The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott is praised for its captivating narrative that intertwines espionage and romance during the Cold War. The book's vivid character portrayals and historical detail receive high marks. However, some reviewers note that the intersecting storylines can be confusing and feel disjointed at times. Despite this, it remains an engaging and thought-provoking read.

Readers who enjoy historical fiction imbued with espionage and romance, such as The Alice Network by Kate Quinn and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, will be captivated by Lara Prescott's The Secrets We Kept. This novel weaves Cold War intrigue with a powerful narrative about women’s courage and resilience.

The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott intertwines the publication struggles of Boris Pasternak’s novel Doctor Zhivago with the clandestine efforts of CIA agents during the Cold War. Olga Ivinskaya, Pasternak’s lover, endures imprisonment for her association with him, while CIA typist Irina learns espionage skills from agent Sally Forrester to promote the novel as anti-Soviet propaganda. The book contains depictions of sexual assault and rape, and it also includes depictions of suicidal ideation.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Romantic / Emotional

Lara Prescott

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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The Secrets We Kept Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Secrets We Kept Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “East 1949”-Part 3: “East 1950-1955”

Prologue-Part 3

The Secrets We Kept Prologue-Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “West February-Fall 1957”-Part 6: “West Fall 1957-August 1958”

Parts 4-6

The Secrets We Kept Parts 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “East May 1958”-Part 9: “East September-October 1958”

Parts 7-9

The Secrets We Kept Parts 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 10: “West October-December 1958”-Part 15: “East 1960-1961”

Part 10-Epilogue

The Secrets We Kept Part 10-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Secrets We Kept Character Analysis

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Themes

The Secrets We Kept Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Secrets We Kept Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Secrets We Kept Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Secrets We Kept Essay Topics

The Secrets We Kept

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read The Secrets We Kept?

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Book Details