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4.38 AVERAGE
4.38 AVERAGE
Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon is the kind of book that grabs you by the shoulders and shakes you awake. It’s a thrilling historical fiction about Nancy Grace Augusta Wake—an Australian-born, trailblazing bad-arse who went from freelance journalist to a major player in the French Resistance during WWII. If ever there was a woman who could drink a man under the table, dodge bullets, and take down Nazis with the same ease, it’s Nancy Grace Augusta Wake. Seriously, she’s the kind of character you just can’t help but root for.
The story bounces between multiple timelines, which might sound like a bit of a jumble, but trust me, it works. The pacing is sharp, and as Ariel Lawhon shifts through Nancy Grace Augusta Wake’s life—from her journalistic adventures in Paris to her brave work as the Special Operations Executive (SOE)—the book never loses steam. And while it’s historical fiction, it feels very much like you’re getting the inside scoop on Nancy Grace Augusta Wake's life from herself. That’s because Ariel Lawhon’s writing captures her irreverent spirit and tough-as-nails attitude.
Now, let’s talk about the characters. You’ll get swept up in the whirlwind that is Nancy Grace Augusta Wake, but the supporting cast is just as riveting. The book dives into the lives of her contacts in the Resistance and her beloved husband, and every character feels fleshed out and real. What’s more impressive is how Ariel Lawhon weaves their backstories in a non-linear fashion that makes it all come together like a puzzle. Nancy Grace Augusta Wake might be at the center of it all, but the people around her give the story its depth and emotional pull.
But let’s not sugarcoat things: this is a book set in the middle of WWII, so there’s some serious heaviness to it. Torture, executions, and the gritty realities of war are woven in, so if that’s a trigger for you, proceed with caution. It’s not all rainbows and sunshine—it’s raw and brutal—but it’s also inspiring. Nancy Grace Augusta Wake's courage and chivalry, in the face of impossible odds, will have you rethinking your own “tough” days. I’m over here complaining about minor inconveniences while Nancy Grace Augusta Wake is single-handedly taking on the Gestapo. Humbled doesn’t even begin to cover it.
And a word of advice—don’t Google Nancy Grace Augusta Wake's real story before reading the book. Trust me, it’ll spoil some of the most jaw-dropping moments. I learned that the hard way, and I can’t unsee the spoilers.
In the end, Code Name Hélène is a pulse-pounding book that’ll leave you inspired, amazed, and maybe a little ashamed of your lack of spine. Nancy Grace Augusta Wake was a force of nature, and this book makes sure we remember just how bad-arse she truly was.
The story bounces between multiple timelines, which might sound like a bit of a jumble, but trust me, it works. The pacing is sharp, and as Ariel Lawhon shifts through Nancy Grace Augusta Wake’s life—from her journalistic adventures in Paris to her brave work as the Special Operations Executive (SOE)—the book never loses steam. And while it’s historical fiction, it feels very much like you’re getting the inside scoop on Nancy Grace Augusta Wake's life from herself. That’s because Ariel Lawhon’s writing captures her irreverent spirit and tough-as-nails attitude.
Now, let’s talk about the characters. You’ll get swept up in the whirlwind that is Nancy Grace Augusta Wake, but the supporting cast is just as riveting. The book dives into the lives of her contacts in the Resistance and her beloved husband, and every character feels fleshed out and real. What’s more impressive is how Ariel Lawhon weaves their backstories in a non-linear fashion that makes it all come together like a puzzle. Nancy Grace Augusta Wake might be at the center of it all, but the people around her give the story its depth and emotional pull.
But let’s not sugarcoat things: this is a book set in the middle of WWII, so there’s some serious heaviness to it. Torture, executions, and the gritty realities of war are woven in, so if that’s a trigger for you, proceed with caution. It’s not all rainbows and sunshine—it’s raw and brutal—but it’s also inspiring. Nancy Grace Augusta Wake's courage and chivalry, in the face of impossible odds, will have you rethinking your own “tough” days. I’m over here complaining about minor inconveniences while Nancy Grace Augusta Wake is single-handedly taking on the Gestapo. Humbled doesn’t even begin to cover it.
And a word of advice—don’t Google Nancy Grace Augusta Wake's real story before reading the book. Trust me, it’ll spoil some of the most jaw-dropping moments. I learned that the hard way, and I can’t unsee the spoilers.
In the end, Code Name Hélène is a pulse-pounding book that’ll leave you inspired, amazed, and maybe a little ashamed of your lack of spine. Nancy Grace Augusta Wake was a force of nature, and this book makes sure we remember just how bad-arse she truly was.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
9.5 out of 10. Very engaging and suspenseful story about an historical figure. She was an amazing woman! Everyone should read this book!
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes