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Book Review of The Librarian Spy: A Novel of World War II

The Librarian Spy: A Novel of World War II
Helpful Score: 1


Set in 1943 in both Lyon, France and Lisbon, Portugal. Two brave and defiant women in two very different settings with the same cause: Freedom for those hunted by Nazis.

Ava is content with her job in the Rare Books Room at the Library of Congress in DC. She's offered a position with iDC in Lisbon, thinking she'll be a librarian when in fact she gathers newspapers from other countries in order to provide Washington with war info.

Elaine (formerly Helene) is in Lyon, France, distraught that her husband has not returned home. She has no idea he was part of the French Resistance movement. When she contacts her husband's friend to find out where he might be, she learns his secret and becomes a part of the Resistance as well. She learns of the many heroic acts her husband performs, but also learned he has died in Nazi prison. She dedicates her life to helping find freedom for Jews seeking escape.
The story is one of bravery, courage, intrigue, and sadness. Very informative and moving.

Memorable line: A man sitting at a desk in a black business suit looked up, his face blank with disinterest.