The Secret Book of Flora Lea

A Novel

De: Patti Callahan Henry

Narrado por: Cynthia Erivo, Patti Callahan Henry

When a woman discovers a rare book with connections to her past, long-held secrets about her missing sister and their childhood in the English countryside during World War II are revealed in this “beguiling blend of hope, mystery, and true familial love” (Sadeqa Johnson, New York Times bestselling author).

In the war-torn London of 1939, fourteen-year-old Hazel and five-year-old Flora are evacuated to a rural village to escape the horrors of the Second World War. Living with the kind Bridie Aberdeen and her teenage son, Harry, in a charming stone cottage along the River Thames, Hazel fills their days with walks and games to distract her young sister, including one that she creates for her sister and her sister alone—a fairy tale about a magical land, a secret place they can escape to that is all their own.

But the unthinkable happens when young Flora suddenly vanishes while playing near the banks of the river. Shattered, Hazel blames herself for her sister’s disappearance, and she carries that guilt into adulthood as a private burden she feels she deserves.

Twenty years later, Hazel is in London, ready to move on from her job at a cozy rare bookstore to a career at Sotheby’s. With a charming boyfriend and her elegantly timeworn Bloomsbury flat, Hazel’s future seems determined. But her tidy life is turned upside down when she unwraps a package containing an illustrated book called Whisperwood and the River of Stars. Hazel never told a soul about the imaginary world she created just for Flora. Could this book hold the secrets to Flora’s disappearance? Could it be a sign that her beloved sister is still alive after all these years?

As Hazel embarks on a feverish quest, revisiting long-dormant relationships and bravely opening wounds from her past, her career and future hang in the balance. Spellbinding and atmospheric, “this heartrending, captivating tale of family, first love, and fate will sweep you away” (Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author).

©2023 Patti Callahan Henry. All rights reserved. (P)2023 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Narrator Cynthia Erivo’s quiet assurance permeates this dual-timeline audio about the powerful alchemy of storytelling. In 1939, two girls, Hazel and Flora Lea, are evacuated from London to escape imminent war. Flora Lea mysteriously disappears. In 1960, Hazel, now a rare book shop clerk, opens a package and discovers a book of the same stories she once made up to calm Flora Lea. Erivo rarely raises her voice, yet through desperate tones she expertly conveys Hazel’s search for answers to the mysteries of her missing sister and the appearance of the stories from long ago. Erivo seamlessly adopts the charming lilt of young Flora and the American accent of the woman who has unwittingly written the fanciful stories that connect Hazel’s past with her present." (AudioFile Magazine)

True fairy tale with happy ending

First book I read from this author. A well developed story with twist and turns and ups and down. But a Happy ending. Audio story was a great listen.

Loved listening to this book

I highly recommend this book! I smiled, cried and loved every minute of this book!

Patti Callahan Henry does it again!!

Patti has the ability to transport her readers to the beautiful places in her stories and make you believe that the characters are your friends and family! This is a story of love, family bonds, endurance, tragedy, self sacrifice, miracles and Fairytales! Thank you Patti for another wonderful story! I love the stories you tell!

Interesting historical base with minimal fantasy

ARC ebook edition was provided by Atria Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book. I didn’t love it, but I definitely liked it. Characters are interesting. Some predictability but not so much it diminished the storyline.
Because of lack of time to actually read a book, I purchased the audible version.
Cynthia Erivo was excellent to listen to. She really set the tone and pace of the book to perfection.

Super book

Fast moving book with lots of twists and turns. Super execution of the pied piper. Lots of surprises!

Captivating Story

I love how the story develops in this novel and the depth of each character. Patty effortlessly weaves history into a compelling tale. The narration is also great!

The Secret Book of Flora Lee

I absolutely loved the storytelling of Patti Callahan Henry. A historical fiction book with a fairy tale … I was delighted and enjoyed the many twists of this novel!

A magical journey

There isn’t a book by Patti Callahan Henry that I haven’t loved. She’s an amazing author and researcher. Her books touch the deepest part of my heart and this one the same. Her comments at the end about fairy tales validates everything I believe.

Very interesting story

Really enjoyed the story but the narration almost put me to sleep! Very interesting history!

The secret

I don’t read long books. I decided to listen to it during my commute, It was worth the listen. I learn some history of which I had not been familiar.