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Wolves at the Door: The True Story Of America's Greatest Female Spy
Virginia Hall left her Baltimore home in 1931 to enter the Foreign Service. But, as Hitler was building toward the peak of his power in Europe, she went to work for the British Special Operations Executive. She was assigned to France, where she became the architect of the Resistance movement in central France, helping escaped prisoners of war, and American Allied paratroopers.
The Gestapo considered her so dangerous, they put a price on her head, forcing her to escape over the Pyrenees mountains--and on an artificial leg. When she got to England, she was reassigned to France, disguised as an old peasant woman. Her spy circuit captured 500 German soldiers and killed more than 150, while they sabotaged Nazi communication and transportation facilities. Hitler's forces were hot on her trail, yet her daring intelligence activities and indomitable spirit defied the expectations of even the Allies until the very end of the war.
To the Germans, she was "the lady with a limp." To the Allies, she was a savior. This is her true story, and her ONLY biography to include actual information from those brave men who were a part of her spy circuit.
The Gestapo considered her so dangerous, they put a price on her head, forcing her to escape over the Pyrenees mountains--and on an artificial leg. When she got to England, she was reassigned to France, disguised as an old peasant woman. Her spy circuit captured 500 German soldiers and killed more than 150, while they sabotaged Nazi communication and transportation facilities. Hitler's forces were hot on her trail, yet her daring intelligence activities and indomitable spirit defied the expectations of even the Allies until the very end of the war.
To the Germans, she was "the lady with a limp." To the Allies, she was a savior. This is her true story, and her ONLY biography to include actual information from those brave men who were a part of her spy circuit.
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2005
1912 people are currently reading
7686 people want to read
About the author
Judith L. Pearson
7 books32 followersBest-selling and award winning author Judy Pearson’s career began in a tree: a wonderful old maple in her parents’ backyard, with a perfect branch on which to sit and write. Now hundreds of thousands of words later, this Michigan native’s voice is still inspiring!
Judy is a graduate of Michigan State University and has newspaper, magazine, online articles, and five books to her credit. She is also a much-requested presenter and speaker. But her favorite title is “story teller,” as exemplified by the biographies she writes.
The late Senator John McCain called her BELLY OF THE BEAST “a searing tribute.” It is the story of a naval corpsman who became one of the first POWs of the Imperial Japanese during WWII, endured a “hell ship” journey, and was one of the last to return home.
Her second biography, WOLVES AT THE DOOR: THE TRUE STORY OF AMERICA'S GREATEST FEMALE SPY, is the story of Virginia Hall. She was the architect of the resistance in central France during WWII. Most unbelievable is that Virginia lost her left leg in a pre-war hunting accident. The book is not only a best-seller, but has been purchased for a movie.
Judy’s next book, FROM SHADOWS TO LIFE: A BIOGRAPHY OF THE CANCER SURVIVORSHIP MOVEMENT, is a group biography following five founders and leaders of the movement. These medical heroes brought cancer survivorship to national consciousness. The book won the 2022 Nautilus Gold Award.
CRUSADE TO HEAL AMERICA: THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF MARY LASKER is Judy’s most recent biography. This absorbing history details the work of fearless and feisty Mary Lasker. Mary led the country’s march to conquer humanity’s most feared maladies, and was responsible for building governmental financial support for medical research. Her coup de grace was the National Cancer Act, born in the midst of political intrigue and fueling billions of dollars into research.
Judy was named one of Chicago’s Most Inspirational Women and a Phoenix Healthcare Hero, and was a finalist for the Arizona Healthcare Leadership Award.
Judy is a graduate of Michigan State University and has newspaper, magazine, online articles, and five books to her credit. She is also a much-requested presenter and speaker. But her favorite title is “story teller,” as exemplified by the biographies she writes.
The late Senator John McCain called her BELLY OF THE BEAST “a searing tribute.” It is the story of a naval corpsman who became one of the first POWs of the Imperial Japanese during WWII, endured a “hell ship” journey, and was one of the last to return home.
Her second biography, WOLVES AT THE DOOR: THE TRUE STORY OF AMERICA'S GREATEST FEMALE SPY, is the story of Virginia Hall. She was the architect of the resistance in central France during WWII. Most unbelievable is that Virginia lost her left leg in a pre-war hunting accident. The book is not only a best-seller, but has been purchased for a movie.
Judy’s next book, FROM SHADOWS TO LIFE: A BIOGRAPHY OF THE CANCER SURVIVORSHIP MOVEMENT, is a group biography following five founders and leaders of the movement. These medical heroes brought cancer survivorship to national consciousness. The book won the 2022 Nautilus Gold Award.
CRUSADE TO HEAL AMERICA: THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF MARY LASKER is Judy’s most recent biography. This absorbing history details the work of fearless and feisty Mary Lasker. Mary led the country’s march to conquer humanity’s most feared maladies, and was responsible for building governmental financial support for medical research. Her coup de grace was the National Cancer Act, born in the midst of political intrigue and fueling billions of dollars into research.
Judy was named one of Chicago’s Most Inspirational Women and a Phoenix Healthcare Hero, and was a finalist for the Arizona Healthcare Leadership Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 384 reviews
June 11, 2008
Well, I wish they would put this on the reading list for my old class, "Women and the American Experience," that I took at Harvard, but I think it might not be politically correct. This woman was so patriotically dedicated to her country that she circumvented and overcame all the obstacles set against her gender at the Dept of State and instead became the most wanted Allied spy in occupied France during WW II. Despite clear gender discrimination, by sheer dedication and determination, she rose to the top. It is an amazing story, and I am glad it became declassified so I could read about it.
May 16, 2020
This is the biography of Virginia Hall. She was an American citizen who lead a cosmopolitan European lifestyle/ work career during the 1930's and ultimately became entrenched in covert SOE operations. In fact she was one of the first and one of the most numerous "returners" to defeated Vichy France. Furthermore, she was the only woman operating her own entire section underground within the French resistance movement during WWII. She was totally an intrepid, incredible personality from her youngest get-go. The woman was eons before her time and loved an adrenalin rush. Just reading about her traveling and transfers of abilities/jobs & AMBITION makes me want to go take a nap.
After the war, mid-fifties circa, she was kicked out of the American Secret Services for her female authoritative and belligerent (often) onus. She ended up living on a farm in Maryland with a husband from French connection era whom she eventually married at 44. He was younger- about 5 years younger. She received top level medals for her WWII actions from 3 or 4 governments by the time she was 48 or 50 years old.
And she did all this with only one leg, losing one below the knee from a hunting accident before all this espionage started; and the prosthesis was a molded piece of wood.
True stories can really seem unbelievable. This one does.
After the war, mid-fifties circa, she was kicked out of the American Secret Services for her female authoritative and belligerent (often) onus. She ended up living on a farm in Maryland with a husband from French connection era whom she eventually married at 44. He was younger- about 5 years younger. She received top level medals for her WWII actions from 3 or 4 governments by the time she was 48 or 50 years old.
And she did all this with only one leg, losing one below the knee from a hunting accident before all this espionage started; and the prosthesis was a molded piece of wood.
True stories can really seem unbelievable. This one does.
October 21, 2021
Rounded up to 4.5. Will review soon.
My goal for 2021 was to write reviews. I appreciate the reviews here on GR and rely on them for whether or not a book goes on the TBR list. I don't think writing is my strong suit so I procrastinate a bit but I don't want to put off this task until I've forgotten what I've read (getting old...). So here goes...
Virginia Hall was a headstrong woman. She set her goals and then took steps to achieve them. However, she wasn't always successful (and I don't attribute that to the fact that she was a woman and the 'powers -that- be' put stumbling blocks in her way). But she always seemed to keep moving forward in a direction. She wasn't stagnant. It appears that her lack of success prepared her for the work that she did with the Resistance in France. She didn't like to fail and did her best to prepare and organize so the desired outcome was met. She comes across as perfect for the work she did in France. And she accomplished quite a bit. What a woman! To escape over the Pyrenees was daunting, yet she did it in spite of her wooden leg. She seemed to be a force all by herself but she was able to organize and work with many different people. Having escaped France, she then went back in because 'the work' wasn't finished. The Germans were after her but she was determined. I see her as amazing but I don't think she would describe herself in that way . I would highly recommend reading her story. There are other books written about her and I plan on reading those also.
Now for the book. I think writing non-fiction that reads like fiction takes a certain skill set. I'm sure I couldn't do it well. The research is one thing; the compiling of it is another. As I was reading this book I kept envisioning a huge board with Post-It notes all over it. The notes contained bits of research/information that the author had come across. I imagined the author looking up from her writing, seeing an interesting tidbit on the Post-It note board, and adding it to the chapter whether it made sense in the chapter or not. I'm not saying that the tidbit wasn't interesting but it didn't seem to fit and was never heard from again! I wonder how many times the editor sent this back for rewrites or didn't (?). But somehow the story of Virginia Hall was told and I learned a great deal and I would recommend this book.
My goal for 2021 was to write reviews. I appreciate the reviews here on GR and rely on them for whether or not a book goes on the TBR list. I don't think writing is my strong suit so I procrastinate a bit but I don't want to put off this task until I've forgotten what I've read (getting old...). So here goes...
Virginia Hall was a headstrong woman. She set her goals and then took steps to achieve them. However, she wasn't always successful (and I don't attribute that to the fact that she was a woman and the 'powers -that- be' put stumbling blocks in her way). But she always seemed to keep moving forward in a direction. She wasn't stagnant. It appears that her lack of success prepared her for the work that she did with the Resistance in France. She didn't like to fail and did her best to prepare and organize so the desired outcome was met. She comes across as perfect for the work she did in France. And she accomplished quite a bit. What a woman! To escape over the Pyrenees was daunting, yet she did it in spite of her wooden leg. She seemed to be a force all by herself but she was able to organize and work with many different people. Having escaped France, she then went back in because 'the work' wasn't finished. The Germans were after her but she was determined. I see her as amazing but I don't think she would describe herself in that way . I would highly recommend reading her story. There are other books written about her and I plan on reading those also.
Now for the book. I think writing non-fiction that reads like fiction takes a certain skill set. I'm sure I couldn't do it well. The research is one thing; the compiling of it is another. As I was reading this book I kept envisioning a huge board with Post-It notes all over it. The notes contained bits of research/information that the author had come across. I imagined the author looking up from her writing, seeing an interesting tidbit on the Post-It note board, and adding it to the chapter whether it made sense in the chapter or not. I'm not saying that the tidbit wasn't interesting but it didn't seem to fit and was never heard from again! I wonder how many times the editor sent this back for rewrites or didn't (?). But somehow the story of Virginia Hall was told and I learned a great deal and I would recommend this book.
February 4, 2017
The Special Operations Executive, the British spy unit during WWII, sent around 480 agents into France to assist in the Resistance. Forty of those agents were women. The most honored of these is Virginia Hall, an American amputee.
She was a radio transmitter, detonater, collaborator. For three years she escaped capture. She had strong instincts and great fortitude. After the war she joined the CIA. This is her story
She was a radio transmitter, detonater, collaborator. For three years she escaped capture. She had strong instincts and great fortitude. After the war she joined the CIA. This is her story
May 26, 2021
Virginia Hall followed her dream to become a Foreign Service Officer She worked for the British Special Operations Executive (S O E). She was sent to France to drop zones and weapons. She was featured on wanted posters. She fled France over the Pyrenees Mountains into neutral Spain on foot during the winter.
She was sent back to France by the OSS disguised as an old peasant woman. She was responsible for the killing of 150 German soldiers and capturing 500 others.
She was presented with the Distinguished Service Cross for her work from the United States and also The French Croix de guerre avec palme.
She was sent back to France by the OSS disguised as an old peasant woman. She was responsible for the killing of 150 German soldiers and capturing 500 others.
She was presented with the Distinguished Service Cross for her work from the United States and also The French Croix de guerre avec palme.
September 30, 2014
While I can't really say this book was enjoyable due to the content, it was certainly informative and very interesting. Parts were rather difficult to read, due to what was being explained, but also, wasn't hidden or obfuscated. The chapters were a little long for my liking, but I would be interested to read more about unsung heroes of World War II.
August 21, 2016
The Wolves at the Door by Judith L. Pearson is subtitled 'The story of America's greatest female spy', and I don't think that is an exaggeration. Virginia Hall was born into a well-off American family and could have had a quiet life tending a Victory garden during the war. But she was an intelligent and ambitious woman, so she chose a different life.
Before the start of WWII, Hall worked at several US consulates in Europe, trying to gain entrance to become a Foreign Sevice Officer. Her gender stood in her way, but so did something else: she lost part of her left leg below the knee in a hunting accident in Turkey. Her career hopes dashed just before the start of the war, she volunteered as an ambulance driver in France. Then came the Nazi occupation, and the establishment of the Vichy regime.
Hall's disgust for the invasion of a country she loved made her the perfect candidate for the Special Operations Executive (SOE), a British government shadow body whose mission was warfare by subversion. America had not entered the war, so Hall joined the British. They trained her and posted her in Vichy France, where she recruited Resistance members, aided stranded airmen, and supplied intelligence back to the SOE. Oh, and wrote articles for an American newspaper as part of her cover.
Her work drew the attention of the sadistic Klaus Barbie, a Gestapo intelligence officer known as "The Butcher of Lyon". Posters went up with the nickname 'La Dame qui Boite' (the Limping Lady), describing her as 'the most dangerous of Allied spies. We must find her and destroy her'.
After America entered the war and later the Germans eradicated the zone libre, Hall fled across the Pyrenees into Spain. She didn't tell the men she escaped with about her wooden leg, and kept up a brutal pace. The escape was not flawless, but eventually she made it back to London.
Not content to stay in safety in spite of her new notoriety and the Gestapo hunt, Hall learned how to operate a radio and transferred to the American intelligence service, the OSS (Office of Strategic Services). And went back to Paris in disguised as a frail old lady to hide her limp.
There she continued her activity, reporting troop movements, coordinating nighttime supply drops, and recruiting and directing saboteurs. Her command of French and German helped her along the way, as did her good instincts and discretion. She was recognized with high honors by the British, American, and French governments, but didn't see why doing her job was so special.
The biography is capably written, and Hall's exploits are rarely a slog. There is a brief bibliography - though I am the type of reader who wishes for much more detailed endnotes. I want to know what sources Pearson used to learn Hall's thoughts and feelings, since she was never able to interview Hall directly. In the acknowledgements, Pearson writes that 'Virginia Hall was once asked why she never told her story. Her reply was that she was never asked.' I think it's an example of Hall's innate modesty and perhaps some leftover habits from years of covert operations.
If you are looking for the story of courage, superb judgment and incredible danger, Hall's story has it all. What a person! During the chaos and moral darkness of WWII, people like her were the reason for hope that the world could recover. It is an important story, and I'm glad that it has been told.
Before the start of WWII, Hall worked at several US consulates in Europe, trying to gain entrance to become a Foreign Sevice Officer. Her gender stood in her way, but so did something else: she lost part of her left leg below the knee in a hunting accident in Turkey. Her career hopes dashed just before the start of the war, she volunteered as an ambulance driver in France. Then came the Nazi occupation, and the establishment of the Vichy regime.
Hall's disgust for the invasion of a country she loved made her the perfect candidate for the Special Operations Executive (SOE), a British government shadow body whose mission was warfare by subversion. America had not entered the war, so Hall joined the British. They trained her and posted her in Vichy France, where she recruited Resistance members, aided stranded airmen, and supplied intelligence back to the SOE. Oh, and wrote articles for an American newspaper as part of her cover.
Her work drew the attention of the sadistic Klaus Barbie, a Gestapo intelligence officer known as "The Butcher of Lyon". Posters went up with the nickname 'La Dame qui Boite' (the Limping Lady), describing her as 'the most dangerous of Allied spies. We must find her and destroy her'.
After America entered the war and later the Germans eradicated the zone libre, Hall fled across the Pyrenees into Spain. She didn't tell the men she escaped with about her wooden leg, and kept up a brutal pace. The escape was not flawless, but eventually she made it back to London.
Not content to stay in safety in spite of her new notoriety and the Gestapo hunt, Hall learned how to operate a radio and transferred to the American intelligence service, the OSS (Office of Strategic Services). And went back to Paris in disguised as a frail old lady to hide her limp.
There she continued her activity, reporting troop movements, coordinating nighttime supply drops, and recruiting and directing saboteurs. Her command of French and German helped her along the way, as did her good instincts and discretion. She was recognized with high honors by the British, American, and French governments, but didn't see why doing her job was so special.
The biography is capably written, and Hall's exploits are rarely a slog. There is a brief bibliography - though I am the type of reader who wishes for much more detailed endnotes. I want to know what sources Pearson used to learn Hall's thoughts and feelings, since she was never able to interview Hall directly. In the acknowledgements, Pearson writes that 'Virginia Hall was once asked why she never told her story. Her reply was that she was never asked.' I think it's an example of Hall's innate modesty and perhaps some leftover habits from years of covert operations.
If you are looking for the story of courage, superb judgment and incredible danger, Hall's story has it all. What a person! During the chaos and moral darkness of WWII, people like her were the reason for hope that the world could recover. It is an important story, and I'm glad that it has been told.
February 27, 2012
This is a very interesting true account. Because it is true, it reads more like a long newspaper or magazine report on a factual matter. I found the facts fascinating and came to a much greater understanding of the courage and importance of the people who formed the French Resistance. I did not know about Vichy France and its leaders in WWII. Reading about how many French had treated the Jews was shocking to me and gave me more background info on an excellent foreign DVD, Sarah's Key, I'd seen recently via Redbox.
I must admit I missed the characterization strengths of a good novel, however. This is such a rich story, I think someone like Orson Scott Card should convert it into a novel format--similar to how Card has handled his re-telling of the lives of Biblical matriarchs' Rebecca, Leah, and Sarah. A novel treatment of Virginia Hall's life would be irresistible to me.
However, as it is, this is still definitely worth reading!
I must admit I missed the characterization strengths of a good novel, however. This is such a rich story, I think someone like Orson Scott Card should convert it into a novel format--similar to how Card has handled his re-telling of the lives of Biblical matriarchs' Rebecca, Leah, and Sarah. A novel treatment of Virginia Hall's life would be irresistible to me.
However, as it is, this is still definitely worth reading!
July 13, 2020
Once again, a good editor would have been helpful - not to trim down the writing, but to improve it. The book unfortunately is not well written from a grammar standpoint, but even worse is the problem that what should be a fascinating, gripping account of "America's greatest female spy" is treated almost perfunctorily. Information on drops, circuits, fellow spies, etc. is all delivered in a very ho-hum manner, and usually given only the briefest treatment.
Virginia Hall deserves better attention and recognition than was found here, as do her fellow Resistance members.
Virginia Hall deserves better attention and recognition than was found here, as do her fellow Resistance members.
May 10, 2013
I have learned many things from this book. I would recommend this book to anyone to read. It gives hope in times of trouble. It shows that even people who have disabalities capable of amazing things. In times of trouble Virgina Hall gave herself over to fighting Nazies in France because of the evil they were. SHe put her life in perial for years because of what she believed. I admire people who are able to give up all.
July 30, 2017
Virginia Hall was a fascinating woman, and Pearson's book really does her justice. I am as amazed by her willingness to keep going towards danger as I am impressed by her competence and shrewd instincts. I learned so much about the Resistance from this book.
May 22, 2012
Granted, Judith Pearson does an amazing job of researching the material for this book, but she needs to find better editors. I read this as part of my book club requirement. The subject matter was interesting, and there was a lot of information about WWII which you would not find covered in a high school history class, more's the pity.
It seems to me that Virginia maintained her "spy at a moment" mode because of how private she was and determined to keep her life in espionage alive. There must have been some glaring issues, though, that validated her "lack of success" in selling herself to some agencies. Most definitely the US was not the most open for women participating in the war effort - this continues through today. But it is pretty ironic that someone who spent so much time in France, embedded for years in their culture, and felt so passionate about saving it, couldn't manage to learn an accent that wouldn't give her away as an American. A definite liability, which caused her problems within her mission. And then there's the issue of her literally shooting herself in the foot, supposedly being an expert hunter from her days on the farm. Hmmm.
However, I would not discount her bravery to do all the things she did, and her dedication to the cause, and acting as an example of what women can accomplish when given the chance.
I am not likely to pick up another book by this author.
It seems to me that Virginia maintained her "spy at a moment" mode because of how private she was and determined to keep her life in espionage alive. There must have been some glaring issues, though, that validated her "lack of success" in selling herself to some agencies. Most definitely the US was not the most open for women participating in the war effort - this continues through today. But it is pretty ironic that someone who spent so much time in France, embedded for years in their culture, and felt so passionate about saving it, couldn't manage to learn an accent that wouldn't give her away as an American. A definite liability, which caused her problems within her mission. And then there's the issue of her literally shooting herself in the foot, supposedly being an expert hunter from her days on the farm. Hmmm.
However, I would not discount her bravery to do all the things she did, and her dedication to the cause, and acting as an example of what women can accomplish when given the chance.
I am not likely to pick up another book by this author.
March 3, 2015
Virginia Hall was a woman with a huge capital W! Thanks to her and other's like her the Nazis were defeated and the European countries liberated. Virginia played a very important role in France's Resistance during the WW2. She was courageous, smart, with a good sixth sense. During the WW2 she lived a life full of danger, death, uncertainty... One would think that a book about her must have been interesting, engaging and readable. But unfortunately it wasn't. During the reading I felt like reading a huge article on Wikipedia - just facts (on January 2 she did this, on March 18 she did that etc.).
January 11, 2018
This was a good book (for a school book) I started it a while ago and it was my English reading. Judith is a great writer and Virginia's story was very entertaining. It kept me reading, which for a school book is amazing.
The chapters were SUPER LONG. That was annoying because for school I like to read 1 chapter every day. I was okay though. Virginia had such a good life. 5 star book! I'm glad I read it!
The chapters were SUPER LONG. That was annoying because for school I like to read 1 chapter every day. I was okay though. Virginia had such a good life. 5 star book! I'm glad I read it!
September 15, 2019
I feel bad giving this 3 stars. Virginia hall was an amazing woman, but this could have been written in a way that brought this amazing historical story to life for the reader. Instead, it was full of historical facts, politics, french spy code names that were difficult to follow. I finished it because I love history, but it was difficult to finish.
March 8, 2017
4.5
Well researched. Mostly well written. Incredible story of a remarkable woman, the SOE, OSS, and the resistance.
Well researched. Mostly well written. Incredible story of a remarkable woman, the SOE, OSS, and the resistance.
September 20, 2023
4 solid stars, amazing read.
July 5, 2021
An epic figure from the early days of Special Operations. She started in the British SOE and was part of the fledgling American OSS. A truly remarkable woman!
July 13, 2020
It is an interesting story. Virginia Hall grew up in a rich progressive family in Maryland. She aspired to work in the diplomatic service and got a job as a secretary in the US Polish embassy but was passed over a number of times for entry into the diplomatic tract. With the outbreak of WWII she wanted to serve the Allied cause and volunteered with the French Ambulance service at the front lines. and was working in England when she was approached about serving as a spy in Vichy France. As the US still recognized Vichy she went there as a reporter for a US news paper and became a central hub for British spy efforts there. She had a wooden leg from a shooting accident and when the Germans took over Vichy her network was compromised and head of the French SS, Klause Barbie, made his main target the limping lady. She fled across the Pyrenees to Spain a dangerous and exhausting journey for the fit pilots she was traveling with. No one knew about her let. Back in England she "laid low." and then returned to France as a radio operator disguising herself as an old woman thus camouflaging the limp. She organized air drops and participated in sabotage serving as guard with a Sten machine gun. She was awarded medals from the US, France and England.
I gave the book 2 stars as the prose was often juvenile and some facts were played with loosely. An example of the dull prose: "She was a good judge of character but in this arena it was vital that she judge carefully."
Interesting misc.
- With the beginning of German hostilities swarms of refugees poured into France many of whom were Jewish. There was great hostility towards these immigrants as well a rising antisemitism. At the time of the Revolution France was a bastion of religious tolerance, repealing antisemitic laws.
- The women of Paris were concerned that the bleak appearance of the Maginot Line would be bad for moral and had collections to plant rose bushes along it.
- French ambulance drivers were responsible for finding their own fuel.
-200k French soldiers died fighting the Germans.
-Many French supported the Vichy government as they thought that Germany would make France strong once again. the Vichy was to track down Jews and did so with enthusiasm using many of the terror and torture tactics of the Gestapo.
-Unfortunately the book puts forward a familiar untruth seeming to claim that the Germans began the bombing of population centers first. it was the British. https://www.spectator.co.uk/2013/10/t...
-The clothes of refugees arriving in Britain were confiscated, (and replaced) to be used by spies in their home countries. You didn't want a certain button to be your downfall.
-Vichy France hoped that the cooperation with the Germans would bring the release of the 1.6M French POW's, a payment of 400M Franc a day paid for the German army up keep and to guarantee a free France when all was done. Didn't work out that way.
-35,000 Frenchmen served in the Milice the Vichy secret police.
-Parisians were starving to death during the German occupation. All of the food was going to Germany.
-The Germans paid well for the French to turn over downed pilots and they did.
-Until Pearl Harbor the US diplomatically recognized Vichy France.
-In Tours when a grenade was toss into a column of soldiers 1/2 of the city was burned down.
-Aunt Jemima was an explosive mixture that looked like flour and could even be baked and eaten. However with a blasting cap it would explode. 15 tons were used in China, and none was ever discovered by the Japanese.
- In France the Germans required 15 different identity cards making forgery all that more difficult.
I gave the book 2 stars as the prose was often juvenile and some facts were played with loosely. An example of the dull prose: "She was a good judge of character but in this arena it was vital that she judge carefully."
Interesting misc.
- With the beginning of German hostilities swarms of refugees poured into France many of whom were Jewish. There was great hostility towards these immigrants as well a rising antisemitism. At the time of the Revolution France was a bastion of religious tolerance, repealing antisemitic laws.
- The women of Paris were concerned that the bleak appearance of the Maginot Line would be bad for moral and had collections to plant rose bushes along it.
- French ambulance drivers were responsible for finding their own fuel.
-200k French soldiers died fighting the Germans.
-Many French supported the Vichy government as they thought that Germany would make France strong once again. the Vichy was to track down Jews and did so with enthusiasm using many of the terror and torture tactics of the Gestapo.
-Unfortunately the book puts forward a familiar untruth seeming to claim that the Germans began the bombing of population centers first. it was the British. https://www.spectator.co.uk/2013/10/t...
-The clothes of refugees arriving in Britain were confiscated, (and replaced) to be used by spies in their home countries. You didn't want a certain button to be your downfall.
-Vichy France hoped that the cooperation with the Germans would bring the release of the 1.6M French POW's, a payment of 400M Franc a day paid for the German army up keep and to guarantee a free France when all was done. Didn't work out that way.
-35,000 Frenchmen served in the Milice the Vichy secret police.
-Parisians were starving to death during the German occupation. All of the food was going to Germany.
-The Germans paid well for the French to turn over downed pilots and they did.
-Until Pearl Harbor the US diplomatically recognized Vichy France.
-In Tours when a grenade was toss into a column of soldiers 1/2 of the city was burned down.
-Aunt Jemima was an explosive mixture that looked like flour and could even be baked and eaten. However with a blasting cap it would explode. 15 tons were used in China, and none was ever discovered by the Japanese.
- In France the Germans required 15 different identity cards making forgery all that more difficult.
November 19, 2018
Enjoyed this little known American spy story. It does read like a textbook sometimes, but well worth the read.
September 30, 2012
Drove an ambulance from the front lines through the French countryside despite constant shelling from the German Army, returning months later to Nazi-occupied France to gather/report intelligence, recruit/organize Resistance members, establish safehouses, aid downed Allied pilots & bombers, set up supply drop-sites, meet up with & supply local guerilla forces and then escape by train - then by foot over the Pyrennes - only to return again in disguise(despite a price on her head) to do it all again in another region of France . . . all with a wooden leg! Puts this reader to shame.
May 22, 2018
I loved this book! It was fascinating this truly great woman did all the things she did and took leadership roles because of her skill, intelligence, and strength and most it on behalf of a foreign nation! I was amazed by all of her real accomplishments and was reminded that throughout history women have taken leadership roles and made differences in the world. I sometimes need the reminder that any attempts to minimize the roles of women are from cultural influences not the true demonstrated ability of real women throughout history.
June 8, 2009
It was alright, an honest and what seemed to be accurate portrayal of a female spy during WWII. It never really grabbed me though. One great part while attempting to flee France and get back to England.
February 23, 2018
Great (true) story about an amazing women.
April 26, 2018
Loved this biography about one of the first female spies operating during WWII. Great exploration of the gender dynamics of the times as well as a small side note dealing with disability.
June 4, 2023
Gotta love books about obscure WWII spies; I thought this was gonna be the real-life version of Ken Follet's spy novels, and in some ways it was. However, it should be clear that the book is written as a history book, not as a novel. This is a fair decision, but one that makes it difficult for the narrative to be as captivating and interesting as it could have been. There's barely any dialogue in the book, despire the fact that we follow the life of Virginia Hall and her interactions with others throughout her life. Her spy work was remarkable and the book spotlights the fact that as a woman and a disabled person, Hall faced a lot of discrimination in her life.
I did feel that at some points the book talked about the bigger history of WWII, the US involvement in the war, the spy networks and organizations that were developed in that time and the roles of each country in the development of the war. Much of this history is of course relevant to the specific life story of Virginia Hall, but perhaps it made the book feel too popular and introductory, preventing the author from digging deeper on some specific questions about spy organizations in WWII and afterwards. For example, the role of spies in the Cold War became a crucial part of modern warfare and international relations, yet the author barely covers that part of Hall's life. She may have wanted to focus primarily on Hall's achievements in WWII, but then again I would have then told the story with a more personal perspective. This might mean giving up 100% historical accuracy (which is unachievable either way, especially knowing that Hall died before being able to tell her full biography to anyone) but allows the reader to feel much immersed in Hall's journey and sympathize with her more.
The story of Virginia Hall clearly has reverbations in today's world, not just because of the continued relevance of surveillance and the legacy of WWII, but also because of the feminist and anti-ableist connotations she carried out with her actions (despite that language not being presented in the book at all). I feel sorry cause I saw the book being very highly reviewed on Goodreads and elsewhere, and despite enjoying historical books a lot and being interested in many of the themes carried by this story, I simply don't feel that it quite met the expectations it set.
I did feel that at some points the book talked about the bigger history of WWII, the US involvement in the war, the spy networks and organizations that were developed in that time and the roles of each country in the development of the war. Much of this history is of course relevant to the specific life story of Virginia Hall, but perhaps it made the book feel too popular and introductory, preventing the author from digging deeper on some specific questions about spy organizations in WWII and afterwards. For example, the role of spies in the Cold War became a crucial part of modern warfare and international relations, yet the author barely covers that part of Hall's life. She may have wanted to focus primarily on Hall's achievements in WWII, but then again I would have then told the story with a more personal perspective. This might mean giving up 100% historical accuracy (which is unachievable either way, especially knowing that Hall died before being able to tell her full biography to anyone) but allows the reader to feel much immersed in Hall's journey and sympathize with her more.
The story of Virginia Hall clearly has reverbations in today's world, not just because of the continued relevance of surveillance and the legacy of WWII, but also because of the feminist and anti-ableist connotations she carried out with her actions (despite that language not being presented in the book at all). I feel sorry cause I saw the book being very highly reviewed on Goodreads and elsewhere, and despite enjoying historical books a lot and being interested in many of the themes carried by this story, I simply don't feel that it quite met the expectations it set.
August 8, 2021
An Amazing Life, Well told….
In a man’s world, this lady did everything better. Not because she was a feminist or man hater, but simply because “it was the right thing to do”! An excellent telling of her life story that catches the root of what is great in this country. Always doing what needed to be done, to the best of her abilities, she was simply an amazing person. Well worth the time to read and I hope the option does indeed become a movie. I highly recommend this book!
In a man’s world, this lady did everything better. Not because she was a feminist or man hater, but simply because “it was the right thing to do”! An excellent telling of her life story that catches the root of what is great in this country. Always doing what needed to be done, to the best of her abilities, she was simply an amazing person. Well worth the time to read and I hope the option does indeed become a movie. I highly recommend this book!
March 29, 2020
Sometimes felt a little swamped in the details, but an incredible story nonetheless. Also very informative about WWII in general, and British and US intelligence operations in particular. Finally, I appreciate that Pearson didn't wrap the story into a pretty bow at the end, but instead was straightforward about the sexism that Hall confronted throughout her career and that especially inhibited her postwar career.
June 13, 2019
The story of a remarkable secret agent in WWII
I loved the true story of such a remarkable and feisty woman who was a secret agent during WWII. She overcame her physical handicap and was a real force to be reckoned with as she took on the Germans and the French.
I loved the true story of such a remarkable and feisty woman who was a secret agent during WWII. She overcame her physical handicap and was a real force to be reckoned with as she took on the Germans and the French.
November 9, 2019
This was excellent, a fast read for a biography and I thank the friend that reminded me I actually already had it!
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