I was so disappointed not to win this one!! Crime fiction is my favourite, and I'm a history PhD who is obsessed with the history of war time Germany, so this was like my perfect book! Even though I didn't win I just had to get my hands on it, and I'm so glad I did!! Mara Timon's debut is the perfect blend of fact and fiction, and again, that's coming from a history PhD, so accuracy and facts are very important to me!!!
Timon successfully, and accurately, conveys the realities of living through WW2 in Lisbon, and the importance of Portugal to both the Allies and the Germans. But I also love the fact that the main protagonist is a fearless, adventurous, and bright woman, operating in a man's world, willing to do whatever it takes to play her part in bringing down the Nazi regime! I didn't necessarily learn anything new from reading this historical fiction, due in part to my previous and vast historical knowledge but for those who maybe haven't done as much research, I feel that this is not only an exciting and entertaining read, but also a source of education and historical teaching (to an extent of course!). It is certainly an engaging and entertaining read, and whether you're a history buff like me, or just looking a good book to read, I highly recommend this one!
Timon successfully, and accurately, conveys the realities of living through WW2 in Lisbon, and the importance of Portugal to both the Allies and the Germans. But I also love the fact that the main protagonist is a fearless, adventurous, and bright woman, operating in a man's world, willing to do whatever it takes to play her part in bringing down the Nazi regime! I didn't necessarily learn anything new from reading this historical fiction, due in part to my previous and vast historical knowledge but for those who maybe haven't done as much research, I feel that this is not only an exciting and entertaining read, but also a source of education and historical teaching (to an extent of course!). It is certainly an engaging and entertaining read, and whether you're a history buff like me, or just looking a good book to read, I highly recommend this one!