The Secrets We Kept

A Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick

By: Lara Prescott

Narrated by: Carlotta Brentan, Cynthia Farrell, Mozhan Marnò, Saskia Maarleveld, Jonathan Davis, David Pittu, James Fouhey

Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

A HELLO SUNSHINE x REESE WITHERSPOON BOOK CLUB PICK

"This month for Reese’s Book Club, we are listening to The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott! Set during the Cold War, it tells the story of secretaries turned spies who are tasked with smuggling Doctor Zhivago out of the USSR and into the hands of Russian citizens. You’ll get to know Sally and Irina, two spies who risk it all for love and adventure." (Reese Witherspoon)

A thrilling tale of secretaries turned spies, of love and duty, and of sacrifice - inspired by the true story of the CIA plot to infiltrate the hearts and minds of Soviet Russia, not with propaganda, but with the greatest love story of the 20th century: Doctor Zhivago.

At the height of the Cold War, two secretaries are pulled out of the typing pool at the CIA and given the assignment of a lifetime. Their mission: to smuggle Doctor Zhivago out of the USSR, where no one dares publish it, and help Pasternak's magnum opus make its way into print around the world. Glamorous and sophisticated Sally Forrester is a seasoned spy who has honed her gift for deceit all over the world - using her magnetism and charm to pry secrets out of powerful men. Irina is a complete novice, and under Sally's tutelage quickly learns how to blend in, make drops, and invisibly ferry classified documents.

The Secrets We Kept combines a legendary literary love story - the decades-long affair between Pasternak and his mistress and muse, Olga Ivinskaya, who was sent to the Gulag and inspired Zhivago's heroine, Lara - with a narrative about two women empowered to lead lives of extraordinary intrigue and risk. From Pasternak's country estate outside Moscow to the brutalities of the Gulag, from Washington, DC to Paris and Milan, The Secrets We Kept captures a watershed moment in the history of literature - told with soaring emotional intensity and captivating historical detail. And at the center of this unforgettable debut is the powerful belief that a piece of art can change the world.

This audiobook features performances by Mozhan Marno as Olga, Carlotta Brentan as Irina, Cynthia Farrell as Sally, Saskia Maarleveld as The Typists, Jonathan Davis as Boris, David Pittu as Sergio, and James Fouhey as Teddy.

©2019 Lara Prescott (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"The Secrets We Kept is simply sensational. Two gripping narratives unfold in the pressure cooker of the Cold War: passionate, courageous Olga who stands in the shadow of Soviet author Boris Pasternak yet inspires him to write a heroine for the ages, and the cynical, equally-overshadowed women of the CIA who help bring Pasternak's masterpiece Dr. Zhivago to bear as a weapon against Soviet oppression. From the gulags of the USSR to the cherry blossom trees of Washington DC, the story grips and refuses to let go. Lara Prescott is a star in the making." (Kate Quinn, New York Times best-selling author of The Huntress and The Alice Network)

"Through lucid images and vibrant storytelling, Prescott creates an edgy postfeminist vision of the Cold War, encompassing Sputnik to glasnost, typing pool to gulag, for a smart, lively page-turner. This debut shines as spy story, publication thriller, and historical romance with a twist." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

"Delightful.... An intriguing and little-known chapter of literary history is brought to life with brio." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

Noah P.

This is one of the best books I've ever read (well, heard). The performance was magnificent -- such high production value! And the storyline was amazing. I listened to the whole thing in 3 sittings. Usually it'd take me at least double that. Spies, romance, literature -- this one has everything. A++

intriguing and an easy listen

First audio book I've actually finished! It breezed by! The cast and story were great.

the things we don't really know

I agree with the critics that character development was not Prescott's strong point in this novel, but she certainly portrayed the prejudices against homosexuality and women's value in society very well. Also the story surrounding the dissemination of Boris Pasternak's book about Dr. Zhivago and Laura and the Bolshevik Revolution is both heart-breaking and revealing. I normally don't like a lot of different speakers or narrators, but this was well done. I was engaged by the performances and the stories, especially Pasternak's and Olga's.

Stellar piece of writing.

Should be subtitled "How the CIA used 'Doctor Zhivago' to poke a finger in the eye of the USSR". Should be read by readers everywhere. Historical fiction is so much more fun than a documentary! Stellar piece of writing. Well acted audio.

Engaging and wonderfully read!

I thoroughly enjoyed this production. Both the story and the reading. Of course, now I have to go watch "Dr. Zhivago" again and be prepared to weep 😢

Excellent! Recommended!

A stellar debut from a promising new author! I recommend this engaging and exciting novel.

Excellent narration of a good historical fiction!

I love historical fictions and have read/listened to many set during this time period; however, this book was surprisingly fresh! Rather than having a clear dramatic climax and conclusion, the story weaves through multiple events across countries with one common denominator: Dr Zhivago. It reads a bit like a collection of diaries, bits and pieces missing from the events depending on the narrator. That was one thing that kept me invested in the story -- waiting for the next piece to fit in place.
The chapters are divided between multiple characters (and between the east and west worlds) and each of the multiple narrators are EXCELLENT. The characters themselves have depth, distinctive personalities, and make plausible choices. All in all, a good read!

Amazing Book

I loved every bit of this book. The story had me hooked and binging. I want more!

A must read aka audible.

This was a very entertaining audible, you could picture the characters so vividly. It is worthy of becoming a movie, I would definitely go see it.

A great read from a different perspective

This was a nicely written easy to follow story. The characters came to life and maintain their integrity throughout the book.