The Officer and the Spy Book Reviews

The Officer and the Spy by Jenny Ashcroft Book Summary

“An unforgettable story of great love torn apart by war, of heroism and betrayal, passion and pure evil, all set against an idyllic Greek island backdrop. It’s a genuine masterpiece, a book to lose yourself in.” Gill Paul, The Secret Wife

“With the historical authenticity of Sebastian Faulks, the perfectly observed family relationships of Santa Montefiore, and the gut-wrenching twist of Jojo Moyes, The Officer and The Spy is epic, enthralling and deeply emotional.’ Iona Grey, Letters to the Lost

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Under the Cretan sun, in the summer of 1936, two young people fall in love…

Eleni has been coming to Crete her entire life, swapping her English home for cherished sun-baked summers with her grandfather in his idyllic shoreside villa. When she arrives in 1936, she believes the long, hot weeks ahead will be no different to so many that have gone before.

But someone else is visiting the island that year too: a young German man called Otto. And so begins a summer of innocence lost, and love discovered; one that is finite, but not the end.

When, in 1941, the island falls to a Nazi invasion, Eleni and Otto meet there once more. But this time Eleni has returned to fight for her home, and Otto to occupy it. They are enemies, and their love is not only treacherous, but also dangerous. But will it destroy them, or prove strong enough to overcome the ravages of war?

An epic tale of secrets, love, loyalty, family and how far you’d go to keep those you love safe, The Officer and The Spy is an exquisite and deeply moving love letter to Crete – one that will move every reader to tears.

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“What a beautiful novel. So romantic, so epic, so tear-jerking.” Lorna Cook, The Forgotten Village

“I was completely spellbound . . . It’s the best book I’ve read this year.” Kathleen McGurl, The Forgotten Secret

Reviews

Praise for The Officer and The Spy

“Ashcroft has done it again with another deeply moving, beautifully romantic and vividly rendered story. This is a wonderful and resonant historical novel, focussing on family, loyalty and love without borders.” Katherine Webb, The Legacy

‘Haunting and heart-breaking . . . explores truth, beauty and the fragility of human relationships’ Rachel Burton, The Secrets of Summer House

“The Officer and The Spy is beautifully written, powerful and poignant. Time and place are brilliantly evoked, with a moving love story at its core. It is excellent.” Tracy Rees, The House at Silvermoor

“The Officer and The Spy has simply blown me away! Such a powerful and poignant love story set against the beauty and danger of wartime Crete. At times I could hardly bear to read on, and yet couldn’t put it down.” Liz Trenow, Searching for my Daughter

“The Officer and The Spy has every element you could hope for from a gripping historical novel – romance, heartbreak, evocative prose and expertly woven themes of loyalty, bravery and betrayal. Both captivating and devastating, this is a uniquely moving, unforgettable story.” Holly Miller, The Sight of You

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The Officer and the Spy (Jenny Ashcroft) Book Reviews 2024

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