A Woman of No Importance

The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II

De: Sonia Purnell

Narrado por: Juliet Stevenson

A NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER

Chosen as a BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR by NPR, the New York Public Library, Amazon, the Seattle Times, the Washington Independent Review of Books, PopSugar, the Minneapolis Star Tribune, BookBrowse, the Spectator, and the Times of London

Shortlisted for the Plutarch Award for Best Biography

“Excellent.... This book is as riveting as any thriller, and as hard to put down.” (The New York Times Book Review)

"A compelling biography of a masterful spy, and a reminder of what can be done with a few brave people - and a little resistance." (NPR)

"A meticiulous history that reads like a thriller." (Ben Macintyre)

A never-before-told story of Virginia Hall, the American spy who changed the course of 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.

©2019 Sonia Purnell (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"[An] excellent biography...if Virginia Hall herself remains something of an enigma - a testament, perhaps, to the skills that allowed her to live in the shadows for so long - the extraordinary facts of her life are brought onto the page here with a well-judged balance of empathy and fine detail. This book is as riveting as any thriller, and as hard to put down." (The New York Times Book Review)

“Purnell’s writing is as precise and engaging as her research, and this book restores overdue attention to one of the world’s great war heroes. It’s a joy to read, and it will swell readers' hearts with pride.” (Booklist)

"A gripping take…a compelling biography of a masterful spy, and a reminder of what can be done with a few brave people - and a little resistance.” (NPR.org)

Better Read

I enjoyed the book a lot. I listen while walk. It was very hard to keep track of the many French names and characters. A written glossary on names and synopses of roles would have helped greatly. I wonder if the audio company has ever considered such an offering as a complement to such works?

So many untold stories of WWII

Enjoyed this read very much. Was blown away with the courage and fortitude as well as the vulnerably of the lead characters. I enjoyed the read and the pace. Well done.

Amazing story we never heard about

The true story is based on an ambitious woman who wanted to make a difference.... before a woman was aloud to make a difference. She showed determination. I was left wondering where did her strength came from? And of course the age old mindset of woman belong in the kitchen. I was inspired. There are many, many people mentioned in the book and I could not keep them all straight. That aspect alone would have been best read in a hardback book, not a audible. But overall I enjoyed the book.

Inspiring story of an American hero.

This book was amazingly researched and written. So comprehensive, yet managed to be engaging throughout. I enjoyed reading it and learning about Virginia Hall and her selfless contributions and devotion to freedom and the war effort.

This needs to be in our history books.

More young women and men need to read this. The valor, integrity, ingenuity of this was amazing.

a fantastic listening.

the story and the narration we're great. a bit of History that maybe unknown to most, of tough women that changed the tide of the war.

Crisp, Definitive Read on SOE/OSS/CIA Agent

This book is well researched with previously undiscovered or unsealed documentation and information gleaned from interviews with colleagues and other WWII agents.

One of the few books that includes a good paragraph on her post-WWII years and CIA service.

The book is well written and well narrated. It is never boring and paints a compelling picture of a woman who was clearly bigger than life. Would like to see a move based on this book but it would clearly require an entire mini-series to begin to do justice to her exploits.

pure woman power and strength

there's nothing like a great book that tells a wonderful story about a heroic woman. I wish there was more information on her because this was well done.

Amazing story, well performed

This book is beautifully written about an almost incredible figure in WW II spycraft and the French Resistance. Virginia Hall is a classic. I just finished Beneath a Scarlet Sky, and this book towers head and shoulders above it for its story, characters, writing, and performance. A must read. Thank you for the opportunity.

Wonderful, Exciting Story

I so enjoyed this story, and I cannot believe I had NEVER heard her story before. Such a shame that she was not better recognized in her lifetime.