Just when you think you've read every World War II historical fiction novel, that all the stories to be told have been told, along comes a new novel with a new perspective not previously considered.
The Secret History of Audrey James (which just came out in paperback this year) tells the story of a German woman who joins a resistance group led by Nazi soldiers in order to protect her Jewish friend. I received a free e-ARC to review.
Heather Marshall's story takes us back and forth between Nazi Germany and present-day England. Audrey lives in Germany with her friend Ilse's family (who are Jewish) while being trained as a concert pianist. Her father wishes for her to return to England where he lives, but Audrey wants to finish her training. Unfortunately, her father's fears for Germany come true - and right at Audrey's doorstep. Without a way to leave Germany together, Audrey remains in Isle's family home while Ilse hides in the attic. And when the home is taken over by two Nazis, Audrey convinces them to hire her as a housekeeper so that she can continue living there and keep an eye on Ilse. Soon the soldiers learn that Audrey is not who she says she is, but neither are the soldiers - they are actually trying to take down Hitler from the inside.
The book is inspired by real stories, including that of a Canadian woman who was sentenced to death and imprisoned by the Nazis for joining the Dutch resistance, a Jewish woman who really did hide in her own attic after the Nazis moved in downstairs, and real German resistance groups who openly decried the Nazi regime - and even tried to kill Hitler. (You can read more about these historical ties at the end of the book.)
If you're a fan of historical fiction, particularly WWII novels, and you enjoy reading about strong and brave women, then you will enjoy learning about Audrey's "secret history".
The Secret History of Audrey James is published by Ballantine Books and is on bookstore shelves now. I received a free review copy.
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