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The Secret Messenger cover art

The Secret Messenger

By: Mandy Robotham
Narrated by: Alma Costa, Karen Cass
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Summary

The highly awaited new novel from the internationally best-selling author of The German Midwife (also published as A Woman of War). 

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 listeners of The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris. 

©2019 Mandy Robotham (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

"Unique, emotional and life-affirming." (Melanie Hudson, author of The Last Letter from Juliet)

"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)

What listeners say about The Secret Messenger

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Gripping

This story had me gripped from the first chapter. Left me wanting more knowledge of Stella.

It hits home exactly what people went through to ensure we are able to live the life we do today and what heroes they really are. So often this is forgotten.

Awesome.

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1 person found this helpful

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A lovely story

behind the pain and grief the Nazi's caused. A cruel time that needs to be remembered

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Best book I have listened to bringing back sights of that marvellous city and its sparkling water.

Best book I have listened to bringing back sights of that marvellous city and its sparkling water.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

a great read

this was a big treat. well written and kept you on your toes throughout. the reader was perfect too. loved it from beginning to end

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Brilliant

Really enjoyed listening to the book and possibly learning a bit more about life in Europe during the war!

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Very well put

I really enjoyed it. Read it on a trip to Venice and felt everything come to life. Worth a read.

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Brilliant

I was unsure about this book but decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did!!! A story about the 2nd WW resistance and Venice in a book.
I was absolutely gripped as it was about two subjects that I’m very interested in and a recent visit to Venice.
I could place all the streets and places of interest and found myself walking the path again.
Narrators were brilliant, loved the idea of two narrators which worked very well.
Very recommended

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A good story and enjoyable listening.

Nothing to dislike, however, you need to stay focused as the characters merge and bit here

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Captivating story.

Very well narrated and an intriguing story which has given me the desire to further research Venice during the war.

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I was transported to wartime Venice with such vibrancy!

Enjoyed both the present and the past couldn’t stop listening!
Wonderful! Both presenters captured their characters and I could see Stella and Luisa vividly!

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