And frankly, even aside from the story, any book illustrated by Gary Kelley is worth perusing for the art. If adults are interested in pursuing her story, they can find an excellent biography by Sonia Purnell: A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II, published by Viking, 2019.Įvaluation: This inspiring biography for ages 6 and up has a number of lessons to impart, including the dangers (rather than oft-touted “glamour”) of wartime and the ways in which a disability doesn’t necessarily mean one cannot live a full life making many contributions to the welfare of others. Good story aside, Gary Kelley’s pastel illustrations are exceptional as always, not only for their realism but for their beauty and ability to engage the emotions of the viewer. She retired in 1966 and until her death, the author writes, she enjoyed reading spy novels, inter alia. In 1951 Virginia became one of the first female officers at the CIA. civilians and the only woman to receive the prestigious honor for service during World War II.” “For her heroic actions in supporting the liberation of France, Virginia was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. We meet Alex Kovac, living in Vienna and enjoying his single life with his friends and sees what’s on the horizon. The story is set in mid-1930 in Vienna, Austria on the eve of Nazi Germany invasion. In 1944 she directed nearly 1500 resistance fighters in acts of sabotage. Vienna at Nightfall is the first book in Alex Kovacs series by Richard Wake. In August 1941 Virginia became the first female SOE agent sent into France. Virginia made her way to London and trained with the British Special Operations Executive (SOE), which was a secret agency coordinating sabotage, rescue, and spying missions in occupied Europe.Īs each episode in Virginia’s life is presented, along with horrific setbacks and obstacles, the author repeats the refrain, “Virginia was Virginia,” accentuating her persistence and valor. She accepted another clerkship in Italy where she was working when World War II started. Thereafter she wore a wooden prosthetic attached to her thigh. In the 1930s while working as an embassy clerk in Turkey, she lost her left leg below the knee after a hunting accident. In school she excelled in languages and hoped to become a government diplomat. Not sure where to start in your espionage reading journey? We've got you covered! Our 30-second quiz will give you a thriller recommendation, tailored to your tastes.Virginia Hall was born in 1906 on her family’s farm in Baltimore, Maryland. Must Read World War II Novels The Tattooist of Auschwitz Heather Morris Salt to the Sea Ruta Sepetys The Good Left Undone Adriana Trigiani The Paris. ‘Girl in the Blue Coat’ by Monica Hesse Some of the best depictions of what life was like during World War II are those that take place far from the front lines but, instead, focus on the people. You’ll be scaling buildings, defusing bombs, and toppling entire governments – all from the comfort of your favorite reading chair. From oldie-but-goodie classics of the genre to cutting edge contemporary techno-thrillers, these books will have you time travelling and globe-trotting. They were the key to Rommel’s early victories against the British despite facing a numerically superior foe. In the North African battles in 1942 referenced in this novel, models III and IV predominated. German Panzer tanks deployed in World War II. Well, good news! If you’re looking for vicarious fulfilment of those ambitions, we’ve got you covered in this post that lists the 40 best spy novels of all time. The Key to Rebecca by Ken Follett (1980) 400 pages. Impeccably researched and meticulously plotted, Night Soldiers spans vast lengths of time and distance to draw together a tale of intrigue, power, and the raw brutality of survival. Plus, admit it: you always secretly thought you’d make a great spy. Night Soldiers Alan Furst Echoing Imogen’s pick, I’m going with another one of Furst’s World War II novels. Echobeat: Book 2 of the WW2 spy novels set in neutral Ireland Payment. Taylor What is my book about In 1940, with German U-boats blockading all commerce across the Atlantic Ocean, a fireball at the Crown Cork and Seal factory lit the sky over Baltimore. Their heroes speak seven languages and drive a minimum of four expensive cars - all well above the speed limit, might we add. Cork Wars: Intrigue and Industry in World War II By David A. They explore politics and history through a unique lens (and we’re not just talking about night vision goggles). The best spy novels are thrilling, dangerous, and often a little sexy. Lovers of spy fiction are some of the most devoted genre fans of all, and it’s easy to see why.
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