The Golden Doves by Martha Hall Kelly

*** My Review ***

The Golden Doves by Martha Hall Kelly is a historical fiction that explores the lives of two young ladies who participate in the resistance movement in Vichy France during World War II. Her earlier book, Lilac Girls, is continued in this one, although from a new perspective. The narrative is recounted from two distinct points of view and timeframes, giving readers fresh views on the conflict and how it affected the families who were left wondering what happened to their loved ones.

The story begins in 1952 with Josie, the daughter of an American ambassador stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas. She spends the most of her time going through images of German troops, attempting to figure out which of Hitler’s scientists could be useful to their research. Josie was acquainted with Arlette, a half-Jewish young woman whose German father abandoned her child when the Nazis were seeking for young men to fight for Hitler’s ambition. The two young ladies worked together in the resistance as members of The Golden Doves, which was critical to the resistance’s success or defeat.

Despite my personal reservations, I must admit that Martha Hall Kelly has crafted a well-written and well-researched story in The Golden Doves. The amount of historical research that went into this book is incredible and evident in every page. The author’s attention to detail in the mise en scène brings the locations to life, allowing the reader to clearly visualize the gorgeous vistas of Paris and the gaudy living conditions of Ravensbrück, and even smell the breads as their essence floated out of the bakery doors.

The characters are well-developed and their relationships are complex, particularly the friendship between Josie and Arlette, which serves as the backbone of the story. The book’s gratifying ending is brought about by the first half of the novel, which provides the foundation for the second half’s escalating intensity. The suspense is kept high throughout the whole epilogue as well.

One of the strengths of The Golden Doves is its focus on the roles of women during World War II, particularly those who worked in the resistance. This is an often-overlooked aspect of the war, and Kelly does an excellent job of highlighting the contributions and sacrifices of these women.

Both ladies lack common sense, are impetuous, innocent, and immature. This is especially noticeable when it’s necessary to think clearly and objectively in order to go forward with the least amount of turmoil and risk.

Justice and accountability are some topics that are touched on throughout the book. The decisions that the characters in the novel made during the conflict and in the past haunt them. They are looking for a solution to put things right and get closure. This serves as a potent reminder of how crucial it is to face the past and accept responsibility for our deeds.

The author’s research and attention to historical detail is also commendable. She skillfully weaves historical events and real-life figures into the story. The Golden Doves sheds light on lesser-known aspects of the war and the resistance movement. It highlights the role of women in the resistance and the sacrifices they made.

One of the issues with the book is that it rushes through history without fully exploring it in certain parts. There is a lot of history to be learned here, but we are “told” a lot, and one character tells the other things that both should already know. This style of writing does not allow readers to fully immerse themselves in the story, and it makes the characters seem one-dimensional. Additionally, there is a sprinkling of a potential romance, but it falls short, and the insta-lust that occurs feels forced and unrealistic.

Another problem with the book is that the two main characters seem too immature and impulsive to have lasted as long as they did in the dangerous world they were inhabiting. The fact that they were so famous/infamous among those they worked with and those they worked against seems unrealistic. It is difficult to believe that two young women who lacked common sense and were impulsive could become such prominent figures in the resistance.

Despite these flaws, there are still positives to the book. Kelly’s research is thorough and provides readers with a glimpse into the horrors of Ravensbruck and the women who were imprisoned there. The story of Arlette trying to adjust to a life without her son and searching for him after the war, and years have passed, is heart-wrenching and adds depth to the story. The author does an excellent job of bringing to light the issues of gender and the limited opportunities available to women in that era. The story of Josie and Arlette is a powerful example of the strength and resilience of women in the face of adversity.

Overall, The Golden Doves is a complex and engaging novel that explores the impact of war and the struggle for justice and accountability. If you’re interested in the roles of women throughout WWII and love well-written, well-researched stories about them, The Golden Doves could be the book for you. Despite my personal reservations about some of the plot elements and characterizations, I must acknowledge that this is a compelling and thought-provoking read. The loose ends left at the finish also offer the possibility of a sequel involving the main players in this story, which would be a welcome addition to the series.