
The Librarian Spy
A Novel of World War II
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Narrated by:
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Saskia Maarleveld
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Written by:
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Madeline Martin
About this listen
A NATIONAL BESTSELLER—for fans of All the Light We Cannot See and The Tattooist of Auschwitz!
“Readers will be on the edge of their seats…. A brilliant tale of resistance, courage and ultimately hope.” –Kelly Rimmer, New York Times bestselling author of The Warsaw Orphan
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London comes a moving new novel inspired by the true history of America’s library spies of World War II.
Ava thought her job as a librarian at the Library of Congress would mean a quiet, routine existence. But an unexpected offer from the US military has brought her to Lisbon with a new mission: posing as a librarian while working undercover as a spy gathering intelligence.
Meanwhile, in occupied France, Elaine has begun an apprenticeship at a printing press run by members of the Resistance. It’s a job usually reserved for men, but in the war, those rules have been forgotten. Yet she knows that the Nazis are searching for the press and its printer in order to silence them.
As the battle in Europe rages, Ava and Elaine find themselves connecting through coded messages and discovering hope in the face of war.
“Uplifting, inspiring and suspenseful, this is one to savor!” –Natasha Lester, New York Times bestselling author of The Riviera House
“Madeline Martin is a fantastic author. The Librarian Spy is a stunning tour de force of historical fiction.” –Karen Robards, author of The Black Swan of Paris
Don't miss Madeline Martin's next heartwarming historical novel, The Booklover's Library!
Also by Madeline Martin:
- The Last Bookshop in London
- The Keeper of Hidden Books
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What listeners say about The Librarian Spy
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- LK
- 2022-09-14
A Peculiar Book
Having listened to or read dozens of books of the historical fiction genre I assure you that this novel is worth adding to your collection. As expected the narration is outstanding as is the writing. I also enjoyed the characters - all were credible. This is the first novel I have come across which is primarily centered in Portugal.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 2023-06-21
Held my interest until the last word
Compelling story of brave women and men, fighting for the freedom of many. I thoroughly enjoyed, laughed and cried while learning about Portugal’s involvement in WWII.
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- lise
- 2023-01-10
Enjoyed Immensely!
Loved this heartbreakingly beautiful story! The narrator was amazing, I enjoyed listening to her reading!
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- Louise Nicholson
- 2024-01-11
a great historical fiction
It seems I never tire of WW2 stories and this one makes me want to read even more. I enjoyed every aspect of the book from the writing through to the wonderful narration.
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- Buyer
- 2023-04-19
Portugal as part of WWII
I’m very satisfied to listen/read a book about other countries that assisted the persecuted people of WWII. As a traveler of many European countries, this is the first that I’ve listened to with Portugal being a key site…well done ! The sacrifices of so many people during the war, plus Germans who were not of the Hitler mentality always inspire me, even in historical fiction writing…it gives me hope & positivity in humanity.
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- Jesse Bowen
- 2025-06-19
excellent historical fiction
based on real people from world war II, this fictionalized account brings to life the courage and tenacity of people fighting against germany. without the use of a lot of graphic and bile inducing imagery, the author conveys the terror, the depravity, and the horror of life in occupied portugal. she also highlights the kindness, compassion, and love that coexsisted with that horror. alternating chapters between the two main characters in portugal and england, this story is told with skill and great insight to the hunan condition.
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- Lauren
- 2024-01-29
True heroism backdropped by the ugliest evil
I loved following the two main characters that had both similar and contrasting difficulties to face. These are stories that need to be told. Losses that need to be mourned… but the author led me through a respectful visit to some of the horrors of the Nazis reign. A tearful celebration of good triumphing over evil. I could feel the uncertainty of the time and the crushing fear that threatened to knock everyone to their knees in submission… but despite terrible costs, failed. I loved the honour given to the sanctity of life, every single precious life.
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- Jen C.
- 2022-10-16
A compelling story.
The story was compelling, though it did seem to drag on a bit towards the end. there were several points in the last few chapters where the story could have concluded. Nevertheless, all the loose ends were resolved in the end, and the story was a good one. I didn't entirely enjoy the performance of it. the male voices all sounded the same and seemed a little predictable. There were moments I wished I had just found the book at a library to read, so that the voices would have been of my own imagination. Still, it's a worthwhile book.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Westy
- 2022-08-08
Thrills, Chills and the Human Spirit
Brilliantly written by Madeline Martin and superb narration by Saskia Maarleveld. Meet the bravery of the French Resistance and the fascinating librarian spies of WWII through a story of those who risked their lives to help bring down the Nazi Regime. Rich description, gut wrenching emotions and heart pounding action alternate the stories of a library spy (Ava) and a member of the Resistance (Helene/Elaine). Spies and Nazis fill these pages as well. Individual bravery and love vignettes humanize the story for us and the author gives us a satisfying ending.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Tova
- 2023-06-24
WoW... What Bravery Against The Nazi Regime ...
Loved it! I highly recommend as an amazing read... I thought, many main characters 'fleshed out'...I developed an attachment to them...
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