Lana's War

A Novel

By: Anita Abriel

Narrated by: Jesse Vilinsky

From the author of the “fast-paced, heartbreaking, and hopeful” (Kristin Harmel, author of The Room on Rue Amélie) The Light After the War, a riveting and heartfelt story of a young woman recruited to be a spy for the resistance on the French Riviera during World War II.

Paris 1943: Lana Antanova is on her way to see her husband with the thrilling news that she is pregnant. But when she arrives at the convent where he teaches music, she’s horrified to see Gestapo officers execute him for hiding a Jewish girl in the piano.

A few months later, grieving both her husband and her lost pregnancy, Lana is shocked when she’s approached to join the resistance on the French Riviera. As the daughter of a Russian countess, Lana has the perfect background to infiltrate the émigré community of Russian aristocrats who socialize with German officers, including the man who killed her husband.

Lana’s cover story makes her the mistress of Guy Pascal, a wealthy Swiss industrialist and fellow resistance member, in whose villa in Cap Ferrat she lives. Together, they gather information on upcoming raids and help members of the Jewish community escape. Consumed by her work, she doesn’t expect to become attached to a young Jewish girl or wonder about the secrets held by the man whose house she shares. And as the Nazis’ deadly efforts intensify, her intention to protect those around her may put them all at risk instead.

With Anita Abriel’s “heartfelt and memorable” (Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author) storytelling, Lana’s War is a sweeping and suspenseful tale of survival and second chances during some of the darkest days of history.

Loved the book but narration was annoying

Great story, I really loved the book, except for the narrators annoying sing song cadence when she’s not using an accent. Was distracting.

The narrator killed the story

So unfortunate—I have read or listened to 150 WWII historical fiction novels in the past 1.5 years. This was one of the most distracting and annoying narrators I have experienced. Her voice sounds immature and gives the interesting novel a sophomoric tone, literally and figuratively. She sometimes slips out of the accent she is in and I could barely get through the book. A good story, however, best experienced in print.

Engaging story

Well developed storyline and relevant historical context. Very good story- enjoyed ithe narrative and details.

Probably for young teens?

Overall storyline was quite good, but plot details were often superficial, with lots of holes and contrivances, Main character often didn’t seem very intelligent in her “espionage” decisions, so a bit offputting if you’re trying to get behind her. Narrator’s cadence and inflection were good, but the french accent she gave to the characters didn’t strike me as french at all.

Disappointing

Good Reads rating of a 3 is accurate.
Shallow story, which is disappointing considering the depth of material from that time period.
Plot lags with too many holes.
Cookie-cutter characters.
No depth.
Narration is poor.
Overall, a disappointment.