Hill of Secrets: A Novel

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars | 6,680 ratings

Price: 1.99

Last update: 02-04-2025


About this item

In a desert outpost, nuclear scientists and their families face the toll of the secrets they keep from the world and from each other in this gripping wartime novel from debut author Galina Vromen.

Los Alamos, 1943. The US Army has gathered scientists to create the world’s first nuclear weapon. Their families, abruptly moved to the secret desert base with no explanation, have simple orders: Stand by. Make do. Above all, don’t ask questions.

Christine, forced to abandon her art restoration business in New York for her husband’s career, struggles to reinvent herself and cope with his increasing aloofness.

Gertie, the inquisitive teenage daughter of a German Jewish refugee physicist enlists Christine to help her unravel hidden truths and deal with parents haunted by their past.

Gertie’s father, Kurt, anguished by what the Nazis have done to his family and bent on defeating them, carries burdens he longs to share but cannot confide in his wife—leading him to find comfort elsewhere.

And Jimmy, a young army technician, falls for Gertie but is unsure if even her deep affection can overcome his agonizing self-doubts.

Will so much secrecy save them or destroy them?


From the Publisher

A wife reinventing herself. A daughter seeking answers. A soldier trying to play his role.

Top reviews from the United States

  • Vicki
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book with such rich writing
    Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2024
    I loved her characters and the plot was so well developed. I learned a lot and it kept me very engaged.
  • Cathy
    4.0 out of 5 stars the rest of the story
    Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2025
    The movie Oppenheimer told of the chemists at Los Alamos and the birth of the deadliest of weapons. This book tells the story of these scientists personal lives while at Los Alamos. Well written and extremely interesting; this story tells of the stressors placed upon families, which there surely were. The characters are very believable and the story moves well. Very good book!
  • Adam
    3.0 out of 5 stars Hill of Secrets: A Mixed Bag
    Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2024
    Galina Vromen's Hill of Secrets promises a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those involved in the Manhattan Project. While the historical setting is intriguing and the characters initially seem promising, the novel ultimately falls short of its potential.

    The main character, Christine, starts out sympathetic, but her attitude gradually becomes grating. Her constant complaining and self-centeredness make it difficult to root for her. The relationship between Christine and Gertie, a German refugee daughter, is one of the novel's highlights, but it's overshadowed by the contrived and often gratuitous sexual encounters.

    Given the novel's historical setting, I expected a more in-depth exploration of the scientific and ethical dilemmas faced by the scientists involved in the Manhattan Project. Instead, the story devolves into a series of predictable plot twists and overly dramatic scenes.

    While Hill of Secrets offers some interesting moments, its flaws ultimately outweigh its strengths. Fans of historical fiction may find the setting intriguing, but those looking for a compelling narrative and well-developed characters may be disappointed.

    Additionally, the narrative features a few unnecessary storylines, including one involving LGBTQ characters that feels forced and out of place. The inclusion of this storyline seems more like an attempt to check a box for political correctness rather than a genuine contribution to the stor
  • Seth K
    5.0 out of 5 stars enjoyable and informative:
    Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2024
    I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I liked the varied characters all coming together on this huge project that half the people, the women, did not know about. A huge awesome secret. I enjoyed how it played out and gained a some knowledge of how that community grew and lived. Good personal stories woven around the central fact of the war and the effort to end it, integral to the stories in this novel.
  • MM
    4.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing story line
    Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2024
    Especially after watching the Oppenheimer movie, this story of the people who lived in Los Alamos and how being there impacted the lives of those working on the secret project as well as their families was quite interesting. The author does a good job of developing characters, built as typical but flawed people. The story line takes many different turns, some a bit more believable than others, but always interesting. It's a quick, worthwhile read.
  • 57Chevy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling Read
    Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2025
    I found this book particularly intriguing, since I’d seen the movie “Oppenheimer.” There was just enough truth in this historical fiction novel to make the story relatable and keep my interest. I wanted to know what happened with each successive chapter. Yes, the author took liberties with the facts and the timeline, but it’s still a very good read.
  • Amanda Speights
    4.0 out of 5 stars Touching, and at Times, Heart-Wrenching
    Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2024
    This book captivated me with its multi-pov narrative, weaving a touching and, at times, heart-wrenching tale. The plight of these women, forced into secrecy in a desolate desert, was profoundly moving, reflecting a troubling period in our nation's history. It's a compelling read, and I highly recommend it for its gripping storytelling, despite my wish for an alternative ending from another character's viewpoint. Nevertheless, the conclusion was executed wonderfully, leaving me satisfied yet contemplative.
  • Angela B.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2025
    Great story that seems like it could have been about actual events. Spoiler alert! Is it true that sometimes secrets are best left unknown? DId those who built the atomic bomb really attempt to stop its use? Finally, what is the real truth behind the bombing of Nagasaki? The best historical fiction raises questions about the "facts" we all learned in school.

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