Book Club - The Shock of The Light

Book Club Details

Ocean Grove Surf List Saving Club

May 12th

7pm

Cost: $35

Your ticket includes a drink on arrival, shared table platters and something sweet, a curated (but relaxed!) book discussion, and, of course, loads of fun and great company.

About the Book:

The Shock of the Light is a World War II historical novel that follows British twins Tessa and Theo, whose once unbreakable bond is torn apart by war and secrets.

When WWII begins, Theo joins the Royal Air Force and becomes a pilot, while Tessa is drawn into a far more secretive and dangerous role as a spy for the Special Operations Executive (SOE) in occupied France. Forced to keep her mission hidden, Tessa begins lying to her brother for the first time, creating distance between them.

After the war ends, Theo returns home—but Tessa does not. Her disappearance is surrounded by suspicion and secrecy, with hints that she may have been involved in something shocking or even traitorous.

Refusing to believe the worst, Theo spends years searching for the truth about his sister. His journey takes him across Europe and deep into buried wartime secrets, uncovering a story that challenges everything he thought he knew about Tessa.

Decades later, with the help of a researcher, Theo finally begins to piece together what really happened—revealing hidden histories, government cover-ups, and the true cost of war.

Overall:
The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, grief, and the enduring bond between siblings, while shedding light on the lesser-known roles of female spies in WWII. It’s both an emotional family story and a gripping historical mystery.

Get your copy from Bookgrove — they’re stocked up and ready for you!