When We Were Brave

by Suzanne Kelman

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.

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Pub Date 24 Feb 2020 | Archive Date 24 Feb 2020

Bookouture

Historical Fiction | Literary Fiction

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Description

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…

1944, Cornwall: 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 Two, it throws her into a world of confusion. Because, as she learns about this secret relative, she quickly realises 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 read about love, heartbreak and betrayal set in Second World War Britain and France. Perfect for fans of The Nightingale, Under a Scarlet Sky and My Name is Eva.

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…

1944, Cornwall: Blinded by...

A Note From the Publisher

*** THIS IS AN UNCORRECTED ADVANCED REVIEW COPY ***

Advance Praise

Readers 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

‘Oh my Goodness! What a wonderful book! There is so much love, hope, and fear as well. This is a book I will put back to read again, I enjoyed it so much. It is a book you can't put down, every chapter is so enticing to keep reading, more and more.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

‘A beautifully written story of love, courage, self-sacrifice and determination… Such an emotional story and so different to others that I have read in this subject.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

‘5 beautiful, fantastic, emotional stars! I loved this book!… a beautifully written story.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

‘This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions – happiness, sadness, anger… This story made me cry and the writing style is amazing… An amazing book.’ NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars

‘If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would. From the first moment I started reading the story, I could not stop. I was captured by the story and the characters… Amidst turmoil, death and fear of the unknown, friendships and love win out.’ Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars