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Against the Backdrop of the Berlin Wall - an Editorial Review of "The Last Secret Kept"

Writer's picture: DK MarleyDK Marley


Book Blurb:


“Elaine Stock’s The Last Secret Kept is a captivating and profoundly moving book that explores complex and universal themes such as guilt, forgiveness, and human nature.” –The Historical Fiction Company


From the author of the Amazon Bestseller Resilient Women of WWII Trilogy.

If love is the only true gift, why doesn't everyone grab hold and never let go?

Fanny may be a small-town defense attorney in upstate New York alongside Lake Ontario, but it's 1961 with growing opportunities for women. She's not about to listen to naysayers who encourage her to marry and to stay at home and raise a family. Fanny meets Gina, whose husband Kenny is pinned by society as a lesser man because of his limited intelligence. When Kenny is accused of murder, Fanny takes on the case. Gina hopes for her grandmother's support, but a hidden act of betrayal during the WWII years when Gina and her grandmother lived in Berlin, Germany, threatens to unsettle Gina and destabilize the case Fanny is building on behalf of Kenny.


Set against the backdrop of the construction of the Berlin Wall, The Last Secret Kept explores the beauty of individualism while demolishing the invisible walls built between ourselves and our loved ones.



Author Bio:



Elaine Stock pens historical fiction of courageous women because life is full of challenges, and we must bravely step forward. Her next novel, The Last Secret Kept, releases on April 24, 2025. Her award-winning Resilient Women of WWII trilogy novels have made several Amazon Bestseller Lists. What pleases her the most is that readers from various countries have reached out to say that these novels encouraged them to face their tomorrows.




Editorial Review:


"The Last Secret Kept" by Elaine Stock is a captivating and emotional novel that blends the

past and present through the stories of three strong women: Helene, Fanny, and Gina. Each of

them struggles with their own challenges in a world marked by war, secrets, and personal

conflicts.


The book begins in Berlin in 1943, where Helene, a devoted grandmother, risks her life to save her granddaughter. The opening passage of the novel is profoundly emotional and filled with tension:


Cold slides into the collar of her ragged coat and creeps down the neckline of her

threadbare dress. A few snowflakes float down, one landing on the tip of her nose.

Accustomed to wintery weather, she can manage what nature has in mind. Worse dangers exist. Out after curfew, she could be stopped and interrogated. Arrested. She resists shuddering and again summons her will. For Rosa, there is no obstacle. Not the weather, nor a confrontation by the police, nor her daughter’s wrath. This child will live.”


This passage illustrates Helene's sacrifice and incredible determination as she puts her life at risk to secure a better future for her granddaughter.


The story progresses to the year 1961 in Bridgehaven, New York, where we meet Fanny

Stern, a lawyer grappling with her own moral and professional dilemmas. Her life takes a

turn when she encounters Gina, a young woman who seems to be harboring painful secrets.

The relationship between Fanny and Gina evolves as Fanny attempts to uncover the truth

about Gina's life and offer her assistance. This encounter is key in revealing the complexity of

interpersonal relationships and the internal struggles of the characters, highlighting themes of

loyalty, love, and courage.


Stock manages to create a narrative rich in historical detail and authentic emotions, skillfully

intertwining the life stories of her characters. The novel explores not only the horrors and

sacrifices of war but also the ongoing struggle for justice and hope in a changing world.

The book features the stories of several characters, among whom Gina and her husband

Kenny take center stage, while Fanny fights to prove Kenny's innocence in a complicated

murder case. As the story unfolds, we also discover details about other characters, such as

Helene, and the impact that war and personal sufferings have had on them. Helene, with care

and devotion, tries to protect her granddaughter and cope with the challenges caused by a tumultuous past. Meanwhile, intergenerational ties and well-kept secrets come to light, adding depth and narrative complexity.


Elaine Stock succeeds in creating a captivating and suspenseful narrative where each

character faces their own struggles and moral dilemmas. Through authentic dialogues and

well-crafted scenes, the reader is introduced to a world where love, loyalty, and truth are

tested in unexpected ways. The narrative is rich and full of details, starting with the moment

when Fanny remembers the previous year, when four African American students, known as

the Greensboro Four, staged the first nonviolent sit-in at a Woolworth store in Greensboro,

North Carolina, to protest the company's policy of denying services to people of color. This

memory serves as a starting point to explore themes of social justice and racism, while also

revealing the power of peaceful protest.

As the story progresses, the relationship between Fanny and Gina is deeply explored. Fanny,

a strong and protective woman, faces the challenges of a changing world and tries to offer

Gina, a young pregnant woman, the support and wisdom she needs. Despite her fears, Fanny

reaffirms her faith in the triumph of good:

However, I believe goodness always prevails”, a

sentiment that underscores hope and resilience in the face of hatred and conflict.

The story also extends into the past, exploring Gina's memories of her childhood in Germany

during and after World War II. The tense relationship between Gina and her grandmother,

Grammy, reveals the traumas and complexities of a family affected by war and the Nazi

regime. Memories from Berlin, especially those related to Grammy's rigid and authoritarian

behavior, highlight the profound impact of the past on the present and future of the

characters.

Elaine Stock also addresses the theme of maternal responsibility and the sacrifices made by

women in times of war. Another remarkable aspect of the novel is the way the author deals

with the theme of love and interpersonal relationships. Gina and her husband, Kenny,

navigate the challenges of their everyday lives with the help of their deep love and mutual

support. Their relationship is an example of strength and resilience, showing how love can

bring healing and peace in the midst of crisis. Stock creates an atmosphere of constant tension

and suspense, managing to keep the reader on the edge of their seat until the last page. The

narrative alternates between the present and the past, gradually revealing well-hidden secrets

that have deeply influenced the characters' lives. One of the key moments of the book is the

conversation between Kenny and Dr. Grant, a psychologist, which highlights the complexity

of human nature and the difficulty of determining someone's guilt or innocence:


However, Dr. Grant, who I think will be an excellent witness in the defense of Kenny—and remember, we’re talking legal procedure and defense preparation—will inevitably conclude one can be of a sound mind—not mentally ill—and still kill. And the reverse. One can be mentally ill, though not necessarily oriented to committing a crime, let alone a murder, and not kill another person.”


This discussion highlights the moral and legal dilemmas looming over

Kenny's case, while also underscoring the fragility of the line between good and evil,

between mental health and criminal behavior. It's a moment of profound introspection that

forces the reader to confront their own prejudices and understandings about justice and

responsibility. "The Last Secret Kept" stands out for its uniqueness, addressing themes and

subjects that bring a breath of fresh air into contemporary literature. The authentic

perspective and original narrative contribute to the book's differentiation.


The characters are well-developed and realistic, each grappling with their own struggles and

secrets. Gina, Kenny's wife, is torn between her loyalty to her husband and uncovering

painful truths about her family and past. Her relationship with Fanny, as well as their

interactions with other family members, add layers of complexity and emotion to the story.

The character development is remarkable, with each character having distinct and complex

traits. Readers can trace the evolution and transformations of the characters throughout the

book.


Another remarkable aspect of the book is how Stock addresses the theme of war and its

lasting effects on those who lived through it. The characters' traumatic memories from the

war and its consequences are presented with profound sensitivity, adding an extra layer of

gravity and authenticity to the narrative. Through its suspenseful and emotionally charged

narrative, Elaine Stock manages to create a memorable story that will stay with the reader

long after finishing it. "The Last Secret Kept" is a book that encourages reflection and offers

a deep dive into the complexity of humanity. The story arc is well-structured, with a

captivating beginning, a well-developed middle, and a satisfying end. The plot is progressive

and tense, providing the reader with a memorable experience.


Elaine Stock's "The Last Secret Kept" is a captivating and profoundly moving book that

explores complex and universal themes such as guilt, forgiveness, and human nature.

Through well-developed characters and a gripping narrative, the book offers a profound

perspective on historical and personal challenges, inviting readers to reflect on the power of

hope and kindness in a world marked by conflict and injustice. Ultimately, the book is not

just about Kenny's trial, but about the power to forgive, to love unconditionally, and to find

the courage to reveal painful truths. Each character brings something unique to the story,

leaving the reader with a reflection on the importance of family and justice in the face of

adversity.


*****


“The Last Secret Kept” by Elaine Stock receives 4.5 stars from The Historical Fiction Company


 

To have your historical novel editorially reviewed and/or enter the HFC Book of the Year contest, please visit www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/book-awards/award-submission



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