A review by katietotallybooked
The Secret Keeper by Genevieve Graham

adventurous emotional informative tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Genevieve Graham has done it again. Here is another 5 star historical fiction novel that brings Canadian history to life in an engaging and insightful way.

This is a gripping World War II novel about two sisters, Dot and Dash, who join the war effort, one as a codebreaker and the other as a pilot, and the secrets that threaten to tear them apart. Both are likeable and authentic characters. I was moved by both of their stories and experiences. The writing was excellent as Genevieve Graham brings a great narrative to her exploration of Canadian history. It was so well paced and there was a very strong sense of place in her storytelling. I could imagine myself in all of the settings featured in the novel, from Ontario to the East Coast to overseas in England & France. The mood while reading is haunting and moving, and it is very bittersweet. There was definitely some shock value and some tugging on my heart strings during this reading experience!

I appreciated the detailed reading notes at the end of this novel where she cited her sources and shared more of the history behind her novel. My favourite way to learn about history is through historical fiction based on true events.

Genevieve Graham will continue to be an auto-read author for me. Highly recommend!