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The Secret Messenger: Enthralling World War Two historical fiction from the USA Today bestselling author of The German Midwife Paperback – June 23, 2020

by Mandy Robotham (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 8,817 ratings
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The highly awaited new novel from the internationally bestseller, and author of The German Midwife (also published as A Woman of War).

“Rich and captivating…a vivid story of love, sacrifice and betrayal.” –Woman’s World

Venice, 1943
The world is at war, and Stella Jilani is leading a double life. By day she works in the lion’s den as a typist for the Reich; by night, she risks her life as a messenger for the Italian resistance. Against all odds, Stella must impart Nazi secrets, smuggle essential supplies and produce an underground newspaper on her beloved typewriter.

But when German commander General Breugal becomes suspicious, it seems he will stop at nothing to find the mole, and Stella knows her future could be in jeopardy.

London, 2017
Years later, Luisa Belmont finds a mysterious old typewriter in her attic. Determined to find out who it belonged to, Luisa delves into the past and uncovers a story of fierce love, unimaginable sacrifice and, ultimately, the worst kind of betrayal…

Set between German-occupied 1940s Venice and modern-day London, this is a fascinating tale of the bravery of everyday women in the darkest corners of WWII, for readers of The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris and The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff.

Praise for The Secret Messenger:

‘Intriguing, pacy and fascinating.’ Suzanne Goldring, author of My Name is Eva

‘Unique, emotional and life-affirming.’ Melanie Hudson, author of The Last Letter from Juliet

‘A beautifully written novel, perfect for historical fiction lovers.’ Soraya M. Lane, bestselling author of The Girls of Pearl Harbor

‘Another fantastic page-turner.’ LP Fergusson, author of A Dangerous Act of Kindness

‘I felt I was walking alongside Stella over bridges and along canals at every heartstopping moment… Wonderful.’ Molly Green, author of An Orphan’s Wish

‘One of the stronger novels that pays homage to the women involved in the movements of resistance.’ Reader review

‘Refreshingly different. Even if you think you have read enough war books this year I strongly recommend you read this one.’ Reader review

‘If you like WWII stories, this is a must read.’ Reader review

‘Marvellous and highly recommended story on a little known aspect of WWII.’ Reader review

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    400 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Avon
  4. Publication date
    June 23, 2020
  5. Dimensions
    5.08 x 0.98 x 7.8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0008384622
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0008384623
  8. See all details
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From the Publisher

Mandy Robotham, Historical Fiction, The Secret Messenger, The German Midwife, The Berlin Girl
The German Midwife, Mandy Robotham, Historical Fiction, historical, The Secret Messenger, Mandy Robotham, Historical Fiction The Berlin Girl, Mandy Robotham, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance The Girl Behind the Wall, mandy robotham, historical fiction, historical, Cold War
The German Midwife The Secret Messenger The Berlin Girl The Girl Behind the Wall
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Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
12,722
4.4 out of 5 stars
8,817
4.5 out of 5 stars
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4.4 out of 5 stars
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Price $11.61 $12.49 $12.99 $5.99
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for The Secret Messenger:

‘Unique, emotional and life-affirming.’ Melanie Hudson, author of The Last Letter from Juliet

‘Another fantastic page-turner.’ LP Fergusson, author of A Dangerous Act of Kindness

‘I felt I was walking alongside Stella over bridges and along canals at every heartstopping moment… Wonderful.’ Molly Green, author of An Orphan’s Wish

‘Very well-written and insightful.’ Reader review

‘Fascinating.’ Reader review

‘One of the stronger novels that pays homage to the women involved in the movements of resistance.’ Reader review

‘Refreshingly different. Even if you think you have read enough war books this year I strongly recommend you read this one.’ Reader review

‘A fantastic historical story with added romance and intrigue… I would recommend to all.’ Reader review

‘If you like WWII stories, this is a must read.’ Reader review

‘A refreshingly exhilarating plot, strong characters, excellent tone and craft, a hint of romance, and suspense. I simply loved this book.’ Reader review

‘Marvellous and highly recommended story on a little known aspect of World War II.’ Reader review

‘The characters are well thought out, the historical background is vivid and well described, and the plot is gripping.’ Reader review

Book Description

Enthralling World War Two historical fiction from the USA Today bestselling author of The German Midwife

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Avon (June 23, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0008384622
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008384623
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.5 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.08 x 0.98 x 7.8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 8,817 ratings

About the author

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Mandy Robotham

Mandy Robotham

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USA TODAY BESTSELLER

GLOBE AND MAIL BESTSELLER

AMAZON US, CA AND AU BESTSELLER

I've been dreaming of writing of a book since the age of nine, when I read 'Harriet the Spy' and carried my notebook around the school playground in attempt to look like a proper writer. I was waylaid, however, by journalism and children, which led me into midwifery, and more years away from my keyboard. I became immersed in the world of words again, having completed an MA in Creative Writing at Oxford Brookes University, and now I'm loving the life of a full-time writer, with tales of birth, death and anything else in between.

'A Woman of War' was my first novel, combining an ongoing passion for birth with a fascination for wartime history and the tenacity of the human soul - survival, regardless of culture or creed. It's reception among readers worldwide proved beyond my wildest dreams; in the Kindle bestseller lists in the UK & Canada, and in paperback bestseller lists too.

My second novel - 'The Secret Messenger' - continues a wartime theme, this time in occupied Venice and charts the contribution of the thousands of courageous women to the Allies hard won victory.

Books three, four and five have taken me - and readers, hopefully - to pre- and post-war Berlin, and wartime Norway, places I love to visit, in books, in my head, and in person, Thanks to book lovers worldwide, I'm a happy little scribe, tapping away with my loyal muse dog, Basil, by my side.

In any spare time away from writing, I'm a keen gym-goer, a knitter of what my children call 'strange things' (placentas included!), and pride myself on being Jack Savoretti's number one fan. I love coffee and coffee shops, but if you've read my books, you'll know that already!

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
8,817 global ratings
Resistance in Italy, Mystery, Romance
4 Stars
Resistance in Italy, Mystery, Romance
1944, Venice: Stella, a member of the Venice Resistance Central Brigade, takes a job working in Nazi headquarters to help pass information to the resistance. Stella, an anti-fascist, risks her life daily by working among Black Brigade fascists and Nazi’s where she helps type and translate documents for them. Working for the enemy, Stella is asked to translate a document that will change her future and cause her to choose between her country or her family.2017, Bristol: Luisa’s mother dies and she begins to go through her things. She unearths a plethora of artifacts that relate to her grandmother in her mother’s attic. Luisa seeks to find answers about who she is and the roots of her maternal family.Historically: This is one of the stronger novels that pays homage to the women involved in the movements of resistance. The Jewish ghetto raids, the Bloody Summer of Venice, the bombing of Guidecca, the Riva dei Sette Martiri tragedy, and many others made a detailed appearance in this fictional account. (Though it goes through the Jewish ghetto raids, the atrocities the Jews endured and the genocide committed against them is not a focus in this novel.) The Nazi reprisals in Venice that were witnessed by Stella really struck a chord with me. The Ca’Littoria and Santa Maggiore jail are mentioned several times in this novel, though never any harrowing details.My technical notes: Out of forty chapters total, fourteen of those chapters took place during modern day with Luisa’s character in 2017/2018. Luisa’s chapters in 2017/2018 are notably much shorter. Most of the story centers around the past during 1944 in Venice with Stella (26 chapters to be exact). A romance is involved and does play a large role in the story; however, I felt like it did not detract from the historical elements. I felt the romance complemented the story well. No vulgarity and no sexy details.Rating Explained: I really enjoyed this novel and learned a lot about Venice during 1944. I enjoyed the mystery behind Stella’s job and co-workers, which kept me trying to figure out who Stella could trust and who she couldn’t. Sometimes there were too many descriptions of the scenery concerning Venice that caused me to feel disengaged. I did not specifically look forward to Luisa’s chapters until the second half of the book. I appreciated that most of it focused on Stella rather than Luisa. The ending was fast paced and I blew through it. Overall, the story really caused me to think about how we measure valor and it was a good read.Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for a copy. Opinions are my own.
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Top reviews from the United States

Linda M.
5.0 out of 5 stars WWII was devastating to so many
Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2024
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The difficulties that the Italians suffered are somewhat relegated to a back page in the story of WWII. The author brought us into the war times and I felt the depth of despair as well as the strength of the Italian people in their resistance. Wonderful story that keeps me wanting to know more. How brave they were under the direst of circumstances.
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars The Secret Messenger
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2021
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I read this book at a time when I needed a feel good story with (most likely) a happy ending. In that respect, the book does not disappoint. Some of the plot twists and character identities were predictable. Some were surprising. Venice is a beautiful place but I did tire a bit of the repeated gushing about it. Overall, it is very entertaining and well researched. If nothing else I came to understand that while Italy was one of the Bad Boys in WWII, there were countless Italians who suffered at the hands of two evil dictators but also by civilian casualties at the hands of Allied forces.
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P. Blevins
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstounding
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2020
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The Secret Messenger was written by Mandy Robothman . It is a W orld War II novel and it is set in Venice. The book is a psychological thriller and it turned out to really be good, although it was long.
The book is told in two parts, one in 1934-45 and one in 2017. The main character is the same person in both books, it is Stella Jajani. In 1934, Stella is seventeen and just setting out to find a job. She just loves her city of Venice. The descriptions she gives of its beauty shows her deep love for the city. She does not overlook the older parts of the city and just assumes that is part of its charm. She agrees with her Grandfather that the Italians were not to be giving everything to Mussolini although at this time, she doesn’t have any idea of who Hitler is. She goes to works as a secretary and is promoted to working for General Breuagal and Cristen de Luca. She takes notes and then in the evening transcribes those notes into a magazine for the Resistence. She is living a very dangerous double life.
The other section of the book is about 2017 where a young woman named Luisa is having to deal with the death of her Mother. Except for her boyfriend Jaimie, she is all alone. All she knows of her Mother she is finding in a box in the attic. She decides she must go to Venice to find out who she is.
The book is good but It is a little difficult to keep the years apart.
12 people found this helpful
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pamarella
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it‼️
Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2021
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Wow!! Such a great book!! So much detail about Vienna and the war there and afterward. Just outstanding!! It was deep in detail but not in the sense of dragging you down with details. The story had many zigs and zags and was rich and full!! Wonderful characters and terrific relationships and connections with others fighting for the cause of freedom from the fascists. It was so very well told~ The evil of the Nazis, the dedication of the Partisans, the love of country and countrymen, the beauty and traditions of Vienna, the daily fear, the many masks needing to be worn, the paranoia!! On and on I could go with the characters, the surprises in the story, the pain over losses, and loved ones, the heartache of betrayal and not knowing if your beautiful country will survive the evil onslaught!! It’s beautifully written. Both the war years and the modern years were well written, well done~I’m more drawn to the war years and couldn’t wait to get back to that time frame, but I realize the modern times were needed to add to the story and in keeping it fresh. I love this book!! It’s exceptional.
pamarella
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6 people found this helpful
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Cathy
4.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book!
Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2021
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I love historical fiction, looking into lives of people who might have been and reading how the author weaves their tale! This was an excellent story about an extremely tragic time in history. I got sucked in immediately. However, I didn't see the point of the character Luisa, she d have been left of, she would just appear at odd spots in the book that didn't make much sense. Otherwise I would've given the book 5 stars.
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MAC
5.0 out of 5 stars Sparkling Venice
Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2023
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I couldn't stop reading this wonderful, nail biting story of the Venetian resistance of WWII. Despite the deprivations of war, the language of this story tranported to a different time and place where I could savor the beauty of Venice and her people so vividly that I could feel the sun and spray of the sea as though I were there. The people, the emotions, the fear was palpable. I'm so looking forward to another story by this author
One person found this helpful
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Jodie54
5.0 out of 5 stars Could barely put this novel down!
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2023
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Extremely well written with great characters. Will take you to the heart of Vienna and its suffering during occupation by the fascist and Nazis.
Definitely recommend for anyone though I think would really be enjoyed most by women.
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Top reviews from other countries

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L. C. Poole
5.0 out of 5 stars brilliant read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 8, 2024
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I absolutely adored this book. I’m slowly reading through all of her books and so far they are all brilliant.
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C. Forcier
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read
Reviewed in Canada on May 3, 2021
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I loved the intertwining of the two stories! It was a great read and has me wanting to learn more about the staffetta's role in WWII.
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Sajal
4.0 out of 5 stars Helps you understand the human grit and how extraordinary jobs are completed by ordinary humans
Reviewed in India on October 10, 2022
Verified Purchase
Its an amazing book, detailed at time and also accurate in its description of tue desperation that people faced under nazi rule, and how people showed unmatched bravery in unforseeable circumstances, read it if you hv sm extra time on your hand!!
2 people found this helpful
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MauroG57
5.0 out of 5 stars Un piacevole romanzo basato su fatti realistici
Reviewed in Italy on June 30, 2022
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Romanzo ben scritto in lingua originale inglese, ottima intersezione tra fatti risalenti alla seconda guerra mondiale sicuramente realistici e quelli svoltisi nel periodo attuale che quei fatti cercano di ricostruire
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Helen Fay Wildman
5.0 out of 5 stars Me encanta este libro después Lis primeros paginas. Cada vez empiezo leer, fue difícil para.
Reviewed in Spain on May 8, 2022
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I will be looking for other books by this writer
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