The Communist's Secret

By: Suzanne Parry

Narrated by: Nancy Peterson

Written by a former arms control negotiator turned historical novelist, this epic WWII tale of betrayal and second chances details how a woman trapped in occupied Russia fights the Nazis—and her own demons.

For fans of Kate Quinn and Mark Sullivan, a haunting World War II novel of mistakes and second chances, of courage and the search for forgiveness, and of finding peace with oneself.

Driven by a blind devotion to the Communist Party, self-centered Katya Karavayeva has broken the most important rule in Soviet society: never say anything that can be used against you. On the heels of that betrayal, Nazi Germany invades and the Soviet Union mobilizes. Katya hopes to halt her downward spiral by joining the volunteer militia, but within a few short weeks finds herself under attack.

After escaping with another volunteer, Katya spends weeks on the run before landing in a town under Nazi occupation. There, she finds a place and a purpose and learns to fight a different kind of war, repaying German brutality with a harsh justice of her own. All the while she struggles against her inner demons and dreams of reunion with her daughter and forgiveness from her husband—the one she betrayed.

©2025 Suzanne Parry (P)2025 Tantor Media

amazing character development

I loved this sequel to Lost Souls of Leningrad. I had wondered what happened to Katya. The storied evolution of her is impressive. It must be confusing to people who live in a dictatorship, when you are removed from the brainwashed environment and faced with the reality of the character of a leader you praised because you had to or you believe what you've been told by a controlled media. It's sad.

I also appreciate the painting of the picture of what war is/was like for citizens. I've never lived in a war torn country during wartime. The harsh reality of daily life and the depression around not knowing when or if things will change or if you'll survive has to be daunting. I gained an appreciation through the author's storytelling and understanding of Russia.

Beautifully written

Character development was excellent. The book is captivating. I was drawn in by the history and felt I knew that characters well along with their existential dilemmas by the end.