Book Description

During WWII, a naive young woman is hired by a Nazi-sympathizing congressman, in this novel by the New York Times–bestselling author of A Ship Made of Paper. As the Second World War heats up, Caitlin Van Fleet moves to Washington, DC, to become a “government girl” in the office of Congressman Stowe, who has connections to such controversial figures as the fiery radio commentator Father Coughlin and the German-American Bund. Young and impressionable, Caitlin enters into a passionate love affair with the congressman’s aide, Betty Sinclair. But their relationship, while intense, is short-lived. When Caitlin befriends Joe Rose, an undercover reporter working to expose Stowe as a Nazi collaborator, she must decide once and for all what she truly stands for. From a two-time National Book Award finalist known for such novels as Endless Love, The Rich Man’s Table, and An Ocean Without a Shore, New York Times Notable Book Secret Anniversaries brings to life the political controversies surrounding World War II, and delves into one woman’s decades-long journey as she wrestles with questions of passion and principle. “Spencer is one of my very favorite writers.” —Emma Cline, New York Times–bestselling author of The Girls “A gifted storyteller.” —Newsday “A magnificent writer.” —Anne Tyler, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Redhead by the Side of the Road