The Secret Messenger by Mandy Robotham

The Secret Messenger Reviews

• 
  Paige

  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 movements of resistance. The Jewish ghetto raids, Bloody Summer of Venice, bombing of Guidecca, the Riva dei Sette Martiri, 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's 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, Avon, and Mandy Robotham for a copy. Opinions are my own.
  
  
  Ada Gobetti, a central member of the Italian resistance movement. (Very briefly mentioned in the novel.)
  
  
  An original vintage 1940S OLIVETTI M44 typewriter. Similar to the one Stella would have used in the story.
  
  More on these topics:
  This is a great short article that summarizes
  The Seven Venetian Martyrs and shows a picture of where it occurred.
  
  Learn more about the liberation of Venice
  here.
  
  
  Mandy Robotham's first novel was
  The German Midwife (published in the UK under the title
  A Woman of War). The Secret Messenger is her second novel.
• 
  Erin

  Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an egalley in exchange for an honest review
  
  I really enjoyed the author's debut novel "The German Midwife" and this WWII dual timeline kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. In the present timeline, a grieving Luisa Belmont stumbles upon some intriguing family heirlooms buried in her recently deceased mother's attic that sets her on a journey to find out more about the grandmother she so dearly loved. It is a journey that will take her from London to Italy.
  
  In 1943, Stella Jilani is a member of the Resistance in Venice, Italy working in an underground newspaper, meeting members of the Resistance and also gaining access to information in the Reich office where she works. But with so many people watching, the stakes are high and if caught, Stella will lose her life.
  
  I love my historical fiction and this book was no exception. I appreciated the shift to Italy where as the author states the Resistance movement is often overlooked in favor of other countries .such as, France. The only part I didn't care for was the " hail mary" at the end of the story where a happy ending seems to be needed. Other than that, I would certainly recommend to any historical fiction fan.
  
  
  Goodreads review published 03/12/19
  Publication Date 12/12/19
  
  
• 
  Elisabeth Plimpton

  An eye-opening historical fiction about Venice and the Italian resistance in WWII.
  
  The Secret Messenger tells the story of Venetian writer Stella who is living in fascist run but German occupied Italy in the 1940s. She joins the resistance, transporting messages across the canals of Venice and writing for an undercover newspaper. All the while, she disguises herself and works as a translator in the Reich, using what information she can remember to help the resistance cause. How long can she stay hidden in plain sight and will someone piece together her secret revealing her true identity?
  
  Present day. When Louise’s distant mother suddenly passes away, she discovers an old typewriter in the attic along with photos that are marked with unknown initials and taken before her mother was born. Struck with grief and confusion, Louise begins to wonder about her Grandmother’s past and feels compelled to find out more.
  
  This novel wasn’t as captivating as I’d hoped. The plot was slower paced and dragged in places. The last hundred pages were the most engaging and action-packed. However, it was interesting and educational to read about Venice during the war years. The author did a good job at portraying how Venetian’s felt stripped of not only their identity but their beloved city’s freedom. I felt I learned more about both Mussolini’s rule and Hitler’s force in Italy during this time.
  
  There were many characters to keep track of, and I found it difficult to connect with the main characters. At times, the storyline and characters fell a bit flat. It sounds like an odd critique for a historical fiction, but I thought that there wasn’t quite enough of the present to connect with the past story. The ending was clever as everything came together nicely. All the main questions were resolved; however, I was left a bit confused by some of the smaller details that weren’t clearly explained.
  
  Overall, even though this wasn’t the most gripping historical fiction novel I’ve read, it was still impactful. It was interesting to learn about what is was like to live in Venice in the 1940s as well as how the Italian resistance helped to win the war and preserve the city’s essence during this scary and tragic time in history.
• 
  Karren Sandercock

  Thanks to NetGalley, Avon UK and Mandy Robotham for my copy of her new book: The Secret Messenger.
  
  Venice 1943, the city has been invaded by the Nazis, the people of Venice do what they can to fight back and many are involved in the resistance. Woman all over Venice are helping by smuggling notes and messages around the city and right under the German's noses. Hidden in prams, bags, babies nappies, shoes and in ladies underwear. People living in Venice at the time are really struggling, food is scarce, everyone has lost weight, the cities population has almost doubled in size due to a influx of refugees, the water supply is low due to pipes being damaged during allied bombing raids and the only ones with full stomachs are the Germans.
  
  Stella Jilani starts work at Nazi headquarters in the office, she speaks fluent German and her job involves translating documents for the Germans. Stella has a great memory, she's the perfect person to pass on vital information to the resistance, she takes regular bathroom breaks and hides notes in a secret compartment in her shoe. She's a messenger for the Italian resistance, she's also involved in the publication of a local underground newspaper, she writes at night using her portable Olivetti typewriter and she doesn't get a lot of sleep. People think she's a collaborator, but she and her younger brother Vito are both involved in fight to free Venice. Stella increases her resistance work, the Partisans need outside information on how the war is going and soon she's smuggling vital radio parts.
  
  As she's typing away at work, she can hear the German General Breugal going off in his office, a fascist called Christian de Luca is also working for the Germans, he has to deal with the generals moods and yelling. Stella becomes one of the most wanted fugitives in Venice, due her work with the publication of the underground newspaper, also her main feature in the paper is a love story it gives the locals some hope, all over Venice people are reading it and talking about it. This makes General Breugal furious, he has posters printed, a reward will be given for any information that leads to the capture of the mole, he starts having random people arrested and shot to show the locals that he means business. The only clue he has, is the person typing up the articles for the newspaper is using a typewriter and it drops a letter?
  
  Bristol London 2017, Luisa Belmont mother has just passed away, from a short illness, her mother was rather cold and not very loving. She inherits her mothers house and while going through her mothers things in the attic she finds a mysterious old typewriter, old pictures and crumbling documents. Luisa starts looking into the past, she has memories of her grandparents and she knows they once lived in Venice? Luisa uncovers a story about life in Venice during WW II, her grandparents secrets, it's about espionage, reprisal, revenge and most of all finding love.
  
  The Secret Messenger has a dual timeline, it works well, I had no trouble following it and going between the two time frames. I knew nothing about life in Venice during WW II, the beautiful city was taken over by the Nazis and by reading the book you can almost hear the jack boots marching on the cities pavers. The residents of Venice during WW II, suffered years of terror, violence, fear and abuse.
  
  I enjoyed reading The Secret Messenger, I gave it four stars, I have also read the authors previous book called, The Woman Of War and I highly recommend reading both.
  I have shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Barnes & Noble, Australian Amazon, Twitter, Kobo and my blog.
  
  https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
• 
  Bev Walkling

  Many thanks to #NetGalley and Avon Books for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book by Mandy Robotham which is due to be published December 12th, 2019. The following are my personal thoughts.
  
  First off, kudos to the artist for the excellent cover design.
  
  It took me awhile to make my way through this book. It is the second novel that I have read by this author (the first being The German Midwife). I found the beginning of the story very slow moving and to make it even more difficult for me, I herniated a disk in my back which caused difficulties in concentration and just generally slowed down the reading process in total.
  
  I think one of the challenging things for me was that the author basically picked Venice as her location and then went out to “find” a story. Some of what she found was fascinating and very informative. I have visited Italy and also Venice. I tend to look for things related to the war when I travel but I don’t remember seeing or hearing very much about it while I was there. There were some things that the author wrote about that I might well look for should I make a second visit some day. Another difficulty I had while reading this is that the author chose to tell the stories as if they were happening right now. I always seem to struggle with books written this way and occasionally find authors veer outside of it which can cause even more confusion. What she had to say was educational, but I just didn’t “feel” it very much. At times I felt as if I was reading subtitles intended for those with hearing impairments. This is definitely a personal issue that I have, and it might not affect other readers the same way.
  
  Having said that, I never felt that the characters were fully developed. Stella talked often about how important it was not to let people know what she was doing. She took risky chances and met up with an Allied pilot of Italian extraction. One of the first things she did was tell her best friend, Mimi all about him. To me that just didn’t fit with what she was saying about the need for secrecy.
  
  There were some twists and turns in the book which I found interesting. While I never felt I really got to know Luisa, the descendant of Stella Jirlani, I could understand her motivation because I share that motivation in terms of my own ancestors who served in the wars. Luisa visits Venice and meets with a man (based on a real-life person that the author met) who will help her with her research who said something that did really speak to me.
  “Whether or not they are dead and gone, history defines us. It makes us what we are right now.” This was spot on for me.
  
  I had to laugh when Stella’s father commented on Mussolini describing him as “a big clown” and declaring that clowns “create havoc. And they get away with it.” It seems all too current sadly.
  
  For me this book was a three star read.
• 
  Louise Wilson

  Set between German-occupied 1940s Venice and modern-day London. Stella worked in the office of a German officer during the day but then worked for the Resistance at night. Luisa is clearing out her mother's belongings when she discovers an old typewriter that belonged to her grandmother, Stella. Stella was just one of the many people who put their lives at risk. She's constantly trying to keep her family safe. Luisa decides to travel to Venice in search of her family history.
  
  The story focuses in the 1940s. There is great detail in what Venice was like during the Nazi occupation. It was interesting to find out exactly what the Resistance achieved in Venice. The story is told from a dual timeline and we get a different perspective on the war. Stella's story was definitely the better part of the book. Luisa needed to k ow what had happened in her grandmother's past. There were some twists as the story unfolded. A very enjoyable read.
  
  I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author Mandy Robotham for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Erin

  This was my first reading by this author and it was such a great read! A nice twist on historical fiction as I don't believe many of us think of Venice as a city as affected by WWII. A surprise twist near the end I wasn't expecting but loved! Highly recommend!!
• 
  Louise Wilson

  Set between German-occupied 1940s Venice and modern-day London. Stella worked in an office of a German officer during the day but then worked for the Resistance at night. Luisa is clearing out her mothers belongings when she discovers an old typewriter that belonged to her grandmother, Stella. Stella was just one of the ma y people who put their lives at risk. Shes constantly trying to keep her family safe. Luisa decides to travel to Venice in search of her family history.
  
  The story focuses in the 1940s. There is great detail in what Venice was like during the Nztzi occupation. It was interesting to find out exactly what the Resistance achieved in Venice. The story is told in a dual timeline and we get a different perspective on the war. Stella's story was definitely the better part of the book. Luisa needed to know what had happened in her grandmother's past. There were some twists as the story unfolded. A very enjoyable read.
  
  I would like to thank NetGalley, Avon Books Uk and the author Mandy Robotham for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Jennifer

  Solid 3.5 stars
  This was my first ebook from the library. Honestly, I prefer a book I can hold. This story had great promise, but I had a hard time connecting to the main character Stella (during the war years) and her granddaughter (current day).
• 
  RoseMary Achey

  A great premise, however the characters were so flat. I actually dozed off twice while reading the early portions of the book-the early chapters were very tedious. The last 20% was much more engaging.
• 
  Leanne Whistance-Smith

  Books like this remind me why historical fiction truly is my favourite.
  
  Set in Venice during WWII, The Secret Messenger tells the story of Stella, a young woman working with the resistance and her struggles along the way.
  
  Majority of the WWII historical fiction novels I read are based in Auschwitz, Berlin, or France, so it was very interesting to learn of a Venetian perspective. It’s often thought that Italians battled a “soft war”, but although their hardships were different, they aren’t any less horrific.
  This novel had the perfect combination of twists, intrigue and romance, and there were times where I couldn’t turn the page fast enough to learn what happens next. I also enjoyed how it wasn’t quite as graphic as some of the other historical fiction novels I’ve read, and despite this, the author was still able to make me feel so fearful and invested in the lives and safely of all the characters.
  
  The main character, Stella, was everything I hope for in a lead - I felt so connected to her and her strength and intelligence was inspiring!
  
  I can’t recommend this book enough.
• 
  Stina

  Despite there being an influx of historical fiction set during WW2, I never tire of the era and enjoy reading the different locations and people the war affected. So I was excited at the prospect of reading this addition to the genre. Added to that, THE SECRET MESSENGER was a dual timeline story set between German-occupied Venice in the 1940s and modern day London and Bristol. I do love a dual timeline tale!
  
  Venice 1944: Stella Jilani is a 27 year old proud Venetian, longing for the Venice of old. One that includes freedom from Nazi occupation and Italy's fascist dictator Mussolini. Ever since she was a young girl, Stella loved to write and as soon as she was old enough she gained a job on a newspaper as a journalist. But that came to an end when a story came her way about an incident where she was told by her editor to embellish the story in favour of the fascists. Stella wanted only to tell the truth but the truth was not what the paper wanted...they wanted propaganda that supported the fascist regime.
  
  But Stella would not be swayed. She put her journalist experience to good use in the Venice Resistance Brigade writing for their underground newspaper. And she is soon given the position of a typist and translator for a high ranking Reich officer at Nazi High Command, where she secretes information she obtains in her position and passes it on to the members of the Resistance. As a secret messenger she walks a fine line each day relaying this information as well as trafficking essential supplies.
  
  Throughout her journey is her beloved typewriter her grandfather gave her long before the war. On it, she produces information that is published in the forbidden underground newspaper. She also begins a tale of love which inadvertently makes it way into an edition, enthralling many Venetians alike, as they eagerly await the next installment. Even her colleague Cristain De Luca, Head Secretary to General Bruegal who she also works for, is intrigued by the story.
  
  Cristian is a bit of a dark horse and Stella has trouble working him out. There are times she sees something of a sensitive side in him but at others he fixes her with a cold stare and she wonders if she had merely imagined it. But one thing is for sure, Stella must keep her secret life from Cristian for in this war you can trust no one. And yet, she cannot help but enjoy his company when they are away from Nazi High Command.
  
  But then, Stella's life is threatened when the Nazi's search her apartment looking for her typewriter, after receiving information that she was the one responsible for the underground newspaper and the story that had captured Venetians. Breugal and Strauss have long been suspicious of her activities and when they find nothing in her apartment, she is then sacked from her position at Nazi Command, the newspaper disbanded and a warrant is issued for her arrest. Before she is captured, she receives paperwork entitling her to a travel pass which enables her to escape. However, she is confused as the pass is signed by Breugal just as her arrest warrant is. But Stella doesn't wait for explanations, hastily bidding her Venice goodbye as she makes her escape.
  
  But her story does not end there...
  
  London 2017: Luisa Belmont has recently lost her mother and is clearing out her vast home when she comes across an old typewriter in the attic. Having never seen it before, Luisa has no idea who it belongs to. So she decides to delve into the past to discover the story behind this piece of history. Along with the typewriter she also finds some old photos and some crumbling documents hidden away in a box and she wonders why her mother has kept this part of her heritage hidden away. The people in the photos are very obviously relatives as she recognises her mother in the features of the young woman though the photo was dated 1950...and her mother was born in 1953. She resolves that it must be her grandmother.
  
  Luisa is aware that her mother and grandmother fell out some years before and hardly ever spoke. Her own mother was cold and distant and she pondered on whether the relationship with her own mother was then reflected in that which she later shared with her only daughter. Although she had shared half her life with her distant mother she felt that she didn't really know her...or much about their Italian heritage.
  
  In the course of her delving into the past, Luisa discovers the story of her grandmother's life in Venice during WW2, her secrets, her sacrifices, her fears and ultimately, finding love.
  
  I love historical fiction but it took me a while to find my way through this book and I felt it was very slow moving...not just at the beginning, but throughout much of the story.
  
  THE SECRET MESSENGER had an intriguing premise...but for me, it fell a bit flat in its storytelling. Although I was intrigued by the story and was eager to find out what happened, I found the writing to be too descriptive with two of my pet peeves in books - 1) long chapters, and 2) incessant monologuing by Stella detailing just about everything that inadvertently puts me to sleep. I was disappointed because I thought the story had promise. I, did, however soldier on to finish the book...admittedly, skimming a lot of in-between monologuing that I could do without.
  
  There was so much that didn't make sense to me as the author didn't bother to translate some of words, both in dialogue and Stella's own monologue. My Italian is very limited and it wasn't helped by the lack of translation in parts.
  
  There was also not a lot of relative development in Luisa, despite her being Stella's granddaughter. The reader isn't given much of a chance to get to know Luisa as all she is doing is digging into the past and nothing else. She had no personality and lacked depth. Stella, on the other hand, featured far more than her granddaughter of the present day and yet she still didn't have a lot of development either. Basically all Stella did was monologue about work by day, resistance by night...day in, day out....with not much else in between.
  
  There could have been so much more done with THE SECRET MESSENGER than was done making it simply drowning in the shadow of those far more interesting and intriguing books of a similar vein. I would far more recommend "My Name is Eva" by Suzanne Goldring, "The Secret Letter" by Debbie Rix, "A View Across the Rooftops" by Suzanne Kelman and "A Fight in Silence" by Melanie Metzenthin than THE SECRET MESSENGER. It had so much potential but just failed in the delivery. It actually put me to sleep on several occasions with Stella's endless monologuing.
  
  Having said that, I am in the minority here as many others have thoroughly enjoyed it where I haven't. I was disappointed as I had high expectations for it that it just didn't live up to.
  
  I would like to thank #MandyRobotham, #NetGalley and #AvonBooksUK for an ARC of #TheSecretMessenger in exchange for an honest review.
  
  This review appears on my blog at
  https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
  
• 
  Genevieve Graham

  I loved this book - as I loved Ms Robotham's first, "The German Midwife". She has a powerful voice and her first-person narration is beautiful. I felt connected to the main character, Stella, throughout, and her fears were my own, as were her joys. Venice - such a unique location for a WW2 story, and yet it was a true story! Just when we think we know all there is to know about that horrible war, more stories surface, forever educating, forever helping us remember. "The Secret Messenger" twists and turns, like the watery mazes of Venice, and the farther along in the book I got, the more involved I became. The ending was wonderful, the friendships beautiful, and the romance just right. Having said all that, while dual timelines can be fascinating, I wasn't a fan of this one. I understand wanting to connect to the present tense reader, but I found it interrupted the main story and dragged it out needlessly. Maybe it's just me, the historical fiction lover, but I really didn't care about the present day story.
• 
  thea

  2.5 stars.
  this book has so much potential in the sense of the plot, but the writing really let it down for me, the characters fell a little flat and I couldn't really connect to the story!
• 
  Amanda - Mrs B's Book Reviews

  *
  https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
  
  A dangerous betrayal, war, love, resistance, survival and secrets swirl around The Secret Messenger by bestselling author Mandy Robotham. As a World War II fiction specialist, Mandy Robotham brings to light a tumultuous time in history in a unique corner of the world, Venice in 1943-44. Robotham’s story unveils a series of perilous events involving a brave woman playing a deadly game with the Reich. The Secret Messenger is a staple read for all fans of historical fiction.
  
  Situated in Venice in the year 1943, The Secret Messenger introduces an enterprising woman named Stella Jilani, who bravely works as a typist by day and a resistance worker by night. Smuggling secret messages, deciphering codes and relaying information for those she works for, Stella puts her life at risk for the resistance cause. Stella’s essential work as a typist for an underground newspaper operating in Venice also puts her in a very difficult position. When Stella’s activities catch the attention of a German commander, Stella knows her days are numbered. With the commander on a relentless quest to discover who is betraying his party’s secrets, Stella must do all she can to avoid detection. The Secret Messenger travels forward in time to 2017 in London, where a woman named Luisa Belmont uncovers an old typewriter in her attic. Luisa begins to piece together the lost story of the origins of this typewriter and how it managed to be the central playing card in a deadly game of war and betrayal.
  
  I recently read The Berlin Girl and The German Midwife, both penned by the author of The Secret Messenger. I now consider myself a devoted fan of Mandy Robotham’s work and I will definitely be seeking out Robotham’s next release as soon as it becomes available. I was really excited to read The Secret Messenger, it seemed to have my name written all over it. I have a unyielding fascination for World War II fiction and the chance to visit a very different location during this era was just what I was looking for.
  
  Firstly, the aspect of The Secret Messenger that seemed to work really well for me was the setting base. Although Mandy Robotham’s book is a dual timeline narration, the bulk of the action is set in wartime Italy. Zoning the action in Venice was a fabulous choice by the author. I think Robotham did a truly magnificent job of illuminating this setting and time period. I have visited Venice, but this city was brought to life again in my mind thanks to Robotham’s strong prose. Adding an extra historical and war spin to this remarkable city, along with how it coped under the Nazi regime was enlightening. Robotham draws our attention to the Nazi influence on the floating city and its citizens. Many appalling acts committed were against the innocent people of Venice at this time, which is fully exposed via Robotham’s engrossing narrative. The Secret Messenger will shock, surprise and upset you in places.
  
  Leading the charge in this novel is central female protagonist Stella Jilani. Stella is a superb female leader, who helps to move the cogs in this book. Brave, fearless, astute and selfless, I really admired Stella. I rooted for Stella every step of the way as she worked tirelessly for the resistance, which put her directly into the arms of the enemy many times over. Stella’s life story reminds us of the true courage and heroic actions of many ordinary people during the war. Supporting Stella are a bevy of secondary cast members, both good and bad, which gives Robotham the space to play around with plenty of plot twists and narrative interludes. In the 2017 storyline, we are presented with a protagonist who is suffering from a significant loss, but this pivotal character still manages to drive the story in forward motion. I did find Luisa Belmont’s story less compelling, but Luisa is a strong catalyst who helps to ensure that Stella’s story rises to the surface after remaining hidden for many years.
  
  Turn to The Secret Messenger if you are looking for an uncommon take on the resistance effort in Venice during the heat of the Second World War.
• 
  Sydney Long

  From the author of The German Midwife, this is a story following a Venetian woman leading a double life during a time of war.
  
  By day, Stella works as a translator in a high ranking Nazi officers office. By night, she is a member of the Resistance working in the basement of a bar to churn out a forbidden, resistance newspaper. Stella walks a fine line each and every day as she relays information she finds out from the Nazi communications she translates to those fighting for a pre-war Venice.
  
  Woven into the story is Luisa, Stellas granddaughter who is on a quest to uncover the true story of her grandparents during the war.
  
  It’s hard to write a review without giving away a lot of vital details so let me take a second and tell you why I struggled with it and when I reached the turning point that had me hooked. The first half of the book, I felt, moved quite slowly and actually seemed to move around in a circular pattern. Then I realized that in the early days of WWII, things moved slowly and taking it one day a time was the only thing to really do. Once I hit the midpoint, things started to get exciting and I found myself not being able to put it down.
  
  Another thing I struggled with was the language or vocabulary. I could definitely tell the author was not American so I had to reread a few things to understand what I was reading. I realized I was trying too hard at that and just let my eyes find the words on the page and that made a huge difference.
  
  Definitely worth the read, if only to experience occupied Venice during WWII.
• 
  Kaeshi

  This. Was. So. Boring. Mind you, I love reading historical fictions. It's my go-to genre, so that's saying something. I've decided to mark this as DNF because I just couldn't.
• 
  Bookoholiccafe

  An excellent read!!!
  In 2017, Luisa Belmont who is grieving for her mother, finds an old typewriter in her mother’s attic and decides to delve into past to find the story behind it and who it belongs to.
  
  Most of the story centers around the past, when we read about Stella Jilani, who is leading a double life. She is a typist for the Reich office during the day and by night she is a messenger for Italian resistance.
  
  Stella traffics essential supplies across the city and convey Nazi secrets. Stella also has her beloved typewriter that she uses to produce her underground newspaper.
  
  Stella’s life is threatened and could be in danger when General Breugal, a German commander becomes suspicious of her activities.
  
  The story is a dual timeline of past and present which makes it very interesting. So much research was done for this book. It gives its readers a lot of information about Venice during 1944.
  
  At some points long description of Venice scenery caused me to feel disengaged. But the book is very well written, and I felt drawn to the story of these two women and was hooked from the start.
  
  My thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for sending me an ARC copy.
  
  Review posted on my blog:
  https://bookoholicscafe.blogspot.com
  Instagram:
  https://www.instagram.com/bookoholicc...
• 
  Anna

  London 2017. Luisa Belmont's mother just died. She and her mother were never close, but Luisa feels the loss deeply. When she discovers a box in her mother's attic containing photos and an old typewriter, she's determined to discover her family history.
  Venice 1943. During the day Stella Jilani works as a translator and typist for the Reich. At night she delivers messages for the Resistance and works at an underground newspaper. Each and every day she puts her life on the line to preserve the freedom of her beloved city and it's people.
  So much WWII historical fiction focuses on Germany, England and France, it was interesting to read of the perils of the Italian people. I also enjoyed the focus on the role women played in the war effort and the courage they exemplified. The description of Venice made me want to visit Venice and walk the cobbled streets and navigate the waterways. Intriguing and fascinating.
  4.5 stars.
• 
  Soraya Lane

  Great historical fiction read.
• 
  Christine M in Texas

  The Secret Messenger
  By: Mandy Robotham
  5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  
  Had to finish my last Robotham book before her next one The War Pianist comes out on Feb 16. She’s another amazing Historical Fiction author who never disappoints.
  
  1943-Stella is leading two lives. In Venice she is a typist for the Reich, while working for the resistance at night. Her mission is very dangerous and she hides and delivers messages. I am always amazed our how resourceful resistance workers were.
  
  London-2017
  
  Luisa finds a old typewriter in her mothers home. She has Inherited the home. She also find old notes and she seeks to find the truth from years ago. What could her grandmother been involved in?
  
  A beautifully written story.
  
  
• 
  Audrey

  Stella has a dangerous job of working in the Reich office during the day and at night working for the Resistance. Her articles and stories for the Underground newspaper cause fury for the Nazi's and they are determined to catch her. She escapes Venice in a surprising way.
• 
  J.E. Grace

  This book had me hooked from the beginning. The vibrant descriptions of Venice during 1943 and the double life that Stella led had me captivated. The terrible conditions during the war and the risks she took as a messenger for the resistance brought the story to life.
  
  The history is woven throughout the story and the author obviously has done her research. There is lots of suspense with times where I held my breath wondering what would come next. There are two time frames presented within the book, as Louisa into 2017 tries to trace her grandmother's past.
  
  The main characters were well-developed and I felt like I had really come to know them by the end of the book. The only negative that almost made me not read it, was early on there was a character that used profanity using the Lord's name. The story was so interesting that I read on and it got better with no more instances.
  
  I was provided with an ARC by the author and voluntarily choose to review it.
• 
  Leslie

  The Secret Messenger by Mandy Robotham provides a new twist on novels about resistance fighters during World War II. While recently I have read and enjoyed novels about the resistance set in Germany and France, this particular novel is set in Venice. In addition to a new setting and the added twist of Fascists and Nazis, there is also a split time aspect which makes this novel most enjoyable.
  
  Stella has a day job as a typist in the local Nazi office which allows her to collect intelligence information. Outside of work, she is active in the local resistance efforts--particularly in helping to publish an underground newspaper and pass messages. Significant to the story is her typewriter which has a distinctive dropped letter e. As required in any good World War II novel, there are love interests and numerous times when Stella is nearly caught.
  
  In modern day, Luisa find her grandmother Stella's typewriter and a box of papers while cleaning out her deceased mother's attic in England. Knowing that her mother and grandmother did not have a good relationship, Luisa sets out to find the truth of her grandmother's background. She is particularly perplexed by two pictures of her grandmother with gentlemen--one labeled "C" and the other "Geo." Luisa travels to Venice on a off-chance she might find someone who can shed light on the pictures and her family history.
  
  The Secret Messenger has exactly the right mix of intrigue regarding the resistance movement, combined with a background romance regarding the two gentleman in Stella's life that is not resolved until the end of the book. Luisa's desire to learn more about her grandmother provides a nice backdrop to unfold the story and provides some extra twists to the plot. This marvelous and highly recommended story on a little known aspect of World War II is already an international bestseller!
  
  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Secret Messenger via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
• 
  Romanticamente Fantasy

  Emanuela - per RFS
  .
  Incontro piacevolissimo con un’autrice esperta, (suo L’infermiera di Hitler uscito lo scorso anno) che ricostruisce con grande maestria ed emozione il difficile periodo dell’occupazione nazista a Venezia.
  
  L’ambientazione in una delle città più belle al mondo è sicuramente uno dei punti maggiormente salienti del libro, insieme alla personalità delle protagoniste, Luisa e sua nonna Stella, che si rincorrono idealmente nei capitoli alternati.
  
  Due donne: la prima piena di rimpianto verso la madre, con la quale non aveva saputo costruire un rapporto empatico e che le aveva taciuto molto della storia della sua famiglia; la seconda, Stella, eroina della resistenza e di guerra, con un grande talento narrativo e giornalistico del quale Luisa scoprirà tutto solamente alla morte della madre.
  
  Tutto nascerà da una macchina da scrivere vecchiotta, polverosa e con una lettera difettosa che Luisa ritroverà nella soffitta della mamma dopo la sua morte; questa scoperta, insieme ad alcune foto e fogli con pochi appunti senza senso, la spingeranno a voler sapere qualcosa di più, tanto da decidere di partire per Venezia per cercare di riannodare i fili con una nonna della quale non sa nulla.
  
  Le vicende di Stella si snodano lungo i capitoli tenendoci con il fiato sospeso: per una ragazza dalla doppia vita (di giorno dattilografa nell’ufficio di un nazista, di notte giornalista in una rivista clandestina distribuita dai partigiani) la vita non è facile.
  
  Il grande rischio che corre le impedisce di lasciarsi andare persino con i suoi genitori, tantomeno con il suo diretto superiore, apparentemente un gerarca fascista freddo e controllato, che in realtà nasconde un animo nobile, amante della letteratura e con qualche segreto…
  
  Un’unione tra i due, appena accennata ma già piena di promesse, è forzatamente rimandata dagli eventi incalzanti della guerra e le vicende di Stella legano fortemente il lettore fino all’ultima pagina.
  
  Un romanzo imperdibile dunque, soprattutto per chi ama la storia e le belle saghe familiari.
• 
  Michelle

  I thank NetGalley and Avon books for a copy of The Secret messenger by Mandy Robotham. I have read her previous novel The Woman at war, so I was intrigued to see how this panned out.
  
  Set in Nazi occupied Venice in the 1940's Stella Jilani is a typist in the Reich office during the day and at night she is a messenger for the Italian resistance and risks her life crossing the city passing on secrets and other things to help win the war. She is also a typist typing an underground newsletter to help win the war with her beloved typewriter.
  
  2017 Luisa Stella's granddaughter finds the typewriter in the attic and some black and white photos after the death of mother that intrigues Luisa to find out more.
  
  Although I enjoyed this book from Mandy Robotham and I thought that this was beautifully written and a great story, I thought that the descriptions of the places in Venice just went on far too long and unnecessary and I started skimming paragraphs to the more important parts of the story. 3.5 stars from me.
• 
  Barbro-Katrin

  Received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
  
  The story doesn’t draw me in. It’s written good but there just something missing. It doesn’t make me feel anything. It’s just kind of meh. Not good or bad. I’ve generally enjoyed books about WW2 but this was just a bore. There’s too much time spent on Stella’s side of the story, and sadly the side isn’t that interesting. At least the first 3/4 of the book. This feels like a cross between ww2 story and romance, and neither made me feel anything. I don’t feel engaged in either story.
  I kinda saw the twist in the end coming early in the book.
• 
  May

  I really liked this WWII spy / intrigue novel. Most of my reading about WWII has centered on either England or Germany, so it was informative to read about the impact on Venice... a city I love.
  
  Still not clear on why Luisa’s mother was so cold to her daughter & detached from Stella. However, I did enjoy the endings of both the past & present stories!!
• 
  Skyesmum

  I thought that this author's first book was good, better than good even, this one was just as good. There a lot more depth into this one, more background and research, or so it seemed. I had to just finish it, but now wish I hadn't. Full of history, fear, suspicion and loyalty. I love Venice and this book has ignited my resolve to return one day soon.