The Time In Between by María Dueñas

The Time In Between by María Dueñas
Series: None
Published by Atria Books on November 8, 2011
Genres: Mystery, Love, Romance, World War II
Pages: 609 : Paperback
Source: Picked up in a book exchange (on a whim!)
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The Time In Between is a word-of-mouth phenomenon that catapulted María Dueñas, a debut author, to the top of Spain’s bestseller lists.

This sweeping novel, which combines the storytelling power of The Shadow of the Wind with the irresistible romance of Casablanca, moves at an unstoppable pace. Suddenly left abandoned and penniless in Algiers by her lover, Sira Quiroga forges a new identity. Against all odds she becomes the most sought-after couture designer for the socialite wives of German Nazi officers. But she is soon embroiled in a dangerous political conspiracy as she passes information to the British Secret Service through a code stitched into the hems of her dresses.

Oh my gosh. This book has left me speechless. What a fantastic novel! I haven’t read something so well written and thought out in a long time. It’s so richly woven throughout so many years of the main character, Sira’s, life.

I was so enthralled by her adventures and what was coming next in her life. Just when I thought I had hit a lull in the story-BOOM! Something new came up that swept me away to far away lands of mystery and intrigue. María Dueñas is such a fantastic story-teller and I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this book until now.

It’s a bit lengthy, but every single page is worth it, because it goes along such a fantastic journey through this young woman’s life. From Spain, to Africa, and so on, when you read it you’re transported to different lands where the descriptions and scenery makes you feel as if you’re actually there surrounded by all the different characters and objects.

This is definitely going down as one of my best reads of the year and is something I highly recommend to everyone. I think it’s classified as an adult book, but I think young adults could also enjoy it too. Pick this up if you’re interested in romance, mystery, and espionage!