World War II-era books are some of my favorites, and this one seemed a bit different from many I've read in the past. I found Kelman's book to be engaging. She did a great job of blending fact and fiction. I enjoyed learning a bit about the female inventors during the war. I'm glad to see that they're finally getting recognition. I also really enjoyed the friendship between Hedy and Judy.

With grateful thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
What a fabulous tale, with Hedy and Judy a story that spans a life time thev'e had there ups and downs in that time its an extremely poignant tale that really does make you think about old friends and what really matters in life I can highly recommend this outstandingly beautiful book.

WHEN THE NIGHTINGALE SINGS by SUZANNE KELMAN is a WW11 novel in which the author tells us the story of two women scientists, who not only became best friends, but who also contributed to the war effort. The novel is based on true stories, and the artistic license which the author uses gives us a great picture of what thngs were like in that horrific time in history, and the rejection felt by Judy and Hedy, who, as women, are not taken seriously in a man’s world.
I like to see how Tom, Judy’s husband and lab partner, always gives credit to his brilliant wife.
Hedy escapes her domineering husband in Austria eventually becoming the famous actress Hedy Lamarr. She longs to be seen as an inteligent person and not just admired for her incredible beauty. She was, in fact, known as the most beautful woman in the world!
Both women go through painful loss through which their friendship stands firm, until Judy does something that places Stefan, Hedy’s beloved childhood friend, in danger. Will this mean that their friendship can never be restored?
I found the novel interesting, although sad, as we follow the characters’emotions, feeling their frustration, grief and anger as the war takes its terrible toll.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bookouture. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

This book is perfection. If you love historical fiction this is a great read!
I loved the emotions this book puts the reader through. Stunning absolutely stunning!
All I can say is this author has gained a forever reader with me!

I waited with baited breath for this one - I desperately wanted NetGalley/publishers to approve me for this one. Why? Amidst all the WWII books coming out, this one was a little different. It tells the story of an enduring friendship across time and space and as I have many close friendships like that, this book spoke to me. But a little tip, have enough time carved out for this book, because once you start reading this, you won't be able to put it down. It was such a heart-wrenching, emotional read for me - and yet when I turned the last page, I felt complete. The author Suzanne Kelman is not an author I was familiar with, but I will be forever a life-long reader of hers. This book was AMAZING. Read it with tissues nearby, but don't let that stop you from experiencing this wonderful wonderful book.

When the Nightingale Sings, by Suzanne Kelman, is a historical fiction book about a friendship between two women - Hedwig Kiesler and Judy Morgan. Those two names may not be familiar to you, but one of them (Hedwig) became famous for not only her invention that form the basis of WiFi, but was also a well-known movie star (Hedy Lamarr). Judy Morgan is based upon the scientist Joan Curran, a physicist who developed technology to conceal aircraft from radar during WWII. Their story begins in 1937 and this story follows them through the ups and downs of war, life, and friendship. I enjoyed how Ms. Kelman wove their story through real historical events - the beginning of WWII, the end of WWII, dealing with being regarded as “just a female” (either as just a pretty face or not receiving credit for work performed), and how both ended up depending upon the other in a true spirit of friendship. Famous people appear in the book, but they don’t dominate the story (and the author described the relationship between Hedy and Howard Hughes wonderfully). It’s obvious that the author did take liberties with some of the facts - but she explained why in the Author’s Letter, which I encourage readers to read for where liberties were taken and why. Overall, for me this was an engaging book with a good mix of facts and fiction as well as a quick read. I did find myself consulting online sources a bit during the book - something I rather enjoy. A good read for anyone interested in learning more about the “unsung” female inventors during WWII - there were many and I’m glad that they’re slowly but finally getting the recognition they’ve long deserved. A solid 4.5 stars.