1.78k reviews for:

Code Name Hélène

Ariel Lawhon

4.38 AVERAGE

adventurous dark emotional informative inspiring sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Yes
adventurous challenging dark emotional informative inspiring sad tense slow-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 dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious sad tense fast-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 emotional inspiring slow-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
cyrinne's profile picture

cyrinne's review

5.0
adventurous dark funny hopeful medium-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 challenging dark emotional informative 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: Complicated
challenging emotional inspiring sad tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous informative inspiring medium-paced

From the first page, Code Name Hélène captivated me with its vibrant prose and meticulous research. Ariel Lawhon seamlessly weaves together four timelines, creating a narrative that is both richly layered and easy to follow. The alternating perspectives add depth to Nancy’s story, giving readers a sense of her transformation from a journalist in Paris to one of the most decorated female agents of World War II.

Nancy Wake is a protagonist like no other. Her quick wit, unshakable courage, and unwavering commitment to the Resistance make her unforgettable. Whether she’s evading the Gestapo, parachuting into Nazi-occupied France, or navigating the complexities of love with her husband, Henri Fiocca, Nancy’s determination is inspiring. Lawhon captures both her humanity and her heroism, making her feel as real as the historical figure she’s based on. Definitely one of my favourite books this year!!
chasingsunsets03's profile picture

chasingsunsets03's review

4.75
adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring 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

Wow. Wow. Wow. If there’s a more admirable woman in history/fiction I want to meet her. This was SUCH a good read. A historical fiction based on the true life of Nancy Grace Augusta Wake set in France during WWII with flashbacks, a love story, and of course, tragedy. Pacing got a little slow in parts, but this was a really enjoyable read.