59 pages • 1 hour read
Susan MeissnerSecrets of a Charmed Life
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner is a historical fiction novel about two sisters, Emmeline and Julia Downtree, who are separated during the Blitz in wartime England. The story is intertwined with an interview in modern-day England between American Oxford student Kendra Van Zant and Blitz survivor Isabel MacFarland, who reveals her true identity and recounts her past, exploring themes of war's impact, personal ambition versus responsibility, and resilience. The novel includes themes of war, loss, and separation, with trauma, brief gory descriptions of dead bodies, references to pet euthanasia, and suicidal ideation.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner weaves an engaging narrative of two sisters during WWII, praised for its poignant portrayal of survival and resilience. Many commend its strong historical context and emotional depth, though some find the pacing uneven and certain character arcs less convincing. Overall, it's a compelling read with rich, evocative storytelling.
Who Should Read Secrets of a Charmed Life?
Readers who relish historical fiction with emotional depth, such as in The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, will find themselves captivated by Susan Meissner's Secrets of a Charmed Life. This novel is perfect for those who appreciate intricate narratives set against the backdrop of World War II.