When the Nightingale Sings

By: Suzanne Kelman

Narrated by: Tamsin Kennard

1937, Europe and America. Based on a true story, this powerful novel about wartime courage and extraordinary friendship, tells how two women changed the fate of the Second World War and the course of history.

When an impossibly shy young woman named Judy Morgan finishes her studies in Physics at Cambridge University, it is with dreams of changing the world for the better.

Meanwhile, a beautiful, young Jewish woman decides to flee her beloved Austria, changing her name to Hedy Lamarr, and risking everything to get to America, as far away from the Nazi threat as possible.

A powerful friendship is formed when the two women meet in pre-war London - with Judy’s passion for science a perfect match for Hedy’s brilliant talent for invention. So when the world is gripped by a war that nobody could have imagined in their worst nightmares, both Hedy and Judy know they must act now.

As their lives repeatedly collide, in Cambridge, California, Pearl Harbor and beyond - throwing both their lives into danger and tragedy - Judy and Hedy both find themselves seeking ways to end the war.

But neither of them will know that one of them is on a path of tragedy. A path that could change the outcome of the war, but also threaten their friendship forever....

Fans of The Ragged Edge of Night, My Name is Eva and Beneath a Scarlet Sky, will love this unforgettable story about love, courage, and devastation set in World War Two Britain, Hollywood, and Pearl Harbor. Based on two true stories of amazing "hidden women" who changed the world, this novel shows the power of friendship in the darkest hours of history.

©2021 Suzanne Kelman (P)2021 Bookouture, an imprint of Storyfire Ltd.

Critic reviews

“Fantastic…. [Kelman] has a knack for writing vividly detailed scenes that make the reader feel as if they are actually experiencing the event with the characters… This should be at the top of your reading list…. Impeccably researched, heartfelt and emotional (I needed tissues for the last few chapters). By far, one of my favorites of the year.” (Fireflies and Free Kicks Fiction Reviews)

Excellent, not enough stars

Suzanne made me feel like I was right there in the book, I think I walked through the looking glass. I will be looking for more. Keep up the great work!

Great Storyline Sequence

This book has two main female characters and shares each of their storylines, and then blurb in current day. It brings in wartime life with being a human. Also, the value of friendship!

Historical Fiction at It's Best

Not only did I get a deeper understanding of the impact of WWII, but learned of a beautiful friendships between two women who were both under appreciated for their brilliant minds and talent.

Fact and fiction

Wonderful story full of fact and fiction that held my attention the entire story. Exceptionally narrated.

It sang in my heart

What a wonderful and heartwarming story with historical references
If only I can listen to it again soon

Very timely especially for those interested in women’s history.

Began researching how women were treated historically to help understand my poor relationship with my mom, a college grad in math and physics, categorized as a “homemaker”. This book is from the same era and addresses not only the difficulties women faced in the working world but also how one decides heavy moral issues to preserve a job. Very much enjoyed another view into life at that time and decisions others were faced to make when the gut was telling you it wasn’t right.

Great story

I liked the characters, the storyline and the plot. I loved how they got back together at the end.

Historical Fiction That Wraps Around Your Soul

I loved this book. It left me feeling peaceful with life. The character development was beautiful and rich. I loved the narration male voices were manly and emotional and the female voices were delicate and assertive. The entire production brought me back into history to experience love, relationships, divorce, war, and forgiveness. This is what life is about and Suzanne Kelman brings it vividly to life through the pages of her writing.

Wonderful.

I greatly enjoyed this book. The narration was good and I loved the history. I recommend it highly.

very enjoyable listen

I really enjoyed this well written book, the fact that it is based on two real woman and thier work but which are still used today makes it all the more fascinating. I thought that it was a little far fetched to have a scientist go from working on chaff to radiation but she really did.