Maria Alves is a librarian in NYC, when she answers the call to help the US read and gather Axis books, manuals, etc. to help fight the Germans during WWII. She is sent to Lisbon, as she is fluent in Portuguese. She meets Tiago Soares, who owns a bookstore. He is forging passports and Visas to help Jewish refugees escape. They feel an instant connection.
One night, she meets Lars Steiger, a wealthy Swiss banker, who is helping the Germans. Maria's handlers request that she become a double agent, and give false info to Lars. Naturally, she is terrified, but agrees to do her duty.
I had no idea of the role of librarians in these neutral cities, and I enjoyed the story very much! ( )

The Book Spy by Alan Hlad
Really enjoying this book as it's about a Portuguese father and mother who make it to US and raise their daughter.
Love how Maria is driven and works hard at it.
She's a microphotography artist and knows her trade so well she's trained others who get top positions overseas microfilming newspapers from all countries.
She wants to be right beside him and they work well together. Love how Astors play a part in this read.
Really loved learning of the French freedom trail as it starts at the vineyard and refugees are able to make it to Portugal and then onto US to freedom.
Very familiar with SOE and this is right along that path...
Like how the book goes to present, back to the past so you can fit the missing pieces in yourself.
So many horrific, tragic events during war times, but also touching close moments. So unpredictable and especially the outcome.
Love travel, information, careers, descriptive details, ocean plane, fashion, jewelry, tough times and how all survive. Would read more works from this author, it’s really good. Something for everyone to cherish.
I received this review book from The Kensington Between The Chapters Review Books and this is my honest opinion. ( )

The Book Spy by Alan Hlad

Set during WWII, Maria an American Librarian becomes an asset and spy to help America and its Allies. She is crafty, intelligent and determined to use her knowledge and skills to help, even when her life is in danger.

Tiago is a bookstore owner and manufacturer of false documents to help Jewish people flea to safety. He is willing to risk it all to save lives, he is fighting for the cause as well.

A thrilling Historical fiction (that) movies at a steady pace, engaging dialog and intriguing characters. With attention to detail, true events (fictionalized) to create a compelling read. Emotionally charged through friendship, love, war and devotion to Country. I was hooked from the first page.

I highly recommend The Book Spy to those who enjoy Historical fiction. I look forward to more by Alan Hlad ( )

The Book Spy by Alan Hlad
Historical fiction, WW II.
Librarians using microfiche are sent to countries to save books and newspapers for prosperity. Though they are not trained or considered spies, one takes the opportunity to infiltrate the enemies lives and create any chaos possible.

Thrilling and engrossing. It started just a bit slow as the world was built but the story soon had me anxious and concerned as the danger amped up.
The bravery of all those people fighting for their beliefs are inspiring.

I received a copy of this book from #BetweenTheChapters and @kensingtonbooks
4.5 ( )

First sentence: On the day librarians were recruited for the war, Maria Alves was microfilming historical newspapers in the Department of Microphotography of the New York Public Library.

Premise/plot: The Book Spy is a historical fiction novel set during the Second World War. It has a light romance in the background. The focus primarily is on a librarian, Maria Alves, who is one of a handful of librarians--microfilm specialists--recruited for war work. They'll be going to neutral cities in Europe, acquiring Axis publications (newspapers, magazines, books, etc.), microfilming the works, and sending them to the Allies (UK and US) for examination. The cover story is preserving works for the Library of Congress.

The Book Spy has two narrators. The second narrator is a bookseller (with a BIG secret) named Tiago Soares. The book is primarily set in Lisbon, Portugal. Maria and Tiago meet and become friendly. He helps her acquire the stuff (newspapers, magazines, books, etc.) she needs to do her job. She occasionally helps him with his undercover work. (He helps Jewish refugees.)

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I don't always love dual narration. But in this case, it makes sense. They are both doing their part for the war effort. His story is just as important as hers. It was well-written. The plot is never dull. It isn't overly melodramatic.

This was my second time reading Alan Hlad. (The first one I read was set during World War I.) I'm definitely enjoying getting to know his work. ( )