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  • When We Were Brave

  • A Completely Gripping and Emotional WW2 Historical Novel
  • By: Suzanne Kelman
  • Narrated by: Alison Campbell
  • Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (54 ratings)

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When We Were Brave

By: Suzanne Kelman
Narrated by: Alison Campbell
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Publisher's Summary

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

What listeners say about When We Were Brave

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Brilliant

I absolutely loved this book ,very well written and beautifully narrated ...one of the best books I have read in a long time ..will;ow search for more of her books.

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Exceptionally narrated!

This is a sad but lovely story and so well narrated by Alison Campbell with impeccable references to war time.

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Unlikely

This could have been a good story without the added drama and unlikely back story,
The narration was over done

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Enthralling book

I was captivated by this book and it was beautifully narrated by Alison Campbell.
Highly recommended.

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Couldn’t put it down

Absolutely loved this well written story of love and hope set on WW2 - highly recommend it

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Thoroughly Recommended

I have long been interested in WW2, not just it's causes, campaigns and battles but the many stories, told and untold, of courage, sacrifice and suffering that this terrible conflict produced. I found this book, as with A View Across The Rooftops, to be at once engaging, interesting, revealing and ultimately an emotional insight into the remarkable bravery of individuals who risked their lives for the fight against evil.

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I couldn't stop listening

loved it! the characters are really brought to life and it makes you imagine the difficulties people faced in that time period

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Heartwarming

This was an enjoyable book by this author, loved the story line. it held you though the story. The narration was easy to listen to. A book worth listen to.

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