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'For a moment she closed her eyes and imagined she was perched on the diving board at the Piscine Molitor, the sun beating down on her bare shoulders and the sound of Parisians at play beneath her. All she had to do was jump.'
1941. Darkness descends over London as the sirens begin to howl and the bombs rain down. Devastation seeps from every crack of the city. In the midst of all the chaos is a woman gripping a window ledge on the first floor of a Baker Street hotel. She is perched, ready to jump. And as flames rise around her, she is forced to take her chances.
1997. Amy Novak has lost the two great loves in her life: her husband, Michael, and her first love, music. With the first anniversary of Michael's death approaching, Amy buries herself in her job as an archivist. And when a newly declassified file lands on her desk, she is astonished to uncover proof that Agent 'Colette' existed - a name spoken only in whispers; an identity so secret that it has never been verified.
Her discovery leads her to MI6 'godmother' Verity Cooper - a woman with secrets of her own - and on to the streets of Paris where she will uncover a story of unimaginable choices, extraordinary courage and a love that will defy even the darkest days of World War Two . . .
1941. Darkness descends over London as the sirens begin to howl and the bombs rain down. Devastation seeps from every crack of the city. In the midst of all the chaos is a woman gripping a window ledge on the first floor of a Baker Street hotel. She is perched, ready to jump. And as flames rise around her, she is forced to take her chances.
1997. Amy Novak has lost the two great loves in her life: her husband, Michael, and her first love, music. With the first anniversary of Michael's death approaching, Amy buries herself in her job as an archivist. And when a newly declassified file lands on her desk, she is astonished to uncover proof that Agent 'Colette' existed - a name spoken only in whispers; an identity so secret that it has never been verified.
Her discovery leads her to MI6 'godmother' Verity Cooper - a woman with secrets of her own - and on to the streets of Paris where she will uncover a story of unimaginable choices, extraordinary courage and a love that will defy even the darkest days of World War Two . . .
405 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2022
590 people are currently reading
1132 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Steele
5 books79 followersHello and thank you for visiting my author page.
I am the author of THE MISSING PIECES OF NANCY MOON and THE SCHOOLTEACHER OF SAINT-MICHEL.
NANCY MOON was inspired by my own love of vintage fashion and dressmaking, with some vicarious travel thrown in, and takes the reader on a tour of the glamorous hotspots of Europe in 1962.
THE SCHOOLTEACHER OF SAINT-MICHEL in set in occupied rural France in 1942, and the story of Lucie Laval and her pupils is one of hope and courage in time of war.
Although I originally trained as a classical musician, writing has always been my passion, and I am never found without a notebook on my person, in case of that unexpected moment of inspiration. I am usually found in the cafés of Stroud, my home town in beautiful Gloucestershire, or walking the local hills with my dog.
For lots of photographs charting my love of vintage fashion and all things home made, as well as the stories behind my stories, do follow my Instagram and Facebook pages @sarahsteeleauthor, or catch me procrastinating on Twitter at @sarah_l_steele.
Head to my website to find images of the originals patterns made by Nancy.
I am the author of THE MISSING PIECES OF NANCY MOON and THE SCHOOLTEACHER OF SAINT-MICHEL.
NANCY MOON was inspired by my own love of vintage fashion and dressmaking, with some vicarious travel thrown in, and takes the reader on a tour of the glamorous hotspots of Europe in 1962.
THE SCHOOLTEACHER OF SAINT-MICHEL in set in occupied rural France in 1942, and the story of Lucie Laval and her pupils is one of hope and courage in time of war.
Although I originally trained as a classical musician, writing has always been my passion, and I am never found without a notebook on my person, in case of that unexpected moment of inspiration. I am usually found in the cafés of Stroud, my home town in beautiful Gloucestershire, or walking the local hills with my dog.
For lots of photographs charting my love of vintage fashion and all things home made, as well as the stories behind my stories, do follow my Instagram and Facebook pages @sarahsteeleauthor, or catch me procrastinating on Twitter at @sarah_l_steele.
Head to my website to find images of the originals patterns made by Nancy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
April 5, 2023
3-1/2 / 5
Yes, another dual time line story!!! And yes, another love story embedded within the story of war and secret agents.
Switching between 1941 and 1997 on some pages happens within the same chapter which make for confused reading.
Next, is the coincidences that are obviously the author’s way of making the story more exciting, and there are several. The most glaring of which are:
1941- Sophie/Colette is a pianist turned spy.
1997- Amy is a pianist turned archivist.
It is Amy who discovers a newly declassified file about Agent Colette and embarks on a journey to find out more about this person.
The ploy of both characters being pianists bothered me. Too unrealistic.
Sophie’s story (minus the love story) is the most interesting and warranted my extra half star.
In spite of the things that bothered me in this book I have to say I was totally invested in Sophie/Colette's story.
Yes, another dual time line story!!! And yes, another love story embedded within the story of war and secret agents.
Switching between 1941 and 1997 on some pages happens within the same chapter which make for confused reading.
Next, is the coincidences that are obviously the author’s way of making the story more exciting, and there are several. The most glaring of which are:
1941- Sophie/Colette is a pianist turned spy.
1997- Amy is a pianist turned archivist.
It is Amy who discovers a newly declassified file about Agent Colette and embarks on a journey to find out more about this person.
The ploy of both characters being pianists bothered me. Too unrealistic.
Sophie’s story (minus the love story) is the most interesting and warranted my extra half star.
In spite of the things that bothered me in this book I have to say I was totally invested in Sophie/Colette's story.
March 12, 2025
This is a dual timeline historical fiction novel with the first timeline beginning in 1941 and the second being in 1997. The majority of the book is focused on the 1941 storyline which is about a female agent 'Colette' in WWII. These parts were quite a fascinating read, with the agent having to keep much of her resistance work secret and having society look down upon her for perceived actions when in fact she was risking her life constantly. The 1997 storyline relates to an archivist, Amy, who is researching said female agent. I found these sections a bit slower and not as intriguing, however readers will feel for the recently widowed Amy who is still really finding her feet in life with her young daughter after such a loss.
Overall, I think fans of war based historical fiction will enjoy this novel.
Overall, I think fans of war based historical fiction will enjoy this novel.
March 13, 2023
I absolutely adored The Schoolteacher of Saint-Michel so I was very excited to get chance to review Sarah’s new book as part of the blog tour.
What a phenomenal book this is. A reminder of all the brave men and women who risked their lives to spy on the Germans during WWII. Based on true events and set over a dual timeline of 1941 and 1997.
Amy’s husband has died, leaving her to bring up their daughter. She has also lost the ability to play the piano, the first love of her life, but having had to give up a promising career as a pianist she is now in a role as an archivist which she adores.
When the latest classified documents are released by the government, Amy is drawn to a document mentioning Agent Colette. So little is known about this woman many thought she was a myth. Who was she and what was her story? With the encouragement of her boss, Amy begins to investigate the life of this remarkable woman, uncovering the story of a woman who saw an opportunity to help the resistance by befriending the Germans.
The story Amy is uncovering is played out in the historical part of the book which I found both fascinating and heartbreaking. Agent Colette was an extremely brave and strong woman.
I cried buckets at the end! Such an emotional ending. I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down I just had to know if Amy would find the ending of Agent Colette’s story. It is definitely going to stay with me for a long time.
What a phenomenal book this is. A reminder of all the brave men and women who risked their lives to spy on the Germans during WWII. Based on true events and set over a dual timeline of 1941 and 1997.
Amy’s husband has died, leaving her to bring up their daughter. She has also lost the ability to play the piano, the first love of her life, but having had to give up a promising career as a pianist she is now in a role as an archivist which she adores.
When the latest classified documents are released by the government, Amy is drawn to a document mentioning Agent Colette. So little is known about this woman many thought she was a myth. Who was she and what was her story? With the encouragement of her boss, Amy begins to investigate the life of this remarkable woman, uncovering the story of a woman who saw an opportunity to help the resistance by befriending the Germans.
The story Amy is uncovering is played out in the historical part of the book which I found both fascinating and heartbreaking. Agent Colette was an extremely brave and strong woman.
I cried buckets at the end! Such an emotional ending. I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down I just had to know if Amy would find the ending of Agent Colette’s story. It is definitely going to stay with me for a long time.
October 15, 2023
Dit boek lag al enige tijd klaar om gelezen te gaan worden. De intrigerende cover weet direct indruk op me te maken. op de cover zien we een pianospelende vrouw met uitzicht over de stad Parijs. Het is een betoverend en mooi beeld. De typografie is helemaal passend op het beeld afgestemd. Ik heb, mede door de al lovende recensies die ik van dit boek gelezen heb, hele hoge en goede verwachtingen voor dit verhaal. Ik heb nog niet eerder een boek van Sarah Steele gelezen.
Een aangrijpend verhaal met twee verhaallijnen die gedurende het verloop steeds meer met elkaar verweven raken.
Amy heeft haar twee grote liefdes verloren. Haar man en haar liefde voor pianospelen/muziek. Ze stort zich op de zorg van haar dochtertje en haar werk als historicus in een archief, waarbij een document wordt vrijgegeven van de beruchte 'agent Colette', een Franse spion tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Amy bijt zich hierin vast en wil alles over 'agent Colette' uitzoeken. Ze ontdekt een aangrijpend en onvergetelijk verhaal dat zich afspeelt in het bezette Parijs van 1941. Agent Colette doet zich voor als pianiste terwijl ze infiltreert en geheime informatie doorspeelt.
Wat me direct opvalt is dat Sarah Steele een hele vlotte, levendige maar ook meeslepende schrijfstijl heeft. Daarmee bedoel ik dat ze enorm veel emotie en gevoel in het verhaal en de personages weet te leggen waardoor je echt met de personages en de heftige gebeurtenissen mee leeft in het verhaal.
Met een proloog, van een vrouw die overduidelijk op een bijzondere en gevaarlijke missie is, weet Sarah Steele direct je nieuwsgierigheid en interesse te wekken om alles over deze gebeurtenis en meer te weten te komen.
Het verhaal is opgebouwd uit twee verhaallijnen die gedurende het verloop van het verhaal steeds meer overlap met elkaar krijgen. Hierdoor wisselt het verhaal tussen het heden en het verleden. Toch zijn de verhaallijnen van beide vrouwen in het heden en verleden heel bijzondere, heftige en intense verhaallijnen die me echt wisten te raken. In het heden gaat het verhaal over Amy die een heftige tijd met hartverscheurende gebeurtenissen heeft doorstaan, maar waarbij lange tijd onbekend blijft, wat er nu precies gebeurd is. Amy stuit op een vrijgegeven document van geheim agent Colette, waarna ze onderzoek gaat doen. Door de verhalen uit haar onderzoek en gesprekken met mensen over deze geheim agente en de oorlog ontvouwt ze langzaam maar beetje het intense, aangrijpende en ergens ook mooie verhaal van Sophie Clément, ofwel agent Colette.
Het is een verhaal met heftige, schokkende en ingrijpende gebeurtenissen. Die pijnlijk, mooi, ontroerend zijn en die je ook zeker zullen bijblijven. Daarbij is de link tussen de twee verhaallijnen en de twee vrouwen echt enorm mooi en op bijzonder krachtige wijze gedaan. Ook worden alle gebeurtenissen en vragen rondom de personages op een mooie en volledige wijze afgesloten. Met een prachtig, afsluitend epiloog sluit het verhaal af, waardoor je het boek met een zucht dicht slaat.
De vergeten spionne is een mooi, aangrijpend en intens boek. Het is enorm vlot, levendig en meeslepend geschreven, waardoor je helemaal en met gevoel in de verhaallijn op gaat. De twee eerst verschillend ogende verhaallijnen, vormen uiteindelijk een krachtig en mooi verband, waarmee het complete verhaal nog mooier en sterker wordt. Het is absoluut een verhaal dat je bij zal blijven. Een dikke aanrader!
Een aangrijpend verhaal met twee verhaallijnen die gedurende het verloop steeds meer met elkaar verweven raken.
Amy heeft haar twee grote liefdes verloren. Haar man en haar liefde voor pianospelen/muziek. Ze stort zich op de zorg van haar dochtertje en haar werk als historicus in een archief, waarbij een document wordt vrijgegeven van de beruchte 'agent Colette', een Franse spion tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Amy bijt zich hierin vast en wil alles over 'agent Colette' uitzoeken. Ze ontdekt een aangrijpend en onvergetelijk verhaal dat zich afspeelt in het bezette Parijs van 1941. Agent Colette doet zich voor als pianiste terwijl ze infiltreert en geheime informatie doorspeelt.
Wat me direct opvalt is dat Sarah Steele een hele vlotte, levendige maar ook meeslepende schrijfstijl heeft. Daarmee bedoel ik dat ze enorm veel emotie en gevoel in het verhaal en de personages weet te leggen waardoor je echt met de personages en de heftige gebeurtenissen mee leeft in het verhaal.
Met een proloog, van een vrouw die overduidelijk op een bijzondere en gevaarlijke missie is, weet Sarah Steele direct je nieuwsgierigheid en interesse te wekken om alles over deze gebeurtenis en meer te weten te komen.
Het verhaal is opgebouwd uit twee verhaallijnen die gedurende het verloop van het verhaal steeds meer overlap met elkaar krijgen. Hierdoor wisselt het verhaal tussen het heden en het verleden. Toch zijn de verhaallijnen van beide vrouwen in het heden en verleden heel bijzondere, heftige en intense verhaallijnen die me echt wisten te raken. In het heden gaat het verhaal over Amy die een heftige tijd met hartverscheurende gebeurtenissen heeft doorstaan, maar waarbij lange tijd onbekend blijft, wat er nu precies gebeurd is. Amy stuit op een vrijgegeven document van geheim agent Colette, waarna ze onderzoek gaat doen. Door de verhalen uit haar onderzoek en gesprekken met mensen over deze geheim agente en de oorlog ontvouwt ze langzaam maar beetje het intense, aangrijpende en ergens ook mooie verhaal van Sophie Clément, ofwel agent Colette.
Het is een verhaal met heftige, schokkende en ingrijpende gebeurtenissen. Die pijnlijk, mooi, ontroerend zijn en die je ook zeker zullen bijblijven. Daarbij is de link tussen de twee verhaallijnen en de twee vrouwen echt enorm mooi en op bijzonder krachtige wijze gedaan. Ook worden alle gebeurtenissen en vragen rondom de personages op een mooie en volledige wijze afgesloten. Met een prachtig, afsluitend epiloog sluit het verhaal af, waardoor je het boek met een zucht dicht slaat.
De vergeten spionne is een mooi, aangrijpend en intens boek. Het is enorm vlot, levendig en meeslepend geschreven, waardoor je helemaal en met gevoel in de verhaallijn op gaat. De twee eerst verschillend ogende verhaallijnen, vormen uiteindelijk een krachtig en mooi verband, waarmee het complete verhaal nog mooier en sterker wordt. Het is absoluut een verhaal dat je bij zal blijven. Een dikke aanrader!
January 31, 2024
Thank you Hachette for sending us a copy to read and review.
Voices from history echo once again in this compelling story of survival, courage and acts of selfless behaviour.
Networks of resistance workers and Government Agents risked their lives and risked torture as they tirelessly did their bit in ending German dominance and brutality.
Women were at the forefront and it’s a pleasure to see how clever and valuable they were.
A dual time line that eventually culminate but highlight the struggles of people in different eras.
Amy Novak is researching war heroines as declassified information from World War Two is released.
On a personal front she is dealing with loss of her husband and a child that is suffering from loss.
Her research leads her to a woman she suspects was instrumental in the war. Reluctantly secrets unfurl and the history is pieced together.
Emotive, gripping and intense only begins to describe the war timeline.
Some amazing people existed in a time where the world was at the mercy of a madman and the endurance of life highlighted.
History like this should only be on the pages but sadly these horrors are a reality for citizens of today in areas across the globe.
Voices from history echo once again in this compelling story of survival, courage and acts of selfless behaviour.
Networks of resistance workers and Government Agents risked their lives and risked torture as they tirelessly did their bit in ending German dominance and brutality.
Women were at the forefront and it’s a pleasure to see how clever and valuable they were.
A dual time line that eventually culminate but highlight the struggles of people in different eras.
Amy Novak is researching war heroines as declassified information from World War Two is released.
On a personal front she is dealing with loss of her husband and a child that is suffering from loss.
Her research leads her to a woman she suspects was instrumental in the war. Reluctantly secrets unfurl and the history is pieced together.
Emotive, gripping and intense only begins to describe the war timeline.
Some amazing people existed in a time where the world was at the mercy of a madman and the endurance of life highlighted.
History like this should only be on the pages but sadly these horrors are a reality for citizens of today in areas across the globe.
March 20, 2023
Immersive, memorable, and moving!
The Lost Song of Paris is predominantly set in London and Paris during 1941, as well as present day, and is told from two different perspectives; Amy, a young widow and archivist who, after receiving a declassified file regarding a top female agent based in Paris during WWII, embarks on a mission to discover her ultimate fate and true identity, and Sophie, a young woman who is determined to do whatever it takes, even at the detriment of her own reputation and safety, to fight the Nazis and their occupation of the city she loves to call home.
The prose is eloquent and rich. The characters are tenacious, resilient, and determined. And the plot is an exceptionally touching tale about life, loss, family, secrets, separation, desperation, love, tragedy, friendship, the horrors of war, and the power of music.
Overall, The Lost Song of Paris is an absorbing, poignant, beautifully written novel by Steele that does a wonderful job of showcasing the hard work, bravery, and danger involved in being an SIS officer in Nazi-occupied France during WWII. It’s now the second novel I’ve read and absolutely loved by Steele, and I can guarantee that whatever she decides to write next will always hold a top spot on my TBR list.Thank you to Mobius Books US for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Mobius Books US for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Lost Song of Paris is predominantly set in London and Paris during 1941, as well as present day, and is told from two different perspectives; Amy, a young widow and archivist who, after receiving a declassified file regarding a top female agent based in Paris during WWII, embarks on a mission to discover her ultimate fate and true identity, and Sophie, a young woman who is determined to do whatever it takes, even at the detriment of her own reputation and safety, to fight the Nazis and their occupation of the city she loves to call home.
The prose is eloquent and rich. The characters are tenacious, resilient, and determined. And the plot is an exceptionally touching tale about life, loss, family, secrets, separation, desperation, love, tragedy, friendship, the horrors of war, and the power of music.
Overall, The Lost Song of Paris is an absorbing, poignant, beautifully written novel by Steele that does a wonderful job of showcasing the hard work, bravery, and danger involved in being an SIS officer in Nazi-occupied France during WWII. It’s now the second novel I’ve read and absolutely loved by Steele, and I can guarantee that whatever she decides to write next will always hold a top spot on my TBR list.Thank you to Mobius Books US for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Mobius Books US for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2023
TITLE: THE LOST SONG OF PARIS
AUTHOR: Sarah Steele
PUB DATE: 03.21.2023 Now Available
Moving
Mesmerizing
Brave
I enjoyed this dual timeline historical fiction story set in London and France in 1951 during WWII, and in the present day, 1997. The story is about Amy, a young widow and an archivist who discovers a file about agent Colette whose identity had been kept secret until now.
This novel was so well written that grabbed me from the first page. I loved learning more and more about WWII heroes and heroines whose sacrifice for others knows no bounds against the evil Nazi regime.
This is my first book by Sarah Steele and certainly will not be my last. I am a huge fan of her writing and the incredible research it took to write this intriguing novel.
AUTHOR: Sarah Steele
PUB DATE: 03.21.2023 Now Available
Moving
Mesmerizing
Brave
I enjoyed this dual timeline historical fiction story set in London and France in 1951 during WWII, and in the present day, 1997. The story is about Amy, a young widow and an archivist who discovers a file about agent Colette whose identity had been kept secret until now.
This novel was so well written that grabbed me from the first page. I loved learning more and more about WWII heroes and heroines whose sacrifice for others knows no bounds against the evil Nazi regime.
This is my first book by Sarah Steele and certainly will not be my last. I am a huge fan of her writing and the incredible research it took to write this intriguing novel.
January 20, 2024
Echt een prachtig verhaal!! Betrapte me er soms op dat ik "langs" sommige stukken las om zo snel mogelijk weer iets over Alec en Sophie te kunnen lezen
December 22, 2025
Wat een mooi en ontroerend verhaal! 🥰🥹
April 5, 2023
The Lost Song Of Paris is told through a dual timeline narrative, sharing the stories of Sophie (aka Agent ‘Colette’) in the 1940s and Amy in 1997. Amy is an archivist who was recently widowed and is researching Agent Colette, leading to her meeting the agent’s MI6 'godmother' Verity Cooper. Much of Agent Colette’s story is told retrospectively as an elderly Verity tells Amy the story she has kept secret for sixty years.
The idea of a character being shunned by her friends and neighbours for being a ‘Nazi collaborator’ when truly she was an undercover operative for the Allies was a fascinating premise which was really well executed. The story perfectly captured how crucial the work of SOE agents was to the war effort and ultimate Allied success.
The Lost Song Of Paris was impeccably researched and historical details were seamlessly woven into the narrative. Although the story is largely fiction, certain plot points such as the SOE agent discovery of the existence of V1 and V2 rockets truly happened and it was nice to give a little nod to the real SOE agents who were involved in this.
The narrative was relatively slow paced for the first half of the novel as they took the time to world build and establish the characters but this pace was dramatically increased during the second half and it had me on the edge of my seat. Whilst being mindful of avoiding spoilers, I thought the ending was really cleverly crafted to include the elements of a happily ever after many readers crave whilst also capturing the horrific impact of war and Nazi persecution.
One of the things I struggled with in The Lost Song Of Paris was the way the narrative continuously jumped forward suddenly, missing out months or even years at a time. Whilst I can in part understand a need in WW2 Historical Fiction to feature occasional jumps forward in time in order to cover the full six year war where appropriate, in this case it felt like the jumps forward cut out really important parts of the wartime experiences of the character, therefore affecting the flow of the novel overall. It felt overall that the book needed to be a couple of hundred pages longer to fully tell the story and do it justice.
I do feel like the murder of one of Sophie’s close Jewish friends deserved a lot more attention than it was given. Her death was mentioned in a single sentence in Chapter 20 and then the narrative was moved on and I think this was a mistake as ultimately, it’s a significant contributing factor to Sophie’s motivation for continuing to fight against the Nazi regime.
Overall, The Lost Song Of Paris is a powerful and moving story which perfectly captures the bravery of the SOE agents during the Second World War. Sarah Steele has an enchanting way of storytelling which had me hooked and she’s created a story which is a must-read for fans of historical fiction.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5
I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk
*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in now way influenced by the gifting opportunity.
The idea of a character being shunned by her friends and neighbours for being a ‘Nazi collaborator’ when truly she was an undercover operative for the Allies was a fascinating premise which was really well executed. The story perfectly captured how crucial the work of SOE agents was to the war effort and ultimate Allied success.
The Lost Song Of Paris was impeccably researched and historical details were seamlessly woven into the narrative. Although the story is largely fiction, certain plot points such as the SOE agent discovery of the existence of V1 and V2 rockets truly happened and it was nice to give a little nod to the real SOE agents who were involved in this.
The narrative was relatively slow paced for the first half of the novel as they took the time to world build and establish the characters but this pace was dramatically increased during the second half and it had me on the edge of my seat. Whilst being mindful of avoiding spoilers, I thought the ending was really cleverly crafted to include the elements of a happily ever after many readers crave whilst also capturing the horrific impact of war and Nazi persecution.
One of the things I struggled with in The Lost Song Of Paris was the way the narrative continuously jumped forward suddenly, missing out months or even years at a time. Whilst I can in part understand a need in WW2 Historical Fiction to feature occasional jumps forward in time in order to cover the full six year war where appropriate, in this case it felt like the jumps forward cut out really important parts of the wartime experiences of the character, therefore affecting the flow of the novel overall. It felt overall that the book needed to be a couple of hundred pages longer to fully tell the story and do it justice.
I do feel like the murder of one of Sophie’s close Jewish friends deserved a lot more attention than it was given. Her death was mentioned in a single sentence in Chapter 20 and then the narrative was moved on and I think this was a mistake as ultimately, it’s a significant contributing factor to Sophie’s motivation for continuing to fight against the Nazi regime.
Overall, The Lost Song Of Paris is a powerful and moving story which perfectly captures the bravery of the SOE agents during the Second World War. Sarah Steele has an enchanting way of storytelling which had me hooked and she’s created a story which is a must-read for fans of historical fiction.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5
I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk
*I received a copy of this book in eBook format via NetGalley in return for this review. All reviews published are completely honest and my own, and are in now way influenced by the gifting opportunity.
July 11, 2022
Amy has lost her husband, lost her will to play her piano and has lost her way to seeing what her future life holds but she has her daughter Holly and a great job as an archivist.
She is handed a file recently released under the Official Secrets Act from WWII about ‘Colette’ who was a French spy during the Nazi occupation of Paris. Amy finds out Collette is actually Sophie Clement a well renowned French pianist and thought to be Nazi collaborator but there is so much more to Sophie’s story and Amy is going to uncover it.
A truly riveting story about war time Paris and London. A heart wrenching story of love and the bravery and danger of those involved in espionage.
Love a dual time line story, especially one inspired by true events. This book links two women from different periods of time together so that answers to long lost questions are discovered. It is a period of history that we should never forget.
A must historical fiction read.
She is handed a file recently released under the Official Secrets Act from WWII about ‘Colette’ who was a French spy during the Nazi occupation of Paris. Amy finds out Collette is actually Sophie Clement a well renowned French pianist and thought to be Nazi collaborator but there is so much more to Sophie’s story and Amy is going to uncover it.
A truly riveting story about war time Paris and London. A heart wrenching story of love and the bravery and danger of those involved in espionage.
Love a dual time line story, especially one inspired by true events. This book links two women from different periods of time together so that answers to long lost questions are discovered. It is a period of history that we should never forget.
A must historical fiction read.
January 30, 2023
My Musings
An emotionally charged novel with compelling characters who willingly put their lives on the line to resist the Nazi regime. I am so glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited with the audio included. The narrator added to my enjoyment. Happy reading and listening!
An emotionally charged novel with compelling characters who willingly put their lives on the line to resist the Nazi regime. I am so glad I found this one in Kindle Unlimited with the audio included. The narrator added to my enjoyment. Happy reading and listening!
January 29, 2025
Over Frankrijk en Parijs tijdens WO II en de dappere helden die hun levens waagden in het verzet.
June 8, 2024
Spannend. Ingrijpend. Ontroerend. Prachtig!
July 11, 2025
Het echte verhaal kwam wat laat op gang en is naar mijn mening ook wat kort. Van Sophie als verzetsstrijder had ik graag meer willen lezen.
May 24, 2025
Excellent book. I liked the intrigue and storyline of all the characters.
April 24, 2023
1941. Darkness descends over London as the sirens begin to howl and the bombs rain down. Devastation seeps from every crack of the city. In the midst of all the chaos is a woman gripping a window ledge on the first floor of a Baker Street hotel. She is perched, ready to jump. And as flames rise around her, she is forced to take her chances.
1997. Amy Novak has lost the two great loves in her life: her husband, Michael, and her first love, music. With the first anniversary of Michael's death approaching, Amy buries herself in her job as an archivist. And when a newly declassified file lands on her desk, she is astonished to uncover proof that Agent 'Colette' existed - a name spoken only in whispers; an identity so secret that it has never been verified.
Her discovery leads her to MI6 'godmother' Verity Cooper - a woman with secrets of her own - and on to the streets of Paris where she will uncover a story of unimaginable choices, extraordinary courage and a love that will defy even the darkest days of World War Two . . .
Spy agencies have always recruited musicians after they realised that musicians also had the ability to solve puzzles.When playing a musical instrument, musicians constantly have to think about where their hands, or voices will move next, how to adjust for new tempos, and translating accidentals and key signatures on sight.
The same expertise is needed for cryptography and espionage.Musicians also possess the vital skills of patience, perseverance, and reading of musical scores because it involved studying the pieces structure, its instrumentation,pattern recognition that comprise musical ideas.Musicians were also often recruited due to their access to the private chambers of important figures.Nancy Weir(13 July 1915-14 October 2008),was an Australian pianist and spy.She joined the WAAF and was transferred to RAF intelligence as she spoke fluent German.
Whaddon Hall is a country house in Buckinghamshire.During WWII, Whaddon Hall served as HQ of Section VIII (Communications) of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS, or MI6) under the command of Brigadier Richard Gambier-Parry The "Station X" wireless interception function was transferred here from Bletchley Park in February 1940.The Main Line, served in a number of capacities, the most critical of the sending of Ultra intelligence from Bletchley Park to officers in the field.It consisted of information gathered by breaking encrypted radio communications.Until about 1941,inexperienced SIS agents in Europe,spent too much time on the air and jeopardised their security.However, by 1943,Gambier-Parry and his staff had engineered improvements in clandestine wireless communication.RAF Tangmere was enlarged to defend the south coast from the Luftwaffe.In August 1940 the first squadron of Supermarine Spitfires was based at the satellite airfield at nearby Westhampnett,as the Battle of Britain began.Throughout WWII,the station was used by the RAF Special Duties Service when 161 (Special Duty) Squadron's Westland Lysander flight came down to do their insertion and pick-up operations into occupied Europe.The SOE used Tangmere Cottage, opposite the base's main entrance to house and receive the agents.
Animal and plant eugenics refers to any human intervention in the free and natural reproduction of animals and plants for the purpose of affecting the genetic characteristics of the offspring. Artificial selection of gene pools is also effected incidentally whenever undesirable forms in the present generation are removed from the population, deliberately or accidentally.
Soir de Paris (Evening in Paris) is the most known fragrance by Bourjois, which was created by famed perfurmer Ernest Beaux in 1928, he also created the famed Chanel No.5. The name evoked the reputation of gaiety, romance and love of
the French capital. In 1929 it was for sale in the United States. Top notes are Violet, Peach, Apricot and Bergamot; middle notes are Iris, Heliotrope, Rose, Ylang-Ylang, Lily-of-the-Valley and Jasmine; base notes are Amber, Sandalwood, Vanilla and Musk. It was presented in a midnight blue hemispherical Art Deco flacon designed by Jean Helleu, and produced by the Brosse glassworks. The scent was discontinued in the late 1960s, and revived and reformulated by Chanel in the early 1990s.
1997. Amy Novak has lost the two great loves in her life: her husband, Michael, and her first love, music. With the first anniversary of Michael's death approaching, Amy buries herself in her job as an archivist. And when a newly declassified file lands on her desk, she is astonished to uncover proof that Agent 'Colette' existed - a name spoken only in whispers; an identity so secret that it has never been verified.
Her discovery leads her to MI6 'godmother' Verity Cooper - a woman with secrets of her own - and on to the streets of Paris where she will uncover a story of unimaginable choices, extraordinary courage and a love that will defy even the darkest days of World War Two . . .
Spy agencies have always recruited musicians after they realised that musicians also had the ability to solve puzzles.When playing a musical instrument, musicians constantly have to think about where their hands, or voices will move next, how to adjust for new tempos, and translating accidentals and key signatures on sight.
The same expertise is needed for cryptography and espionage.Musicians also possess the vital skills of patience, perseverance, and reading of musical scores because it involved studying the pieces structure, its instrumentation,pattern recognition that comprise musical ideas.Musicians were also often recruited due to their access to the private chambers of important figures.Nancy Weir(13 July 1915-14 October 2008),was an Australian pianist and spy.She joined the WAAF and was transferred to RAF intelligence as she spoke fluent German.
Whaddon Hall is a country house in Buckinghamshire.During WWII, Whaddon Hall served as HQ of Section VIII (Communications) of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS, or MI6) under the command of Brigadier Richard Gambier-Parry The "Station X" wireless interception function was transferred here from Bletchley Park in February 1940.The Main Line, served in a number of capacities, the most critical of the sending of Ultra intelligence from Bletchley Park to officers in the field.It consisted of information gathered by breaking encrypted radio communications.Until about 1941,inexperienced SIS agents in Europe,spent too much time on the air and jeopardised their security.However, by 1943,Gambier-Parry and his staff had engineered improvements in clandestine wireless communication.RAF Tangmere was enlarged to defend the south coast from the Luftwaffe.In August 1940 the first squadron of Supermarine Spitfires was based at the satellite airfield at nearby Westhampnett,as the Battle of Britain began.Throughout WWII,the station was used by the RAF Special Duties Service when 161 (Special Duty) Squadron's Westland Lysander flight came down to do their insertion and pick-up operations into occupied Europe.The SOE used Tangmere Cottage, opposite the base's main entrance to house and receive the agents.
Animal and plant eugenics refers to any human intervention in the free and natural reproduction of animals and plants for the purpose of affecting the genetic characteristics of the offspring. Artificial selection of gene pools is also effected incidentally whenever undesirable forms in the present generation are removed from the population, deliberately or accidentally.
Soir de Paris (Evening in Paris) is the most known fragrance by Bourjois, which was created by famed perfurmer Ernest Beaux in 1928, he also created the famed Chanel No.5. The name evoked the reputation of gaiety, romance and love of
the French capital. In 1929 it was for sale in the United States. Top notes are Violet, Peach, Apricot and Bergamot; middle notes are Iris, Heliotrope, Rose, Ylang-Ylang, Lily-of-the-Valley and Jasmine; base notes are Amber, Sandalwood, Vanilla and Musk. It was presented in a midnight blue hemispherical Art Deco flacon designed by Jean Helleu, and produced by the Brosse glassworks. The scent was discontinued in the late 1960s, and revived and reformulated by Chanel in the early 1990s.
February 21, 2023
The Last Song in Paris is by Sarah Steele. This is a story that is told in two time periods. One is during World War II and one is in the present.
In 1941, a French woman checked into a London hotel and placed a suitcase in the armoire and locked it. As she was preparing for the evening, the sirens began going off for a bombing alert. A voice in the hall told residents to head to the basement. She could not lose her suitcase so went to unlock the armoire when she decided her key had fallen under the bed. She was on her knees looking for it when a bomb went off very close. When she became aware of her surroundings again, she found the room was on fire. Seeing she must leave the case and that the only way out was to jump, she jumped. She found herself waking up in a hospital not knowing who she was. Luckily, her amnesia was short-lived; but she had been taken somewhere else by then. She was here to undergo training with the SOE. When she finished, she would head back to France. While in training, she met Flight Lieutenant Alec Scott and they fell in love; but he left first to rejoin his squad. She soon left for France.
Amy, in the present, had been a pianist until her hand was severely hurt in a mugging. She had then changed her focus to her history major and was hired by the government to assess and preserve documents that hadn’t been dealt with. She was putting together an exhibit on Women spies in World War II. In her research, she found references to “Colette”; but it was sparse. No one knew if she was real or not. One day, she ran across newly released documents that proved “Colette” did exist but her real name was never mentioned. Amy felt drawn to her in part because the documents showed “Colette” was a pianist. In the file was also an undelivered letter to Flight Lieutenant Alec Scott. Since it hadn’t been delivered, did this mean “Colette” was still alive or that Alec Scott was dead. In tracking down “Colette’s” godmother or handler, Verity Cooper who was also Alec Scott’s sister; but neither knew about the other at least by name. After talking to her, Amy set out for France to see what she could find out about “Colette”, most especially, her real name. What would she find?
In 1941, a French woman checked into a London hotel and placed a suitcase in the armoire and locked it. As she was preparing for the evening, the sirens began going off for a bombing alert. A voice in the hall told residents to head to the basement. She could not lose her suitcase so went to unlock the armoire when she decided her key had fallen under the bed. She was on her knees looking for it when a bomb went off very close. When she became aware of her surroundings again, she found the room was on fire. Seeing she must leave the case and that the only way out was to jump, she jumped. She found herself waking up in a hospital not knowing who she was. Luckily, her amnesia was short-lived; but she had been taken somewhere else by then. She was here to undergo training with the SOE. When she finished, she would head back to France. While in training, she met Flight Lieutenant Alec Scott and they fell in love; but he left first to rejoin his squad. She soon left for France.
Amy, in the present, had been a pianist until her hand was severely hurt in a mugging. She had then changed her focus to her history major and was hired by the government to assess and preserve documents that hadn’t been dealt with. She was putting together an exhibit on Women spies in World War II. In her research, she found references to “Colette”; but it was sparse. No one knew if she was real or not. One day, she ran across newly released documents that proved “Colette” did exist but her real name was never mentioned. Amy felt drawn to her in part because the documents showed “Colette” was a pianist. In the file was also an undelivered letter to Flight Lieutenant Alec Scott. Since it hadn’t been delivered, did this mean “Colette” was still alive or that Alec Scott was dead. In tracking down “Colette’s” godmother or handler, Verity Cooper who was also Alec Scott’s sister; but neither knew about the other at least by name. After talking to her, Amy set out for France to see what she could find out about “Colette”, most especially, her real name. What would she find?
March 6, 2023
Absolutely loved this!!! I LOVED The Schoolteacher of Saint-Michel, so I couldn't wait to read this. This story definitely didn't disappoint. Sarah Steele is now one of my favorite authors. Beautifully written. I couldn't put the book down. Loved the characters, story and writing style. I enjoyed how the book alternated between Amy in 1997 and Sophie and Verity during WWII. Things would have been so different if Sophie would have stayed at the cottage with Alec. Loved the mention of Miriam and the schoolteacher. Sophie was doing so much for her country, but everyone believed she was a traitor and sided up with the Nazis. How ironic that Verity ended up being Colette's "godmother." Sophie's story was perfect for Amy. Amy started healing and allowed music back n her life. Loved how Sophie's story unfolded through Verity and Daphne.
Definitely recommend the book. The story was wonderful and my review doesn't do justice for how much I enjoyed this book. Loved getting to know all the characters. I was hoping for a happy ending for Sophie and Alec. In a way, they got what they really wanted, even if it was only for a short moment. Look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hachette Book Group through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Definitely recommend the book. The story was wonderful and my review doesn't do justice for how much I enjoyed this book. Loved getting to know all the characters. I was hoping for a happy ending for Sophie and Alec. In a way, they got what they really wanted, even if it was only for a short moment. Look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hachette Book Group through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 6, 2023
Recensie van:
De vergeten spionne
Met haar pianomuziek bespeelt ze Nazi officieren. Maar hoelang houdt haar verzetslied stand?
De zoektocht naar een begaafd pianiste die mensenlevens redde tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog.
Vertaald uit het Engels door:
Marianne Locht -Kühler
Engelse titel:
The Lost Song of Paris
Engelse uitgever:
Headline review, een imprint van Headline Publishing Group, Londen, Verenigd Koninkrijk
Auteur:
Sarah Steele werkte jarenlang in de uitgeefwereld voor ze zelf besloot een boek te schrijven. Eerder verscheen haar historische roman Het kersenspoor in Nederland, die net als De vergeten spionne over de Tweede Wereldoorlog gaat.
Wijze van lezen:
Recensie-exemplaar ontvangen van KokBoekenCentrum Romans in ruil voor mijn deelname aan de Blogtour en mijn recensie
Uitgeverij: KokBoekenCentrum Romans
Genre: Historische roman/Tweede Wereldoorlog
Cover:
In de verte de bebouwing van Parijs met als herkenningspunt de Eiffeltoren. Met op de voorgrond een pianiste die de toetsen van een piano beroerd. Notenbalken zichtbaar in de lucht van muziek die haar weg vindt door tijd en ruimte. Wie is deze blonde vrouw in haar prachtige japon.
Flaptekst:
Indrukwekkend, krachtig en nieuwsgierig makend.
Mooie tekst:
Pagina 403:
‘Holly leunde tegen Amy aan en stak met een diepe zucht haar duim in haar mond. ‘Ik vind je parfum lekker’, zei ze. ‘Het is een beetje zoet, net als jij.’. ‘Ik heb geen parfum op, lieverd,’ zei Amy. ‘Jawel.’ Amy hield haar hoofd schuin. Holly had gelijk. Ze rook een spoortje van een tere geur. Bloemig, met een vleugje bergamot. Het rook naar zijde en fluweel, naar champagne en diamanten. Naar een vrouw die onder sprankelende kroonluchters met vrienden een toost uitbrengt, een vrouw in de armen van haar kersverse echtgenoot, samen dansend in een kleine gevangeniscel, totdat de opkomende zon hen voorgoed zou scheiden. Het was Soir de Paris.
Het verhaal:
Parijs, 1941. Een Britse spionne met de bijnaam 'Agent Colette' doet zich voor als pianiste in de bezette Franse hoofdstad. Met haar grote talent weet ze zich bij de meest hooggeplaatste Duitse officieren een weg naar binnen te spelen. Ondertussen dreigt het net zich rondom haar te sluiten. Wanneer het gevaar haar van alle kanten omgeeft, ziet ze zich gedwongen om alles op het spel te zetten.
Londen, 1997. Ooit was ze een begaafde pianiste met een gescheiden man. Nu is Amy een alleenstaande moeder die zich stort op haar baan als archief. Wanneer ze documenten in handen krijgt van een bijzondere oorlogsspionne, is Amy vastbesloten om haar verhaal boven tafel te krijgen. Zelfs als dat betekent dat ze ook met haar eigen verleden in het reine moet zien te komen.
Mijn leesbeleving:
Dit verhaal wordt verteld in twee tijdsperioden. Het verleden en het heden. Naarmate het verhaal vordert worden deze telkens meer met elkaar verweven totdat de ontknoping volgt.
In het begin moest ik wennen aan alle personages, de plekken waar zij zich bevonden, wat hun achtergronden waren. Het hielp dat dit verhaal zeer beeldend is geschreven. Ik beleefde het verhaal met al mijn zintuigen. Door te lezen maar ook door het onderzoek wat Amy verricht komen de personages gedetailleerd en levendig naar voren.
De emoties waren zeer voelbaar. De angst om niet meer te mogen zijn wie je bent. Om niet meer uit te mogen dragen waar je voor staat. De woede voor het meedogenloze keiharde optreden van de bezetter. Die zonder scrupules je vaderland overneemt en er heer en meester speelt. Het logische maar het levensgevaarlijke verzet tegen de vijand om onschuldigen te redden van de dodelijke alles vernietigende haat. Simpelweg omdat je anders bent qua afkomst, religie, geaardheid of levensovertuiging.
De kracht van muziek door de eeuwen heen. Talloze malen het concert van je leven spelen om maar te redden wat er te redden valt. Een masker hoog houden om maar te verhullen wat je ten diepste denkt en doet.
Wat een lef, heldenmoed en durf van talloze vrouwen en mannen. Alles doen om de vrede terug te doen keren. Continu met de dodelijke adem van de vijand in je nek. Door de beeldende, filmische schrijfstijl was dit kraakhelder zichtbaar en voelbaar. Al moest dat eerst wel groeien, zoals al eerder gezegd, bij mij. Maar toen de vaart eenmaal in het verhaal kwam was het goed.
Dit boek bracht mij veel meer dan dat ik er vooraf van verwachtte. In het heden las ik over de persoonlijke worstelingen van Amy, haar trauma’s op persoonlijk en professioneel vlak. Haar zoektocht om de kluwen die haar verdriet en rouw symboliseren te ontwarren. Dat muziek dan zo troostend en helend kan zijn. Alsof Amy op een gegeven moment au quatre mains zat te spelen met agent Colette. Dat ze elkaar weer levenslust gaven door de muziek. Maar ook door nieuwe vriendschappen dat het leven weer lichter wordt.
Ook leerde ik meer over de geschiedenis betreffende de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Met name over het verzet en het spionage netwerk en alles wat daarbij kwam kijken. Ook deed het mij denken aan het boek Het huis in Parijs van auteur Natasha Lester. Net als dit boek indrukwekkend mooi.
Ook de liefde in een tijd waarin de wereld in brand stond. Een liefde zo passioneel en puur, twee geliefden voor eeuwig voor elkaar bestemd. Maar van elkaar gescheiden door een gruwelijk lot. Maar liefde die zelfs door de dood heen blijft bestaan. Of dat je in het heden verscheurd bent door verlies van je zielsverwant biedt het misschien troost als je hem of haar terugziet in de ogen van je kind.
In de toe werking naar de plot werd de spanning me vaak te veel. Waardoor ik soms sneller wilde lezen dan kon. Daardoor moest ik wel eens een stukje terug lezen om de samenhang te begrijpen.
Het verhaal bleef me boeien tot aan de plot. Daarin komt alles samen en krijgt alles waar je gedurende het verhaal vraagtekens bij had een antwoord.
Mijn mening:
Ik geef 5 sterren.
De schrijfstijl is beeldend en filmisch. Eerst moest ik wennen aan de namen van de personages, de plaatsen en wat hun plek in het verhaal was. Toen dat gebeurd was kreeg het verhaal vaart en diepgang. Toen waren de emoties van de personages tastbaar. Het voelde alsof ik overal deelgenoot van was.
De wisselingen van heden en verleden zorgen ervoor dat je geboeid door blijft lezen. Dit is een verhaal over heldenmoed op het uiterste van je kunnen onder de meest gruwelijke gitzwarte omstandigheden. Ook is het een verhaal van getraumatiseerde pijn een verlangen naar een tijd die geweest is. Een tijd waarin liefde, vriendschap en vrede triomfeerden. Een tijd die achterblijft in je hoofd als een tastbare herinnering. Maar die ook verdriet geeft omdat het nooit meer terug komt.
De muziek die zoveel mensen met elkaar verbindt. Muziek die helend, helpend en troostend kan zijn. Die te midden van uitzichtloosheid een nieuw levensdoel vorm kan geven.
Een verhaal over een tijd die we nooit mogen vergeten. Helaas hebben we er nog niet veel van geleerd omdat de wereld op vele plekken opnieuw in brand gezet is door oorlogen. Maar hopelijk mag ooit de vrede overal terugkeren en blijven.
KokBoekenCentrum Romans hartelijk dank dat ik deel mocht nemen aan deze blogtour.
Sarah Steele bedankt dat ik je boek mocht lezen en recenseren. Ik lees en recenseer in de toekomst graag meer boeken van jou. Ik ben groot fan.
De vergeten spionne
Met haar pianomuziek bespeelt ze Nazi officieren. Maar hoelang houdt haar verzetslied stand?
De zoektocht naar een begaafd pianiste die mensenlevens redde tijdens de Tweede Wereldoorlog.
Vertaald uit het Engels door:
Marianne Locht -Kühler
Engelse titel:
The Lost Song of Paris
Engelse uitgever:
Headline review, een imprint van Headline Publishing Group, Londen, Verenigd Koninkrijk
Auteur:
Sarah Steele werkte jarenlang in de uitgeefwereld voor ze zelf besloot een boek te schrijven. Eerder verscheen haar historische roman Het kersenspoor in Nederland, die net als De vergeten spionne over de Tweede Wereldoorlog gaat.
Wijze van lezen:
Recensie-exemplaar ontvangen van KokBoekenCentrum Romans in ruil voor mijn deelname aan de Blogtour en mijn recensie
Uitgeverij: KokBoekenCentrum Romans
Genre: Historische roman/Tweede Wereldoorlog
Cover:
In de verte de bebouwing van Parijs met als herkenningspunt de Eiffeltoren. Met op de voorgrond een pianiste die de toetsen van een piano beroerd. Notenbalken zichtbaar in de lucht van muziek die haar weg vindt door tijd en ruimte. Wie is deze blonde vrouw in haar prachtige japon.
Flaptekst:
Indrukwekkend, krachtig en nieuwsgierig makend.
Mooie tekst:
Pagina 403:
‘Holly leunde tegen Amy aan en stak met een diepe zucht haar duim in haar mond. ‘Ik vind je parfum lekker’, zei ze. ‘Het is een beetje zoet, net als jij.’. ‘Ik heb geen parfum op, lieverd,’ zei Amy. ‘Jawel.’ Amy hield haar hoofd schuin. Holly had gelijk. Ze rook een spoortje van een tere geur. Bloemig, met een vleugje bergamot. Het rook naar zijde en fluweel, naar champagne en diamanten. Naar een vrouw die onder sprankelende kroonluchters met vrienden een toost uitbrengt, een vrouw in de armen van haar kersverse echtgenoot, samen dansend in een kleine gevangeniscel, totdat de opkomende zon hen voorgoed zou scheiden. Het was Soir de Paris.
Het verhaal:
Parijs, 1941. Een Britse spionne met de bijnaam 'Agent Colette' doet zich voor als pianiste in de bezette Franse hoofdstad. Met haar grote talent weet ze zich bij de meest hooggeplaatste Duitse officieren een weg naar binnen te spelen. Ondertussen dreigt het net zich rondom haar te sluiten. Wanneer het gevaar haar van alle kanten omgeeft, ziet ze zich gedwongen om alles op het spel te zetten.
Londen, 1997. Ooit was ze een begaafde pianiste met een gescheiden man. Nu is Amy een alleenstaande moeder die zich stort op haar baan als archief. Wanneer ze documenten in handen krijgt van een bijzondere oorlogsspionne, is Amy vastbesloten om haar verhaal boven tafel te krijgen. Zelfs als dat betekent dat ze ook met haar eigen verleden in het reine moet zien te komen.
Mijn leesbeleving:
Dit verhaal wordt verteld in twee tijdsperioden. Het verleden en het heden. Naarmate het verhaal vordert worden deze telkens meer met elkaar verweven totdat de ontknoping volgt.
In het begin moest ik wennen aan alle personages, de plekken waar zij zich bevonden, wat hun achtergronden waren. Het hielp dat dit verhaal zeer beeldend is geschreven. Ik beleefde het verhaal met al mijn zintuigen. Door te lezen maar ook door het onderzoek wat Amy verricht komen de personages gedetailleerd en levendig naar voren.
De emoties waren zeer voelbaar. De angst om niet meer te mogen zijn wie je bent. Om niet meer uit te mogen dragen waar je voor staat. De woede voor het meedogenloze keiharde optreden van de bezetter. Die zonder scrupules je vaderland overneemt en er heer en meester speelt. Het logische maar het levensgevaarlijke verzet tegen de vijand om onschuldigen te redden van de dodelijke alles vernietigende haat. Simpelweg omdat je anders bent qua afkomst, religie, geaardheid of levensovertuiging.
De kracht van muziek door de eeuwen heen. Talloze malen het concert van je leven spelen om maar te redden wat er te redden valt. Een masker hoog houden om maar te verhullen wat je ten diepste denkt en doet.
Wat een lef, heldenmoed en durf van talloze vrouwen en mannen. Alles doen om de vrede terug te doen keren. Continu met de dodelijke adem van de vijand in je nek. Door de beeldende, filmische schrijfstijl was dit kraakhelder zichtbaar en voelbaar. Al moest dat eerst wel groeien, zoals al eerder gezegd, bij mij. Maar toen de vaart eenmaal in het verhaal kwam was het goed.
Dit boek bracht mij veel meer dan dat ik er vooraf van verwachtte. In het heden las ik over de persoonlijke worstelingen van Amy, haar trauma’s op persoonlijk en professioneel vlak. Haar zoektocht om de kluwen die haar verdriet en rouw symboliseren te ontwarren. Dat muziek dan zo troostend en helend kan zijn. Alsof Amy op een gegeven moment au quatre mains zat te spelen met agent Colette. Dat ze elkaar weer levenslust gaven door de muziek. Maar ook door nieuwe vriendschappen dat het leven weer lichter wordt.
Ook leerde ik meer over de geschiedenis betreffende de Tweede Wereldoorlog. Met name over het verzet en het spionage netwerk en alles wat daarbij kwam kijken. Ook deed het mij denken aan het boek Het huis in Parijs van auteur Natasha Lester. Net als dit boek indrukwekkend mooi.
Ook de liefde in een tijd waarin de wereld in brand stond. Een liefde zo passioneel en puur, twee geliefden voor eeuwig voor elkaar bestemd. Maar van elkaar gescheiden door een gruwelijk lot. Maar liefde die zelfs door de dood heen blijft bestaan. Of dat je in het heden verscheurd bent door verlies van je zielsverwant biedt het misschien troost als je hem of haar terugziet in de ogen van je kind.
In de toe werking naar de plot werd de spanning me vaak te veel. Waardoor ik soms sneller wilde lezen dan kon. Daardoor moest ik wel eens een stukje terug lezen om de samenhang te begrijpen.
Het verhaal bleef me boeien tot aan de plot. Daarin komt alles samen en krijgt alles waar je gedurende het verhaal vraagtekens bij had een antwoord.
Mijn mening:
Ik geef 5 sterren.
De schrijfstijl is beeldend en filmisch. Eerst moest ik wennen aan de namen van de personages, de plaatsen en wat hun plek in het verhaal was. Toen dat gebeurd was kreeg het verhaal vaart en diepgang. Toen waren de emoties van de personages tastbaar. Het voelde alsof ik overal deelgenoot van was.
De wisselingen van heden en verleden zorgen ervoor dat je geboeid door blijft lezen. Dit is een verhaal over heldenmoed op het uiterste van je kunnen onder de meest gruwelijke gitzwarte omstandigheden. Ook is het een verhaal van getraumatiseerde pijn een verlangen naar een tijd die geweest is. Een tijd waarin liefde, vriendschap en vrede triomfeerden. Een tijd die achterblijft in je hoofd als een tastbare herinnering. Maar die ook verdriet geeft omdat het nooit meer terug komt.
De muziek die zoveel mensen met elkaar verbindt. Muziek die helend, helpend en troostend kan zijn. Die te midden van uitzichtloosheid een nieuw levensdoel vorm kan geven.
Een verhaal over een tijd die we nooit mogen vergeten. Helaas hebben we er nog niet veel van geleerd omdat de wereld op vele plekken opnieuw in brand gezet is door oorlogen. Maar hopelijk mag ooit de vrede overal terugkeren en blijven.
KokBoekenCentrum Romans hartelijk dank dat ik deel mocht nemen aan deze blogtour.
Sarah Steele bedankt dat ik je boek mocht lezen en recenseren. Ik lees en recenseer in de toekomst graag meer boeken van jou. Ik ben groot fan.
October 20, 2023
‘For a moment she closed her eyes and imagined she was perched on the diving board at the Piscine Molitor, the sun beating down on her bare shoulders and the sound of Parisians at play beneath her. All she had to do was jump.’
1941. Darkness descends over London as the sirens begin to howl and the bombs rain down. Devastation seeps from every crack of the city. In the midst of all the chaos is a woman gripping a window ledge on the first floor of a Baker Street hotel. She is perched, ready to jump. And as flames rise around her, she is forced to take her chances.
1997. Amy Novak has lost the two great loves in her life: her husband, Michael, and her first love, music. With the first anniversary of Michael’s death approaching, Amy buries herself in her job as an archivist. And when a newly declassified file lands on her desk, she is astonished to uncover proof that ‘Agent Colette’ existed – a name spoken only in whispers; an identity so secret that it has never been verified.
Her discovery leads her to MI6 ‘godmother’ Verity Cooper – a woman with secrets of her own – and onto the streets of Paris where she will uncover a story of unimaginable choices, extraordinary courage, and a love that will defy even the darkest days of World War Two . . .’
This book was amazing.
I am a massive fan of Historical Fiction and I have recently been learning more about the amazing men and women who worked undercover in occupied France during World War II so I was very excited to read this book, and I am happy to say it was everything I hoped it would be.
I went into this book knowing it was taking place in multiple timelines; which is something that I find can be very hit or miss for me, but given the subject matter and how these time jumps were written it really worked for the story being told.
One of the things I loved about this book was the cast of characters who were not only different from each other; representing various groups from French society, but who also had differing reasons for their choices and actions as the story started to unfold.
Sarah Steele has done a wonderful job with this book. The story was interesting and emotional, with enough twists and turns to add to the already dramatic subject matter. With flawed and believable characters for readers to fall in love with and writing that transports and captivates.
The Lost Song Of Paris by Sarah Steele will stay with you long after the final page.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
1941. Darkness descends over London as the sirens begin to howl and the bombs rain down. Devastation seeps from every crack of the city. In the midst of all the chaos is a woman gripping a window ledge on the first floor of a Baker Street hotel. She is perched, ready to jump. And as flames rise around her, she is forced to take her chances.
1997. Amy Novak has lost the two great loves in her life: her husband, Michael, and her first love, music. With the first anniversary of Michael’s death approaching, Amy buries herself in her job as an archivist. And when a newly declassified file lands on her desk, she is astonished to uncover proof that ‘Agent Colette’ existed – a name spoken only in whispers; an identity so secret that it has never been verified.
Her discovery leads her to MI6 ‘godmother’ Verity Cooper – a woman with secrets of her own – and onto the streets of Paris where she will uncover a story of unimaginable choices, extraordinary courage, and a love that will defy even the darkest days of World War Two . . .’
This book was amazing.
I am a massive fan of Historical Fiction and I have recently been learning more about the amazing men and women who worked undercover in occupied France during World War II so I was very excited to read this book, and I am happy to say it was everything I hoped it would be.
I went into this book knowing it was taking place in multiple timelines; which is something that I find can be very hit or miss for me, but given the subject matter and how these time jumps were written it really worked for the story being told.
One of the things I loved about this book was the cast of characters who were not only different from each other; representing various groups from French society, but who also had differing reasons for their choices and actions as the story started to unfold.
Sarah Steele has done a wonderful job with this book. The story was interesting and emotional, with enough twists and turns to add to the already dramatic subject matter. With flawed and believable characters for readers to fall in love with and writing that transports and captivates.
The Lost Song Of Paris by Sarah Steele will stay with you long after the final page.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
January 14, 2023
This is my first book by Sarah Steele. Set in Paris in 1941 and London in 1997, this stunning work tells the story of Agent Collette an active agent of SIS, these days MI5, in Paris. The second part of the book is the 1997 story of Amy who, the year before, lost her husband Michael.
Both women in this story are pianists, both have suffered loss and heartbreak, and the bravery of one in 1941 inspires the other.
Collette, a beautiful and talented woman, has the power to charm high ranking German Nazis, and through her talent as pianist, takes a part in their world and is branded with them as an enemy of the French people.
Amy, also a musician, is raising her daughter Holly all the while missing their lost husband and father. Life has almost stopped for Amy but her job as an archivist brings new interest to her life at the time she needs it most. An unexpected file lands on her desk and it is the one for Agent Collette and the search begins to find the truth of what happened when she disappeared never to be seen again.
Reading stories like this one, I can appreciate and admire the research that must go into such work.
The Lost Song of Paris is an emotional journey in both time frames and I never cease to be amazed to find within some of these stories, kindness and understanding where it is least expected.
I love this story and highly recommend it to other readers.
Both women in this story are pianists, both have suffered loss and heartbreak, and the bravery of one in 1941 inspires the other.
Collette, a beautiful and talented woman, has the power to charm high ranking German Nazis, and through her talent as pianist, takes a part in their world and is branded with them as an enemy of the French people.
Amy, also a musician, is raising her daughter Holly all the while missing their lost husband and father. Life has almost stopped for Amy but her job as an archivist brings new interest to her life at the time she needs it most. An unexpected file lands on her desk and it is the one for Agent Collette and the search begins to find the truth of what happened when she disappeared never to be seen again.
Reading stories like this one, I can appreciate and admire the research that must go into such work.
The Lost Song of Paris is an emotional journey in both time frames and I never cease to be amazed to find within some of these stories, kindness and understanding where it is least expected.
I love this story and highly recommend it to other readers.
February 25, 2023
Beautiful novel about a brave woman in Occupied Paris and a recently widowed 1990s researcher of her secret story. I usually avoid books with dual timelines because they make me confused, but the transition between the story's present and past was so seamless that I felt perfectly at ease following the events as the author laid them out, with wonderful cliffhangers between chapters creating anticipation and moving the story forward. This story's world-building is fantastic! The incredible detail on how operations were carried out, how radios and transmitors worked, aircraft parts and functions, even Gestapo tortures, and so much more demonstrate how thoroughly researched the book is, and one can only applaud the author for that! Wonderful language, substantial dialogue that is beautifully blended with narrative sections, and emotional human parallel storylines (Jews, homosexuals, a protective sister and wife who wants to find meaning in her life outside the family, a woman battling grief) all contribute to a memorable reading experience. I just wish there was an actual recording of the Song of Paris, at least in the audiobook. Not that the story suffers without it, but as a lover of Paris and its music, I'd like to know how the author imagined this song, which meant so much to the protagonist and was featured in one of the book's most dramatic scenes.
March 16, 2023
As a lover of WWII fiction and having read and thoroughly enjoyed The School Teacher of Saint-Michel, I was delighted to have the opportunity to read Sarah Steele's latest book The Lost Song of Paris. Once again Steele has written a truly compelling and moving story that is a shining example of its genre, an emotional read that I didn’t want to put down and loved from beginning to end.
Set in France and London, it moves from the 1940s to the late 1990s, skilfully weaving the story of Amy, a modern day archivist, with Colette, a resistance spy who disguised herself as a Nazi collaborator. Amy begins looking into Colette's story and discovers a fearless and remarkable woman with whom she has more in common than she ever could have expected - and uncovering the truth behind Colette’s remarkable life helps her to come to terms with her own challenges.
Steele does a fabulous job of moving between past and present seamlessly and creating two interesting and engaging lead characters. Ultimately it is a story that reminds us of the remarkable sacrifices made by ordinary people during the war, skilfully brought to life by Steele in what for me was an emotional and absorbing read. If you enjoy WWII fiction, I urge you to pick this one up - Steele has become a must read author for me!
Set in France and London, it moves from the 1940s to the late 1990s, skilfully weaving the story of Amy, a modern day archivist, with Colette, a resistance spy who disguised herself as a Nazi collaborator. Amy begins looking into Colette's story and discovers a fearless and remarkable woman with whom she has more in common than she ever could have expected - and uncovering the truth behind Colette’s remarkable life helps her to come to terms with her own challenges.
Steele does a fabulous job of moving between past and present seamlessly and creating two interesting and engaging lead characters. Ultimately it is a story that reminds us of the remarkable sacrifices made by ordinary people during the war, skilfully brought to life by Steele in what for me was an emotional and absorbing read. If you enjoy WWII fiction, I urge you to pick this one up - Steele has become a must read author for me!
June 24, 2023
Another WWII era novel featuring strong female characters. The Lost Song of Paris was a cross between The Alice Network, The Nightingale, and Dragonfly, all of which were five star reads for me. Lost Song was not as full of historical details as The Alice Network and Dragonfly, but was still a thriller in the since that it’s a spy novel with all the inherent risks that brought during the war. The intensity of the drama and love story was not quite as high as in The Nightingale, but still quite good.
Also like The Nightingale, Lost Song connects more recent times (1997) with the past (1940-45) as archivist Amy Novak seeks to unravel the truth of Sophia Clement’s work as an Allied spy during the war in order to dispel misrepresentations of her as a Nazi collaborator. To do so, Amy must interview survivors of the war and encourage them to share stories that they have long buried and never before revealed to their own families. Amy even has her own hurts to heal in the process as she copes with being a newly widowed mother.
My truer rating if this book is 4.5 stars just because I did not enjoy it quite as much as the three other books I referenced here. But a really good read nevertheless. Highly recommend to those who like WWII novels and stories that interweave lots of characters in ways that touch almost every emotion.
Also like The Nightingale, Lost Song connects more recent times (1997) with the past (1940-45) as archivist Amy Novak seeks to unravel the truth of Sophia Clement’s work as an Allied spy during the war in order to dispel misrepresentations of her as a Nazi collaborator. To do so, Amy must interview survivors of the war and encourage them to share stories that they have long buried and never before revealed to their own families. Amy even has her own hurts to heal in the process as she copes with being a newly widowed mother.
My truer rating if this book is 4.5 stars just because I did not enjoy it quite as much as the three other books I referenced here. But a really good read nevertheless. Highly recommend to those who like WWII novels and stories that interweave lots of characters in ways that touch almost every emotion.
November 6, 2024
Based on real life resistance agents in France during WWII, the book follows the fictional and mysterious spy known only as "Agent Collette." The protagonist is a newly widowed young woman who had once been a concert pianist until an injury damaged her hand and she was unable to play. Now a historical archivist, when she comes across a file marked as "Agent Collette," a colleague says she had never expected that file to be declassified because of the extremely sensitive work the agent had done in the French resistance. She is encouraged by her boss to pursue the leads she has and find out more about "Collette."
The novel pings back and forth between 1997 and the WWII era, as you follow the trail of researchers who try to piece together the past and present a coherent picture of the person.
Although the work is fiction, the pain of loss, the gutsy moves of teenagers who piloted planes, fought ground battles, and stayed in the midst of enemies to try and glean information to stop the enemies' success, along with retirees or those too old for active service who hide people away from the enemy, are all very real parts of the human equation.
I had a hard time putting this book down. It is extremely well written.
The novel pings back and forth between 1997 and the WWII era, as you follow the trail of researchers who try to piece together the past and present a coherent picture of the person.
Although the work is fiction, the pain of loss, the gutsy moves of teenagers who piloted planes, fought ground battles, and stayed in the midst of enemies to try and glean information to stop the enemies' success, along with retirees or those too old for active service who hide people away from the enemy, are all very real parts of the human equation.
I had a hard time putting this book down. It is extremely well written.
January 21, 2023
“The Lost Song of Paris” is inspired by true events of WWII - the danger, the lies and lost love. The story of Sophie, a world classed pianist, played concerts for the German occupiers, socialised with them, and all the time passing the information on to the Allies behind their back. She sacrificed a lot for the cause and helped many people a long the way.
In 1997, Amy, with her own losses, losing her husband and her music. As an archivist newly declassified filed land on her desk and is astounded to discover amongst the pages that “Agent Colette” actually existed. Her identity is top secret and no one knows her true name, not even her handler “The Godmother”.
As described by fellow author Mandy Robotham: “An emotional, beautifully constructed read. I loved the way the clues from the past and present slowly knitted together, answering the questions that had been missing their answers for so long”.
I highly recommend that you read - you will not be disappointed. If you enjoy this era of history and genre or even not, please read, you will be hooked.
Thank you Sarah 🙏
In 1997, Amy, with her own losses, losing her husband and her music. As an archivist newly declassified filed land on her desk and is astounded to discover amongst the pages that “Agent Colette” actually existed. Her identity is top secret and no one knows her true name, not even her handler “The Godmother”.
As described by fellow author Mandy Robotham: “An emotional, beautifully constructed read. I loved the way the clues from the past and present slowly knitted together, answering the questions that had been missing their answers for so long”.
I highly recommend that you read - you will not be disappointed. If you enjoy this era of history and genre or even not, please read, you will be hooked.
Thank you Sarah 🙏
March 16, 2023
Super grateful for having early access to this historical fiction book on NetGalley. This was a dual-timeline story with Sophie Clement who was a well-renowned French musician and spy for England, who performed for the Germans and gathered valuable information, but she was also suspected by others to be a Nazi collaborator. Also, Amy who was also a pianist and lost her ability to play. She's also an archivist who is handed the recently released file of Colette (Sophie Clement). This story was expertly woven together as Amy investigates and learns more about Sophie Clement, aka Colette and what happened to her during and after the war. It was a riveting story and interesting to learn more about what happened in France during the resistance and especially the radio operators who worked surreptitiously behind enemy lines passing valuable information along to the Allies. It always amazes me the bravery of those that did that kind of work.
March 18, 2023
What a sensational story! Present day, Amy is an archivist who has faced devastating loss in her life. When a file comes across her desk labeled Agent Colette, she is stunned and fascinated. Agent Colette is a more myth than reality, no one knew very much about who she really was or if she even really existed. With the okay from her boss Amy embarks on a journey of discovery, was she real, who was she really, and what was the truth behind the myth?
This story is such a heart-breaker, wrenchin all the emotions possible from the reader. I must warn, a box of tissues is an absolute must for this story, especially the ending, you may need extras! I cried buckets ! I do recommend highly for all those who can't get enough of the war or Paris and the unsung, little known heroes. 5 plus stars.
Thank you to Hachette Book Group and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
This story is such a heart-breaker, wrenchin all the emotions possible from the reader. I must warn, a box of tissues is an absolute must for this story, especially the ending, you may need extras! I cried buckets ! I do recommend highly for all those who can't get enough of the war or Paris and the unsung, little known heroes. 5 plus stars.
Thank you to Hachette Book Group and to Net Galley for the free ARC, I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
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