The Librarian Spy - Madeline Martin

The Librarian Spy

By Madeline Martin

  • Release Date: 2022-07-26
  • Genre: Historical Fiction
Score: 4
4
From 459 Ratings

Description

A NATIONAL BESTSELLER—for fans of All the Light We Cannot See and The Tattooist of Auschwitz!

“Readers will be on the edge of their seats….  A brilliant tale of resistance, courage and ultimately hope.”  –Kelly Rimmer, New York Times bestselling author of The Warsaw Orphan

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London comes a moving new novel inspired by the true history of America’s library spies of World War II.

Ava thought her job as a librarian at the Library of Congress would mean a quiet, routine existence. But an unexpected offer from the US military has brought her to Lisbon with a new mission: posing as a librarian while working undercover as a spy gathering intelligence.

Meanwhile, in occupied France, Elaine has begun an apprenticeship at a printing press run by members of the Resistance. It’s a job usually reserved for men, but in the war, those rules have been forgotten. Yet she knows that the Nazis are searching for the press and its printer in order to silence them.

As the battle in Europe rages, Ava and Elaine find themselves connecting through coded messages and discovering hope in the face of war.

“Uplifting, inspiring and suspenseful, this is one to savor!” –Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Riviera House
 
“Madeline Martin is a fantastic author. The Librarian Spy is a stunning tour de force of historical fiction.” –Karen Robards, author of The Black Swan of Paris

Don't miss Madeline Martin's next heartwarming historical novel, The Booklover's Library!

Also by Madeline Martin: The Last Bookshop in London The Keeper of Hidden Books

Reviews

  • The Librarian Spy

    5
    By BellaOfTheShire
    Ava reluctantly agrees to leave her job at the Library of Congress to use her skills to help the Allies combat the war raging on the European continent. Meanwhile, Hèlène becomes Elaine and joins the resistance in Lyon. Her gentle nature compels her to help those around her despite her husband’s desire to keep her safe and circumstances leave her with no question that she must help. Soon, the two women see more of the horrors of the war than they expect, but they still hold onto hope that they can somehow do some good. Obviously, this book addresses one of the more horrific aspects of recent history. I honestly try to avoid books that feature this time period because the agonies men inflict upon each other weigh heavily on my heart. I couldn’t resist a book that promised a little light brought into that darkness by a librarian and the printed word though. And, yes, parts of it made my stomach clench and tears fill my eyes.
  • Pulls you in and doesn’t let go.

    5
    By Xoxoraf
    This one was impossible to put down.
  • Riveting

    5
    By christineaastman2
    I’ve read a lot of WWII fiction and this is one of my favorites.
  • The Librarian Spy.

    5
    By tdecu_fan
    A well told story of two women bravely helping the less fortunate during wartime. I loved how the two stories weaved together to finally meet at the end.
  • Brilliant story

    4
    By a m davis
    I never once got bored. The character development was so beautifully done and for anyone who has found meaning in literature you will feel the emotion resonate in your soul. Highly recommend
  • The Librarian Spy

    4
    By danieluniss53
    I thought this was a good read. Interesting characters and good plot line. Happy Reading!
  • A CAN’T STOP READING KINDA BOOK

    5
    By Literaryapple
    So compelling!!!! There never seemed a stopping point to take a break as each sentence/paragraph/page left you having to race onto the next and next. I felt totally invested and immersed in each character. And even after consuming so many books on WW2 , this taught me so much more. Inevitably I felt the inevitable loss at finally having to relinquish living life through these heroic people who seemed now a part of my reality. Totally recommend!!!!
  • Amazing story

    5
    By Suz Clark
    I was so moved by this book. Danger, intrigue, romance and heartbreak are skillfully woven into an amazing story of survival during World War II. Truly a masterpiece! Martin has outdone herself, breathing life into the streets of Lisbon and Lyon, capturing the heartbeat of its inhabitants during the war. I loved both Ava and Elaine’s stories, and their fight against evil.