The Librarian Spy

A librarian who is a spy set in World War II? I was sold from the beginning. In The Librarian Spy Ava exchanges her job at the Library of Congress where she is an expert at microfilming for a U.S military post in Portugal using the same skills. While microfilming newspapers and other documents from throughout Europe, Ava not only becomes familiar with the plight of many Jewish people trying desperately to leave Europe but also stumbles upon a coded plea for help in a French Resistance newspaper.

Author Madeline Martin does a wonderful job of intertwining two unique stories. The two stories unfold simultaneously involving two entirely different sets of characters and seem completely unrelated. Alternating between the two story lines causes the story to be a bit slow at the beginning, When the two stories intersect, the characters work together to accomplish their mission over different countries and in some cases without meeting in person. Their clandestine work using top of the line World War II era technology combined with their persistence and strong female characters provides a wonderfully, entertaining yet poignant work.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complementary copy of this book via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.