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The Secrets We KeptLara Prescott

Historical fiction

The Secrets We Kept

by Lara Prescott

At the height of the Cold War, CIA typists Sally Forrester and Irina Drozdova are recruited for the covert operation surrounding Boris Pasternak's forbidden Doctor Zhivago. Their mission helps obtain, publish, and distribute the novel inside the Soviet Union as a weapon of cultural propaganda. Parallel scenes involving Pasternak and Olga Ivinskaya show the imprisonment and intimate costs borne by those closest to the manuscript before American intelligence recognized its value. Stylish and literary, this novel suits readers who enjoy real espionage history, women spies, censored books, and stories examining how art can be both an act of truth and an instrument manipulated by governments.

Paired for this story

Tailor's Raspberry Lemonade + Midnight Porter

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At a glance

Know what you're getting into

Spice4 of 5
Suspense4 of 5
Creepy1 of 5
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No surprises at chapter twelve

Content notes

Rape and sexual assault/sexual violence; torture and imprisonment; miscarriage; suicidal ideation; homophobia/lesbophobia and outing; infidelity; war and political oppression; death and grief.

Alcohol-Free Pour

Tailor's Raspberry Lemonade

Raspberry syrup adds a berry blush to fresh lemonade.

What you'll need

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How to mix it

  1. Stir lemon juice and raspberry syrup with cold water. Serve over ice.
  2. Garnish: Lemon wheel and raspberries.
  3. Glassware: Highball glass.
21+

Cocktail Pour · 21+

Midnight Porter

For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

Dark, toasty richness suits a reading mood full of secrets and intrigue.

What you'll need

  • 12 oz Porter

How to mix it

  1. Pour into a clean pint glass and serve at the appropriate cool serving temperature.
  2. Garnish: None.
  3. Glassware: Pint glass.

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