Book Review: Violins of Autumn by Amy McAuley

Synopsis (from Goodreads.com):
When the Germans begin bombing London in World War II, Betty is determined to do her part. Instead of running air raid drills like most girls her age, she lies about her age and trains to become a spy. Now known by her secret agent persona, Adele Blanchard, she finds herself parachuting over German-occupied France under the cover of darkness to join the secret Resistance movement. Prepared to die for her cause, Adele wasn’t expecting to make a new best friend in her fellow agent or fall for a handsome American pilot. With the brutality of war ever present, can Adele dare to dream of a future where the world is at peace and she is free to live and love of her own accord?

Review:

I randomly picked up this book from the library after seeing the cover. The plot summary grabbed my attention (I had recently started watching the TV series ‘Bomb Girls’ and really enjoyed it) so I decided to take it.

I’m glad I did! I really enjoyed it and appreciated it. It’s obvious that the author has done her research and the atmosphere she creates is amazing. So if you enjoy WWII young adult novels/settings then I recommend this.

The book started a little slow for me but it really picked up. I really respected Adele as a character. She is a strong female and a fighter.

My only disappointments were in the romances. They don’t play too major a role in the story–which is fine because there is enough going on that they really aren’t needed but for some reason after reading the summary I was expecting a little more I suppose.

I would definitely be interested in a sequel based on the premise and how it ended. Even if it wasn’t with Adele but within the same environment with different characters I would be interested in reading it.

Conclusion:

If you like wartime stories with strong female leads, espionage, mystery and intrigue, this is the book for you!

Rating: 4/5

Shorthand Stats:
Genre: Young Adult; Historical; WWII
Recommended for: 15+
Similar Books: Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

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