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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 Historical Fiction Literary Fiction France War Heartfelt Tear-jerking England
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What listeners say about When We Were Brave

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

An interesting story.

A great mix of Well researched detail and an interesting mix of characters. Clever mix of spy networks with the sacrifices of the resistance operators and deeply embedded brave men and woman who risked their lives to beat a dreadful movement. The horrors of war must never be forgotten.

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Loved this book

Loved this book, didn’t want it to end. Can’t wait to read another book by this author

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The Brave

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

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Really enjoyed

Totally invested in the characters and binged in 2 days. Loved this story, managed to build real pictures and gripped all the way through. Would recommend as one of my favourites this year.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Couldn't put it down

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

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Beautifully read

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

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So moving

This was a very moving story of love and war and sacrifice.We must never forget what so many did for our peace today.A well written and read book.Very emotional at the end.

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Great read

The narrator was amazing one of the best i've listened to.
I really felt like I was transported back in time.
The story was so believable and easy to follow. I felt emotional, sad, and happy in just one chapter.
I think it is based on a true story and adapted by the author.
Definitely recommend, you won't be disappointed.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent story and very well delivered.

Extremely enjoyable
Càptured the listeners imagination and held it to the end. Character accents were delivered with clarity and imagination.

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2 people found this helpful

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Compelling story

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

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