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A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II
Written by Sonia Purnell
Narrated by Juliet Stevenson
The never-before-told story of Virginia Hall, the American spy who changed the course of the World War II, from the author of Clementine
In 1942, the Gestapo sent out an urgent transmission: "She is the most dangerous of all Allied spies. We must find and destroy her."
The target in their sights was Virginia Hall, a Baltimore socialite who talked her way into Special Operations Executive, the spy organization dubbed Winston Churchill's "Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare." She became the first Allied woman deployed behind enemy lines and—despite her prosthetic leg—helped to light the flame of the French Resistance, revolutionizing secret warfare as we know it.
Virginia established vast spy networks throughout France, called weapons and explosives down from the skies, and became a linchpin for the Resistance. Even as her face covered wanted posters and a bounty was placed on her head, Virginia refused order after order to evacuate. She finally escaped through a death-defying hike over the Pyrenees into Spain, her cover blown. But she plunged back in, adamant that she had more lives to save, and led a victorious guerilla campaign, liberating swathes of France from the Nazis after D-Day.
Based on new and extensive research, Sonia Purnell has for the first time uncovered the full secret life of Virginia Hall—an astounding and inspiring story of heroism, spycraft, resistance, and personal triumph over shocking adversity. A Woman of No Importance is the breathtaking story of how one woman's fierce persistence helped win the war.
Publisher: Penguin Random House AudioReleased: Apr 9, 2019ISBN: 9781984842725Format: audiobook
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DeralteProfessorGo to DeralteProfessor's profile
The saga of Virginia Hall's clandestine activities in WW2 France reflect the grit, passion and ingenuity of a true America heroine. This book is a "page turner" of the first order!! I commend it to anyone who has curiosity for wartime France under Nazi occupation.
LibbyLintonSellersGo to LibbyLintonSellers's profile
Excellent biography of Virginia Hall who aided the resistance in France during the Nazi occupation. She broke ground for women in clandestine services ,fighting prejudice against women all the while. This book tells her story and the rights have been purchased by Paramount for an upcoming movie.
Hannah Van DrieGo to Hannah Van Drie's profile
Incredible book - would recommend to anyone. Amazing true story of a WWII spy who succeeded despite being constantly looked down upon because of her gender and disability.
Caroline WalkerGo to Caroline Walker's profile
This was a long slog. Needed some editing
Fredricka RiordanGo to Fredricka Riordan's profile
Not only the story, the structure, detail in writing, but also the well sculpted reading by Juliet Stevenson which brought Virginia Hall to life.
Zane SzurgotGo to Zane Szurgot's profile
My book group has read many WWII era books - but I enjoyed this more than most. For one thing, I listened to it on Scribd and the reader had a wonderful accent. I have worked and vacationed in Lyons, so it was fun to imagine Virginia moving about that city. The discounting of Virginia (I was born in 1952) was described in a most familiar way. Also familiar was the description of politics that have renewed their grip on our current society.
Well done Sonia Purnell!
JeanGo to Jean's profile
I couldn't stop listening to the audio! A fascinating story!