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The Puzzle Women

By: Anna Ellory
Narrated by: Kristin Atherton
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Summary

Berlin, 1989. Siblings Rune and Lotte are shaken awake by Mama and told to follow her quietly into the night. Last time they snuck away from Papa, with Mama bruised and broken, they were back within a week. But this time they are starting a new life, Mama says - where nobody can ever hurt them again.

Ten years later, the memories of their escape are blurry; Mama is long gone, and the siblings are back at Papa’s house. But when they receive a mysterious notebook that seems to have come from Mama, Papa tears it apart. Could there be more to their past than they’ve been led to believe?

With Rune paralysed by fear, Lotte takes their fate into her own hands. When she learns about the ‘Puzzle Women’ working tirelessly to reconstruct files shredded by the former secret police, she begs them to help her piece Mama’s story back together. But as Papa’s threats against both siblings escalate, can they unite to learn the full, brutal truth in Mama’s own words at last?

©2020 Anna Ellory (P)2020 Audible, Ltd
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What listeners say about The Puzzle Women

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  • Overall
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“I pieced you back together”

“I pieced you back together using the magic in my heart”

This book, the characters, the narration, all of it, it’s just intensely moving, violent, graphic in places, but the love of two children for their mother is weaved through every chapter so strongly.

Down syndrome beautifully portrayed as “in-de-pen-dent” the way Lotta says it.

The strength throughout is wholly inspiring.

I’ve loved this story, couldn’t put it down and finished it in three days.

The take away for me has to be the magic of the loving bond between mother and her two children, all the abuse she suffered and they witnessed each in their own way, the belief in something unseen and each other.

The puzzle women, all of them beautiful, the type of chance meeting when friendship bonds are made for life.

Ginormous five stars from me.

Did not want this to end.

Thankful for the experience.

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Another amazing book by Anna Ellory!!

This is the second of Anna Ellory’s books o have listened to and just wow! The historical drama of a time I know little about, coupled with a stunningly haunting story that will will leave you feeling shaken, horrified and hopeful all at once. A brilliant story and fab narration.

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Compelling

Oh my goodness what a tale, multi faceted characters, many secrets and the delicious innocence and literal ways of Lotte. Did it in two days with Do Not Disturb etched on my face. Throughly wonderful.

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Incredible story

It would be hard to say anything negative about this book
Brilliantly written
The only thing
Which I never understand is way the narrator (who tells the story really well) uses stupid northern and London accents for the characters when the story is set in Berlin
It doesn’t spoil it for me because it’s such a good book but it is very annoying

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I honestly cannot fault this book

An incredible book so well constructed. A good book to me is one that stops me from doing something else so I can concentrate. This was like that. In places it was very hard listening but not in a voyeuristic way but more explanatory. Historically it was interesting, Above all though, the story was heartbreaking but wonderful. A brilliant book. I definitely recommend it.

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Poignant & gripping

I didn’t really know what to expect from this story- I bought it because it was on offer- but it’s a gripping tale! I don’t want to spoil the story- but it’s worth a listen! It’s a little graphic at times- I found myself holding my breath in suspense! I’d definitely recommend it :)

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The puzzle women is an excellent book.

I loved Anna Ellory’s first book and couldn’t wait to listen to her next one. Really like her writing style and the topics she writes about, ones that I have little pre knowledge.

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The Puzzle Women

There is something in the way that Anna Ellory writes that makes me live the emotions of her characters. I felt real fear, dread, anger, and heartache and could not stop listening because I had to know what happened! I experienced real despair and a need to protect. I love the different timelines and the historical themes have taught me things I hadnt known. I now have to read everything she ever writes obviously!

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Haunting. Harrowing. Beautiful.

Having said that though, if you have any personal experience of domestic violence, control and/or abuse, steer well clear unless you are prepared to trigger the opening of deep wounds…

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Emotional and totally absorbing

This book had me captivated from the beginning, raw emotions and such a tough subject to deal with . But it was done so well. I felt uncomfortable at times with the subjects and emotional violence discussed but I continued to listen as the characters build and we invest in their outcomes. Not sure what I expected when I downloaded this audiobook but it exceeded everything. So well written, presented , and absorbing.

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3 people found this helpful