Title: The Secret Letter
Author: Debbie Rix
Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing)
Release Date: January 25, 2022
Genre: Historical WWII Fiction
Inspired by a true story, this is a heart-wrenching, unputdownable and absolutely unforgettable tale of the strength of human kindness in a time of unimaginable heartbreak.
Germany, 1939. A tumbledown farmhouse, on the outskirts of a close-knit village in the heart of the rolling hills of Bavaria. A once happy family home torn apart by Nazi rule. And one young girl who refuses to give up on what she believes in…
London, 2018: When ninety-four-year-old Imogen receives a letter addressed to her in neat, unfamiliar handwriting, she notices the postmark is stamped from Germany - and it sends shivers down her spine…
Germany, 1939: Thirteen-year-old Magda is devastated by the loss of her best friend, shy and gentle Lotte, cruelly snatched from her and sent to a concentration camp – the Star of David sewn on her faded, brown coat. As the Nazi’s power takes hold, Magda realizes she’s not like the other girls in her German village - she hates the fanatical new rules of the Hitler Youth. So Magda secretly joins The White Rose Movement and begins to rebel against the oppressive, frightening world around her.
But when an English bomber pilot crashes in a field near Magda’s home she is faced with an impossible choice: to risk the safety of her family or to save a stranger and make a difference in the devastating war that has claimed the lives of so many. Little does she know, her actions will have the power to change the life of another girl, on the other side of enemy lines, forever…
What a hypnotic and transporting experience! No matter how many stories I read about the second world war, I never leave unscathed, the inhumanities that the Nazi’s bestowed uncompromising and unimaginable, and The Secret Letter is no exception.
The Secret Letter is the dual memoirs of Imogen Mitchell in England, and Magda Maier in Germany. Both are youths at the beginning of World War II in 1939, telling about their unique experiences as teens and young adults during one of the worst wars in history. This story brought a fresh perspective that I haven’t read much in historical fiction, especially during this era, showing what the beginning of the war was like for young adolescence, especially in Germany. There is an assumption that all Germans were for the Nazi party, but there were so many that were apart of the resistance, and I loved seeing this fresh perspective.
There are come cringing moments, including an instance of rape, but luckily, the details are not graphic, though the details do not need to be graphic in order to highlight such a horrific act. Sadly, this was another part of this senseless war that was a regular occurrence, so I was not surprised that it was included in this novel, especially when you find out who committed this abuse, and to whom.
I was fascinated and engrossed the entire time I read, the author having an incredible knack for putting me right there amid the angst and anger of this outrageous conflict. Seeing the parallels between what Imogen and Magda endured, and seeing how their stories would eventually intersect, was so powerful. I felt all waves of emotion as each girl went deeper into the war, feeling all the feels, including pride at how each of them were determined to do their part to help end this war.
I’ll admit I’ve been a little burned out with all of the World War II historical fictions that are saturating the market right now, but The Secret Letter stood out to me. It wasn’t overly graphic, yet it still conveyed the dark tone that shrouds this era. This is the first book that I’ve read by this author, but she now has a new fan in me. Such powerful writing, with rich character development, and strong female heroines, I enjoyed The Secret Letter immensely, and I know you will too.
My Rating: ★★★★★
Other Books by the Author
About the Author
Debbie Rix has written seven novels, the latest of which - 'The German Wife' - was published on 13th January 2022. As an ex-journalist, historical accuracy is key, and she strives to weave her stories around real life events. 'The research process is vital,' she says. 'I work on the principle that if I find something fascinating, then so too will my readers.'
Her novels have been published in several languages - including Italian and Czech and her 5th novel 'The Secret Letter' is now available in paperback in bookstores across America. It will also soon be published in Russia.
Debbie spends a lot of time in Italy and that country is the setting for 5 of her 7 novels. When not travelling she lives in the Kent countryside with her journalist husband, children, chickens and four cats. She began her career with the BBC - initially as the news reader on Breakfast Time, thereafter appearing as a presenter and reporter on a variety of factual and light entertainment television series. She had a spell as an Agony Aunt, and has also written about gardens and gardening - one of her private passions.
Connect with DEBBIE: Website | Facebook | Twitter
Content Warning: Graphic depictions of sexual and physical abuse
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through NetGalley. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
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