When We Were Brave cover art

When We Were Brave

A Completely Gripping and Emotional WW2 Historical Novel

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When We Were Brave

By: Suzanne Kelman
Narrated by: Alison Campbell
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About this listen

The face of the woman in the photograph was tilted upwards, as if enjoying the sunshine just for a moment, even as the wreckage of the bombed-out street lay behind her...

Cornwall, 1944: Blinded by love, Vivienne Hamilton eloped to Paris with a Nazi prisoner-of-war, never to be seen again. A disgrace to her family, her name would not be mentioned by any of her relatives for over 75 years.

Present day, London: When Sophie discovers a photograph of her great aunt Vivi from World War II, it throws her into a world of confusion. Because, as she learns about this secret relative, she quickly realizes that the photograph doesn’t fit with her family’s story. It shows Vivi leaving an address associated with a spy network in London - a place she had no reason to be - and it is dated right before she disappeared.

Meanwhile Sophie’s own life feels as blasted and bombed as the blitzed city in the photograph she’s looking at. Her beautiful daughter - as full of joy and wild energy as Vivi had apparently once been - is gone; and Sophie’s heart has been left broken into pieces.

Retreating to the family home in rural Cornwall to seek solace from her pain and the feelings of guilt that she could have done more to protect her daughter, Sophie finds herself becoming obsessed with Vivi’s life.

But nothing can prepare Sophie for what she is about to uncover - the story of a woman who risked everything for the person she loved the most; and a secret family history that could be the key to Sophie’s own future.

A powerful, haunting and unforgettable audiobook about love, heartbreak and betrayal set in World War II Britain and France. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale, Under a Scarlet Sky, and My Name is Eva.

Listeners love Suzanne Kelman:

"A heart-wrenching story of ordinary people elevated to the realm of heroes through love and sacrifice...It is an emotional journey of heartache and love that will leave you in tears. One of the finest books I have ever read." (NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars)

"Oh my goodness! Evocatively unsettling yet hauntingly beautiful...the story is incredibly powerful...I read this book with bated breath. I cried, I grieved and I hoped...I was left both heartbroken and satisfied. Suzanne Kelman...has floored me with this book." (Robin Loves Reading, 5 stars)

"A captivating story of love, friendships and hope for the future. It’s written with such depth that the characters and settings come alive before your eyes." (Chells and Books, 5 stars)

"Heartbreaking...Make sure to have your box of tissues at the ready while you read this beautifully told story!" (Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars)

©2020 Suzanne Kelman (P)2020 Bookouture
Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction War Heartfelt Tear-jerking England

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All stars
Most relevant
A lovely book , it did make me cry towards the end but I was gripped , well read and a Fascinating story line
Such amazing people worked during the war so we can be here today . I know it s fiction however we do know everyone played a part with some very brave men and women going behind enemy lines as SOE working with the resistance, and other groups to help shorten the war
Amazing brave people thank you
A lovely audible the second book I have by her

Beautifully read

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The story is set in two timescales, present day and 1943/44. It is very well written and the narrator is amazing.

Compelling story

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From start to finish, so emotional, gripping, couldn't put it down. For those who she not be forgotten

Couldn't put it down

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I live next to a lady who worked for SOE, the things she has told me together with the great storyline have made this book a firm favourite

Compulsive reading

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A good story story could have been true , a good read I enjoyed it

The Brave

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