The Diamond Courier

Sequel to In Picardy's Fields

De: Hannah Byron

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

Continuing the saga from "In Picardy's Fields"' "The Diamond Courier" introduces Lili Hamilton, the daughter of Countess Madeleine de Dragoncourt, one of the heroines from the WWI era.

England, 1940

As WWII engulfs Europe, Lili yearns for a life beyond societal expectations. Her journey takes her from a broken engagement to embracing communist ideals in London, following in the footsteps of her mother's wartime courage.

When Leo Oppenheim sends her on a perilous mission to Antwerp as a diamond courier, Lili's path converges with danger, intrigue, and profound sacrifices. Her infiltration of Belgium's Jewish enclave, her friendship with the Goldmunz family, and her perilous dance with Ulrich Lemberg, the ruthless Gestapo leader, reveal the horrors of war that she witnesses.

The Diamond Courier explores the enduring power of love amidst the turbulent politics of WWII. This gripping saga, intricately woven into the lives of resilient daughters who rewrite history, offers a unique perspective on their incredible feats while inviting readers to continue the journey that spans generations.

Wish it were a real narrarator

it's very frustrating that character names pronounced in 10 different ways throughout the book and English words were incorrectly pronounced throughout the book I wish it was a live narrator

While the World was on Fire

I’m mostly a non-fiction reader, but my book club is reading the Resistance Girls series. At first I was annoyed by Lili Hamilton, the spoiled daughter of Madeline de Dragoncourt (a WWI resistance fighter from “In Picardy’s Fields”) who overly-dramatically dumped her best friend Ian right before they were to announce their engagement. I came close to setting aside the book.

Not finishing would have deprived me from a well plotted and well told story that I won’t forget, and a character who grew into bravery and likability. There were political twists in a part of Europe that I’d never even thought of going through WWII. Lili did unexpected things. The fiction gave me a first person perspective that doesn’t happen with non-fiction, unless it’s memoir. The last few chapters were such a pull that I stayed up late one night to finish the book.

I am critical of the artificial voice narrating the series. The voice is pleasant, but there are some jarring mistakes. “Ian” was pronounced half a dozen ways - and there should be a difference in the way polish and Polish are pronounced. But - I wouldn’t have had time to read the series in text, so not so great audio better than no Audio at all.

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.