“Cambridge, 1942
Twins Tessa and Theo had always shared everything – until the summer Tessa spent studying in France. She hasn’t been the same since. But before Theo can find out why, he is recruited by the RAF and disappears into the skies.
Determined to carve her own path, Tessa joins the clandestine Special Operations Executive, slipping into the shadows of occupied France. It will be dangerous work, but France is the home of her greatest love – and her darkest secret. Tessa has many reasons for wanting to return.
Two years later, only one of them comes home.”

I don’t often read historical fiction, and so I’m not sure how I ended up with an advance review copy of this debut novel – but I’m so pleased I did, I couldn’t put it down!

The book is the story of twins Tessa and Theo who have grown up in Cambridge with a French Mum and English Dad. Theo signs up to join the war effort in the RAF as a pilot – and Tessa is very cross that she, as a female, can’t do similar. She is initially working in an administrative role – but is then recruited by the Special Operations Executive to be sent to France to work with the resistance there. Being bilingual – and very feisty – she is ideal for the role.

The story follows her experiences in France as the first section – and it’s really interesting and evocative – I really enjoyed this.

Theo ends up injured – both physically and mentally – and returns to Cambridge as the war is coming to a close. He is devastated that he doesn’t know what has happened to Tessa. His life after the war is tough – in many different ways – and he never makes peace with the ‘not knowing’.

Much later – when Theo is an old man – he is approached by a PHD student, Edie, who is researching the SOE – and in particular the female operatives and specifically Tessa. Between them, and with a cross generational friendship developing, Theo and Edie work out what happened to Tessa both during the war, and back in 1938 when she studied at the Sorbonne for a year. I have to say I was expecting a twist of fate and far fetched ending that – thankfully I suppose – didn’t come!

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and I’m glad I took a punt on a book I wouldn’t normally read – and I feel more educated about the SOE and World War II. I also now know how to say my Grandson’s name in French – he’s also a Theo!!

A big thank you to Net Galley and Harper Collins for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.