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Sonia Purnell: A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II

 I picked this book up on Audible because it sounded interesting and didn't disappoint.

A Woman of No Importance describes the incredible true story of Virginia Hall, an American woman who served as an SOE spy during World War II. Virginia, rejecting her family's expectations of a highly advantageous marriage, pursued a career in the State Department. She dreamed of serving her country as an ambassador or in other roles high within the department. Blocked at every turn because of her gender, and then later, as a result of her amputated leg, she left the State Department at the start of World War II. She served as an ambulance driver as the German army advanced across the Maginot Line and into France. From there, Virginia was recruited to SOE - the Special Operations Executive. This secret branch of the British government was formed to conduct clandestine operations in Nazi-controlled territory. Virginia was sent to France as a journalist and spy. She made contacts in the Vichy government, the French Resistance, and even among the police. These contacts proved valuable as she set up a circuit, the biggest and most successful in that part of France. Her efforts at spying and prison rescue did not go unnoticed, and the Germans circulated a detailed description of "the limping lady," painting her as their most wanted spy.

This book was fascinating. I'd never heard of Virginia Hall, but I had heard of the SOE from Code Name Verity. Some parts of this book even felt like source material for Wein as she wrote her novel (I haven't checked, but either it was, or they used some of the same sources). It is miraculous that Hall survived the war and accomplished as much as she did. She was skilled and inspiring, and this book was really interesting.

Overall, I felt like the biography was well-written. It felt a little anti-climactic at the end, but I imagine that's how Virginia's life felt as well. After the glory of the war, and after quietly receiving several awards for her service, Virginia joined the CIA, only to be overlooked and underutilized for the rest of her career. Many years after her death, she finally has the credit she deserves, and I loved the author's examination of her legacy in France, in the U.K., and in the United States.

I love books about World War II. There are so many amazing, inspiring (but usually horrifically sad) stories of survival in the face of terrible darkness. This book was the same, and a reminder that women were a key part of the allies' eventual victory over the Nazis.

This book is appropriate for older teenagers. There's no sexual content, but discussion of torture, rape, and violence. There is some foul language.

I gave this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


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