Atomic Love

Trigger warnings: violence, torture, prisoners of war

Post contains affiliate links; read my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Rosalind Porter spent WWII working on creating the atomic bomb with her ex-lover Thomas Weaver. She is currently a jewelry saleswoman in a department store. One day, Rosalind is approached by FBI agent Charlie Szydlo, a former soldier and POW. Charlie wants her to help him investigate Weaver, who is suspected of selling secrets to the Russians. Rosalind is conflicted by her feelings for Weaver, but also finds herself drawn to Charlie.

Fields’ writing flows like a river — one phrase into the next, taking you on a journey that feels like a conversation between author and reader. Her prose is refreshing, especially after reading some books I really struggled to get through in terms of writing style.

Rosalind is such a rich character; she carries guilt from her involvement in making the atomic bomb, love for her family despite their flaws, resentment towards the world she finds herself living in after the war, and heartbreak over Weaver’s abrupt dismissal of her love years earlier. Her regret over creating the bomb wars with her passion for the science she no longer participates in and her conflicted feelings after being reunited with Weaver are raw and real. While working with Charlie, she is drawn to his kindness and honesty.

Once Rosalind is recruited by Charlie, parts of the story are told from his point of view. His flashbacks to being held prisoner by the Japanese are violent and heartbreaking. Despite his pain and suffering, he is still a good man who cares for his family and admires Rosalind. He is charmed by Rosalind's brilliance and compassion, but he has an ex-lover of his own who clouds his mind and judgment.

Rosalind finds herself drawn deeper into Weaver's treachery, which endangers her life and her sanity. Charlie feels an intense need to protect her -- but can he protect her from the Russians?

Highly recommended for readers who like strong female characters or stories of brilliant women who are stifled by the constraints of their time. Fans of WWII fiction, love triangle romances, and espionage historicals will also enjoy this fantastic novel. I can't recommend this book enough; it was an extremely enjoyable read. I didn't want it to end!

Jennie Fields is a Chicago native who now lives in Nashville. She received her MFA from The Iowa Writers' Workshop and had a previous career in a New York City advertising agency.

Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons

Length: 368 pages

Release Date: August 18, 2020

You may also enjoy:

I received an electronic galley copy of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.