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!

Good but could have been better

I really enjoyed this book except for a couple of parts. Then I did research and found out that the things that I hated about the book were not true. I do not understand why the author had to take such poetic license with the character of Judy. Why not use her real name and tell the truth about her life instead of making stuff up. The made up stuff made me cry and now I find it's for no reason. I find Hedy Lamarr's life fascinating. However, the life of Joan Curran, aka Judy is also fascinating and could have been told a lot more truthfully. The made up part was just for drama and to make people cry. No point to that!

Excellent

Wish it had a bit more about what their inventions were specifically as they developed the projects.

How life got in the way

I liked the book but it was sad. Parts of the story felt unbelievable, but it gave me an idea of what people in Great Britain, went through during the war. I wish you developed, the two main characters friendship, after World War 2. Despite their love for each other, they relationship was complicated.. I did like the ending. It was easy to read and I would recommend this book because I am a strong believer that women contribute a lot, during the war and were seldom recognized. These two women fought to overcome this. RJS

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.

Wonderful.

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