The Book Spy: A WW2 Novel of Librarian Spies

World War II is a bottomless story mine, and Alan Hlad has plucked out a gem. What reader could resist a tale of Nazis vs. librarians? Burners of books undone by book custodians! The Lisbon location sets it off the beaten track, and the main characters, Tiago, a bookseller, and Mary Alves, a New York Public Library microfilm specialist, engage. When Mary infiltrates a New York society event in heels and a ball gown to pitch her services to the spy agency head, she’s just getting started. Hlad tells a gripping story based on a little-known history of the secret war against Hitler’s Germany—an immersive read.

I've really enjoyed reading this amazing story full of intrigue, suspense, danger and romance. The heroin is clever and resourceful beyond belief. Librarians are not at all what they may appear to be.

A very hard story to read but as I indicated, it ended better than well. It was A story of untold courage not just by one woman but by others as well. A terrible time to be alive in Nazi occupied countries but with the Allied invasion that ended well too. A terrible loss in humanity.

If I could give more stars I would… this is truthfully a great book. I definitely want to learn more about these librarians during the war…. If anyone is looking for a great 5 star read…. This will definitely be one you all have to read. Every time I would put this down, my thoughts would be on the book and what was going to happen next.. Highly recommend

Maria, Roy and Pilar were sent to Lisbon, Portugal to acquire and microfilm Axis publications. Maria is looking at book stores that have Axis books and periodicals. She finds a bookstore that is run by Tiago and Rosa. They are able to order valuable materials that aide Maria and her colleagues in their mission. They are also courageous. They are helping Jews leave Portugal to go to the US. They forge documents that enable the families to have safe passage to freedom. This book was enlightening and informative. Librarians as heroes and heroines was such an interesting and unique story. It’s great that the book was based on real events.

My favorite and I plan on gifting a copy to a friend. Well written!!! I love historical novels and this didn't disappoint!!! One of my friend's has the library holding four of Alan's books for her. Can't wait for her to read it so we can compare.

WWII buffs will enjoy this niche new hero, as will those who love libraries. I enjoyed the author’s description of the research that ultimately created the characters. Especially in the first part, I wish the editors had taken another pass - I know my writing group would’ve caught a couple nits, but that didn’t deter me from finishing the story.Congratulations!

The character development was excellent. I chose this book because I enjoy World War II fictional novels. Learning more about the neutrality of Lisbon was especially interesting and I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to learn more about the role of neutrality in World War II.