The Secret Pianist
By: Andie Newton
Review Score: 5 Stars

Boogie’s Bulletpoints
-This book is intense right from the start.

-I loved learning more about the sisters and their contributions to the Resistance.

-No spoilers, but I loved learning about how messages were passed via pigeons.

-There are SO MANY good plot twists in this story!

——

The Secret Pianist was kindly provided as an ARC by Netgalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter. Thank you for allowing me to enjoy this wonderful book!

Release Date: 1/12/24

Wow. The Secret Pianist is one of my favorite recent historical fictions reads about World War 2. I loved the premise, the characters, and the plot twists! Ugh. This story was engaging from beginning to end. I was still thinking about it, days later. I highly suggest you check this book out, you will not be disappointed!


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When Martine Cotillard finds a British pigeon from a plane that was shot down, she wants to send it back to England with a message revealing German positions. Her two sisters want to eat it.
Great look at how hard it was to know whom to trust in France during WWII. As the Cotillard sisters learn, appearances can be deceiving.

The Secret Pianist is another brilliant historical fiction novel by Andie Newton. Loosely based on real life events around the use of homing pigeons by the British Security Services during WW2.

I had a vague understanding of pigeon usage by the British during WW2 but had no idea of the extent or real purpose of the operation.

When an RAF Whitley plane is forced to ditch its cargo of pigeons over the seaside town of Boulogne-Sur-Mer rather than the intended drop zone it sets into motion a series of events that have unexpected consequences and not just for the British.

When Martine Cotillard finds the pigeon, her sisters think she is mad for wanting to use it, they know that she has been involved with the resistance, but think it is too dangerous to get involved to a much deeper level.

But Martine isn't one to take no for an answer, and so Gaby and Simone reluctantly agree to send a message. They are scared of the Germans that have invaded their lives so brutally, and are determined to do anything that they can to fight back.

At the receiving end of their message is Guy, the intelligence officer in charge of the pigeon operation who sometimes has a hard time convincing his superiors of the usefulness of the birds. He is delighted to receive the message containing important information that could help the Brits and help him validate his operation.

And so begins a whirlwind adventure with three sisters at the heart trying to save the country that they love from permanent invasion. But will they succeed, and why is the novel called the secret pianist.. well that's a secret of course, you'll need to read for yourself to find out, and you will definitely enjoy doing so!

I loved this book. It has everything that makes it a winner for me. Fantastic characters (based on real people), excellent story (based on real events), suspense, tension, love, loss and hope.

I don't think there's much more to say about this book except go and read it ... you won't be disappointed especially those of you who enjoy reading this genre.

Many thanks to the author, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of this riveting and emotional book.

I thoroughly, absolutely loved this and raced through it in just a couple of days, not wanting to put it down. Three sisters in occupied France work together to keep the Nazis at bay despite events conspiring against them and marking them out as "bad French". Not unlike The Three Musketeers, Gaby (the pianist) and her sisters Martine and Simone vow to only act if they're all in agreement, and sometimes those lines are blurred.
After finding a pigeon, the obvious debate is whether to eat it or not, but with it being a British War Office pigeon, they decide to use their knowledge of the Nazi setup in their home of Boulogne-Sur-Mer to help the allies. When their efforts are acknowledged, the urge to do more is compelling. However, the German authorities are aware of "The Heroines" and are keen to catch them.
Gaby is "obliged" to work for the Commandant who is looking for them, as a piano teacher to his step-daughter, and attending his home to give lessons soon becomes common knowledge amongst the villagers.
The story tells of their efforts to cause maximum harm to the Nazis' plans while being shunned by their neighbours. Across the channel, the man who sent the pigeons wants to ensure the sisters are safe, but his hands are tied too.
Romance, family conflicts, war secrets, and spies are all in the mix in The Secret Pianist, and the relationships between the main characters are fully-developed and wholly believable. As with any good story, there are unexpected twists and all is definitely not how it seems, making this a real page-turner. That said, the ending did seem rushed as all the storylines were tied up rather too quickly.
Of course, as a fan of Andie Newton, I expected a great story and was totally immersed in the characters' lives and predicaments. More please!

Brilliant. I couldn’t not put this book down, it was simply riveting. Although a work of fiction, it felt so real. A complete page turner, thoroughly recommended.

Loved this book. Gripping page turner was hard to put down each night. Excellent storyline and fascinating subject. Would definitely recommend

I couldn't put this down and read it in only a few days. Perfectly paced lending to the heightened stakes, terrific characterisations, particularly of the three sisters and their neighbour, and richly researched which leapt from the page in the most extraordinary details about that time and the occupation of France.

I especially loved how the themes of heroism and hope were threaded throughout the story and the exciting climax, which left me open-mouthed.

Highly recommended.

The secret pianist

Sisters Gaby, Martine and Simone Cotillard live on the coast of northern France after fleeing Paris. They live a quiet life as seamstresses until Gaby is requested by the German commandant to teach piano to his step daughter. Gaby had been studying music in Paris and though reluctant to teach the step daughter she had no choice. At the same time Martine has rescued a British messenger pigeon that was dropped from a cargo plane that was part of Operation Columbia. The sisters make a decision to keep the pigeon and send messages back to London. This story is based on true events involving operation Columbia and the invasion of Normandy.
It is a truly moving well researched historical fiction story of sacrifice, survival and trust; with just a bit of romance.

A very good book that tells the story of occupied France.

Gaby, Martine & Simone are sisters who live in France and run their deceased Aunt’s shop. They feel their neighbour spies on them and do not like her. Circumstances happen and the sisters find themselves in a difficult position.

I found the book at the end was a bit rushed but I did enjoy the book it kept you guessing what was going to happen to the family.

It was well written and kept me wanting to read on.

Another beautifully researched and well-paced page-turner spy story from Andie Newton!
In The Secret Pianist we get another dose of the author’s deft sense of place—the Nazi occupied seaside town of Boulogne-sur-Mer—and the story of three sisters, who are seeking refuge here after a hastily fleeing Paris. The book packs an extra bonus because woven among the suspenseful intrigue and historical realism lies a blossoming love story that leaves the reader feeling satisfied and hopeful. The Girls from the Beach used to be my fave WWII spy story. The Secret Pianist knocked it to second place. A great book!

This was a good well thought out WWII fiction book told from the point of view of three sisters . I felt it was plotted and paced with good research and character development.
It was a good addition to this genre

Based on true events readers who like historical fiction will enjoy this story. Gabby, Martine and Simone while running their deceased aunt's sewing shop became involved in the Operation Columbia during WWII. Homing pigeons carried secret messages which helped with the invasion of Normandy. This is a moving story of survival during war in which the enemy could be your next door neighbor. Recommended.

A different sort of look at WWII. Set in occupied France, it's the story of sisters Gabriella, Martine, and Simone who are trying to live quietly on the coast after moving from Paris. And then a British carrier pigeon arrives. Based on a. true story, this is a portrait of a village where it's never clear who is a collaborator (or why) and about three very brave women. Newton has a way with characters- not just with the sisters but also their neighbors. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. For fans of historical fiction,

I’ve read a few books highlighting Winston Churchill and his Air Ministry’s Operation Columba and the value of messenger pigeons in wartime. However, the pull of The Heroines, the Cotillard sisters, and their story, in addition to the author’s amazing ability to bring history alive for me pushed this book towards the top of those spotlighting the same topic.

Martine, Simone and Gabriella Cotillard single-handedly held my attention throughout the story. They pulled back the curtain on what it was like to live in France during the German occupation; the fear was palpable and the courage needed to survive, let alone help others, was inspiring.

Newton showcases those whose will to survive outweighed the forces of those who were bent on destruction. My heart went out to a little girl who taught herself how to survive the occupation and the fine line she walked to keep ‘family’ safe and happy. Newton reminds readers about the importance of being your own heroine and the lengths we will go to protect the things and people we love.

I appreciated a look into the role of radio in wartime France and could imagine the pull of Radio Londres for those who were relying on getting information into the right hands. The addition of The She Wolf, the black ribbons, the nosy neighbour, the far reaches of the Abwehr and the mysterious Cpt. Walter Webber were a nice balance to the Cottilard’s story. I valued the reminder that our outlook and actions change when we have someone other than ourselves to think about. So often books set in WW2 focus on one person and their own challenges. Days later, I’m still thinking about this book and wondering if I could put my faith in a messenger pigeon’s information when I have no idea about the sender, his/her authenticity, or chain of command. I love books that make me pause and give me food for thought.

How does the secret pianist come into play in this story?! No, I haven’t forgotten to mention it, but guys, it’s a SECRET pianist. I can’t tell you. You’ll have to read how composers influenced the wartime effort.

I was gifted this copy by Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I really enjoyed this book which is based on true events. The writer tells us her inspiration came from the Debaillie family of Lichtervelde, Belgium, who had a communications pigeon and had to decide what to do with it.

Like the Debaillies, the Cotillard sisters at the centre of The Secret Pianist had differing ideas about what constituted patriotism. They had to leave Paris in a hurry, we learn, because of the company they were keeping. Backed into a corner by the German Commandant, which leads to them being ostracised as "Bad French," they decide to use their pigeon to send intelligence to the British.

It seems their intelligence has been well received, but events start to spiral out of control. There's a gripping tension around a music concert. And even more thrills as the sisters run for their lives.

There are some very memorable characters in the book. The three sisters are all very different. They're modern and ahead of their time for a quiet town in wartime.

There's the German captain, who is moved into the adjoining apartment against their will, is not introduced to us for quite a while. The girls are very suspicious of him and imagine he is overhearing their conversations and reporting them. The truth is a different story altogether.

There's the mother of 9 year old piano prodigy Lauren. She is usually seen wafting about in a peignoir and is having an affair with the Commandant. She surprises us. As does one of their nosiest neighbours, whom they suspect of being a collaborator.

Then there is British intelligence agent Guy, who owns the pigeon program and considers the Cotillards his agents (although their identity was a mystery to the British for a long time). The method used by the girls to confirm their identity leads the lonely Guy to wonder about Gabriella.

There are a couple of happy endings but we welcome them after all the girls have been through.

Uplifting and heart warming.

Loved it!! I never knew the British used pigeons during WWII. I googled this and discovered that thirty-two pigeons were decorated with the Dickin Medal. For some reason I found this information very interesting and would have never guessed birds were used to send information back and forth. Luckily, the Cotillard sisters find one of the messenger birds and send valuable information back to the British. This puts Gaby, Martine and Simone in more danger than they realize. Love the antagonizing relationship the sisters have with their nosy neighbor, Antoinette. Poor Milly. Unfortunately, she got the wrath of Martine. I had to laugh when Antoinette was looking for her missing chicken and Martine looked out the window while shoveling eggs into her mouth. I definitely wasn't expecting the secret that Antoinette disclosed to the sisters. The sisters had a hard time knowing who to trust with people being labeled "good French" and "bad French." Loved Lauren. She was waiting for the right piano teacher to come along, which happened to be Gaby. Unfortunately, working for the commandant was not considered "good French." Wasn't surprised who the spy turned out to be, I sort of suspected it.

Definitely recommend the book. Loved the characters, writing style and story. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I enjoyed The Secret Pianist ,though I found it a bit slow at the beginning and the ending rushed !! This is a story about the French Resistance and how carrier pigeons were use to great effect in WW2.Set in France mainly 'it is the story of three sisters having to cope with the German invasion of their town ,which is full of collaborators "good french" and "bad french" so difficult to know who to trust .There were plenty of good characters a very enjoyable story made more so by the fact it is based on a true story .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC

Andie Newton's The Secret Pianist is a great little piece of historical fiction set in France. It's one of the few World War II books I've read that grapples with the issue of being a collaborator, albeit unwillingly. Without giving away plot details, I would say that the first 2/3 of the book work better than the final 1/3, which feels a bit rushed and convenient. I have to admit that I like the romance, even though it is objectively ridiculous. Nice to see something set in coastal France that isn't ATLWCS.

I love Andie Newton. I love WWII books. This one is no exception! I loved the characters and the story line. The writing was magical and felt like I knew the characters personally. I can't wait until this comes out so my friends can read it as well!