The Secret History of Audrey James

This extraordinarily well told dual timeline story set in Germany and England flips back and forth between Audrey and Kate. It is another WWII story of depravity, viciousness, cunning and bravery. The story belongs to Audrey and it is hers to impart which she does grudgingly seventy years after the fact. Strong, gripping, told with nuances of Dante’s Inferno and The Diary of Anne Frank, this was as difficult to put down as it was to keep reading.

Reminded that. “Life is a game of inches. Nothing more or less than that” it raises all those questions that can never be answered - Why me, not her, why then, why there, why, why, why “There is no rhyme or reason to chance. It just is.” This is a lesson in “the price of show more survival.” It is also a lesson about a talented author who keeps trying to find out “what the women were doing” as they men were politicking and destroying the world.

Many thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for a copy. show less

What a spectacular and exhilarating story, full of heart and soul which draws strongly upon the historical record. There are actually two stories with two female protagonists sharing similar journeys but from far differing perspectives. They're about 60 years apart in age.

Berlin, 1938
Aspiring Pianist Audrey James, born of a German mother and British father, is prepping for her graduation recital at the Berlin Konservatorium. Although her widower father has returned to England, she remains in Berlin to complete her studies while residing with the Kaplans, a Jewish family who are longstanding friends of the James'. In November of 1938, all hell breaks loose and Audrey's and the Kaplan's worlds are shattered beyond comprehension. Audrey show more and Ilse Kaplan seek shelter in the Kaplan home which is soon overtaken by German SS officers. Audrey becomes their housekeeper, so that she and Ilse may remain in the home. Audrey soon insinuates herself into the officers' nefarious dealings, all while trying to hide Ilse.

Alnwick, England, 2010
Londoner Kate Mercer's own life has shattered after much personal loss. She accepts a temporary position at an inn up in Alnwick essentially caring for Audrey, now in her 90s but still as feisty and independent as ever. Audrey is a prickly one and both she and Kate have their secrets. Can they get past this initial chill and find peace with one another in the same home?

As dual timeline novels go, this is absolutely among the best. There is a taunting connection between the two time periods which is slowly revealed over the courses of the stories. The writing is solid and evocative. The historical research which went into the story's writing is Herculean and aids in the cinematic delivery of a Germany moving toward and through another war. At times the story is tender and heartbreaking and at others, thrilling and pulse-pounding. Yet throughout, there is a strong thread of hope.

I am grateful to author Heather Marshall and her publisher, Simon & Schuster for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: ‎June 4, 2024
Number of Pages: 432
ISBN-13: 978-1982170257 show less

A story about the resistance in Germany during WWII. There was some resistance but not much. However this is a very tender story of life and loss. The characters were interesting and the choices people had to make were devastating. A real tear jerker.

This book was a different look at WWII. It places us in Berlin beginning in 1938 before Germany began the war. Audrey was a British citizen living with a Jewish family and she was studying piano at a prestigious German conservatory. When she witnesses the murder of her Jewish patriarch being shot dead in the street in front of a busy German emporium, her life forever changes. She watches it all with Ilsa, her childhood friend, who’s father has been shot and she realizes that it is up to her to protect Ilsa in the most dangerous place on earth for Jewish people. She partners with a Nazi intelligence officer to execute a plan to kill Hitler. I wasn’t aware that there were Nazi resistance groups operating in Germany during the war. show more Audrey, with much danger to her and her household, goes to any lengths to try to prevent a catastrophic war. We slip back and forth between WWII Germany and 21 century England. Kate crosses paths with Audrey as she is trying to recover from a tragedy of her own. It all goes along swimmingly and the story unfolds believably until near the end, when the coincidences begin colliding. The book had me enthralled until then. For me, the story broke down at that time and I lost my enthusiasm. Hence the 3 1/2 stars. The book was great recounting the Nazi German Resistance cells, and in highlighting what Berlin was like just before the war. It’s worth a read for anyone interested in WWII history. It’s well-researched and the characters are believable. show less

The Secret History of Audrey James by Heather Marshall is a dual timeline novel. The historical timeline that started in 1938 was more compelling to me than the 2010 storyline with Kate Mercer. As the book progressed, the connection between the two timelines becomes clear. Audrey’s story starts off well but slows down in the second half. Kate and Ian are quite uninteresting (so dull). There are some descriptions that, while accurate, are upsetting (the female prison camps). The author included parts of history that many people may not be familiar with, but she took creative liberties with the timelines. I found myself skimming in the latter part of the book because it seemed to go on forever and there was too much going on (gave me a show more migraine). The ending was rushed. The twist was expected (it seems to happen in every book that takes place during World War II). I was not a fan of the storyline regarding Audrey and her love interest. The Secret History of Audrey James was fine, but I found it to be a forgettable tale. show less

You don't want to miss this book.

Berlin 1938 - 1945
Audrey James loves the Kaplan family. Ilse had been her friend since childhood, and when her father was killed by the Gestapo and her mother and brother were taken away during a roundup, Audrey did everything to protect her Jewish friend. Soon, Ilse's house was confiscated by Nazi officers. Audrey volunteered to be their housemaid. She lived with Nazis under the same roof keeping Ilse hidden in the attic. Her life was put in an even more dangerous position when Audrey became involved with the Red Orchestra resistance, where she carried out dangerous activities aimed at killing Hitler.

Oakwood, England 2010
Kate Marcel, perhaps a bit on impulse, leaves London and moves to the town where show more her parents spent their honeymoon. Last year, her parents died in a car accident, and she lives with sadness and guilt. In this idyllic place, she works for an elderly woman full of secrets.

After reading just a few pages of the prologue, where a woman wearing one shoe walks down the street and falls when a Canadian soldier catches her, I knew this was going to be a heartbreaking novel.

This book has two timelines, both are equally gripping and contain painful yet wonderful stories that will be woven together in amazing way. The war scenes were described so vividly that I felt as if everything was happening before my eyes.
This is the second book written by Audrey James. I haven't read the first book yet, but those who have probably know what an incredibly good writer she is.

It is a story about love and sacrifice for a friend. A breathtaking story of friendship, war and resistance that will remain in your memory long after you finish reading this book. show less

A read that kept me page turning past my bedtime, I needed answers!
This is a dual time read, from the late 1930's and then 2010, a story of strong women, and upheavals and life changing events.
The 1930's takes place in Germany when the evil that was taking place started it murderous advance. This is a story of love and loss, of saving and giving, and mainly good vs evil!
There are big surprises as the story unfolds and I did know there were attempts on the life of the leader, but this one will make you take notice, but the lasting ramifications change lives.
Be sure to read the author's notes at the end, their is so much of truth built into this fictional read.
I did enjoy how this read ended, but the main focus is we need to not forget show more the atrocities that were committed against society.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine , and was not required to give a positive review. show less