Twin sisters Dot and Dash Wilson share many things, and while they are practically inseparable, they are nothing alike. Dot is fascinated by books, puzzles, and Morse code, a language taught to both girls by their father, a WWI veteran. Dash’s days are filled with fixing engines, dancing with friends, and dreaming of flying airplanes. Almost always at their side is their best friend Gus—until war breaks out and he enlists in the army, deploying to an unknown front.
Determined to do their duty, both girls join the WRENS, Dash as a mechanic and Dot as a typist. Before long, Dot’s fixation on patterns and numbers takes her from HMCS Coverdale, a covert listening and codebreaking station working with Bletchley Park in England, to Camp X, a top-secret spy school. But when personal tragedy strikes the family, Dot’s oath of secrecy causes a rift between the sisters.
Eager to leave her pain behind, Dash jumps at the opportunity to train as a pilot with the Air Transport Auxiliary, where she risks her life to ferry aircraft and troops across the battlefields of Europe. Meanwhile Dot is drawn into the Allies’ preparations for D-Day. But Dot’s loyalties are put to the test once more when someone close to her goes missing in Nazi-occupied territory. With everyone’s eyes on Operation Overlord, Dot must use every skill at her disposal to save those she loves before it’s too late.
Inspired by the real-life stories of women in World War II, The Secret Keeper is an extraordinary novel about the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood and the light of courage during the darkest of nights.
Paperback, 448 pages
Published April 2, 2024
by Simon & Schuster
4/5 stars
Genevieve Graham is synonymous with writing books about little known facts in Canadian history. I have learned so much from her stories.
The Secret Keeper is the story of twin sisters, opposite in personalities and interest. One has taken to engines and airplanes while the other loves a good puzzle and attention to detail.
It is in the early years of the war, but these two women have the desire to help in someway. While working in separate locations they can still communicate, until tragedy strikes. Their relationship is fractured. I found the book had a slow beginning but around the 40% mark things picked up and I was captivated. It was being educated and entertained, reading the struggles women faced and learning about Hydra and Camp X - they didn't teach that in my history classes. Like I said Graham has a passion for Canadian history and that shines through in her writing.
The Secret Keeper is the story of twin sisters, opposite in personalities and interest. One has taken to engines and airplanes while the other loves a good puzzle and attention to detail.
It is in the early years of the war, but these two women have the desire to help in someway. While working in separate locations they can still communicate, until tragedy strikes. Their relationship is fractured. I found the book had a slow beginning but around the 40% mark things picked up and I was captivated. It was being educated and entertained, reading the struggles women faced and learning about Hydra and Camp X - they didn't teach that in my history classes. Like I said Graham has a passion for Canadian history and that shines through in her writing.
The Secret Keeper is a story of family, secrets and healing. The author notes at the end were great to read. They gave the author's inspiration, her research and a lovely list of books for those that would like to read more about Hydra and Camp X.
If you enjoy HF off the beaten path, then I highly recommend Genevieve Graham..
This book was part of my 2024 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge
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