Code Name Hélène : Inspired by the gripping true story of World War 2 spy Nancy Wake

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I have read many stories of the famous Australian, Nancy Wake; I even have her biography autographed by Nancy herself. I found Code Name Helene to be refreshing and heartwarmingly real. Nancy Wake went through several years of pure hell during WWII but it was when she met her husband-to-be, Henri Fiocca in 1936 that she found, for the first time in her life, true love. Nancy and Henri hadn’t been married long when war was declared and Henri was called up to fight, leaving Nancy home alone. It didn’t take her long to start working for the French Resistance and she eventually became the White Mouse, named because the Germans were unable to find and capture her. But no one can protect Nancy if the enemy finds out these four women are one and the same, and the closer to liberation France gets, the more exposed she–and the people she loves–become. Anonymous Content is synonymous with smart, sophisticated storytelling and is the perfect partner for us on ‘Code Name Hélène.’ It’s a gripping, epic tale with a wonderfully colorful, feisty and daring woman at its core whose bravery can’t help but inspire us all,” said Rousselet. A tasty, if not always tasteful, tale of supernatural mayhem that fans of King and Crichton alike will enjoy.

Code Name Hélène : Inspired by the gripping true story of Code Name Hélène : Inspired by the gripping true story of

Forget about solving all these crimes; the signal triumph here is (spoiler) the heroine’s survival. Historical fiction is my favorite genre and I love books and movies about women spies. I have read quite a few about WWII and even WWI, though those women are not as well recognized. It made the reader once again realize that women, along with men, fought for freedom, for justice for all, and for the ability to throw off oppression and totalitarianism A compulsively readable account of a little-known yet extraordinary historical figure—Lawhon’s best book to date.” — KIRKUS REVIEW, *STARRED* World War II heroine Nancy Wake should be so widely celebrated that whole bevies of schoolgirls dress up as this brave member of the French Resistance for Halloween. It’s a mystery — and a travesty — that she isn’t. But perhaps New York Times bestselling author Ariel Lawhon’s novel Code Name Hélène will finally bring her the recognition she deserves.First and foremost was the sexual descriptions and the fact that the author felt that including these made Nancy perhaps more palpable. Could this woman not stand on her own without the references to her beauty, her sexual prowess, and her ability to attract any man? I felt it cheapened the story for once again a woman became "something" because of her looks. Code Name Helene was a riveting historical fiction account of the life of Nancy Grace Augusta Wake by Ariel Lawhon. Originally from Australia, Wake worked as a freelance journalist for three years for the Hearst Corporation in London and Paris. Later joining the French Resistance during World War II in France, she had many identities including the notorious "White Mouse" as she was known to the Nazis. While Ariel Lawhon states that she wanted to concentrate on what made Nancy Wake one of the most decorated women of the war, not only the fact that she was a spy but a respected military leader during her time with the Maquis. A compulsively readable account of a little-known yet extraordinary historical figure—Lawhon’s best book to date.

Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon | Goodreads Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon | Goodreads

Are we really going to stand here and argue about the tangled nature of my family tree while my guests are left unattended?” (c) Nancy was raised in Australia, living in Paris and working as a freelance reporter for a London paper. In Paris she meets and finally agrees to marry handsome French industrialist Henri Fiocca just prior to the war breaking out in France. Code Name Helene is an enchanting story of a beautiful marriage, friendships, war, bravery, tragedy and the sacrifices made by both Helene and Henri.The commissioner’s mustache twitches in anger. “Then he will not mind hearing that you have been entertaining strange men in his absence.” What Nancy Wake did to aid the war effort against the Nazi war machine is nothing short of miraculous. Who said that the war front was no place for a woman? Well whoever said it Nancy Wake proved them wrong. I’m fairly certain there is pond scum in my bra. Possibly my underwear as well. The thought of what I’ll find when I get to the shower makes me a little uneasy. (c) If you like historical fiction, I think this one you would enjoy! It doesn’t earn the full 5 stars because I think it could have been edited down a bit. There are tense scenes through the book with harrowing escapes, torture, details on how the British helped the French patriots, training to become a British agent – all of it was highly researched by the author. Near the end of her life, she became highly decorated and recognized for her strong contributions to the war.