51 pages 1 hour read

Lara Prescott

The Secrets We Kept

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott intertwines the publication struggles of Boris Pasternak’s novel Doctor Zhivago with the clandestine efforts of CIA agents during the Cold War. Olga Ivinskaya, Pasternak’s lover, endures imprisonment for her association with him, while CIA typist Irina learns espionage skills from agent Sally Forrester to promote the novel as anti-Soviet propaganda. The book contains depictions of sexual assault and rape, and it also includes depictions of suicidal ideation.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott is praised for its captivating narrative that intertwines espionage and romance during the Cold War. The book's vivid character portrayals and historical detail receive high marks. However, some reviewers note that the intersecting storylines can be confusing and feel disjointed at times. Despite this, it remains an engaging and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Secrets We Kept?

Readers who enjoy historical fiction imbued with espionage and romance, such as The Alice Network by Kate Quinn and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, will be captivated by Lara Prescott's The Secrets We Kept. This novel weaves Cold War intrigue with a powerful narrative about women’s courage and resilience.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Themes

Identity: Gender

Self Discovery

Identity: Sexuality

Topics

History: World