Two female spies. A banned masterpiece. A book that changed history.
A BANNED MASTERPIECE 1956. A celebrated Russian author is writing a book, Doctor Zhivago, which could spark dissent in the Soviet Union. The Soviets, afraid of its subversive power, ban it. But in the rest of the world it's fast becoming a sensation.
TWO FEMALE SPIES The CIA plans to use the book to tip the Cold War in its favour. Their agents are not the usual spies, however. Two typists - the charming, experienced Sally and the talented novice Irina - are charged with the mission of a lifetime- to smuggle Doctor Zhivago back into Russia by any means necessary.
A BOOK THAT CHANGED HISTORY It will not be easy. There are people willing to die for this book - and agents willing to kill for it. But they cannot fail - as this book has the power to change history.
Sold in twenty-five countries and poised to become a global literary sensation, Lara Prescott's dazzling first novel about the women in the CIA's typing pool and the fate of Boris Pasternak's banned masterpiece is a sweeping page turner and the most hotly anticipated debut of the year.
Review
"What a fantastic novel The Secrets We Kept is. Thrilling, seductive and thoroughly compelling - Lara has created something really special. And it’s made me want to re-read Doctor Zhivago! I absolutely loved it!" (SARAH WINMAN)
"A riveting story of secrets, forbidden passions and the dark arts of espionage. I couldn’t put it down."
"I loved this book. So vivid and engaging. A joy to read a story about spies that has lots of women in active roles."
"A proto-feminist Mad Men transposed to the world of international espionage – all mid-century style and intrigue set against real, indelible history." (Entertainment Weekly)
"A fascinating story, so cleverly told, of the long chain of people who helped to bring Pasternak’s masterpiece into the world. I gulped it down."
About the Author
Lara Prescott was named after the heroine of Doctor Zhivago and first discovered the true story behind the novel after the CIA declassified 99 documents pertaining to its role in the book’s publication and covert dissemination.
She travelled the world – from Moscow and Washington, to London and Paris – in the course of her research, becoming particularly interested in political repression in both the Soviet Union and United States and how, during the Cold War, both countries used literature as a weapon.
Lara earned her MFA from the Michener Center for Writers. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband.
