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WW2: An evocative cover takes you right to the locations before even opening the first page
WW2: An evocative cover takes you right to the locations before even opening the first page
At twenty-three, Saba Tarcan knows her only hope of escaping Cardiff Bay, Wales, is her beautiful voice. While singing for wounded soldiers, she meets handsome fighter pilot Dom Benson, recovering from burns after a crash.
They start a relationship and then Saba is sent to sing in Africa when Dom is assigned to the Middle East. Saba explores Cairo’s bazaars, and the two promised to reunite.
But then she agrees to help the British Secret Service, concealing her role from Dom. Her decision will jeopardize a great deal….
Based on true accounts of female entertainers used as spies during World War II, this book takes you on a journey of some of the worlds most fascinating and colourful cities – imagine how strange flying from Wales to Istanbul would be?
This very journey is also a personal journey for the character of Saba who is half Welsh and half Turkish and who is forbidden to sing in public by her father once he sees the effect she has on people – especially men. The way in which Saba strikes out to make her own choices and way in life is to be commended – must have been very difficult at that time and with the cultural differences.
As for the historical background, this is a vivid and personal insight into the North Africa campaign of the Second World War. The historical background in Cairo and Alexandra during Rommel’s desert push is a remarkable mix of period and setting.
We start off the journey from East Grinstead in West Sussex and Cardiff Bay but then things get a lot more exotic!
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