Sandy M’s review of The Secret Keeper by Genevieve Graham
Historical Fiction published by Simon & Schuster 2 Apr 24
Another wonderfully written and intriguing story from Canadian history by Genevieve Graham. We meet twins Margaret and Dorothy – Dash and Dot – Wilson as children through the late 1920s, into the ’30s, and then into the era of WWII as they grow into the world of women who assist Canada in bringing down the Nazis in a spectacular way.
The first part of this story gives a look into the twin bond these gals share, along with their intelligence as they learn Morse Code, which becomes Dot’s specialty, and the mechanical side of autos and planes, which are Dash’s world. Of course, before the war, women have one place and one place only – in the home. However, when Hitler begins his terror, these two step up in their own way to live their dreams while helping their country.
Each woman masterfully excels in her craft, and we learn right along with them as Morse Code is explained, first automobile engines and then airplanes are built, and seeing once again how women stepped up to do their part during wartime. We get to go along for their rides once they are separated, each becoming Wrens on their own terms. Those rides are both exhilarating and emotional as well as tragic and dangerous, all the while being forced to keep secrets from those they love.
I really enjoyed the turnabout each twin goes through during their time as Wrens, Dot becoming more confident and brave as Dash’s similar traits become more vulnerable and doubtful. But they’ve both lived a harrowing and exciting lifetime in just a few years, and their upbringing and knowledge force them through all the bad times. They both have a front and center seat when victory is finally had.
Aside from a great story and romance where you least expect it, I love seeing history from the Canadian point of view to add to my knowledge of my own American history. Ms. Graham does meticulous research, discovering little known facts to give her characters and storylines that extra depth and intrigue. If you haven’t read any of her books, do delve into a couple. I can guarantee you will end up just as hooked as I am.
Grade: A
Summary:
Twin sisters Dot and Dash Wilson share many things, and while they are practically inseparable, they are nothing alike. Dot is fascinated by books, puzzles, and Morse code, a language taught to both girls by their father, a WWI veteran. Dash’s days are filled with fixing engines, dancing with friends, and dreaming of flying airplanes. Almost always at their side is their best friend Gus—until war breaks out and he enlists in the army, deploying to an unknown front.
Determined to do their duty, both girls join the WRENS, Dash as a mechanic and Dot as a typist. Before long, Dot’s fixation on patterns and numbers takes her from HMCS Coverdale, a covert listening and codebreaking station working with Bletchley Park in England, to Camp X, a top-secret spy school. But when personal tragedy strikes the family, Dot’s oath of secrecy causes a rift between the sisters.
Eager to leave her pain behind, Dash jumps at the opportunity to train as a pilot with the Air Transport Auxiliary, where she risks her life to ferry aircraft and troops across the battlefields of Europe. Meanwhile Dot is drawn into the Allies’ preparations for D-Day. But Dot’s loyalties are put to the test once more when someone close to her goes missing in Nazi-occupied territory. With everyone’s eyes on Operation Overlord, Dot must use every skill at her disposal to save those she loves before it’s too late.
Inspired by the real-life stories of women in World War II, The Secret Keeper is an extraordinary novel about the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood and the light of courage during the darkest of nights.
No excerpt available.
