The Lies We Leave Behind Book Review
Powerful historical fiction can be transporting, whisking readers away to another life and time with the flip of a page. In her latest novel, The Lies We Leave Behind, Noelle Salazar delves into the unspoken truths of one young woman's life during World War II, weaving a heart-wrenching tale of love and loss. Set against the pulse-pounding frontlines, this emotionally gripping and fast-paced historical fiction is a testament to Salazar's skill as a writer and her ability to immerse readers in a world long gone yet still hauntingly relevant. Discover The Lies We Leave Behind and uncover the lies that shaped a family and the sacrifices one young woman was forced to make.
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Quick Look
- WWII historical fiction
- dual timeline, dual POV
- male MC you'll love
- tons of twists and turns
Publisher's Synopsis
Somewhere in the Pacific, 1943. Kate Campbell is a nurse who bravely flies back and forth from the front to rescue wounded soldiers, amid long days, harsh conditions and often dangerous weather. Driven by a deep personal need to help in the war effort, she is conflicted when an injury results in her reassignment to the relative comfort of the English countryside.
Love has never been part of her plan, but despite herself, she falls for an officer with three bullet wounds, startling blue eyes and a wicked sense of humor. For the first time, Kate sees a future far from the horrors of war and hate. But before she can pursue it, a secret from her past calls her to duty, and she'll have to travel back into danger one more time to rescue a part of herself she'd left behind. But will she make it back? And will that future still be waiting for her if she does?
My Review
If you've followed me for any amount of time, then you already know that I'm a Noelle Salazar stan. If she writes it, I will read it. Period. So, I was THRILLED to hear she was releasing another WWII historical fiction, which is how I first came to love her writing (Angels of the Resistance was my favorite read of 2021).
As soon as I got my hands on the advanced reader copy of The Lies We Left Behind, I dove in, finishing in only a few days. This binge-able book is perfect for readers looking for a book they won't be able to put down. I found myself drawn to the book, eager to know what happened next in a story filled with plot twists. While the many twists and turns kept the plot moving forward, the book's second half sometimes felt dizzying, as things felt rushed. But, overall, The Lies We Leave Behind is a fast-paced, action-packed book, which is what I want from my WWII fiction.
One of the things I love most about Salazar's writing is her ability to craft characters you relate to and love. I LOVED William from the start, and hearing from a male main character's perspective made this WWII novel feel fresh. William's charm and insight quickly drew me in, and now he's a forever favorite male main character. I'm a sucker for sister stories, so the tale of Kate's baby sister resonated with me and kept me engaged throughout the story. The various friends and secondary characters all came to life, adding to the intrigue and emotion of Kate's story rather than distracting from it. The romance between Will and Kate was endearing and sweet, though sometimes steamy. But don't fear; the romance doesn't distract from the action, adding just the right amount of tension and spice (door ajar).
While entirely fictional, Kate's character is based on the real-life flight nurses of WWII, heroines in their own right. I'd never encountered the story of WWII flight nurses, so I was pleased that the book's first half focused primarily on Kate's WWII service. Each of her flights was harrowing, a wild ride for readers as Salazar brings you into the action through her highly descriptive writing style.
My only "complaint" was the ending, mostly because I struggled with Kate's choices. I understand why she made her choices, but they hurt my heart, bringing tears to my eyes. But an emotional experience is what I've come to expect from Noelle Salazar, so I won't hold it against her or her characters. ☺️
My Rating
Any issues I have with pacing in The Lies We Leave Behind could never eclipse my love for Noelle Salazar's gifted storytelling. Her character development, intense relationships, and action-oriented plots are why she's on my list of The Best Historical Fiction Authors. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the role of flight nurses, as told through the main character, Kate. The tension and suspense of this book were top-notch, so lovers of action-packed novels will love it! There's something for everyone, especially those intrigued by the impact radical ideology can have on families.
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