The Bravest Voices

A Memoir of Two Sisters' Heroism During the Nazi Era

By: Ida Cook

Narrated by: Heather Wilds

This timeless memoir documents two sisters’ bravery leading up to WWII—a singular historical account that shines a light on one of humanity’s darkest hours.

Ida and Louise Cook are two ordinary Englishwomen, seemingly destined never to stray from their quiet London suburb and comfortable jobs—Ida as a budding romance novelist and Louise as a civil service typist. But in 1923, a chance hearing of an aria from Madame Butterfly sparked a passion for opera in the sisters that led to the formation of friendships with some of Europe’s leading singers and their network, many of them Jewish. As the Nazis rose to power, Ida and Louise began working with the opera world’s insiders to save members of the community from persecution and death. Through ingenuity, thrift and bottomless goodwill, the sisters eluded the suspicion of the Nazis and helped secure safe passage for dozens of refugees. No one would have predicted such daring lives for Ida and Louise Cook—but that underestimation is exactly how they were able to save lives.

First published in 1950, Ida’s memoir of the adventures she and Louise shared remains as fresh, vital and entertaining as the woman who wrote it, and is a moving testament to the extraordinary acts of courage by two everyday heroes.

Opera and WWII

My only regret before reading this book was I wish I had known more about the many opera stars in the 1930s and 1940s. The names meant absolutely nothing to me and yet I could still follow the story. And now that I have finished it, I have purchased the book and I want to read and find out the names of these stars and possibly listen to some of their recordings. So, if a book prods me to learn more and hear more and maybe see more, then I think it is a great success.

A beautiful and powerful account of an amazing and extraordinary life of Ida and Louise Cook.

We loved the account and the narration. The perspective on this period of history is extraordinary. As an avid reader of World War II history, this book provides a new view of life before and during the War

Such humble bravery

What a tale of two ordinary people doing what they could for human kind. A story of bravery, opera, and love.

bravery, courage, strength

The war years was my favorite part as I listened, but the post-war years became my absolute favorite.

The courage and intelligence of the sisters.

A part of history I had not heard of. I appreciate their quick thinking and resilience.