Look, I know it's going to take you a bit to get into this book, but the pay-off is worth it. This story of the friendship of Queenie and Maddie have in the midst of the terrible tragedies of World War II is a mighty one. Please know that once you get to the second half of the book, the part told by Maddie, you will be reading intensely trying to figure out what is going to happen. The story of these best friends, pilot and this spy, working undauntedly on behalf of the French Resistance is terrifying, beautiful, and stunning. You won't believe your eyes as you read.
The episodes of war are both frightening (like when the German Luftwaffe is hovering above the girls as they try to escape the shooting or the accounts of Nazi torture) and intriguing (like all the plotting, planning, and promising the Resistance efforts require). And the narratives are written like a puzzle. You are certain you can trust the narrators, but you realize you aren't the only audience reading the pages. But, BUT!, the very best part of this novel is the friendship the girls share. It crosses class divisions and personal inclinations; it is as strong as any family tie. They offer each other places to escape and chances to show great strength. The share fears (literally, they each list 10) and moments of true joy (bike rides and plane rides). Their friendship is uncommon.
As I try to describe this book that I just completed, I can't believe I'm really trying to describe it. It's indescribable. It's a puzzle and a simple story of friendship. It is a slog and twisty suspenseful roller-coaster. The narrators are trust-worthy and complete liars. The girls are a spy and a pilot, a female spy and a female pilot, no less. The book and it's contradictions punched me in the gut- in a way only the best, best, best stories can. I cannot stop thinking about the experience I had reading this book. Book love, people. Book love. Get your hands on this challenge book when you can. Stick with it's outcome, and enjoy.
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