Ava Harper, a librarian from the Library of Congress, travels to neutral Lisbon during World War II to gather intelligence through international newspapers and microfilmed documents. Her mission involves identifying Axis supply lines and uncovering hidden codes embedded in everyday publications. Simultaneously, in occupied Lyon, Elaine Rousseau joins the French Resistance, operating a clandestine printing press to distribute forbidden information. The narrative alternates between Ava’s bureaucratic espionage in Portugal and Elaine’s high-stakes underground work in France, eventually connecting the two women through a coded message that bridges their separate efforts to combat the Nazi regime.
This book is written for readers of wartime history who value depictions of civilian contributions to the war effort beyond the battlefield. It appeals to those interested in the logistical side of intelligence gathering and the mechanics of the French Resistance. Readers find a detailed look at the strategic importance of information control and the specific risks taken by women in non-combat roles. The story offers a perspective on how archival skills and local printing operations influenced the flow of critical data across borders.
- Published
- 2022
- Language
- EN
