History, intrigue, romance, and friendship intertwine seamlessly in Suzanne Nelson’s gripping new novel, The Librarians of Lisbon. Set against the glamorous yet perilous backdrop of neutral Portugal in 1943, Nelson brings to life the harrowing realities of World War II espionage through the eyes of two American librarians-turned-spies. Fans of Kate Quinn’s The Rose Code will be enthralled by this tense, fast-paced narrative that delivers on every level!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Synopsis (spoiler free!)
Beatrice Sullivan and Selene Delmont, best friends from Boston, are swept into the heart of World War II espionage when they are recruited as Allied spies and sent to Lisbon—a city teeming with intrigue, danger, and secrets. Officially tasked with collecting banned books, their true mission is far more perilous: infiltrating the Axis spy network.
Bea and Selene’s journeys are as divergent as their personalities. Selene, charming and vivacious, infiltrates Lisbon’s elite social circles alongside the enigmatic and dashing Portuguese baron, Luca Caldeira. Bea, introspective and methodical, delves into the shadowy underworld with the lethal and mysterious operative known only as Gable. As they navigate deception, danger, and the treacherous pull of unexpected love, their friendship is tested like never before.
When a betrayal threatens to unravel everything, both women must decide: will they remain loyal to their mission, or risk it all for the men they love?
Review
Nelson deftly balances the tension of wartime espionage with the emotional depth of two women navigating their roles in a male-dominated world. The book shines a light on the resilience, intelligence, and courage of these women while also exploring the moral complexities of wartime.
Set in Lisbon known as the City of Spies during World War II, Lisbon is brought to life through Nelson’s vivid descriptions of its bustling streets, lavish ballrooms, and shadowy corners. Nelson’s meticulous research is apparent, immersing us in a city on the brink of chaos, where every interaction could be a deadly.
Nelson’s characters are multi-dimensional and compelling. Selene’s charm and resourcefulness are perfectly contrasted with Bea’s introspection and quiet determination. Their respective love interests, Luca and Gable, are equally complex, adding layers of intrigue and emotional stakes to the narrative. The relationships feel authentic, with each character’s motivations and vulnerabilities explored in depth.
Why You Will Love It
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
For the history buff: The Librarians of Lisbon offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of World War II espionage, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of the war, including Lisbon’s role as a neutral hub for spies.
For the romantics: The nuanced love stories are deeply engaging without overshadowing the central themes of friendship and courage.
For the thrill-seekers: The fast-paced plot, full of twists and betrayals, will keep you on the edge of your seat.Book Description
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“I was gifted a copy of The Librarians of Lisbon to review but all opinions are my own. “
Final Thoughts
Suzanne Nelson’s The Librarians of Lisbon is a triumph of historical fiction, blending heart-pounding espionage with the enduring power of friendship and love. It’s a story that will linger with you long after the final page, leaving you marveling at the bravery of ordinary people in extraordinary times.
If you’re looking for a book that is as gripping as it is moving, add this to your TBR pile immediately. And once you’ve read it, come back and share your thoughts—I’d love to discuss!
If you like The Librarians of Lisbon or Rose Code try these:
The Librarian Spy
by Madeline Martin
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 France, Elaine has begun an apprenticeship at a printing press run by members of the Resistance. 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.
The Lost Bookshop
by Madeline Martin
London prepares for war as Hitler’s forces sweep across Europe. Grace Bennett has always dreamed of moving to the city, but the bunkers and drawn curtains that she finds on her arrival are not what she expected. And she certainly never imagined she’d wind up working at Primrose Hill, a dusty old bookshop nestled in the heart of London.
The Nightingale
by Kristin Hannah
Tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France
Whether you’re here for the espionage, the emotional twists, or just to soak up the glamorous-yet-tense atmosphere of wartime Lisbon, The Librarians of Lisbon has something special to offer!
Have you read anything similar, or is this one going on your TBR? Let’s chat about it in the comments!
