When I first saw this book, I was drawn to it for two main reasons. Firstly, it is set at lastly partly in Canada which is my home country, and secondly, it pertains, at least in part, to the role Ukranians played in service to the German armed forces during the second world war. This has been rather a hot topic in Canada since a former Ukranian soldier was honoured in the House of Commons without any understanding that his unit had fought for Germany under the Nazi banner. I felt that in the telling I did gain a better understanding of some of the factors involved in that.

I tend to be a fan of historical fiction that focuses on WW2 history, but this book turned out to be a lot more than that. It was a novel of intrigue, suspense, mystery and murder, and the title was aptly chosen because there were many secrets and surprises throughout the novel.

It is told in dual timeline fashion with a focus on two women. One is in Ukraine near the end of the war, and the other was on the West coast of Canada years after the war. Both women face great difficulties and are in many senses trapped. The modern woman is actually being physically held in virtual captivity and is struggling to break free. How these women are connected forms the basis of this story and the ending came as a huge surprise.

I found it a little hard to get into the beginning of the book but it grew on me as it progressed, and I would recommend it to those looking to better understand what pushed people in the position of being forced into certain actions and reactions.

My thanks to the author, the publisher,Doubleday Canada and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read this preview ARC. The review reflects my own unbiased feelings.

This book started out slowly, but I was eventually hooked on it. It is told from two points of view. In 1944 we meet Savka, who is a Ukrainian woman being coerced by a KGB agent who has taken her son. In 1972 we meet Jeannie, who is an artist with burn injuries being cared for by 2 nurses at her home on Salt Spring Island in Canada. How the two stories unite forms the climax of the book. The characters were inspired by many actual historical people and the history of the Ukrainian independence struggle that forms part of the story seems particularly relevant today. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital advance reading copy. 3.75/5

The Last Secret is a suspenseful historical novel. With a dual timeline and POVs, it tells the story of Savka in 1944 war-torn Ukraine, and later in Canada, and Jeanie in 1972 on Salt Spring Island. The connection between the two women is slowly reveled. This story of broken dreams, family, secrets, and Soviet spies is hard to put down. WWII and historical fiction fans will love this book (or at least I did). Thanks to author Maia Caron, Penguin Random House Canada | Doubleday Canada, and NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this ebook. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

The Last Secret by Maia Caron, a story that captured the horrors of war from a woman’s perspective in 1944 Ukraine and a mysterious link to an isolated female artist living in 1970s Salt Spring Island, Canada. A fascinating combination that drew me in - and if you love historical fiction and enjoy the challenge of unraveling a mystery, with frequent flashback and flashforwards, this is a book for you. The plot involving a war in Ukraine was particularly poignant given the events in the world today. Thank you to Doubleday Canada and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

The main characters in this are two women, brave in their own way each having to deal with dangerous situations with unsavory individuals – who can they trust? Savka Ivanets as a Ukrainian resistance fighter/ medic with a young son, is in constant unimaginable danger while having to make agonizing decisions between her role in the war and that of a mother. And her role of a wife, as she still loves her husband Marko, a leader in the resistance who has been missing and whom she has placed on a pedestal based on happier pre-war times. There are constant shadowy figures throughout her life that she can never get away from.

Flashing forward, Jeanie Esterhazy is a successful but reclusive artist who lives under the constant watch of a nasty nurse on Salt Spring Island. Jeanie experienced a tragic accident as a young woman which she has little memory of. She seeks independence as bits and pieces of her past come back to her, and she suspects that her nurse is more of a jailor than a guardian with her best interest at heart. She is also looking to get away much like Savka.

How are these two women, several years apart, connected by a decades long unsolved death?

I love books that feature strong, independent, intelligent women, and both Savka and Jeanie filled the bill. At times it could be frustrating as an outsider seeing what I saw, but the frustration was likely purposeful. I did find that some of the characters were caricatures in that they were very black and white “evil”, too easy to hate like text book villains. I prefer more nuance – that being said there were a few surprises along the way and I liked how that the story wrapped up with some drama and resolution.

In 1944, Savka Ivan's works as a medic for the Ukrainian resistance against the Nazi soldiers. Her husband, Marko, is a member of the Wafen-SS, and asks her to deliver a coded message that leads to her son, Taras being kidnapped. In 1972, in British Columbia, Jeanie Esterhazy, is kept against her will, drugged and incoherent she is unable to vocalize her own needs. As an artist, she is able to depict her emotions and feelings through her art, but struggles with the strength to persevere against her captivity, as she suffers from severe PTSD. The two women are connected in surprising ways, and demonstrate the power of resilience as they fight against the secrets they must keep to save themselves.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Historical fiction is one of my favourite genres, and this was such a unique and beautiful story. Maia Caron did extensive research on the history of conflict in Ukraine, as well as the historical impact of the Nazi regime in this country. Her research was beautifully woven with excellent story telling. I found both the lead characters compelling and interesting to read about, however the story built quite slowly. A big challenge with dual timelines is often that I like one timeline more than another, and that was the case here, preferring the 1944 story until the end as the secrets began to be revealed, and then the narrative moved very fast.

An absolute must read for any fan of historical fiction!

<b>Epic Ukrainian-Canadian Saga</b>
<i>Review of the Doubleday Canada paperback, audiobook & eBook (to be published September 24, 2024) read via a NetGalley Kindle ARC (downloaded August 22, 2024).</i>

Two women are trapped in figurative prisons not of their own making. There are secrets upon secrets which are either hidden or lost and which they both seek to uncover. All will be revealed in the end, but it will take a journey across time from 1944's WW2 battlegrounds in Ukraine to the 1972 shores of Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, Canada before the last secret is unveiled.

In 1944, Savka Ivanets is forced from her home on a mission for the Ukrainian Underground resistance by her husband Marko, who is embedded with the Waffen SS on orders from the independence movement leaders who hope to build a future Ukrainian Army to resist both German and Russian invaders. She falls into the hands of the Russian NKVD Secret Police who kidnap her son Taras to hold as a means to force her to do their bidding. Her journey to find her son will take her to Poland, to England and finally to Canada. But agents of the now Russian KGB follow her at every turn.

In 1972, reclusive painter Jeannie Esterhazy is kept as a virtual prisoner in her aunt's home of Salt Spring Island. Her caregiver is not the benign nurse that she may first appear to be. Jeannie is regularly kept drugged and complacent, but is still capable of producing a regular output of paintings. Jeannie is the survivor of a burn incident in her youth but also of a traumatic incident when she was recovering in hospital in 1959. Then one day a man appears on the island asking questions about the past. The scene is set for a final confrontation where the secrets from both 1944 and 1959 will be revealed at last.

Maia Caron has produced an epic historical fiction which reveals the further back history of the struggles for Ukrainian independence which are still being fought for during the current Russian invasion and terror. Caron's research on the historical background was quite extensive and the story does not shy away from the horrors that otherwise innocent people must endure in vicious conflicts. Various characters were inspired by actual real-life people and author Caron provides some of that background in her concluding Author's Note.

My thanks to the author, the publisher Doubleday Canada and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this preview ARC, in exchange for which I provide this honest review.

<b>Trivia and Link</b>
Author Maia Caron is of Métis heritage and is also the author of <i>Song of Batoche</i> (2017) which is a historical fiction about Louis Riel and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North-West_Rebellion">North-West Rebellion</a>.

Gripping book. I felt invested in the characters from the very beginning. Savka is trying to survive in war-torn Ukraine. In a country invaded by the Germans, she knows that if Russia comes to free her country, it won't really mean freedom, but worse terrors. As she tries to take her son to safety at her husband's insistance, the worst happens and she is beset by a Russian and this two men.

What ensues for Savka is a story of loss, of feeble hope renewed and stripped away. Of her attempting to rebuild her life by degrees, only to see that hope repeatedly taken away from her.

As we are introduced to Jeanie and her own tragic story, the question is always how these two women connect. I kept trying to figure out if Jeanie's nurses Pat and Kay were more than they appeared. This pulled the story forward with tense back and forth between the two timelines.

The Last Secret by Maia Caron is a harrowing and gut wrenching dual timeline Historical Fiction novel about internal and external war. Secrets and betrayals are constants.

In World War II Ukraine, citizens are tormented relentlessly by both Nazis and Soviets. In survival mode, they do anything for their families rather than see them tortured or worse. Life has changed and what would have been impossible to fathom earlier becomes daily reality. They are pitted against each other, even those closest to them. Savka's son has been taken while standing up for her and her high-ranking husband is missing. She exists on chestnut roots and her wit. But she has an important secret list others are after.

In 1972 Salt Spring Island, Jeanie exists in a foggy trance-like state. Her "carer" could not be more cruel and uses Jeanie badly. Jeanie pours her heart and soul onto canvas as an outlet but wonders about her past, especially her marriage. Her mental and physical scars are deep.

The two stories are gripping and emotional and the author fits the puzzle pieces together beautifully. The setting is fascinating and the atmosphere drips with tension. But what I liked most was the gorgeous, gorgeous writing which managed to sadden and infuriate me. One graphic romantic scene was unnecessary and detracted from the story.

Do be sure to read the author's notes for further insight into her inspiration for this dark story. It certainly is not a light read.

My sincere thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this captivating novel.

A big dual time line POV novel that I found both fascinating and frustrating. Know that Savka's story, which begins in 1944 Ukraine, is highly dependent on the geopolitical aspects of Ukraine, Nazi Germany, and the Soviet Union (let alone the partisans) and that some of it might be confusing. That said, Savka, wife of Marko and mother to Tarras, is not, as she finds herself in a web of deceit and under the thumb of a vicious NKVD officer. How does she link up with Jeanie in 1972 Canada? Jeanie is an artist who lives under the guardianship of Pat, who controls her. What is the memory she's missing? One big quibble for me was that it took entirely too long to know what happened to Jeanie and even then it wasn't entirely clear- her back story would have helped a lot and I still have unanswered questions. There's a lot of drama both in Ukraine and in Canada. There are multiple mysteries here and Jeanie holds the answer to one of them but that, again, isn't evident until it's right in your face. So many implausibilities (starting with the ability of the NKVD to pop up more or less everywhere and also with a positive thing) but I kept reading regardless. Don't miss the afterw0rd. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. A qualified good read.

A beautiful piece of historical fiction that explores dual timelines and locations. As someone from Vancouver, I found the author’s descriptions of the city and gulf islands particularly vivid and resonant. I found the pacing a bit slow. It took a while for the action to pick up, and some chapters felt unnecessarily prolonged. Overall, while I wished for a bit more momentum, the novel delivered a beautifully atmospheric and historically rich story that Vancouverites will particularly appreciate. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Oh my goodness what can I say about this book it certainly was enthralling and the suspense wonder what would happen in the end.

Savka lives in Ukraine with her son Tara, her husband Marko is in the army helping Germany a they do not want to be ruled under Russia. Savka and Tara end up in the forest where things happen and Tara is taken. Will she see him again.

Jeanie lives in Canada where she is a recluse who is an artist, she had a terrible accident. Her life is not a happy one her carer Pat is not a very nice person. Jeanie has flashbacks to when she was in the hospital. A stranger appears at the house asking about the time she was in hospital which she starts having flashbacks.

This book kept you guessing what was going to happen and would there be a happy ending. It was really interesting to read about this time of the War how the Ukrainians went with either the Germans or were against both the Germans and the Russians.

Would recommend this book.

This book has two things that I typically hate in novels, duel time lines and duel points of view however I really enjoyed reading this and I was very surprised how much I got into each character and how easy it was for me to tell everyone apart. This story follows two different women, Savaka a resistance fighter caught between Russia and Germany right in the midst of World War II, and Jennie a woman who is living in the seventies as an artist and a recluse. Jennie is dealing with a bunch of her own tragedies one of them bring the fact that she is a prisoner in her own home. I was a little confused on how these two womens' stories would intertwine when they seemed to be completely different but I loved reading both of them to figure it out. I found both stories to be very different but I loved how much detail and background the author managed to put into each woman's story. I felt a strong connection to both women despite how different they were from each other. While I found that the best part of this book was obviously the story line I also loved the beautifuly almost poetic language that the author used in this book. Her descriptions of things were magnificent and they painted a very vivid image in my head that it was almost like I was there myself. This is the kind of book that shows a progression over years which was the best way in my opinion to write a book like this. There was so much going on but it let the reader get all of the facts and information without becoming overwhelmed. If you like historical fiction or just books about WWII then I highly suggest this book. Don't be turned against this book from the length because while it is a bit of long read it really manages to say an awful lot both in both character development but also plot progression. Very good read and I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to read this book first.

The Last Secret by Maia Caron is a richly detailed historical novel that immerses readers in a lesser-known period, blending real events with fictional intrigue. Caron's meticulous research shines, and her exploration of themes like secrecy and power adds depth to the narrative. However, the novel's pacing is slow in parts, and some secondary characters feel underdeveloped, which can make the plot hard to follow at times. While it may not fully capture every reader's attention, fans of history-rich fiction will appreciate the authenticity and complexity of the story.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Sept. 24, 2024
Ukraine, 1944: Savka is a young wife and mother, working for the Ukrainian resistance as a nurse, while the war wages around her. When her young son, Taras, is taken by the KGB, she fears she won’t ever see him again.
Salt Spring Island, Canada, 1972: Jeanie is an invalid after a tragic fire on her wedding day. She lives in her deceased aunt’s estate, with no one but her caregiver, Pat, for company. Jeanie can’t remember what happened during her stay in the hospital but, according to Pat, it is a memory best left in the past. Until a handsome stranger shows up on the island, insisting that Pat is keeping more than Jeanie’s secrets…….
Two women, tied in unexpected ways, surviving insurmountable odds, is the basis behind Maia Caron’s new historical fiction novel, “The Last Secret”. “Secret” is the Canadian-born Caron’s second novel, and I’m always on board to support Canadian talent, especially women.
The story is dual-timeline, narrated by both Savka and Jeanie, although we do hear very briefly from other characters in the novel. Right away, an immediate bond was formed with the strong, brave and incredibly resilient women who suffered entirely different tragedies and managed to overcome them. Although there are subtle hints throughout the novel as to how the women are connected, Caron unveils it very slowly, making the reveal powerful and believable.
“Secret” was complex, intriguing and mysterious, but, for some unidentified reason, it took me a bit of time to really get into the plot. Once I did, though, there was no slowing down. I was fascinated by the story of Jeanie, the Fire Bride, and the bravery of Savka, who risked everything to save her son. As most historical fiction novels, the story is loosely based on real people, who Caron credits in the end notes.
I always enjoy reading World War Two novels, especially those that take place in other European nations, as they are not often explored or given the credit they rightly deserve. Caron’s novel is well-researched, creative and emotional, and “Secret” will be an automatic must-read for any historical fiction reader. I was intrigued by Caron’s writing style and will definitely be seeking out her works in the future.

This is my first step into the genre of historical fiction. i think that was a mistake. Although I did somewhat enjoy the book, I think I need to opt for lighter title until I gain more experience.

I do like the two stories from vastly different perspectives-one a nurse and one an artist with some physical trauma from being a burn victim.

War has lasting impacts, it can haunt future generations and intertwine people decades apart.

I recommend this to someone who enjoys reading qbout WWII who has read historical fiction before.

The Last Secret by Maia Caron is a historical fiction novel with a dual timeline.

The story follows the lives of two women, Savka, caught between the Germans and the Russians in World War 2 Ukraine, and Jeannie, a scarred women hidden away on a remote island in late 1960s/early 1970s Canada.

I had a hard time connecting to or liking any of the characters in this novel, with the exception of Taras near the end of the novel. I was also not a fan of the KGB agent with a personal vendetta chasing down people 25 years or more after the end of the war.

I was hoping to see more of Savka’s struggles, but there was a Lot of skipping ahead during her portion of the story, and some of it seemed a bit repetitive, with her just starting to get settled somewhere when her nemesis would show up. Jeannie’s character was irritatingly naïve, or just in denial, throughout most of the book.

I did enjoy the ending of the book, that really saved it for me.

All that said, I think there are lots of people who will love this book. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it at a different time, I don’t think it was terrible, it just wasn’t for me. I would recommend it for lovers of historical fiction set in the World War 2 era.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I highly recommend this for a World War II history buff. This book was a little too brutal in places and thus I did not entirely enjoy it. Good perspective with the Ukranian involvement of a woman medic in the war. That was the reason I wanted to read the book, so I did get what I came for. I appreciate the complimentary digital ARC from Doubleday Canada and NetGalley. This review is my own opinion.

I’m a bit done with “war-story” books but I decided to take a chance with The Last Secret. It’s not only a war story but a mystery, as well. Savka and Jeanie, the main characters, are portrayed as likeable but others you’ll grow to dislike intensely.
Starting out, I wasn’t sure how Salt Spring Island could possibly figure into the plot (it’s a dual timeline/ location) but it became clear quite late in the book and totally not what I was expecting.
A well written story and one that certainly gives a perspective of the Ukrainian, German and Russian factors during WWII.

I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday for my eARC. Much appreciated the chance to read this book.

Historical Fiction based on facts. During WW II, Ukraine was under German rule, then Russian occupation. The Ukrainian resistance was active with some signing on to the Nazi SS in hopes of influencing their officers to be more lenient and gain back Ukraine for Ukrainians.

Marko Ivanets was one of the men who joined the SS, sending his wife, Svaka, and son, Taras, into the forest in 1944. Fire Bride, Jeanie, finds herself under the care of nurses Pat O'Dwyer and Kay since 1966. By December 1972 these two groups find themselves learning about each other.

This novel has multiple POVs. The time lines alternate between 1944 (Svaka), and 1972 (Jeanie). I found it a bit too drawn out at times. and a bit confusing.

Overall an interesting but diverse life experiences based on being under the control of another person(s). Not a light read.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an advance copy. **No Spoilers **
When reading the snippet of the book details, I was enthralled to see it spans over WWII through to the 70’s in Canada. Enjoying historical fiction and being Canadian, this was something I was definitely going to delve into…
I personally like to digest history through fiction; it is more engaging than reading textbook, dry reads. This book definitely kept me interested, in a slow burn way. It’s character focused to be able to drive the plot and provide context to the actions of these characters.
With current events in Ukraine and Russia, it helped me understand more on the history of the troubles to say the least, but genocide, political strife and a strong ability to survive.