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linguaphile412's review
Very dry and poorly written with some glaring errors. I may return to it at some point because the topic is of interest.
liedora's review
5.0
What an absolutely informative book highlighting the importance of women in the intelligence war of WWII. Extremely well researched, and full of a narrative filled with exceptional bravery, this book is a must read for anyone interested in this period of history, or the role of women in the world of war.
outsmartyourshelf's review
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
An in-depth look at the roles women played in the British Intelligence services in both World Wars. Far from being confined to being secretaries or typists, sometimes these roles concealed jobs working in decoding, setting up & running spy networks in Europe, & even being parachuted into occupied territory to work undercover. These women were not merely the 'femme fatales' of films but hardworking, courageous, intelligent women who put their lives on the line for the Allies.
The author has obviously carried out painstaking research in putting together the stories of these forgotten women. There's a wealth of information in these pages with probably much more to come if the rest of the files are ever declassified. Some of the stories were staggering in the bravery that these women showed under pressure, saving not only their own lives but the lives of Allied soldiers & other undercover operatives. There were also many who disappeared & it was unknown what had happened to them. It's a fascinating subject but at times, the writing was a little dry to read with many dates, names etc to remember. Overall it was an informative read & these women deserve to have their stories told & their sacrifices acknowledged. 3.5 stars (rounded up)
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Yale University Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
The author has obviously carried out painstaking research in putting together the stories of these forgotten women. There's a wealth of information in these pages with probably much more to come if the rest of the files are ever declassified. Some of the stories were staggering in the bravery that these women showed under pressure, saving not only their own lives but the lives of Allied soldiers & other undercover operatives. There were also many who disappeared & it was unknown what had happened to them. It's a fascinating subject but at times, the writing was a little dry to read with many dates, names etc to remember. Overall it was an informative read & these women deserve to have their stories told & their sacrifices acknowledged. 3.5 stars (rounded up)
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Yale University Press, for the opportunity to read an ARC. I am voluntarily giving an honest review.
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