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There are currently 20 member reviews
for The Secrets We Kept
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Susanna K. (Willow Street, PA)
Intriguing
This book starts out strong and stays that ways from the 1st page to the last. I loved the creative way the chapters were titled. As this book deals with the intricacies of planting information with foreign governments during the Cold War, moving back and forth between the East and the West has you holding your breath! Becoming attached to the character's personalities is easily done which leaves you wondering – could you be a spy?
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Dorothy L. (Manalapan, NJ)
The Secrets We Kept Keeps You Reading
I found this an unusual and interesting read. I remembered bits and pieces of the Dr. Zhivago story but found the backstory fascinating. I particularly liked the story of the typists/spies. I liked the structure of East and West but found the points of view in certain chapters confusing. The Cold War period was evoked well, as well as the social mores of the time period. I don't think it is a book for everyone but I enjoyed it. I intend to see the movie again because I think my perspective will be different and it will be more meaningful the second time around.
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Samantha H. (Golden, CO)
Well written, interesting story
"The Secrets We Kept" is a very enjoyable read. The characters are likable and well developed. There is a change of narrator with every chapter, so I had to pay close attention to the chapter headings to know who was speaking. (It took a little effort at first, but I soon fell into the rhythm). I was not familiar with the history of the novel "Doctor Zhivago," and found the tale fascinating. I highly recommend it. I think this novel would be a good candidate for book clubs -- it is certain to stimulate discussion.
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Shawna (TX)
Original, Captivating Historical Fiction - Secretaries & Spies in the Cold War
Very interesting historical fiction novel set during the Cold War about the writing, publication, and distribution of Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak. Few novels are set in this time period and Prescott's detailed research provides for a rich narrative told through the eyes of three women in dual timelines. Book clubs will find much to discuss about the cold war, friendships, secrets, risk, and loyalty. A great book for those who enjoy historical fiction looking for something new and fresh.
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Leah L. (Lawrence, NY)
An interesting slice of history
Two stories parallel and intersect one another is this novel about the behind-the-scenes of the epic book-turned-film Dr. Zhivago and the cadre of women in this country who were recruited to be spies. The author admirably works the threads together of different groups of people on different continents who really are only 2-3 degrees of separation from one another yet impact each other. This book is clearly a labor of love for Prescott.
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Carol P. (Tuscaloosa, AL)
Sadly Disappointed
The premise of the plot of "The Secrets We Kept" was intriguing, but the writing and structure never delivered the punch I anticipated. Honestly, the characters (and there are many!) were never developed or nuanced to a degree that made me care what happened to them, one way or the other. The Cold War atmosphere was well portrayed. This will not be a book I recommend to people who are interested in literature or the Cold War or a compelling narrative.
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