Review: When the Nightingale Sings

Title: When the Nightingale Sings

Author: Suzanne Kelman

Publisher: 21st October  2021 by Bookouture

Pages: 340 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: historical fiction, WWII

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

1937, Europe and America. Based on a true story, this powerful novel about wartime courage and extraordinary friendship, tells how two women changed the fate of the Second World War and the course of history.

When an impossibly shy young woman named Judy Morgan finishes her studies in Physics at Cambridge University, it is with dreams of changing the world for the better.

Meanwhile, a beautiful, young Jewish woman decides to flee her beloved Austria, changing her name to Hedy Lamarr, and risking everything to get to America, as far away from the Nazi threat as possible.

A powerful friendship is formed when the two women meet in pre-war London—with Judy’s passion for science a perfect match for Hedy’s brilliant talent for invention. So when the world is gripped by a war that nobody could have imagined in their worst nightmares, both Hedy and Judy know they must act now.

As their lives repeatedly collide, in Cambridge, California, Pearl Harbor and beyond—throwing both their lives into danger and tragedy—Judy and Hedy both find themselves seeking ways to end the war.

But neither of them will know that one of them is on a path of tragedy. A path that could change the outcome of the war, but also threaten their friendship forever…

Fans of The Ragged Edge of Night, My Name is Eva and Beneath a Scarlet Sky, will love this unforgettable story about love, courage and devastation set in World War Two Britain, Hollywood and Pearl Harbor. Based on two true stories of amazing ‘hidden women’ who changed the world, this novel shows the power of friendship in the darkest hours of history.

My Thoughts

‘It was a very different time, when women were heralded more for cooking in their kitchens and staying home to raise their children than for inventing strips of aluminum foil to confuse our enemy.’

When the Nightingale Sings is a story based on facts: women who tried to break down the stereotypes and be accepted into the world of science, a field traditionally dominated by men at the time. The friendship is between two women during the ww2 and the decades that followed - one a scientist, one an actress. 

Firstly there is Hedy Lamarr famed for her Golden years of Hollywood acting accomplishments but also an incredibly intelligent and pioneering woman (I knew of this thanks to Marie Benedict’s book The Only Woman in the Room which I highly recommend). The other character, Judy, is based on the scientist Joan Curran who similarly made scientific discoveries with little recognition. What the author attempts to do here is recognise and honour both women through a fictionalised friendship.

‘… friendships forged in the fire were the hardest to extinguish. They were the ones seared into your being, melded to your heart, a forever charred part of your soul.’

The significant discoveries made by these women would ultimately assist the Allies in WWII, however, they struggled to be taken seriously or recognised for their worth. I adore books that shine the spotlight on women from the past and applaud both the writer and the women discussed for providing such a tale of strength, resilience and courage. 

Suzanne skillfully blends fact and fiction in this highly engaging tale. Any story that has you running to Google is one that has been successful in both entertaining and educating their reader. I am grateful that these unsung female inventors are finally being recognised. If you love rich historical fiction with a particular focus on women, then you are sure to enjoy this book.  

“Listen,” said Judy, her eyes flashing open as she took Hedy’s hand again. “It’s a nightingale. Just like you.” “I thought they only sang at night,” whispered Hedy. “Only when they are lonely and don’t have a mate,” confirmed Judy. “When they’re happy, they sing in the day, too.”

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.