In 'The Secrets We Kept,' Lara Prescott unveils a thrilling tale of espionage and love during the Cold War, intertwining the lives of two women who work for the CIA. As they become embroiled in a covert mission to disseminate Boris Pasternak's novel, Dr. Zhivago, they find themselves navigating the dangerous waters of political intrigue and personal sacrifice. The narrative oscillates between their clandestine activities and the haunting longing for connection amid chaos. Prescott masterfully blends historical events with fictional intimacy, showcasing the power of literature as a form of resistance. Will these women succeed in their mission, or will their secrets lead to their undoing?
By Lara Prescott
Published: 2019
""In a world painted in shades of secrecy, the truth becomes a weapon; the stories we tell are not just ours, but a resistance against silence.""
A thrilling tale of secretaries turned spies, of love and duty, and of sacrifice--inspired by the true story of the CIA plot to infiltrate the hearts and minds of Soviet Russia, not with propaganda, but with the greatest love story of the twentieth century: Doctor Zhivago. At the height of the Cold War, two secretaries are pulled out of the typing pool at the CIA and given the assignment of a lifetime. Their mission: to smuggle Doctor Zhivago out of the USSR, where no one dare publish it, and help Pasternak's magnum opus make its way into print around the world. Glamorous and sophisticated Sally Forrester is a seasoned spy who has honed her gift for deceit all over the world--using her magnetism and charm to pry secrets out of powerful men. Irina is a complete novice, and under Sally's tutelage quickly learns how to blend in, make drops, and invisibly ferry classified documents. The Secrets We Kept combines a legendary literary love story--the decades-long affair between Pasternak and his mistress and muse, Olga Ivinskaya, who was sent to the Gulag and inspired Zhivago's heroine, Lara--with a narrative about two women empowered to lead lives of extraordinary intrigue and risk. From Pasternak's country estate outside Moscow to the brutalities of the Gulag, from Washington, D.C. to Paris and Milan, The Secrets We Kept captures a watershed moment in the history of literature--told with soaring emotional intensity and captivating historical detail. And at the center of this unforgettable debut is the powerful belief that a piece of art can change the world.
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“"In a world painted in shades of secrecy, the truth becomes a weapon; the stories we tell are not just ours, but a resistance against silence."”
The Secrets We Kept
By Lara Prescott
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Lara Prescott is an acclaimed American author known for her intricate narratives and compelling character development. Her debut novel, "The Secrets We Kept," draws on the rich tapestry of history and espionage surrounding the publication of Boris Pasternak's "Doctor Zhivago," beautifully blending fact with fiction. Prescott's writing is characterized by its lyrical prose and deep exploration of themes such as love, loyalty, and the power of literature. Her work has garnered critical praise and has been featured in multiple prestigious publications, establishing her as a significant voice in contemporary literature.
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