lisbon, she finds that her job entails collecting as much as she can from magazines and newspapers but having to do so while navigating her way around Nazi spies and the Portuguese secret police. She also befriends many Jews who are waiting for onward travel Visas in Lisbon and learns more about the events that forced them to flee Europe as well as the hurdles involved in their onward journey. She is adamant that their stories and voices are not lost and takes the initiative to document as much as she can.
In Nazi-occupied France, Helene Belanger ( under the assumed name Elaine Rousseau) joins the Resistance in Lyon after her husband Joseph, who unbeknownst to her was a part of the Resistance, is arrested and imprisoned. Her work includes working in a clandestine press - printing and distributing anti-Nazi newspapers. At every step, she faces the danger of discovery and imprisonment, and much worse, but she is determined to contribute to the efforts to defeat the enemy.
These two women’s stories come together through a coded message Helen/Elaine sends through the newspaper – a code Ava manages to decipher with the help of her friends in Lisbon – and what follows is a series of events in which both these women put everything at risk to save a Jewish mother and child from capture and find passage to America.
“Words have such incredible power.”
The Author’s Note at the end of the book is very informative and shows the amount of research that went into crafting this story. I always enjoy delving into the history behind fiction set in this era. This is the first time I read about WWII Lisbon and the role librarians played in gathering information during the war. I was also unaware of how Lisbon was a refuge for those who were fleeing persecution. It’s never easy to read about the plight of Jews in WWII Europe and the horrors of war. The author however keeps the tone relatively restrained while alluding to the Holocaust.
This is a well-written book. Both these women are different in their circumstances and backgrounds but both are brave and smart and willing to go beyond the call of duty to help those who require assistance. Both the parallel storylines are well narrated and are interesting in their own way. The author covers a lot of ground in this novel – the French Resistance and the significance of the written word, Lisbon’s role in WWII, espionage and much more. What works for this novel is the setting/settings but I felt that the story took a while to gain momentum. While I did enjoy both the tracks in this novel, I expected a stronger espionage track, which was mostly relegated to the background. The Resistance track was very strong and the character of Helene/Elaine was well-developed. I feel Ava’s track had much potential but after a point fell flat. While parts of it were compelling, the story overall, was not as impactful as it could have been. In short , while I really liked The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin, I did not love it.
“I mean that this present we live in is tomorrow’s history. You ask if this is important. This is the education for our future, to learn from the mistakes that have been made now and never let atrocities such as this continue or be repeated.”
“Understanding and knowledge were wasted if one did not apply them to life.”
In 1943, Ava Harper, a librarian working in the Rare Book Room at the Library of Congress in Washington DC recruited to work in Lisbon, Portugal, a neutral zone during WWII to gather intelligence on the enemy from all available print media. When Ava lands in Lisbon, she finds that her job entails collecting as much as she can from magazines and newspapers but having to do so while navigating her way around Nazi spies and the Portuguese secret police. She also befriends many Jews who are waiting for onward travel Visas in Lisbon and learns more about the events that forced them to flee Europe as well as the hurdles involved in their onward journey. She is adamant that their stories and voices are not lost and takes the initiative to document as much as she can.
In Nazi-occupied France, Helene Belanger ( under the assumed name Elaine Rousseau) joins the Resistance in Lyon after her husband Joseph, who unbeknownst to her was a part of the Resistance, is arrested and imprisoned. Her work includes working in a clandestine press - printing and distributing anti-Nazi newspapers. At every step, she faces the danger of discovery and imprisonment, and much worse, but she is determined to contribute to the efforts to defeat the enemy.
These two women’s stories come together through a coded message Helen/Elaine sends through the newspaper – a code Ava manages to decipher with the help of her friends in Lisbon – and what follows is a series of events in which both these women put everything at risk to save a Jewish mother and child from capture and find passage to America.
“Words have such incredible power.”
The Author’s Note at the end of the book is very informative and shows the amount of research that went into crafting this story. I always enjoy delving into the history behind fiction set in this era. This is the first time I read about WWII Lisbon and the role librarians played in gathering information during the war. I was also unaware of how Lisbon was a refuge for those who were fleeing persecution. It’s never easy to read about the plight of Jews in WWII Europe and the horrors of war. The author however keeps the tone relatively restrained while alluding to the Holocaust.
This is a well-written book. Both these women are different in their circumstances and backgrounds but both are brave and smart and willing to go beyond the call of duty to help those who require assistance. Both the parallel storylines are well narrated and are interesting in their own way. The author covers a lot of ground in this novel – the French Resistance and the significance of the written word, Lisbon’s role in WWII, espionage and much more. What works for this novel is the setting/settings but I felt that the story took a while to gain momentum. While I did enjoy both the tracks in this novel, I expected a stronger espionage track, which was mostly relegated to the background. The Resistance track was very strong and the character of Helene/Elaine was well-developed. I feel Ava’s track had much potential but after a point fell flat. While parts of it were compelling, the story overall, was not as impactful as it could have been. In short , while I really liked The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin, I did not love it.
“I mean that this present we live in is tomorrow’s history. You ask if this is important. This is the education for our future, to learn from the mistakes that have been made now and never let atrocities such as this continue or be repeated.”
July 20, 2022
The written word held such importance to her through the years. Books had been solace in a world turned upside down, a connection to characters when she was utterly alone, knowledge when she needed answers and so, so much more. In the war, they had given her insight, understanding, and appreciation. And even through letters and journals, words granted immortality for those whose stories she had been honored to capture.
I was delighted to have a new Madeline Martin title to tuck into this summer. Instead of being set in London like her previous title, The Last Bookshop in London: A Novel of World War II, this one has dual storylines in Lisbon, Portugal and Lyon, France. The two women are in very different environments. Ava Harper, an American, is working from Lisbon to preserve information from Europe and save it on microfilm to ship to the US to aid the war effort. Elaine Rousseau is working for the French Resistance in Lyon. Her real name was Hélène Bélanger, but she gave up her papers to a Jewish woman and assumed a new identity. Although Ava and Elaine are fictional characters, the situations they encounter are straight out of the extensive research done by Martin when writing this book. There are letters that put a face on the stories we read in the history books. The Epilogue made me weep. Be sure to have your tissues handy! This new title from Martin is just fabulous and will be on my Best of 2022 list.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade/Hanover Square and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
I was delighted to have a new Madeline Martin title to tuck into this summer. Instead of being set in London like her previous title, The Last Bookshop in London: A Novel of World War II, this one has dual storylines in Lisbon, Portugal and Lyon, France. The two women are in very different environments. Ava Harper, an American, is working from Lisbon to preserve information from Europe and save it on microfilm to ship to the US to aid the war effort. Elaine Rousseau is working for the French Resistance in Lyon. Her real name was Hélène Bélanger, but she gave up her papers to a Jewish woman and assumed a new identity. Although Ava and Elaine are fictional characters, the situations they encounter are straight out of the extensive research done by Martin when writing this book. There are letters that put a face on the stories we read in the history books. The Epilogue made me weep. Be sure to have your tissues handy! This new title from Martin is just fabulous and will be on my Best of 2022 list.
Thank you to Harlequin Trade/Hanover Square and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2022
About the book: “From the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London comes a moving new novel inspired by the true history of America’s library spies of World War II.”
This was SO good! Ava works as a librarian at the Library of Congress when she’s asked by the US military to move to Portugal and work undercover gathering information but posing as a librarian.
Elaine is living in France during the occupation, and she works for a Resistance-focused printing press. The Nazis view the press as an outright enemy.
Ava and Elaine end up connecting with each other during the war.
This is such a powerful and emotional story with well-developed characters I absolutely loved. It’s a story of strong women and hope during the most hopeless of times. I absolutely loved my time with this one.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
This was SO good! Ava works as a librarian at the Library of Congress when she’s asked by the US military to move to Portugal and work undercover gathering information but posing as a librarian.
Elaine is living in France during the occupation, and she works for a Resistance-focused printing press. The Nazis view the press as an outright enemy.
Ava and Elaine end up connecting with each other during the war.
This is such a powerful and emotional story with well-developed characters I absolutely loved. It’s a story of strong women and hope during the most hopeless of times. I absolutely loved my time with this one.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
April 7, 2023
Ava Harper is a librarian at the Library of Congress in Washington DC and she cares for precious and rare books. The US military contact her, Ava can speak two languages and with her experience using microfilm and they recruit her to work in Portugal. Her cover story is she's a librarian, she actually takes tiny photos of magazine articles, book pages, correspondence, newspapers and even an underground French one. The American army is collecting information on the Germans, what’s happening in France and it’s to be used to win the war
Elaine Roussea lives in occupied Lyon, France, she works for the resistance, and she helps print and distribute an underground newspaper called Combat. After her husband Joseph was arrested, Elaine had to change her name and she decided to help her country gain it’s freedom. The Germans are desperate to find them, they worry about someone infiltrating their group and a collaborator dobbing them into the Gestapo.
Ava and Elaine are complete strangers, they find themselves connected through the coded messages hidden in Combat and both want to help reunite a Jewish family in America. How can two women who have never met, get Sarah and Noah safely out of France, to Portugal and obtain the necessary visas for them to enter America?
The women's experiences during the war are somewhat different, Ava didn’t go hungry like Elaine, she wasn’t living in an occupied country and she didn't have to worry about being captured and tortured. Both women however struggled with knowing who they could trust, Lyon and Lisbon were both full of spies. Ava and Elaine made friends and formed connections with the people they worked with, this made them vulnerable, led to inevitable heartache and loss.
Inspired by discovering the history of America’s library of spies in neutral Lisbon, and about a French woman who joined the resistance and helped print an underground newspaper. Madeline Martin has written an outstanding historical fiction story, it’s revitalizing to read and learn new information about the Second World War. I received a copy of The Librarian Spy from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend this book, five stars from me and I'm defiantly going to read the authors previous novel, The Last Bookshop in London.
Elaine Roussea lives in occupied Lyon, France, she works for the resistance, and she helps print and distribute an underground newspaper called Combat. After her husband Joseph was arrested, Elaine had to change her name and she decided to help her country gain it’s freedom. The Germans are desperate to find them, they worry about someone infiltrating their group and a collaborator dobbing them into the Gestapo.
Ava and Elaine are complete strangers, they find themselves connected through the coded messages hidden in Combat and both want to help reunite a Jewish family in America. How can two women who have never met, get Sarah and Noah safely out of France, to Portugal and obtain the necessary visas for them to enter America?
The women's experiences during the war are somewhat different, Ava didn’t go hungry like Elaine, she wasn’t living in an occupied country and she didn't have to worry about being captured and tortured. Both women however struggled with knowing who they could trust, Lyon and Lisbon were both full of spies. Ava and Elaine made friends and formed connections with the people they worked with, this made them vulnerable, led to inevitable heartache and loss.
Inspired by discovering the history of America’s library of spies in neutral Lisbon, and about a French woman who joined the resistance and helped print an underground newspaper. Madeline Martin has written an outstanding historical fiction story, it’s revitalizing to read and learn new information about the Second World War. I received a copy of The Librarian Spy from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend this book, five stars from me and I'm defiantly going to read the authors previous novel, The Last Bookshop in London.
September 2, 2022
After reading so many glowing reviews for The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin I was so excited to listen to the audiobook of it. Saskia Maarleveld narrated it brilliantly. I have never been disappointed by any of Saskia Maarleveld’s performances. I had read The Last Bookshop in London, also by Madeline Martin, and enjoyed it very much so I was excited to read another book by her. The Librarian Spy was both moving and quite emotional. It was inspired by true events which are my favorite types of historical fiction to read. Madeline Martin’s mission for this book was to bring details and facts about Library Spies during World War II to light. According to her research, there were no female librarian spies but I was glad she chose to include one for this book. The two female protagonists in The Librarian Spy expressed their POV in alternate chapters until they were finally connected through a coded message.
The Librarian Spy was about bravery, courage, determination to help others, the resistance in occupied France ( Lyon), the Office of Strategic Services (Lisbon, Portugal), the need to help others in any way possible despite the risks, joy, loss, grief, friendships and even love. I really enjoyed listening to The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin and I learned so much about the role of librarians during World War II. It was fascinating to learn how these librarian spies gathered useful information about the Nazis through securing covert intelligence from publications and through first hand accounts of victims, photographing them on microfilm and sending them back to America. The determination to help a Jewish mother and wife and her young son get to America to reunite with the husband of the woman and father of the young boy tie these two women protagonists to each other. With their combined efforts, will these two women, one in Lyon, France and the other in Lisbon, Portugal be able to save and unite one mother and son with the man who waited for them in America?
The prose in The Librarian Spy was vivid and the research that went into writing this book was impeccable. The dual locations were so authentic and portrayed the dangers in each while it also contrasted the day to day life in an occupied country compared to that in a neutral country. I loved the characters and the comradeship they shared. The Librarian Spy was a World War II spy novel that focused on the resistance and librarians. I was fully captured by this well plotted book from the minute I began listening. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read more books by Madeline Martin.
The Librarian Spy was about bravery, courage, determination to help others, the resistance in occupied France ( Lyon), the Office of Strategic Services (Lisbon, Portugal), the need to help others in any way possible despite the risks, joy, loss, grief, friendships and even love. I really enjoyed listening to The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin and I learned so much about the role of librarians during World War II. It was fascinating to learn how these librarian spies gathered useful information about the Nazis through securing covert intelligence from publications and through first hand accounts of victims, photographing them on microfilm and sending them back to America. The determination to help a Jewish mother and wife and her young son get to America to reunite with the husband of the woman and father of the young boy tie these two women protagonists to each other. With their combined efforts, will these two women, one in Lyon, France and the other in Lisbon, Portugal be able to save and unite one mother and son with the man who waited for them in America?
The prose in The Librarian Spy was vivid and the research that went into writing this book was impeccable. The dual locations were so authentic and portrayed the dangers in each while it also contrasted the day to day life in an occupied country compared to that in a neutral country. I loved the characters and the comradeship they shared. The Librarian Spy was a World War II spy novel that focused on the resistance and librarians. I was fully captured by this well plotted book from the minute I began listening. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read more books by Madeline Martin.
August 7, 2022
Ava's job at the Library of Congress in Washington was one she loved. A lover of books of any description, her handling of the ancient texts was thrilling. When the US Military offered her the job of spy in Lisbon, Portugal where her librarian job would be the perfect cover, she was to photograph and copy all print, newspapers and the like, those printed by the underground, the hated German copy, and anything that could be sent back to the relevant authorities. It was dangerous, but the adrenalin kept Ava working late into the night as the war deepened.
Elaine lived in Lyon, France and was desperate to find her husband Joseph. He was missing after an argument they'd had and when she was approached by Etienne, she learned he'd been arrested by the Nazis and taken to a notorious prison. Elaine had begged Joseph to allow her to join the Resistance - that's what the fight had been about - and now Etienne took her under his wing, and her fight for justice began as she joined other members. Her learning how to run the printing press in the abandoned warehouse was the start of months of exhaustion, fear, and close brushes with the Nazis, but they were determined. Coding was sent out in the newspapers, and Ava picked up the anomalies...
The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin began in 1941 and is set in Lyon and Lisbon where the two main characters were doing their bit in helping to end the war. Both courageous women, Ava had none of the rationing that occupied France had, but she and her contemporaries were wary of the Portuguese secret police, who passed on relevant information to the Nazis. Elaine had to be on alert twenty four hours a day, and that was exhausting. But they all felt it, and deemed it well worth while. There are many other, highly important characters in this book, with the focus being on the Resistance and helping refugees; a different view, once again, of the horrors of WWII. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Elaine lived in Lyon, France and was desperate to find her husband Joseph. He was missing after an argument they'd had and when she was approached by Etienne, she learned he'd been arrested by the Nazis and taken to a notorious prison. Elaine had begged Joseph to allow her to join the Resistance - that's what the fight had been about - and now Etienne took her under his wing, and her fight for justice began as she joined other members. Her learning how to run the printing press in the abandoned warehouse was the start of months of exhaustion, fear, and close brushes with the Nazis, but they were determined. Coding was sent out in the newspapers, and Ava picked up the anomalies...
The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin began in 1941 and is set in Lyon and Lisbon where the two main characters were doing their bit in helping to end the war. Both courageous women, Ava had none of the rationing that occupied France had, but she and her contemporaries were wary of the Portuguese secret police, who passed on relevant information to the Nazis. Elaine had to be on alert twenty four hours a day, and that was exhausting. But they all felt it, and deemed it well worth while. There are many other, highly important characters in this book, with the focus being on the Resistance and helping refugees; a different view, once again, of the horrors of WWII. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2025
A moving WWII story featuring some strong men and women characters.
Ava moves to Portugal during WWII as an American spy (posing as a librarian). We also follow Elaine who is working as part of the Resistance in France.
The uncertainty and danger these women put themselves in made for some tense filled moments. The Nazi's were of course, always hunting them and cruel in their actions.
Recommend to WWII Historical Fiction fans! Came out in 2022
Ava moves to Portugal during WWII as an American spy (posing as a librarian). We also follow Elaine who is working as part of the Resistance in France.
The uncertainty and danger these women put themselves in made for some tense filled moments. The Nazi's were of course, always hunting them and cruel in their actions.
Recommend to WWII Historical Fiction fans! Came out in 2022
March 4, 2022
This story blew me away. Readers will be on the edge of their seats as they are transported to 1940s Portugal and France with Madeline Martin's vivid and inspiring characters. The Librarian Spy is a brilliant tale of resistance, courage and ultimately hope.
February 22, 2022
Madeline Martin immerses us in the expertly rendered and fascinating worlds of Lisbon and Lyon during the war as we follow the stories of two brave women who are willing to risk everything for the cause of freedom. Uplifting, inspiring and suspenseful, this is one to savour!
March 9, 2022
The danger of Resistance Lyon and the uncertainty of refugee life in wartime Lisbon leap off the page in Madeline Martin's The Librarian Spy. She artfully weaves an incredible, tense tale that will set your heart pounding as her characters navigate life and death decisions in this incredible novel of sacrifice, struggle, and hope. This is historical fiction at its absolute best!
January 2, 2023
Not quite a 5 for my 2nd 2023 read. The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin is another WW2 book based on 2 women. One woman, Ava, from the United States working in rare books for the Library of Congress. In Portugal working to gather information to help against the nazi’s during WW2
The other a woman Elaine, joined the resistance after her husband was arrested and later killed. Elaine helped with the underground newsletters. Later she learned how to operate and distribute herself
Both women acted bravery and courageously.
This was a good researched novel based on factual events during WW2. Just nothing jumped out to me to bring to novel above many others read.
The other a woman Elaine, joined the resistance after her husband was arrested and later killed. Elaine helped with the underground newsletters. Later she learned how to operate and distribute herself
Both women acted bravery and courageously.
This was a good researched novel based on factual events during WW2. Just nothing jumped out to me to bring to novel above many others read.
September 18, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. It was so well written. You truly felt like you were in France and Lisbon with the characters. It was beautiful and heartbreaking. The strength and courage people had is truly amazing.
I feel like we should remember that Hélène gave her identity to a person in need and then assumed the name of Elaine. Hélène is the person who was amazingly strong and courageous.
I feel like we should remember that Hélène gave her identity to a person in need and then assumed the name of Elaine. Hélène is the person who was amazingly strong and courageous.
August 6, 2022
Finished reading: July 9th 2022
"It is resistance among oppression, words rivaling heavy artillery, seemingly insignificant and yet still efficacious. This is strength in its rawest form. It is beautiful."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Hanover Square Press in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
October 21, 2022
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**4.5 stars**
The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin. (2022).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 3 August 2022**
Ava happily works as a librarian at the Library of Congress - until she is recruited by the US military to pose as a librarian in Lisbon while working undercover as a spy gathering intelligence. Meanwhile in occupied France, Elaine begins an apprenticeship at a printing press with Resistance members. She knows the Nazis are searching for the press and its printer in order to silence them. As the battle in Europe rages, Ava and Elaine find themselves connecting through coded messages and discovering hope...
This novel is a great addition to the historical WWII fiction genre. As a library worker, I adored Ava's character; I also really appreciated the author's note at the end explaining the real-life inspiration for this story. I found both Ava and Elaine's narratives equally engaging and interesting. The story focuses on these two brave women playing their respective parts in the war, attempting to help others; they end up working together across the world to help a Jewish mother and child escape. This is a well-written novel that is full of tension, particularly in Elaine's chapters as she and those close to her experience the constant fear of being hunted by the Nazis.
Overall: highly recommend this fantastic story for any reader that enjoys WWII fiction.
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**4.5 stars**
The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin. (2022).
**Thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review; published 3 August 2022**
Ava happily works as a librarian at the Library of Congress - until she is recruited by the US military to pose as a librarian in Lisbon while working undercover as a spy gathering intelligence. Meanwhile in occupied France, Elaine begins an apprenticeship at a printing press with Resistance members. She knows the Nazis are searching for the press and its printer in order to silence them. As the battle in Europe rages, Ava and Elaine find themselves connecting through coded messages and discovering hope...
This novel is a great addition to the historical WWII fiction genre. As a library worker, I adored Ava's character; I also really appreciated the author's note at the end explaining the real-life inspiration for this story. I found both Ava and Elaine's narratives equally engaging and interesting. The story focuses on these two brave women playing their respective parts in the war, attempting to help others; they end up working together across the world to help a Jewish mother and child escape. This is a well-written novel that is full of tension, particularly in Elaine's chapters as she and those close to her experience the constant fear of being hunted by the Nazis.
Overall: highly recommend this fantastic story for any reader that enjoys WWII fiction.
August 14, 2022
This is a well-written, entertaining historical fiction novel, based on true events, which takes place in Portugal and France during WWII. It vividly depicts the horrors, deprivation and heartbreak of war, but also portrays strength, resilience, bravery, and courage. The epilogue is beautiful and heart-warming. Ms. Martin's notes are informative and insightful and are truly appreciated. I listened to the audio version of this novel, and the narrator, Ms. Saskia Maarleveld, has a lovely voice and does an outstanding job depicting the voices and expressing the personalities of the characters.
July 12, 2022
Thank you to the publisher, Hanover Square Press, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Librarian Spy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
Truth be told, I have not heard about the activities described in the book during World War II, but it was highly interesting and I did learn something new here.
How much is fiction and how much is based on true events? Did the characters really exist or are they just figures representing the many people who did this, sometimes dangerous work, is not really important for the story.
The Details
We have two female protagonists, again. One is an American sent to Lisbon, the said Librarian Spy. She comes face to face with the often terrifying consequences of the war.
The other one is a French woman, who suffers under the German occupation in France, specifically Lyon. She ends up working for the Resistance.
Now, the story describes the work of both women in detail. Given that we live in today's technology, it is interesting to be reminded how creative people needed to be in the past.
Sadly, both characters lacked personality. They came across very bland.
I assume that the American young woman was supposed to appear open-minded, patriotic and empathetic.
Often all I could see was naivety, to the point I was surprised that she was not incarcerated or killed after the first chapters of her appearance.
If the French woman was supposed to be feisty and determined to withstand the occupation, then it was not accomplished.
All I could see was an ignorant woman, who at the end came across stubborn and sometimes self-centered.
What was the plot? Who knows.
The writing was crawling like a snake throughout the pages.
There was so much repetition, that I had enough time to assume how the story would continue, and I was not wrong. It took any joy and expectation from the reading experience.
What a daunting task.
Unfortunately, the message of the book and the attention those women would have deserved was completely lost.
All I could do was wait for it to be over.
The Verdict
Overall, it was a good subject. But the attempt to make it an interesting read failed.
This might sound harsh, but it is my honest opinion, even though it’s not a popular one.
I can see this becoming one of those cheesy Hollywood movies, with lots of music, beautiful pictures of Lisbon, and little depth.
It’s a big “NO” for me.
August 11, 2022
In a nutshell, I was bored. I loved the idea of a librarian finding information in texts. What she finds is fascinating. And that’s all I enjoyed. I didn’t like either of the main characters. Only one of them is a librarian so I spent half the book wondering why we were following Helene’s story. The writing is overly descriptive and repetitive. This just wasn’t for me.
October 12, 2022
Madeline Martin does it again! 👏
Review to come!
EDIT:
OH NO!!!! I wrote this review last week and completely forgot to update Goodreads.🙈
🗞️ ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎 🗞️
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝘆
𝗕𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻
𝟰𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
𝗣𝘂𝗯: 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮
🎧 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸: 𝟭𝟬 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝟯𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘀
𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗱
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ • 5/5 stars
Y'all know I read and love most genres, but if someone made me pick a favorite, I'd pick historical fiction every time. I love that I learn something from every HF novel, and I love being transported to a different place and time. There's just something extra special about this genre. 💕
And you'd think I'd get tired of WWII historical fiction, as I've read tons over the years, but these authors find a way of telling a different story every time, and The Librarian Spy is no exception.
I first discovered Madeline Martin after reading The Last Bookshop in London last year. So when I saw she had a new one coming, I nominated it for my book club and we decided to read it in September. ☺️
The Librarian Spy is a fantastic, suspenseful, well-researched novel of love, courage, and sacrifice. We follow two strong women: Ava and Elaine. Ava is an American librarian, sent to neutral Lisbon, Portugal to gather information from newspapers and other publications to aid the war effort. Elaine is in occupied Lyon, France, working at a printing press for the resistance, right under the noses of the Nazis. The women eventually connect via a coded message and begin working together. This novel is based on true events and people.
I love how this book shines a light on the women who worked and sacrificed to put an end to the war. As we know, women don't get the credit we deserve, especially in history. And while the focus is on the women (and those they work with) and their efforts in the war, there's also an angle that explores the refugees fleeing the war, which I also appreciated.
I read along with the audiobook, narrated by the brilliant Saskia Maarlaveld. Per usual, her narration brings the characters to life. Highly recommend both formats. 💕
.
.
.
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Review to come!
EDIT:
OH NO!!!! I wrote this review last week and completely forgot to update Goodreads.🙈
🗞️ ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎 🗞️
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝘆
𝗕𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻
𝟰𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
𝗣𝘂𝗯: 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮
🎧 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸: 𝟭𝟬 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝟯𝟬 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘀
𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗱
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ • 5/5 stars
Y'all know I read and love most genres, but if someone made me pick a favorite, I'd pick historical fiction every time. I love that I learn something from every HF novel, and I love being transported to a different place and time. There's just something extra special about this genre. 💕
And you'd think I'd get tired of WWII historical fiction, as I've read tons over the years, but these authors find a way of telling a different story every time, and The Librarian Spy is no exception.
I first discovered Madeline Martin after reading The Last Bookshop in London last year. So when I saw she had a new one coming, I nominated it for my book club and we decided to read it in September. ☺️
The Librarian Spy is a fantastic, suspenseful, well-researched novel of love, courage, and sacrifice. We follow two strong women: Ava and Elaine. Ava is an American librarian, sent to neutral Lisbon, Portugal to gather information from newspapers and other publications to aid the war effort. Elaine is in occupied Lyon, France, working at a printing press for the resistance, right under the noses of the Nazis. The women eventually connect via a coded message and begin working together. This novel is based on true events and people.
I love how this book shines a light on the women who worked and sacrificed to put an end to the war. As we know, women don't get the credit we deserve, especially in history. And while the focus is on the women (and those they work with) and their efforts in the war, there's also an angle that explores the refugees fleeing the war, which I also appreciated.
I read along with the audiobook, narrated by the brilliant Saskia Maarlaveld. Per usual, her narration brings the characters to life. Highly recommend both formats. 💕
.
.
.
.
July 29, 2022
Two brave women, two countries, and WWII.
We meet Ava who had worked at the Library of Congress but was transferred to Lisbon because of her language skills and to serve as a spy.
We also meet Elaine in Lyon who is helping the French Resistance by working with the printing press and distributing the real news of the war.
These women meet via a coded message sent through the printed pamphlets that saved a mother and son.
Ms. Martin brings to light what went on in both places - the horror Europeans went through - and how refugees tried to get to Portugal since it was a neutral country. I had never heard anything about Portugal during the war.
You will cry with the characters and feel their pain and terror as well as share some joys in this marvelous, well-researched book with great characters, a great story line, and filled with as Ms. Martin said “the power of the written word.”
You have to read this book to experience the hope and determination within. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
We meet Ava who had worked at the Library of Congress but was transferred to Lisbon because of her language skills and to serve as a spy.
We also meet Elaine in Lyon who is helping the French Resistance by working with the printing press and distributing the real news of the war.
These women meet via a coded message sent through the printed pamphlets that saved a mother and son.
Ms. Martin brings to light what went on in both places - the horror Europeans went through - and how refugees tried to get to Portugal since it was a neutral country. I had never heard anything about Portugal during the war.
You will cry with the characters and feel their pain and terror as well as share some joys in this marvelous, well-researched book with great characters, a great story line, and filled with as Ms. Martin said “the power of the written word.”
You have to read this book to experience the hope and determination within. 5/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
November 14, 2022
WWII (1943): After her husband's arrest, Elaine Rousseau begins working for the French resistance in occupied France. She is helping to print and distribute an underground newspaper that tells of the atrocities committed by the Nazis. The Nazis know about newspaper and are searching for the printing press and the people responsible. Elaine learns of a young Jewish woman and her son who are trying to get out of occupied France. Using a code, Elaine writes a story for the newspaper, appealing for help for Sarah and her son.
In Lisbon, Portugal, American Ava Harper is working for the OSS, posing as a librarian. Each day she collects newspapers from all over Europe, forwarding any information on Nazi movements to the American Army. When she reads a story in a French newspaper, she realizes that it is a coded message. Breaking the code, Ava decides to help Sarah and her son make an escape from France.
The story bounces back and forth between Elaine in Lyon, France, and Ava in Lisbon, Portugal. We learn about the different experiences of these two women, both fighting against the Nazi regime. I enjoyed the story and learned some things that I didn't know.
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Saskia Maarleveld. She does a great job with the various accents and pronunciations. The only problem I had with the story was the fact that there were so many characters to keep track of. My rating: 4 Stars.
In Lisbon, Portugal, American Ava Harper is working for the OSS, posing as a librarian. Each day she collects newspapers from all over Europe, forwarding any information on Nazi movements to the American Army. When she reads a story in a French newspaper, she realizes that it is a coded message. Breaking the code, Ava decides to help Sarah and her son make an escape from France.
The story bounces back and forth between Elaine in Lyon, France, and Ava in Lisbon, Portugal. We learn about the different experiences of these two women, both fighting against the Nazi regime. I enjoyed the story and learned some things that I didn't know.
I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Saskia Maarleveld. She does a great job with the various accents and pronunciations. The only problem I had with the story was the fact that there were so many characters to keep track of. My rating: 4 Stars.
July 26, 2022
I really enjoy WWII historical fiction (it's my cat nip) and when you add in a Librarian turned spy? I am 100% there for it!!
Sadly though this book was just an okay read for me. I liked it, don't get me wrong but the storylines felt a little boring or typical. Nothing stood out or grabbed my emotions like some other historical fiction writers today are so great at doing. The bar is REALLY high in this genre and I couldn't honestly say this book rose to the challenge.
Still pick it up if you like learning about different parts of WWII history, strong female characters, and of course bad ass librarians! The saving grace was the audio narration by the estimable Saskia Maarleveld. Recommended for fans of The Paris library by Janet Skeslien Charles or The war librarian by Addison Armstrong.
Much thanks to Libro.fm for an ALC and HarperCollins Canada for sending me a #free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Sadly though this book was just an okay read for me. I liked it, don't get me wrong but the storylines felt a little boring or typical. Nothing stood out or grabbed my emotions like some other historical fiction writers today are so great at doing. The bar is REALLY high in this genre and I couldn't honestly say this book rose to the challenge.
Still pick it up if you like learning about different parts of WWII history, strong female characters, and of course bad ass librarians! The saving grace was the audio narration by the estimable Saskia Maarleveld. Recommended for fans of The Paris library by Janet Skeslien Charles or The war librarian by Addison Armstrong.
Much thanks to Libro.fm for an ALC and HarperCollins Canada for sending me a #free ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 5, 2022
This is a WWII story told by two separate characters in separate chapters so much so it felt very much like two different books.
French Helene /Elaine quarreled with her husband because he wouldn’t allow her to join the Resistance, then he disappears and she finds out that he was very much a part of the Resistance himself, so now she joins the Resistance while feeling guilty about their quarrel.
Ava is an American working at the Library of Congress who is sent to work with the American Embassy in Lisbon.
It is not until way past the half-way mark that there appears any connection between these two women who have never even met each other.
I skipped a lot because there is so much stuff included that adds nothing to the actual story.
Anyway I have to say I really loved the ending and by that I mean the Epilogue.
French Helene /Elaine quarreled with her husband because he wouldn’t allow her to join the Resistance, then he disappears and she finds out that he was very much a part of the Resistance himself, so now she joins the Resistance while feeling guilty about their quarrel.
Ava is an American working at the Library of Congress who is sent to work with the American Embassy in Lisbon.
It is not until way past the half-way mark that there appears any connection between these two women who have never even met each other.
I skipped a lot because there is so much stuff included that adds nothing to the actual story.
Anyway I have to say I really loved the ending and by that I mean the Epilogue.
July 27, 2022
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
THE LIBRARIAN SPY: A Novel of World War II by Madeline Martin is an emotional historical fiction story featuring two young women, one American and one French during WWII who understand the power of the written word during a world gone mad. The author does not shy away from the sacrifice, tragedy, and horror of the war, so keep the tissues close.
Ava loves her job in the Rare Books department in the Library of Congress. Fluent in English, French and German, she is offered a position by the US military in the Lisbon embassy gathering periodicals, copying them to microfilm and sending them back to Washington D.C. to be disseminated. With her brother in the Army, she feels a duty to help in any way she is able.
In Lyon, France, Elaine discovers her husband has been keeping a secret from her. She has fought with him to allow her to help the Resistance. When he is arrested, she learns the truth. Elaine is willing to do anything to help so she is taught how to use the printing presses that put out the truth of their occupation. Rigid curfews, starvation rations and the possibility of arrest, imprisonment, deportation, and death are ever present.
The two cross paths through Elaine’s paper as she asks for help in a coded message to assist a Jewish mother and child escape. Ava feels for the refugees and after not being able to help an older man she becomes fond of; she is determined to assist this mother and child. Amongst all the loss and death, Ava and Elaine’s stories become intertwined.
I loved this book! Both Elaine and Ava understood the importance of what they were doing even with the terrible loss of friends and family during a horrific time in history. All the characters in this story were realistically portrayed and believable. Ms. Martin did an excellent job of integrating true stories of the horrors perpetrated by Klaus Barbie and his atrocities in Lyon against innocents and the Resistance, the Allied and Nazi covert spies in Portugal and America’s shame in ignoring the plight of the Jewish refugees. For all the HEA moments at the end of this story, there are realistic scenes of the horrors of war depicted in this book.
I highly recommend this WWII historical fiction!
THE LIBRARIAN SPY: A Novel of World War II by Madeline Martin is an emotional historical fiction story featuring two young women, one American and one French during WWII who understand the power of the written word during a world gone mad. The author does not shy away from the sacrifice, tragedy, and horror of the war, so keep the tissues close.
Ava loves her job in the Rare Books department in the Library of Congress. Fluent in English, French and German, she is offered a position by the US military in the Lisbon embassy gathering periodicals, copying them to microfilm and sending them back to Washington D.C. to be disseminated. With her brother in the Army, she feels a duty to help in any way she is able.
In Lyon, France, Elaine discovers her husband has been keeping a secret from her. She has fought with him to allow her to help the Resistance. When he is arrested, she learns the truth. Elaine is willing to do anything to help so she is taught how to use the printing presses that put out the truth of their occupation. Rigid curfews, starvation rations and the possibility of arrest, imprisonment, deportation, and death are ever present.
The two cross paths through Elaine’s paper as she asks for help in a coded message to assist a Jewish mother and child escape. Ava feels for the refugees and after not being able to help an older man she becomes fond of; she is determined to assist this mother and child. Amongst all the loss and death, Ava and Elaine’s stories become intertwined.
I loved this book! Both Elaine and Ava understood the importance of what they were doing even with the terrible loss of friends and family during a horrific time in history. All the characters in this story were realistically portrayed and believable. Ms. Martin did an excellent job of integrating true stories of the horrors perpetrated by Klaus Barbie and his atrocities in Lyon against innocents and the Resistance, the Allied and Nazi covert spies in Portugal and America’s shame in ignoring the plight of the Jewish refugees. For all the HEA moments at the end of this story, there are realistic scenes of the horrors of war depicted in this book.
I highly recommend this WWII historical fiction!
January 31, 2023
Having both a penchant for and high barometer for WWII books, I'd like to say I rather liked it. I was definitely engaged. But, I listened to it in audio, and this is one of those times that I think I would have maybe enjoyed it more in print.
The way this book is constructed, as one can imagine from the cover, is that there are two storylines from the Resistance, one in Portugal and one in France, from two strong women. And a storyline that connects them that emerges around halfway through the book, involving a third strong woman. It is that storyline, that is most compelling, that links the three women and tells a story of the war. It was actually beautifully done.
For the 15 Birthday Candles Challenge, this is Book number 9, as 83 people have tagged it World War Two. And my Fourth Candle of 15.
The way this book is constructed, as one can imagine from the cover, is that there are two storylines from the Resistance, one in Portugal and one in France, from two strong women. And a storyline that connects them that emerges around halfway through the book, involving a third strong woman. It is that storyline, that is most compelling, that links the three women and tells a story of the war. It was actually beautifully done.
For the 15 Birthday Candles Challenge, this is Book number 9, as 83 people have tagged it World War Two. And my Fourth Candle of 15.
April 23, 2025
3.5⭐
I liked this novel quite well, but I didn't find it above the average. It's a quick read, the horrors of the war are not depicted exagerately ghastly, but it still manages to transmit the message about the war.
My main problem was that the two main characters had a very similar voice for me and I often struggled to determine which one is talking.
I liked this novel quite well, but I didn't find it above the average. It's a quick read, the horrors of the war are not depicted exagerately ghastly, but it still manages to transmit the message about the war.
My main problem was that the two main characters had a very similar voice for me and I often struggled to determine which one is talking.
July 29, 2022
4.5 Stars
Thanks #NetGalley @HarlequinBooks @HTPBooks @Hanover_Square @BookClubbish for a complimentary e ARC of #TheLibrarianSpy by Madeline Martin upon my request. All opinions are my own.
Ava loves her quiet and routine job at the Library of Congress. One day, she receives an unexpected offer from the U.S. Military to pose as a librarian in Lisbon while working undercover to gather intelligence. In France, Elaine works as an apprentice for a printing press run by the Resistance. Ava and Elaine find themselves connecting through coded messages in an attempt to help a Jewish family.
I jumped at the chance to read Librarian Spy when I saw it was by Madeline Martin. I loved The Last Bookshop in London and was eager and delighted to read her new release.
In dual timelines, we are introduced to two women suddenly caught up in war and espionage. I love stories of people who are living their everyday lives, find themselves in extreme circumstances, and exhibit extraordinary bravery, determination, and grit. Trust is always a challenge as Ava and Elaine work with others to make small but heroic contributions and are the difference makers in one family’s survival. It always makes me wonder what I would do and who I would trust under similar circumstances.
If you read my reviews you know that I love that perfect balance of character development and a page-turning plot. Martin does not disappoint as she introduces us to characters we can cheer for while including a side of mystery/thriller.
Strong Themes: hope, determination, trust, friendship, sacrifice, dedication, bravery and courage.
I completely enjoyed my reading experience, and I’m warmly recommending The Librarian Spy for fans of WW11 historical fiction, for readers who appreciate courageous characters and espionage in their storylines, and for book clubs.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
Thanks #NetGalley @HarlequinBooks @HTPBooks @Hanover_Square @BookClubbish for a complimentary e ARC of #TheLibrarianSpy by Madeline Martin upon my request. All opinions are my own.
Ava loves her quiet and routine job at the Library of Congress. One day, she receives an unexpected offer from the U.S. Military to pose as a librarian in Lisbon while working undercover to gather intelligence. In France, Elaine works as an apprentice for a printing press run by the Resistance. Ava and Elaine find themselves connecting through coded messages in an attempt to help a Jewish family.
I jumped at the chance to read Librarian Spy when I saw it was by Madeline Martin. I loved The Last Bookshop in London and was eager and delighted to read her new release.
In dual timelines, we are introduced to two women suddenly caught up in war and espionage. I love stories of people who are living their everyday lives, find themselves in extreme circumstances, and exhibit extraordinary bravery, determination, and grit. Trust is always a challenge as Ava and Elaine work with others to make small but heroic contributions and are the difference makers in one family’s survival. It always makes me wonder what I would do and who I would trust under similar circumstances.
If you read my reviews you know that I love that perfect balance of character development and a page-turning plot. Martin does not disappoint as she introduces us to characters we can cheer for while including a side of mystery/thriller.
Strong Themes: hope, determination, trust, friendship, sacrifice, dedication, bravery and courage.
I completely enjoyed my reading experience, and I’m warmly recommending The Librarian Spy for fans of WW11 historical fiction, for readers who appreciate courageous characters and espionage in their storylines, and for book clubs.
For more reviews visit my blog www.readingladies.com where this review was first published.
August 30, 2022
This is such a fabulous story, telling the tale of two woman in two countries who work tirelessly to help refugees caught up in the dreadful war, it shows courage, and strength and sheer determination that helped win the war, and this is a story not to be missed by anyone who loves historical fiction.
Ava Harper is working as a librarian at the Library of Congress in Washington DC and she loves it, she is a lover of reading and protecting books, but when she is asked to journey to Lisbon to help with the war effort by collecting newspapers and anything that could help she jumps at the chance, never realizing that this would make such big changes to herself and people in need.
Elaine Roussea is living in occupied Lyon in France working for the resistance, Elaine has been through heartbreak already and is determined to do what she can to help and this means printing the resistance newspapers a dangerous job but she has learnt well and when she discovers a young mother and son in need of help she puts coded messages in the printing hoping that someone will understand and help.
These coded messages that Ava discovers pushes Ava to make sure that this woman and child are saved, and she works hard and pulls in help to ensure it happens, even though Ava and Elaine don’t meet they organize things to make sure it happens, two strong and caring woman can make all the difference in this terrible times.
This book tells the story of heartache, of pain and hurt but it also tells the story of what happens when people get together and fight for safety and to help each other, truly this story is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I cheered these woman on and I cried tears of sadness and joy when the tide turned. I loved getting to know them both and learned about their lives and their loves, there are so many characters in this story that I loved and cried for. I do highly recommend this one, I loved it.
My thanks the Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
Ava Harper is working as a librarian at the Library of Congress in Washington DC and she loves it, she is a lover of reading and protecting books, but when she is asked to journey to Lisbon to help with the war effort by collecting newspapers and anything that could help she jumps at the chance, never realizing that this would make such big changes to herself and people in need.
Elaine Roussea is living in occupied Lyon in France working for the resistance, Elaine has been through heartbreak already and is determined to do what she can to help and this means printing the resistance newspapers a dangerous job but she has learnt well and when she discovers a young mother and son in need of help she puts coded messages in the printing hoping that someone will understand and help.
These coded messages that Ava discovers pushes Ava to make sure that this woman and child are saved, and she works hard and pulls in help to ensure it happens, even though Ava and Elaine don’t meet they organize things to make sure it happens, two strong and caring woman can make all the difference in this terrible times.
This book tells the story of heartache, of pain and hurt but it also tells the story of what happens when people get together and fight for safety and to help each other, truly this story is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I cheered these woman on and I cried tears of sadness and joy when the tide turned. I loved getting to know them both and learned about their lives and their loves, there are so many characters in this story that I loved and cried for. I do highly recommend this one, I loved it.
My thanks the Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
November 17, 2022
This is a great read, especially the last 50 pages or so including the Epilogue, which is a powerhouse of emotion. The motivation of so many good people to defeat the Nazis and their French allies are well portrayed. Lisbon and in Lyon (circa 1945) come alive in Martin's hands. So also does the terror of living under the evil that the Nazis employed in all their actions. The failure of the world to recognize what the Nazis were doing to Jews, which is a theme in my Holocaust Trilogy A HOLOCAUST TRILOGY: A FLOOD OF EVIL ... A PROMISE KEPT ... AFTER AUSCHWITZ, is also well presented.
There are a few places where the story gets lost in a proliferation of characters, but these are not a major hindrance; just read through them.
There are a few places where the story gets lost in a proliferation of characters, but these are not a major hindrance; just read through them.
August 11, 2022
Adored this (!!!) ❤️ like wow. Simply amazing! Two women during WWll push through devastating circumstances and incredible odds to save a Jewish mother and her young son in occupied France. Their goal is to safely arrange them with passage to her husband in America. It’s a gorgeously told, sensitive and highly emotional story that had my tears flowing. 📖😭 One of THE BEST books I’ve read this year. Top 10.
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub. 7/26/22
I also want to recommend another MM book (a top 10 of 2021) — The Last Bookshop in London.
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub. 7/26/22
I also want to recommend another MM book (a top 10 of 2021) — The Last Bookshop in London.
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