There must be thousands of WWII historical fiction books and for me it is important that the ones I read stand out from the crowd in just the same way as this one did.
Set in the remote and often forbidding landscape of the Orkney Islands this book follows the lives of the Orcadians as the respond to the sinking of a British ship by a german submarine. Decisions are made to create barriers to entry into their waters where many British Ships anchor. In order to do this Italian prisoners of War are transported to the virtually unoccupied Island of Selkie Holm.

The author has captured the character and superstitions of the natives as well as the prisoners. The narrative has more personal themes woven into it including that of the twin sisters who lost both parents suddenly a year ago. The brutality of some of the Islanders in guarding the POWs and the determination of the POWs to gain some acceptance of their struggles to create something that would make the war easier for their enemies.

I breezed through this book in an afternoon some of the scenes depicted made me laugh, cry or gasp in Horror but all were used so well to create an entrancing whole. This author is going onto my must read again list

Lea writes gripping stories with a great setup. The island back drop was really atmospheric, good writing and plot. Definitely recommended.
Thanks a lot for this copy.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

interesting and thought provoking, good read

Orkney islands.
Complex story of twin sisters, war and love.
Twins Constance and Dorothy struggle to live on an isolated island after Constance suffers a traumatic experience.
The island becomes a camp for Italian prisoners of war who are put to work to build barricades in the sea to stop enemy submarines. Feelings run high in both the local people and the prisoners.
I found some of the story confusing particularly regarding the twins background and plans for escape.

Powerful and spellbinding with a truly gripping storyline. The characters were well fleshed out which allowed them to come alive throughout the story. I was so happy that the historical element seemed well researched and presented in as true a way as possible - really enriching the story.

The backdrop of Orkney was truly wonderful and one I’ll not forget in a hurry. One of my favourite historical fictions so far this year!

I had forgotten that I'd requested a copy of this, and when I saw the cover (the one with the woman looking out to sea) I honestly thought there had been a mistake. It looked like a generic romance, which is really not my thing. But reading the blurb refreshed my memory - this book is set in Orkney, and I'm a sucker for books set in my own country. I am glad the book now seems to have a new cover (the one with the lighthouse), I think that will have wider appeal.

This is the story of twins Dorothy and Constance, who have left Orkney for a bothy on an isolated island across the water after losing their parents. Constance has suffered a further trauma, one which we don't fully understand at first, but which has left her feeling like an outcast and unable to trust anyone but her sister. But their solitude is disturbed by the encroaching war, and the arrival of hundreds of Italian prisoners of war who are to be incarcerated on their island. With the camp comes the arrival of someone that Constance really doesn't want to have near her, and the outrage of the Orkney population at having their limited resources spread even further to support the prisoners as they construct sea barriers to prevent enemy ships accessing the water. When Dorothy volunteers to work in the camp infirmary, and feelings develop between her and a prisoner - Cesare, who builds and decorates a chapel for the prisoners - tensions build, with a devastating result.

I was really surprised with this book, from my initial low expectations. Yes, this involves a romance, but it is much more than that. This book looks at the treatment of prisoners, the danger of giving power to bullies, the impact of war and some Orcadian history. Though, I'll caveat that last part, as the author is open about how she changed details and rearranged timelines to fit her story. And as this isn't written by a native of Scotland, there are some issues with authenticity when it comes to the language. But overall, I found this a fascinating look into the history, and I really enjoyed the storyline. Lea has a really lovely writing style which invokes the atmosphere, and the characters felt well-rounded. I even enjoyed the romance, it didn't feel forced or unrealistic even given the situation. And the twists at the end were fantastic, it left me wanting to know what happened after the book closed.

I fell in love with the cover and then I fell in love with the story.
it's atmospheric, well written and gripping.
The style of writing and the storytelling are excellent, the characters realistic and fleshed out.
I liked the well researched and vivid historical background.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

An absolutely spell weaving novel by Caroline Lea. I loved her first novel 'The Glass Woman' and was delighted to find 'The Metal Heart' providing an absolutely absorbing read to. The island setting of Orkney was a delight and this really enriched the story of love and courage. If you follow the author's Instagram page there are pictures of the island, which really bring a sense of backdrop reality to the story. Beautiful and satisfying to read; this book comes highly recommended from me.

What an absolutely beautiful story.

I was sucked into this book from the very first pages and I was actually amazed at how quickly I devoured this book.

I don't read as much historical fiction as I used to these days and this book is a reminder of why I need to pick it up more often.

It was beautiful, tense, gripping, haunting. It's the kind of story that breaks your heart and sticks with you for a long time afterwards.

Set in wartimes on the Orkney Islands a group of Italian prisoners of war are set to work on the almost deserted island of Selkie Holme.

The story is one of love, fear and survival.

It is a dark and dismal setting that really shows the horror of not only war and the condition and treatment of prisoners but also the mental anguish of twin sisters who just want to be free.

For Con, free from the fear, from her past trauma. Free to be happy.

For Dot, free to live and find love and also to protect her sister.

For Cesare to be free to go home, free to paint and create, live and love.

The inspiration for this story was taken from the true story of the building of Orkney Cathedral and it is written so beautifully and so powerfully that you just feel like you are right there with these characters. You feel what they feel, it's a special thing.

Dot and Cesare are two lovers who's paths might never have crossed but their hope, passion and love for each other was just so beautiful.

Con's fear of men and for her sister as her relationship was blossoming was quite emotional too.

I love the way that the book was told from all three perspectives. It helped me to understand them all a lot better.

Con is traumatised, fearful of men and desperate to hide herself away from it all.

Dot is fiercely protective of her sister but she knows she is different and considers herself less naïve to the ways of men.

Cesare is just lovely. Artistic, talented, passionate.

I love that the characters were explored slowly and that the relationships were not rushed in anyway.

The story truly shows the very best and worst of human nature and I found it genuinely moving and a joy to read.

I devoured The Glass Woman when I first read it and I loved The Metal Heart just as much. Caroline Lea has such a beautiful and poetic writing style.

She is able to make a place come alive in the reader’s imagination, to make it exist for them even though in all likelihood they have never been there before. I had never been to Orkney before, but I feel like I know it a little now.

The Metal Heart is based on a true historical event although like most historical fictions some things have been altered somewhat to fit the story and it certainly doesn’t affect the quality of the book.

As the author says, “Within this book, I wanted to give a voice to the people who find themselves caught up in a war, swept along by love and transformed as a result of circumstances beyond their control.”

I was hooked from the opening lines.

“Of all the ways to die, drowning may be the most peaceful... It is the death we would choose for others too – if we loved them enough.”

I loved the relationship between the two sisters and the way they both wanted to protect each other and break free from each other.

The Metal Heart was an absorbing book.

The Metal Heart by Caroline Lea gripped me from the very first page. Beautifully, lyrically and evocatively written, it follows the story of twins sisters, Dorothy and Constance, outcasts on Orkney in 1940.

When hundreds of Italian prisoners-of-war arrive to fortify the remote Scottish islands, the islanders are suspicious of them. But Dorothy and Constance offer to nurse the injured prisoners, and are soon swept up into the terrible machinations of war.

As the sister's story progresses, the trust between them and the other islanders, is stretched to breaking point, and heartbreak ensues,

My thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this novel..

What a beautiful book with an absolutely stunning cover. A wonderful well-written historical story that kept my interest throughout. A captivating read. Recommended.

Taking place during World War Two, sisters Constance and Dorothy are sent five hundred Italian prisoners to fortify the island, Orkney and protect them from the dangers of the sea.

But the villagers are worried about what the fortifications may do to the fishing island and about those who would be soon fortifying it.

All the villagers are sceptical of the prisoners apart from Dot who finds herself soon falling for Cesare, a prisoner and artist who has been troubled by the war after saving his life. What begins there is a love story of two starcrossed lovers pulled together in troubling times.

But can the prisoners be trusted though?

The author does a fabulous job of creating the characters in this story and transforming us back to the 1940s. She also does a wonderful job of describing the island and it seems like such a beautiful place to live in or even visit.

Visually stunning, atmospheric, and beautifully described. I could actually feel myself as if I was there on the island with them.

The story bounces between Dot, Cesare, Constance, the Orcadians who are the townsfolk giving a real feel for and an insight into the characters.

Full of tense moments, ‘The Metal Heart’ has me gripped all the way to the end with all the challenges and hardships dealt as well as the twists and turns that come along the way.

The book is based off real events and partly centred around the Italian Chapel in Lamb Holm which was built by the Italian prisoners during the war.

‘The Metal Heart’ has a bit of everything that you can perhaps expect from a story taking place during World War Two. It’s such a beautiful book inside and out and if you’re after a historical fiction, this is one to check out.

I consumed this book in one sitting! This book is dark, light, happy, sad, scary and breathtaking.
Con and her sister Dot live in an abandoned bothy on Selkie Holm, an uninhabited island in the Orkneys. Life changes when a British Navy ship is sunk in the harbour and Italian prisoners of war are brought to the island to help fortify the islands. The sea plays a huge part in daily life and the story.
The story is based on real events and places and the descriptions paint a vivid picture. I did however feel that the writer seemed to have an obsession with drowning although I appreciate that it was crucial to the story. I did also feel that the ending was a little rushed compared to the rest of the story, it wouldn't however stop me from recommending this book.

I absolutely adored Caroline Lea’s previous book The Glass Woman so I was thrilled at the chance to read The Metal Heart! I am pleased to report it is just as phenomenal as I’d hoped and expected. The book has a basis in truth, covering events involving Italian prisoners-of-war being sent to the Orkney Islands in World War Two to fortify the area. The story follows orphaned twin sisters Dorothy and Constance and Dorothy’s instant connection and growing feelings for Italian POW, Cesare. Tensions rise on the island and between the sisters and build to an intense and deeply emotional conclusion.

I’m really not sure I can articulate just how brilliant The Metal Heart is but I’ll give it a go! Caroline Lea is, quite simply, a stunningly good writer. The prose is evocative, elegant and achingly beautiful. There is an incredible sense of setting which makes every page gorgeously atmospheric. I’m Scottish but I’ve never actually visited Orkney and after reading this book it is going on my travel wish list immediately. Lea builds such a strong feeling into her descriptions of Orkney and weaves in so much mystical Scottish folklore which ties into the romance, tragedy, fear and hope present in the plot. Orkney has a particularly rich sense of folklore and mythology which makes it the perfect setting for this moving tale of love and prejudice in all its forms.

The characters in The Metal heart, especially the twins and Cesare feel so real and so human that it is impossible not be swept up in their story. The romance is tender and authentic whilst the relationship between the sisters is so full of depth, loyalty and shared trauma. These characters will all be staying in my mind for quite some time. I really cannot recommend this book highly enough. Lea has masterfully taken the true story of the building of the Orkney Italian Chapel and the presence of the Italian POWs and morphed it into a compelling and heart wrenching story of all consuming love. Please pick up this book – I promise you will not be disappointed.

Lea's novel is grounded on the building of a chapel on Orkney, by Italian prisoners of war, which still stands today. Its interior is an astonishing work of art and well worth visiting as it has been meticulously preserved and has a unique atmosphere.
The story follows two twin sisters whose remote lifestyle is turned upside down when an Italian POW camp is built on their remote island to house 1000 prisoners. These men are forced to build barriers between the islands so as to prevent enemy vessels attacking the British fleet that uses this area as a major base. Over the time they are doing this the Italians are given permission to build a chapel in which they, as Catholics, can worship. One, Cesare by name, is a true artist and his wall painting and trompe d'oeil skills come to be greatly admired. Amongst the admirers is Dorothy, one of the twin sisters. Cesare and Dorothy fall in love. This and their decision to escape together sets the scene for an absorbing drama. The outcome mixes surprise with tragedy.
The metal heart, which can still be seen today in the chapel today, certainly inspired Caroline Lea to write a very atmospheric and engaging novel.

A very beautiful book set on a remote island in the Orkneys, it is essentially about trust and survival and how something wonderful can be made out of nowhere. Based on true events, Italian prisoners of war were sent to the island where twin sisters Dot and Con lived during the Second World War having suffered losses and trauma and wanting peace. Cesar, one of the prisoners, was an artist and Dot becomes intrigued as he designs and builds a chapel there. Very atmospheric and descriptive with some unexpected events.

In the 1940's, twin sisters Dorothy and Constance have moved to the remote island of Selkie Holm off the main island of Orkney. As the only inhabitants, after a family tragedy, the sisters just want to be left alone to get on with their lives. This is all about to change when a German submarine attack causes panic. Five hundred Italian prisoners of war are moved in to build barriers in an attempt to fortify the island.

As time goes on, Dorothy gets to know Cesare (a trained painter and carver) who decides to build a chapel as a way to unite everyone and dispel the tension between the locals and their new neighbours. What seems like a simple love story begins to take a dark turn - friction grows between the sisters as Dorothy and Cesare's relationship becomes more serious, while at the same time, Constance is unable to move on after being attacked by one of the islanders Angus.

A powerful story of war, trauma, death and hope - The Metal Heart completely transported me to another time and place. My personal preference is to read stories with a mystery element, which is why for me, the story got better and better towards the end of the book as the tension increased. At the same time, there are elements of the story that would be perfect for fans of historical fiction in general, stories set during the war, or even readers who are more drawn to a love story. That is what I think is so fantastic about this book - there really is something to appeal to everyone as it crosses several genres.

After seeing images of the actual chapel which inspired the story, it gave me a completely different perspective on the book. Even though I knew that it was only a vague inspiration, and that the real story was quite different, it still helped to place the events and it really hit home that the types of relationships she had written about did actually happen, and how challenging it would have been for the people involved.

A highly descriptive and atmospheric novel which will draw you in from beginning to end - and in addition, the most gorgeous cover design - definitely one to add to your collections!

A wartime love story set in Orkney. It beautifully portrays the lives of the individuals in place and time. Italian prisoners of war are sent to the Orkneys to build defences and create a walkway linking the islands . It shows interaction between the natives, the prisoners and those guarding the latter. Dot, the twin of Con have both chosen to live in a hovel on the island and the tale is set around the romance between Dot and Cesare , one of the prisoners.

Con and Dot are living on their island trying to survive with the war raging around them when they learn their island is no longer just them. A temporary prison is being built so the prisoners can help build defences to protect the island from enemy submarines. The girls soon find themselves helping out at the prison and Dot finds herself growing close to one of the prisoners but nothing is safe in these dark times.

I'm not usually a fan of war stories, they're often so sad but I really enjoyed this one. Its a different sort of story. It still has many sad and hard to read moments but its touching and hopeful at times too. There are some very bleak moments and this does touch on some dark subjects. The plot is steady and builds to an interesting climax, I had figured out the ending though but I liked the way it came together and it fitted with the story. An interesting, story.