| Title | : | The War Pianist |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0008453446 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780008453442 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 384 |
| Publication | : | First published February 16, 2023 |
July, 1940
Blitz-ridden London: Marnie Fern’s life is torn apart when her grandfather is killed in an air raid. But once she discovers that he’d been working undercover as a radio operative – or Pianist – for the Dutch resistance, Marnie knows she must complete his mission – no matter the cost…
Nazi-occupied Amsterdam: At the other end of the wireless, fellow pianist Corrie Bakker is caught in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse as she desperately tries to keep her loved ones out of the line of fire – even if it means sacrificing herself…
Bound together by the invisible wires of their radios, the two women lead parallel lives in their home cities, as both are betrayed by those they trust the most. But when the Nazis close in on one of them, only the other can save her…
Two cities. Two spies. But which woman survives?
The War Pianist Reviews
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Well who knew that a pianist in Ww1/2 is a controller or operator of a radio transmitter, tapping Morse fast as if playing a lively tune on a piano?? It’s July 1940 and Corrie Bakker in an Amsterdam under Nazi occupation, works for the Resistance. Danger approaches on all sides as she desperately tries to protect her family from the encroaching threats especially in the form of rising Abwehr ‘star’ Lothar Selig.
London in September 1940 is raining fire courtesy of the Luftwaffe intent on bringing Britain to her knees in the Blitz. Marnie Fern who works at the BBC, picks her way through the burning debris to the safety of the Underground. Once the raid ends she makes her way to her beloved grandad’s house to discover he has been killed in the attack. She’s further shocked by the discovery that he’s been working as a pianist connecting to Corrie. Marnie knows she has to continue the work in honour of her grandfather. This is a story of connecting parallel lives in a desperate bid to survive.
Mandy Robotham writes war stories so well as she seems to be able to bring it alive and make you utterly invest in the main characters lives. You can smell the cordite in the air as well as taste the fear, see the rubble left behind and hear the danger especially from the approaching boots in occupied Amsterdam. The writing is vivid and although you know what happens it still has the capacity to shock because the author makes it personal.
This is a story of exemplary bravery with unseen danger and the very real possibility of betrayal. It’s very tense at times particularly in Amsterdam but all the characters have to have their eyes peeled and use all their senses the whole time as there’s the claustrophobia of being watched. It’s a story of survival anyway, anyhow. It’s full of fear, cruelty, terrifying manipulation but also of audacity. There’s everything from treachery to sadness and grief to firm bonds of friendship. I become totally caught up in their lives and will them on.
The ending feels a bit rushed and though it brings everything up to date I think this powerful novel deserves a powerful ending. Despite this I have no hesitation in recommending to fans of historical fiction.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. -
The blitz in London was in full swing when Marnie Fern's life was shaken badly. Her beloved grandfather was killed when a bomb levelled his shop, but in her grief she felt him beside her. Marnie discovered, on searching for anything she could save, that her grandfather was Gatsby, a clandestine radio operator for the Dutch resistance. Marnie was determined to take over his role, knowing she could do it as her nimble fingers meant she'd be a successful pianist for the cause. With Willem, her grandfather's handler in London, getting her started with the training she needed, it wasn't long before Marnie was crossing the airwaves to Daisy in Amsterdam, her own call sign Lizzie.
When Corrie Bakker disappeared, suspected to be in Nazi hands, the resistance immediately started planning for her rescue. With Willem, his good friend Gus and Marnie heading to Amsterdam to join the resistance in their search, no one knew what would happen in the days ahead. Would the Nazis prevail? Or would the Dutch resistance succeed? And did they have a spy within their group?
The War Pianist is another brilliant historical novel by Mandy Robotham which I enjoyed very much. The radio operators were called "pianists" for their nimble fingers, with the need to send morse coded messages in under a minute, so their position wasn't compromised. Filled with excellent characters - Marnie, Corrie, Felix, Willem to name but a few - I found I couldn't put this one down. I really enjoy this author's writing, and this one is no different. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review. -
Marnie Fern is employed by the British Broadcasting House, her grandfather Gilbert Coop is a tailor and she visits him after work. So far in England there hasnt been any air raids, but when they begin the Luftwaffe drop bombs every night and it's catastrophic. Marnie is devastated when her beloved grandfather is killed in one of these raids, she returns to his shop, Marnie discovers a radio set and he’s being working as an undercover radio operative and helping the Dutch resistance.
Corrie Bakker is a mother, she lives in Amsterdam and owns a bookshop and at night she works as a radio operative. When she doesn’t hear from Gatsby she’s worried, she has no idea he’s been killed and his granddaughter is keen to follow his footsteps. Two women living in different war torn cities, both want to help their countries and at considerable risk to their own safety.
Marnie’s grandfather taught her Morse code, after a week’s training somewhere in Oxfordshire, she easily passes, and Marnie continues to work for the BBC during the day and Lizzy sends messages to Daisy in Amsterdam at night. War tore up the rule book for many women, for Connie and Marnie it was a meeting of like minds over the airwaves. Both are excellent "pianists" the nick name given to radio operators, but both face challenges daily and the danger of being betrayed.
Marnie meets Willem Bakker, he escaped Amsterdam with his friend Gus and she has no idea he’s Connie son. In Amsterdam, Connie is trying to keep her daughter Kees safe and her aging Uncle Hendrik, from the Gestapo, SS and the Abwehr and most of all the evil German officer Lothar Selig. People are in hiding all over Amsterdam, in a series of safe houses and even at the Artis zoo.
I received a copy of The War Pianist from NetGalley and Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest review. Mandy Robotham has done it again, a thoroughly researched and interesting narrative set during the Second World War. I had never heard of the term “pianist” for a radio operator before, their fingers did have to move quickly and they only had a short time to send a coded message. Both of the main characters are focused, realistic, saw things as they were, women who wanted to change the course of the war and did. I highly recommend reading this book if you enjoy WW II historical fiction and Ms. Robothams previous books, The Berlin Girl and The Resistance Girl, and another five star read for me. -
There’s no tickling the ivories in this one!
Go into this one blind. Don’t read the synopsis.
You’ll have to read to find out what a ‘war pianist’ really is and why they were essential to the resistance movement.
I loved that both pianists, one in Blitzed London and one in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam relied on their skill and put their life on the line for the war effort. Robotham made sure her readers knew exactly what was involved in this risk and the tension is palpable. As I got further into the book, I realized how similar these two girls’ journeys really were and the trust they needed to develop in each other to survive. I appreciated the fresh perspective of ‘fighting’ in the Dutch resistance.
Robotham wraps her readers tightly in her taut plot and continues to feed the tension with brazen acts of bravery, the acknowledgement of a mole within the ranks, and imprisonment. Counterbalancing it is a much-needed respite full of love and, albeit complicated, romance. I felt as though I were right there with Corrie and Marnie because Robotham appealed to my 5 senses and allowed me to enter the mind of a war pianist. I’ll admit to being a little let down with the ending, but appreciated the fine writing in this survival against-all-odds story. As always, Robotham amazes me with her skill to place me in the action and leave me with thankfulness for my freedom.
Congratulations on a fantastic cover!
I was gifted this spectacular story by Avon Books UK and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review. -
July 1940
Marnie Fern works as a production assistant for the BBC in London. She is devasted to hear that her grandfather has been killed while working at his shop. While visiting the ruins, as she wants something to remember him by, she meets Willem who tells her that her grandfather worked for the resistance as a Pianist, which was also known as a Radio operator. Tapping Morse coded messages to and from the resistance in Amsterdam. She tells Willem what she does at the BBC to Willem and tells her she will be a great candidate to be a Pianist herself. Taking over the duties left from her grandfather. She agrees to help them fight the war against the Nazi’s.
Whilst working she builds up a relationship which one of the resistance operators in the Netherlands Corrie Bakker who has connection to Willem. When Willem receives a letter telling him that Corrie has gone missing. His first action is to decide to go and find out what happened to her. Marnie decides to go with him to help him find her.
The War Pianist by Mandy Rob is the sixth book from the author that I have read and another powerful and emotional story about the Resistance in WW11. From the first page I was intrigued. As I have heard a lot of the Resistance in France but not so much of what happened to the people that risked their lives in the Netherlands and the horrors that they endured. This is another 5-star read from the author. I highly recommend. -
July 1940. Blitz-ridden London: Marnie Fern's life is torn apart when her grandfather is killed in an air raid. But once she discovers that he'd been working undercover as a radio operative - or pianist - for the Dutch Resistance, Marnie knows she must complete his mission - no matter the cost....
Nazi-occupied Amsterdam: At the other end of the wireless, fellow pianist Corrie Bakker is caught in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse as she desperately tries to keep her loved ones out of the line of fire - even if it means sacrificing herself....
This is a well-researched and descriptively written book. I did not know that a radio operative was also called a pianist during the war, as their fingers deftly moved across the keypad. We learn of two women who were pianists for the Dutch Resistance in Holland during WWII. Marnie was based in London and Corrie in Amsterdam. There are a few twists, betrayal, and a love story included. The pace is steady, and the characters are strong, brave and courageous. A story of family, friendship, love and loss. Once I got into the story, I was hooked. The story is told from multiple points of view. I loved this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #MandyRobotham for my ARC of #TheWarPianist in exchange for an honest review. -
This is now my fourth Mandy Robotham book and it's making me think I need to go back and read the first two so I can have 6/6.
This one follows two war pianists, aka radio operators, one in London and the other in Amsterdam, and it was pretty cool.
My dad was a radio operator when he was doing military service and I could also be a radio operator in the future with my degree, so books like these tickle my brain in a specific way. With that said, this one isn't my fav by the author, but it was still good.
The War Pianist made me cry early on, when Marnie lost her grandfather and whenever she remembered him after. There was one specific moment, where she felt his presence when she was about to start broadcasting that really touched me.
Other than that, not a lot happened, and the book is kind of slow paced. Most of the excitement is near the end, and the end itself wasn't totally satisfactory, even though it was a happy one.
I felt like the characters just woke up and were ready to take on anything and anyone...and then the book ended. So I do wish it was longer.
I'm still excited for whatever Mandy Robotham puts out next. As for this one, it's a 3.5ish.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review* -
Marnie Fern works at the BBC in wartime London. When her beloved grandfather is killed during a bombing raid, she discovers he was a radio transmitter, known as a pianist, assisting the Dutch resistance. She is approached and accepts an offer to take his place, transmitting secret messages to Corrie Bakker, her contact in Amsterdam. She is thrust into a world of intrigue where at any moment lives could be endangered and traitors could be afoot. Who can she really trust?
I have read and enjoyed quite a few of Robotham’s historical fiction works.
While this might not have been my favorite, she is a great story teller. Her books are well researched, tension filled, and engrossing, usually featuring a strong female character. While there is a lot of inhumanity, horror, and sadness in this book, it concludes with a feeling of hope. As a reader, I always want to know “what happened next?”. Her ending answered that question for me.
Thanks to #Netgalley and #avonbooksUK for the ARC. -
July, 1940
This gripping and heartbreaking WW11 historical fiction is set in Blitz-ridden London and Nazi-occupied Amsterdam.
In London:
The story tells us how Marnie after the death of her grandfather replaced him at his post and became an undercover radio operator or pianist for the Dutch resistance and set to complete his mission at any cost.
While in Amsterdam:
Fellow pianist Corrie Bakker is at the other end of the wireless and trying to survive caught in a cat and mouse game.
My thoughts:
Powerful and haunting, Ms. Robotham captures the tension and fear in her unique and captivating style. This story is well-written, fast-paced and very suspenseful. With multiple points of views this gripping story of Morse code, adventure, bravery and courage is one of a kind and very hard to put down, it has so much to offer. I was utterly invested in the characters’ lives, they seemed so real. Richly told you can picture the rubble left behind and hear the bombs falling even smell the cordite in the air and the scary marching boots in Amsterdam.
Set in the era I love to read “The War Pianist” ticks all the boxes for me: vivid descriptions, interesting insights in the resistance, wonderful characterization and a compelling storyline that flows very well.
Thank you Avon Books UK and Netgalley for this ARC -
From London to Amsterdam
An exciting and heartbreaking story of WWII resistance in Amsterdam. A story of courage and strength of those brave men and women that resisted the Nazi's during the occupation of Amsterdam.
Marnie is working at the BBC in London when she is recruited by Willem a member of the resistance to be a Pianist during the London Blitz of WWII. A pianist was what a radio operator was known as. He finds her in the ruins of her grandfather's shop and tells her that her grandfather was working with the resistance and that she would be perfect to take over his job. She is thinks about the offer and the fact that her grandfather was killed during the Blitz by a bomb. After that she decides she must do what she can to help stop the Nazi's.
As a pianist for the resistance she talks to a pianist in Amsterdam passing on news from London to Amsterdam as they are occupied by the Nazi's and have no outside news coming in. The two women Marnie and Corrie grow fond of each other. When Corrie goes missing and Willem disappears she travels to Amsterdam with another resistance member to find them
An exciting historical story of the fight in Amsterdam. The Characters are wonderfully set for the story, the places and scenes are vividly described and the war scenes are accurately described for the historical period covered.
War is never pleasant it is always brutal and evil and should never happen. Unfortunately it does and when it does it is tragic for everyone . One of the greatest things we can ever pray for is peace.
This story has everything, espionage, love and romance, danger, betrayal, flight, imprisonment by the Nazi's and the daring exploits of the young resistance fighters.
This was a great story and I enjoyed reading it. I would recommend it.
Thanks to Mandy Robotham for writing another great WWII story, to Avon Books U.K. for publishing it and to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read and review. -
My first Mandy Robatham book and definitely won’t be my last! Ticked all the boxes for me and I learned so much I didn’t know about the Dutch resistance. The best war saga I’ve read since The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah.
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‘… when the streets outside are layered in dust and debris, as if Hitler has shaken the contents of a giant vacuum cleaner bag across Britain’s capital.’
I have read and loved all of Mandy’s books and I believe her latest offering, The War Pianist, may very well be one of her best! As always Mandy offers her readers a story packed with everything historical fiction readers love - espionage and betrayal, to plights and flights whether it be in blitz ridden London or Nazi occupied Amsterdam.
‘… a mesh of letters and numbers … the vital work of a radio ‘pianist’ with nimble fingers … this fleeting stream of dots and dashes spells out ‘hope’ in her mind.’
There is never any doubt on the amount of research Mandy undertakes for her books. I learnt so much as I had never heard of radio operators being referred to as ‘pianists’ for their lightning finger movement in sending coded messages in quick time so as their position may never be compromised. Mandy’s war stories come alive off the page as she makes each and everyone of her characters someone you care about. You not only see the rubble in the streets of London but you feel the fear as Nazi boots are heard approaching on the streets of Amsterdam. Mandy’s writing is so vivid that despite all the knowledge readers bring, she still can invoke fear and shock as events play out.
‘Only inside are you allowed to die and scream and pummel your heart back into life and weep into your WVS tea, which swills alongside the swallowed-back tears.’
The story is brilliantly paced with twists and turns, with courage and bravery and with a touch of romance (shout out to the Jane Austen references, “Darcy to her Lizzy”.) Told from multiple points of view, Mandy’s writing is sure to hook you especially as Marnie is just an ordinary person like many of us and therefore so relatable in her thoughts and actions. Congratulations Mandy on yet another winning book. I have read and adored all your books and recommend them highly to all lovers of historical fiction.
‘Is she strong enough to withstand it? Equally, can she walk away and pretend this doesn’t exist?’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release. -
The War Pianist. Much better title than radio operator. Never knew a Morse code operator is called a pianist, very poetic. And that’s just what this book is, poetry. Absolutely fave book by this author. She really knows how to weave live, betrayal, intrigue, murder, war and turmoil into a beautiful story. Thanks so much for giving me an early opportunity to read this historical fiction book of the year! Historical, Poetic masterpiece!
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This is my third read by Mandy Robotham and in my opinion it’s her best book so far. I thought it was written beautifully and is an absolute pleasure to read. The book captured my interest immediately and held it all the way through. I really liked the two main characters Marnie and Willem and was rooting for them throughout. I thought the writing was very eloquent and descriptive, the story flowed really well, and I enjoyed reading this through the perspectives of Marnie and Corrie. I could picture scenes of the Blitz in London in my mind, and think the author portrayed her characters thoughts, feelings, emotions and actions perfectly. I loved the tension in the story, not knowing who to trust and I was desperate to know what would come next at times.. I’ve not read many books about how the war affected the people in Holland so this was a very refreshing and interesting read. I enjoyed the different country settings, and thought this gave the book a lot more depth. As the story was coming to its conclusion I was willing the characters on and thought the ending was very fitting. Overall this is a fab read, probably one of the best historical fiction books I’ve read this year and if you’re a fan of this genre give this a try, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Cannot fault this book at all, I loved everything about it.
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -
A powerful beginning merging into a powerful plot with a storyline I couldn't put down. Vivid descriptions of London Blitz, very interesting insights into the Dutch resistance, its early organisation made this novel absorbing! The fact that there is a mole brings even more tension and breath holding to the plot sustained up to the conclusion. I really enjoyed it, as I did all of the author's novels!
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review. -
Reading Stuff 'n' Things
Who knew radio operators during WWII were known as pianists? I certainly didn't.
The story is told from the perspectives of the two pianists ... Marnie in London and Connie in Amsterdam. Marnie and Connie are exceptionally strong characters and the author transported me into their worlds amongst the bombs of the blitz and the invasion of the Nazi's where trust can be a dangerous thing.
With oodles of tension, the fear palpable and the bravery and courage of those working against the Nazi war machine excellently portrayed, the War Pianist is a gripping story and whilst this is a work of fiction, it felt authentic and was totally riveting.
Many thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of The War Pianist. -
Radios were one of the most vital lifelines during the dark days of WWII.
Once again, Robotham returns readers to the rhythms of war, loss, sacrifice, and the most unusual friendships.
One thing I like about this author is that she keeps dining up with fresh presentations of a field that so much has been written.
It’s a tender, compassionate story.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for the advance read. -
Unfortunately this one was just okay. Many, many times I struggled trying to get through this book. I just kept telling myself it would get more and more exciting and it just didn’t. I really love this author so I’m very sad to have to write this review.
I did like the two main characters in the book. I thought they were really well written and easy to follow. I didn’t however have an emotional reaction to them. I like when characters make me feel things and then I try to put myself in their shoes.
This one just didn’t do it for me. I will continue to read books from this author though as I love all her other work.
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy! -
The War Pianist was an absolutely fantastic read!
Beginning at the end of 1940 in London, as Londoners battle the wrath of Hitler and his Blitzkrieg, Marnie Fern’s life is turned upside down when her grandfather is taken from her suddenly. Wrecked with grief, she is dumbfounded to find out her grandfather had been working with the Dutch Resistance as a radio transmitter, aka a pianist. Marnie is confused but knows she must continue her grandfathers work. Soon, Marnie is connected with Corrie Bakker, code name Daisy, a fellow pianist in occupied Holland.
Aside from being both being a pianist, what else connects these two? The charming William Bakker. Without giving away any spoilers, know these three are connected and intertwined in a rather fascinating way. But, will they all three survive?
From the Blitzed out streets of London, to the cobblestone roads and narrow canals of Nazi-Occupied Holland, this is a thrilling and gripping WWII novel filled with Morse code, adventure, bravery, strength and courage. Mandy Robotham has a unique and captivating writing style that simply put, is quite soothing to read along with, despite the content. She can beautifully describe a scene and bring a vivid image to life in the readers head. -
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.
Mandy Robotham does it again with another well written, engaging historical fiction book. Compelling storyline, relatable characters, and well researched, The War Pianist ticks all the boxes for historical fiction that I'll recommend to interested readers. I thought the book moved well between Amsterdam and London for the first part of the beginning and seamlessly transitioned to being fully set in Amsterdam for the latter part of the book. -
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Many thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for this opportunity.
Once again, author Mandy Robotham has delivered a fabulous read.
The book follows the lives of those in war torn England, London and the Dutch resistance in Holland. The resistance is small compared to the French but is equally effective in rescuing, hiding and transporting refugees and those deemed enemies of Germany as well as having a fighting force. Corrie, who goes under the code name of Daisy, is the Dutch radio operator to her English counterpart.
London, Marnie Fern is very close to her grandfather, a tailor who is still going about his business even with the Nazis bombing the life out of London. The blitz is in full swing. Her parents left London on first notice of the English involvement of yet another war, WW2. Marnie has elected to keep working and remain in London, working for the BBC although many work colleagues have left to the outer regions of England. Staying in London also means she can keep in regular contact with her grandfather.
She emerges from the underground shelter that she was pushed into by the tide of humanity and heads towards her grandfather's desperately hoping that last night's bombing has left him unscathed only to discover that the air raid has destroyed everything. Rushing beyond the barriers she desperately looks for him. After being told the bad news she is determined to see him; he isn't marked, no physical wounds and looks so peaceful she can't believe he is dead.
She heads off to work and after relating her grief to a work colleague she is given the day off and later on at nightfall Marnie, still distraught and in need to calm her shattered emotions, returns to her grandfather's workshop, gathers some of his personal effects and work tools, including Oscar, (to be picked up later), the only tailor's dummy to survive, so many memories for her. During this process she finds a hidden cupboard and to her amazement a radio and on this discovery the books related to obvious codes and with morse code coming from the transmitter, Marnie realises that it's in English and deciphers the tapping. Grandfather had taught her morse code as a child. As she climbs the stairs to leave with her bounty, a voice, that of an ARP man, challenges her about what she has collected (looting is rife during these times). Marnie protests her innocence quickly stating why she is there but the man responds with "I know what you have there…..it's a radio". He softens his manner, naming her grandfather and acknowledges her by name and suggests they securely hide the radio again and in a nonchalant manner suggests a drink for which he removes his uniform revealing a tall well dressed man, to which she remarks that he isn't an ARP man at all but he reassures her that it's his night off. Marnie, against her better judgment, agrees to go with him. At the bar Willem fills her in about his connection to her grandfather and how he was assisting the Dutch resistance. He reveals a lot about her grandfather that she didn't know, his involvement in WW1 and his work for the Radio Security Service. All this is new to Marnie and its beginning to take a toll on her well being, longing for her boring life. However, as Willem has been well informed of her skill with morse code asks if she would be prepared to takeover grandfather's role. She ponders this request and agrees to help, after all, grandfather was still able to work at tailoring while assisting Willem which would mean that she could do the same.
However, Marnie eventually finds herself in situations she would never have dreamed of as she launches herself into the dangerous activities of the Dutch resistance, espionage and double agents along with the complicated relationship between Corrie and Willem. -
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Many thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for this opportunity.
Once again, author Mandy Robotham has delivered a fabulous read.
The book follows the lives of those in war torn England, London and the Dutch resistance in Holland. The resistance is small compared to the French but is equally effective in rescuing, hiding and transporting refugees and those deemed enemies of Germany as well as having a fighting force. Corrie, who goes under the code name of Daisy, is the Dutch radio operator to her English counterpart.
London, Marnie Fern is very close to her grandfather, a tailor who is still going about his business even with the Nazis bombing the life out of London. The blitz is in full swing. Her parents left London on first notice of the English involvement of yet another war, WW2. Marnie has elected to keep working and remain in London, working for the BBC although many work colleagues have left to the outer regions of England. Staying in London also means she can keep in regular contact with her grandfather.
She emerges from the underground shelter that she was pushed into by the tide of humanity and heads towards her grandfather's desperately hoping that last night's bombing has left him unscathed only to discover that the air raid has destroyed everything. Rushing beyond the barriers she desperately looks for him. After being told the bad news she is determined to see him; he isn't marked, no physical wounds and looks so peaceful she can't believe he is dead.
She heads off to work and after relating her grief to a work colleague she is given the day off and later on at nightfall Marnie, still distraught and in need to calm her shattered emotions, returns to her grandfather's workshop, gathers some of his personal effects and work tools, including Oscar, (to be picked up later), the only tailor's dummy to survive, so many memories for her. During this process she finds a hidden cupboard and to her amazement a radio and on this discovery the books related to obvious codes and with morse code coming from the transmitter, Marnie realises that it's in English and deciphers the tapping. Grandfather had taught her morse code as a child. As she climbs the stairs to leave with her bounty, a voice, that of an ARP man, challenges her about what she has collected (looting is rife during these times). Marnie protests her innocence quickly stating why she is there but the man responds with "I know what you have there…..it's a radio". He softens his manner, naming her grandfather and acknowledges her by name and suggests they securely hide the radio again and in a nonchalant manner suggests a drink for which he removes his uniform revealing a tall well dressed man, to which she remarks that he isn't an ARP man at all but he reassures her that it's his night off. Marnie, against her better judgment, agrees to go with him. At the bar Willem fills her in about his connection to her grandfather and how he was assisting the Dutch resistance. He reveals a lot about her grandfather that she didn't know, his involvement in WW1 and his work for the Radio Security Service. All this is new to Marnie and its beginning to take a toll on her well being, longing for her boring life. However, as Willem has been well informed of her skill with morse code asks if she would be prepared to takeover grandfather's role. She ponders this request and agrees to help, after all, grandfather was still able to work at tailoring while assisting Willem which would mean that she could do the same.
However, Marnie eventually finds herself in situations she would never have dreamed of as she launches herself into the dangerous activities of the Dutch resistance, espionage and double agents along with the complicated relationship between Corrie and Willem. -
When I picked up this book, I imagined a concert pianist was somewhere in the story much like the Holocaust survivor in the movie and book, “The Pianist.” Yet, the “perfect pianist” was rather one with flying fingers translating Morse code at a fast speed during WWII. The story follows two radio translators: Marnie (known as Lizzy) in London and Corrie (known as Daisy) in Amsterdam.
Like Mandy Robotham’s other WWII books, the story grabs you from the beginning with the hope that the characters will survive through their dangerous missions. There is suspense in every chapter which builds into an intense ending. We know the outcome of the war. However, the reader is left with a great admiration for the group of brave workers of the Dutch resistance fighters against Nazi Germany. It was when trust meant everything.
Marnie’s Grandad was not to tell a soul of his work with the radio surveillance. It made me think of my dad who during WWII used Morse code but wouldn’t talk about it. However, I heard him tap the table at times as if the machine was in front of him wondering what he just spelled out.
The story and vivid characters don’t go away. It lingers in the reader’s mind with what the courageous behind-the-scenes workers did to take back their country. Perhaps their names aren’t carved in stone, but books like this make us remember what they did to stop the madness.
My thanks to Mandy Robotham, Avon Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this advance copy with an expected release date of February 16, 2023. -
The War Pianist is emotionally charged and gorgeously written book about WWII in both London's Blitz and Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. Marnie works with the BBC, an orphan a dear grandfather who is her mentor. As a tailor he taught young Marnie his tailoring trademarks and they played games with Morse code. Little did she know it would save her and others' lives. After his awful death she decided to continue his mission with the Resistance by sending/receiving coded message. She meets Willem who introduces her to the right people on the right side and she is in business, though she must move from her home. He knew Marnie's grandfather.
Corrie is the intelligence at the end of Marnie's messages and was linked to Marnie's grandfather. Connie is desperate to save the lives of her own family and is willing to pay for it with her life. A few messages are written in the book which adds that bit of personal oomph. Each character is immersed in the war by one way or the other and we see grim realities of twisted bodies, deceptions, blackout, underground shelters. and meagre food rationing, Death pervades the air in many forms and survival is the goal. In books we have bits and pieces to go on but this one has soul woven into it in a beautiful way which makes this story beautiful.
Historical Fiction fans, if you are seeking a new perspective in this genre, this is for you. It will be interesting to see what author Mandy Robotham writes next!
My sincere thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this lovely book.
