What did it take to be part of: The Mademoiselle Alliance by Natasha Lester

#TheMademoiselleAlliance #NetGalley

I have read many WWII historical novels so was not certain that I wanted to read another one. However, as Natasha Lester is one of my favorite authors, I decided to go ahead and am so very, very glad that I did. I recommend this book most highly.

In this novel readers meet Marie-Madeleine Meric who was a true historic personage. Readers follow her in the 1920s in Morocco and later during WWII when, with bravery, she faced unimaginable risks.

Marie-Madeleine married her husband somewhat impulsively thinking that they would have a life of great adventure. He went to Morocco to gather intelligence and relied on MM to translate for him. However, it also turned out that he was quite controlling and MM eventually left him to go to France.

Readers should know that even when Edouard tried to control her, MM had a mind of her own and for example twice took part in a famous road race, had her own friends and helped in a women’s clinic. Also,unlike her husband, MM was compassionate and deeply loved her son and daughter.

When WWII was brewing and came, MM became involved in the intelligence gathering process, eventually becoming the head of the Mademoiselle Alliance. Through this work, readers meet a wide cast of characters with whom she worked. Two of the most important were Leon and Navarre. They and many others faced unimaginable danger and heartache in these pages.

Natasha Lester is a writer who animates history. She vividly describes setting sand imbues her characters with life. This author made me care so much for MM and those she cared for.

Note that some readers may find resonance with present day life in the rising of Hitler as a dictator who used the military to achieve his ends and who persecuted untold millions. This adds extra resonance to this story.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House-Ballantine for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 08 April 2025

448 pages

Historical fiction

From the Publisher

From the author of The Paris Orphan, THE MADEMOISELLE ALLIANCE

A powerful story readers will not be able to put down. –Madeline Martin

A passionate, fiery tribute to a historical woman. –Kate Quinn

Deeply researched and gorgeously written. –Kerri Maher

Other novels by Natasha Lester:

What is hidden? The Paris Secret by Natasha Lester

Where did she go: The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard (Natasha Lester)

Hope that will be the right number: The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre by Natasha Lester

Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

I love to read, recommend books and open the world of reading to others. I tutor to ensure that the next generation of readers will know the joys of a good book because their reading skills have improved. I am an avid reader, especially of mysteries and fiction. I believe that two of the world's greatest inventions were the public library and eyeglasses! View all posts by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews