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The Secrets We Kept

By: Lara Prescott
Narrated by: Carlotta Brentan, Mozhan Marnò, David Pittu, Cynthia Farrell, Saskia Maarleveld, James Fouhey, Jonathan Davis
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Publisher's Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

The September pick for Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine Book Club
______________
TWO FEMALE SPIES.
A BANNED MASTERPIECE. A BOOK THAT CHANGED HISTORY.

1956. A celebrated Russian author is writing a book, Doctor Zhivago, which could spark dissent in the Soviet Union. The Soviets, afraid of its subversive power, ban it.

But in the rest of the world it’s fast becoming a sensation.

In Washington DC, the CIA is planning to use the book to tip the Cold War in its favour.

Their agents are not the usual spies, however. Two typists – the charming, experienced Sally and the talented novice Irina – are charged with the mission of a lifetime: to smuggle Doctor Zhivago back into Russia by any means necessary.

It will not be easy. There are people prepared to die for this book – and agents willing to kill for it. But they cannot fail – as this book has the power to change history.

Sold in twenty-five countries and poised to become a global literary sensation, Lara Prescott's dazzling first novel is a sweeping page turner and the most hotly anticipated debut of the year.
_______________

‘A riveting story of secrets, forbidden passions and the dark arts of espionage. I couldn’t put it down!’ LISA JEWELL

'Enthralling... This is a rare page-turner with prose that's as wily as its plot.' VOGUE

'A proto-feminist Mad Men transposed to the world of international espionage – mid-century style and intrigue set against real, indelible history.' ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

‘A fascinating story, so cleverly told, of the long chain of people who helped to bring Pasternak’s masterpiece into the world. I gulped it down.’ GILL HORNBY

‘The insight into the workings of the CIA, the portrait of the 1950s and a threatened love affair in the West … make for riveting reading.’ DAILY MAIL

'Triumphant ... This debut shines as spy story, publication thriller and historical romance with a twist.' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

©2019 Lara Prescott (P)2019 Penguin Audio

What listeners say about The Secrets We Kept

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Wonderful Story

I loved this story such a great read I struggled to put it down I highly recommend it.

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Fantastic!

Amazing book, so well researched, written and performed. Don’t miss this. Now to read Zhivago!

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Captivating historical fiction

"The Secrets We Kept" by Lara Prescott is a captivating historical fiction that brings to life a remarkable true story of espionage and love during the height of the Cold War. Inspired by the CIA's mission to infiltrate Soviet Russia's hearts and minds with Boris Pasternak's "Doctor Zhivago," the novel follows two secretaries turned spies on an unforgettable journey.
At the center of the plot are Sally Forrester, a seasoned and glamorous spy, and Irina, a novice with a talent for adaptation. Pulled out of the CIA typing pool, they are tasked with smuggling "Doctor Zhivago" out of the USSR, where its publication is forbidden, and spreading its message across the world.
Prescott skillfully weaves a tale of love and duty, as well as sacrifice, as the protagonists face danger and intrigue. With Sally's charm and Irina's newfound skills, they navigate the treacherous landscape of espionage, making drops, ferrying classified documents, and embracing their roles as key players in a high-stakes game.
"The Secrets We Kept" is a compelling tribute to the power of literature and the human spirit. Prescott's writing is engaging and masterful, immersing readers in the tense atmosphere of the Cold War and the thrilling world of covert operations. With a mix of history and fiction, this novel is a riveting and poignant exploration of the lengths individuals will go to protect what they believe in and the impact of art on political landscapes.



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Slow start but worth it.

Great book! Slow start but persevere it is totally and completely worth it. Performances by the readers also great!

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Really enjoyed this book!

I thought this story was very interesting and we'll written. Loved hearing the story unfold across the two different sets of characters.

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Hooked

Loved the characters and how the story switched between them. Fantastic performance. Great listen.

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Interesting and absorbing

Loved listening to this book. The story is serious but very engaging. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it.

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