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‘A METICULOUS HISTORY THAT READS LIKE A THRILLER’ BEN MACINTYRE, TEN BEST BOOKS TO READ ABOUT WORLD WAR II
An astounding story of heroism, spycraft, resistance and personal triumph over shocking adversity.
‘A rousing tale of derring-do’ THE TIMES * ‘Riveting’ MICK HERRON * ‘Superb’ IRISH TIMES
THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
In September 1941, a young American woman strides up the steps of a hotel in Lyon, Vichy France. Her papers say she is a journalist. Her wooden leg is disguised by a determined gait and a distracting beauty. She is there to spark the resistance.
By 1942 Virginia Hall was the Gestapo’s most urgent target, having infiltrated Vichy command, trained civilians in guerrilla warfare and sprung soldiers from Nazi prison camps. The first woman to go undercover for British SOE, her intelligence changed the course of the war – but her fight was still not over.
This is a spy history like no other, telling the story of the hunting accident that disabled her, the discrimination she fought and the secret life that helped her triumph over shocking adversity.
‘A cracking story about an extraordinarily brave woman’ TELEGRAPH
‘Gripping … superb … a rounded portrait of a complicated, resourceful, determined and above all brave woman’ IRISH TIMES
WINNER of the PLUTARCH AWARD FOR BEST BIOGRAPHY
Publisher : Virago (2 April 2020)
Language : English
Paperback : 416 pages
ISBN-10 : 0349010161
ISBN-13 : 978-0349010168
Dimensions : 12.6 x 3.2 x 19.6 cm
Scotty –
A biography of significant importance
Sonia Purnell has crafted a brilliant biography of a truly extraordinary woman. Whilst it may be an exaggeration to say that the story is previously “untold”, the author has built on the existing record and created an enthralling portrait. Virginia Hall’s accomplishments during the second world war are scarcely credible, above all because at almost every turn she had to overcome rigid and unhelpful male attitudes.Given the complexity of her clandestine operations, it is unsurprising that the book introduces many other characters that she interacted with during her years of active service: some of them were almost equally amazing and courageous. With the author interchangeably using names and aliases I did find myself referring to the index on a regular basis to remind myself of who various people were. This is not a criticism – the story is clearly presented and flows logically from one amazing episode to the next.Towards the end of the book I became intensely moved, a reaction that Virginia Hall herself would no doubt have found deeply unimpressive. I think the emotion was triggered more than anything by the heartfelt respect and loyalty expressed by some of those who had seen her in operation as an agent, people on whom she had left a profound imprint.
Jane O. –
A fascinating biography of the brave, resourceful and driven WW2 resistance leader, Virginia Hall
Arrived promptly in excellent condition. An unbelievable account of one of the bravest women who headed up French resistance activity in WW2 despite being an American and living with a disability. Virginia Hallâs role was pivotal in thwarting the Nazi occupiers. Well researched, meticulous in detail (perhaps a little too much detail in parts, I found my concentration wavering at times) but overall a fascinating and well written biography
Daina –
Loved this book!
I had watched a film about Virginia Hall so was excited to read more about what she did during the Second World War. A very engaging read, would definitely recommend!
Jerry –
A stunning tale
My goodness. What an amazing woman! Virginia Hall’s amazing and courageous tale is told with admirable finesse. My recommendation: read it.
Dee –
Incredible Women
Enlightening, informative but wrenching in what Virginia endured to ensure France took back it’s liberty and freedom. Truly inspirational and such astounding courage, endurance, intellect and steadfast belief in helping and supporting the people of France.Unbelievable how her own country USA treated her after WW11. Disgusted by the CIA their treatment of a hero and exemplary agent and horrified they protect and paid the butcher of Lyon now insulting to so many who paid the highest price with their life. For the CIA to actual have knowledge of the depth of his brutality and protect him is beyond belief!
Norman –
Great read
Enjoyed reading this book very much it is true that truth is stranger than fiction and the bravery of this lady is unbelievable. This book is difficult to put down and in places so sad .So many agents betrayed and such bravery shown by so many men and women and seemed to be quickly forgotten after the war was over. France owes a great debt to this courageous lady and so do we , the bravest of the brave. Well researched and a story that needed to be written, hat’s off to author Sonia Purnell .
DENISE MELLOR –
courageously unassuming
What a read ! I am in awe of Virginia Hall she led the way in proving that women were stronger mentally, more organised, focused, loyal and dependable.How she only promised what she could deliver. Her ability to assess through through reliable information what & where arms/money/food could be dropped – very often going herself to these drops was nothing short of shear bravery. She led the way in protecting herself via many disguises, also moving premises to protect others.
Ninaminacat –
Truth is stranger than fiction
What an unlikely candidate for WWII secret service work was Virginia Hall as, first of all, a woman working in what was almost exclusively a man’s sphere of operation and, secondly, as an amputee with a wooden leg, referred to in her coded messages as Cuthbert. Another suprise is that she is not better known in spite of her influence in British, French and American undercover efforts against Naziism in France, her astonishing bravery and her importance as a trailblazer for active service and recognised responsibility for women in the secret services – at a time when their expected role consisted of typing and administrative duties. Sonia Parnell’s work on Virginia Hall’s overseas postings, recruitment to the newly founded British SOE, then the nascent American OSS and finally the CIA seeks to address this in a book equally suited to those with an interest in WWII, the French Resistance, the secret services and women’s history.It is a well researched and highly readable work of history, complete with a useful glossary of agents and their code names, a selection of well chosen photographs, a bibliography of sources written in both French and English and extensive notes, the latter two in particular making it eminently suitable to assist with further study or research. The constant reminders of how Virginia was not used to her full potential because of her gender, however true and however deeply she resented the fact, were the only slight annoyance – though, admittedly, the theme is thoroughly in keeping with the title, “A woman of No Importance”.I part read and part listened to the Audible version of the book, read superbly by Juliet Stevenson, who is talented at adopting a variety of different accents.
Larry G –
I found this book to be excellent, spellbinding. I had trouble putting it down. This is one of the best books about WW2 that I have ever read.I highly recommend it. Especially in kindle format with the built in dictionary!! Very Handy!!!
Verna Henderson –
I am half way through this book and cannot put it down. Each page is full of suspense and all this from a woman who had lost part of a leg. Her accomplishments are well worth reading and the author did an excellent job telling this story. A great read, highly recommend.
Berengaria –
Cuando pedà el libro no conocÃa al personaje. Quedé sorprendida de lo valiente y dedicada que fue está mujer que vivió en las sombras. Muy bien escrito y ameno. Lo recomiendo ampliamente.
Christine Boos –
An excellent biography that reads as a novel! Not only do we learn about this exceptional woman who despite her wooden leg became an incredible spy, but also so much more beside!!!Virginia Hall had to fight against many odds, the first one being the fact that she was a woman in a spy world mostly run by men. This remained an obstacle most of her life, whether while in France and being extremely successful or after the war. Indeed war medals were not offered women….What I also loved about this book is that I learned about the difference between the SOE and M16, the CIA’s first steps, the organisation (or lack of at the beginning of WWII!) of the resistance in France.The author has masterfully conveyed all dangers met by the resistants constantly coexisting with the deadly fear they lived with day and night. This story could have been a novel with a suspense enhanced by the numerous comments which have been collected. Extensive research has been done as shown in the pictures and bibliography at the end of the book. Highly recommended!
Nick Ransdale –
This true story of an American WW2 heroin tugs at the old heartstrings at times. Hopefully people still read books like this to remind us of the barbarity of the Nazi regime and the bravery of those that opposed it. One can’t help thinking, as ever with such courageous women, that if she had been a man her name would be much more well-known. Thoroughly recommended.