The Whispers of War

By: Julia Kelly

Narrated by: Mary Woodvine

Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's Summary

For fans of historical novels by Kristin Harmel and Martha Hall Kelly comes a “gripping tale by a writer at the top of her game” (Fiona Davis, author of The Chelsea Girls) following three friends who struggle to remain loyal as one of them is threatened with internment by the British government at the start of World War II.

In August of 1939, as Britain watches the headlines in fear of another devastating war with Germany, three childhood companions must choose between friendship and country. Erstwhile, socialite Nora is determined to find her place in the Home Office’s Air Raid Precautions Department, matchmaker Hazel tries to mask two closely guarded secrets with irrepressible optimism, and German expat Marie worries that she and her family might face imprisonment in an internment camp if war is declared. When Germany invades Poland and tensions on the home front rise, Marie is labeled an enemy alien, and the three friends find themselves fighting together to keep her free at any cost. 

Featuring Julia Kelly’s signature “intricate, tender, and convincing” (Publishers Weekly) prose, The Whispers of War is a moving and unforgettable tale of the power of friendship and womanhood in the midst of conflict. 

©2020 Julia Kelly (P)2020 Simon & Schuster

Another look at WWII

There are just so many fiction stories using WWII as a backdrop, that it’s becoming a bit boring. This story manages to find a different way to use the war as a setting for its narrative. Three female friends from a British boarding school are faced with challenges, disappointments, and (of course) romance. The bond between these characters really informs the story. One of the three women, Marie, is German by birth, and it is her plight as the British government turns against German nationals living in England as fear and distrust of Germany becomes prevalent. The narrator was good, except when she attempted an American accent😔

Standard romance without sex

I initially found it hard to become engaged in the storyline, but it did become more interesting after a slow start. I anticipated a melodrama, although nothing very dramatic happened. For me, the present-day sub-plot could have been omitted. I'd recommend this book to women who love romantic fantasies without cursing or sexual content. Overall rating: 3.5 stars rounded up

Had potential but missed the mark

I enjoy WW 2 novels and have read dozens. This book was disappointing. The plot moved very slowly. The premise of 3 women in London during the early war years offered so much but this one flopped.
The narrator was excellent especially doing a slight German accent for a character who has lived in London half of her life. Tricky to do without sounding clownish. I'd look for something different unless this is free and you have time on your hands.

Tedious

Because I thought the premise held promise, I kept giving this a chance. However, I stuck through about two thirds of The Whispers of War before throwing in the towel. I found this to be a tedious slog, never becoming personable or interesting, just a very long accounting. The reading was okay.

A glides into issues in London during WW2

The Whispers of War was a very insightful story of WW2 London. Instead of the cold story written in history books, The Whispers of War brings reality and understanding.

I was invested in the characters. I devoured their life gaining an understanding what they went through.

Maybe I was distracted

I finished the book but never relay felt connected with the people. Hopefully I can give it another listen

This is a great book!!!

When I started this book I almost stopped after the first few pages, but I continued on reading it with the thought that I had to give it a shot and I'm so glad that I did.

another fine ww2 novel

great book if this is the type of storyline you like, great for the library

Excellent

This book was much better than I expected. The story flows rather nicely, the characters I good, and the part I like best is historical references.p

Whispers of treacle

A disjointed waste of time attempting to chronicle the mostly mundane lives and times of three disparate women from adolescence to old age.