Review: The Light We Left Behind

Title: The Light We Left Behind

Author: Tessa Harris

Publisher: 3rd December 2021 by HQ 

Pages: 384 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: women’s fiction, historical fiction, WWII

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

England: 1944

When psychologist Maddie Gresham is sent a mysterious message telling her to report to Trent Park mansion, she wonders how she will be helping the war effort from a stately home.

 

She soon finds captured Nazi generals are being detained at the house. Bugged with listening devices in every room, it’s up to Maddie to gain the Nazis’ trust and coax them into giving up information.

 

When Max Weitzler, a Jewish refugee, also arrives at Trent Park with the same mission, Maddie finds herself trapped in a dangerous game of chess.

The two met in Germany before the war, and Maddie’s heart was his from the moment they locked eyes.

But Maddie has finally gained the trust of the Nazi officers at the house, and her love for Max must remain a secret.

 

When the walls have ears, who can you trust?

Based on the true events that took place at Trent Park during WWII, this is an emotionally gripping, and heart-breaking novel about love, sacrifice, and betrayal, perfect for fans of The Rose Code and The Lost Girls of Paris.

My Thoughts

‘Something moved them both so powerfully they would never be the same again.’

My fascination for wartime history continues with another stellar read. Of late Great Reads & Tea Leaves has posted a few - Bletchley Park, Latimer House - yet still I found myself drawn to learn and read more. The Light We Left Behind was a story surrounding yet another British secret location I had not heard of - Trent Park mansion. Here, senior German officers were ‘imprisoned’ in the house with the hope that those listening and recording in the basement would hopefully uncover useful information towards the Allies war effort. 

‘So it’s a bit like a luxury hotel, but with barbed wire around it. Rather clever idea, don’t you think?’

I enjoyed learning about Trent Park mansion - how fascinating to try listening in. Maddie was a wonderful lead character, strong and independent. If you enjoy reading murder mysteries with suspense and romance all mixed well together, you are sure to enjoy this book. The Light We Left Behind is another winning read that allows you to be  immersed in this time period. The research is well done and the story is full of detailed drama, laced with love and hope. 

‘And in that moment … the hurt of the past seemed to melt away, and something told her the light they’d left behind was about to burn brightly once more.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.