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A Woman of No Importance : The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II by Sonia Purnell (2020, Trade Paperback)

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Discover the captivating story of the American spy who helped win World War II in the book "A Woman of No Importance" by Sonia Purnell. This illustrated trade paperback, published by Penguin Publishing Group in 2020, is perfect for young adults, ages 9-12, and adults who are interested in biography, true crime, and history. Learn about the life of this remarkable woman who served as a spy during World War II and the impact of her actions on the outcome of the war. The book is written in English, has 368 pages, and weighs 11 oz. It measures 8.4in in length, 5.4in in width, and 0.8in in height. This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in women's history, military history, and espionage.

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A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Chosen as a BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR by NPR , the New York Public Library, Amazon, the Seattle Times , the Washington Independent Review of Books , PopSugar , the Minneapolis Star Tribune , BookBrowse, the Spectator , and the Times of London Winner of the Plutarch Award for Best Biography "E xcellent...This book is as riveting as any thriller, and as hard to put down ." -- The New York Times Book Review "A compelling biography of a masterful spy, and a reminder of what can be done with a few brave people -- and a little resistance." - NPR "A meticiulous history that reads like a thriller." - Ben Macintyre A never-before-told story of Virginia Hall, the American spy who changed the course of World War II, from the author of Clementine. In 1942, the Gestapo sent out an urgent transmission: "She is the most dangerous of all Allied spies. We must find and destroy her." The target in their sights was Virginia Hall, a Baltimore socialite who talked her way into Special Operations Executive, the spy organization dubbed Winston Churchill's "Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare." She became the first Allied woman deployed behind enemy lines and--despite her prosthetic leg--helped to light the flame of the French Resistance, revolutionizing secret warfare as we know it. Virginia established vast spy networks throughout France, called weapons and explosives down from the skies, and became a linchpin for the Resistance. Even as her face covered wanted posters and a bounty was placed on her head, Virginia refused order after order to evacuate. She finally escaped through a death-defying hike over the Pyrenees into Spain, her cover blown. But she plunged back in, adamant that she had more lives to save, and led a victorious guerilla campaign, liberating swathes of France from the Nazis after D-Day. Based on new and extensive research, Sonia Purnell has for the first time uncovered the full secret life of Virginia Hall--an astounding and inspiring story of heroism, spycraft, resistance, and personal triumph over shocking adversity. A Woman of No Importance is the breathtaking story of how one woman's fierce persistence helped win the war.

Product Identifiers

Publisher
Penguin Publishing Group
ISBN-10
0735225311
ISBN-13
9780735225312
eBay Product ID (ePID)
15038704028

Product Key Features

Book Title
Woman of No Importance : the Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II
Author
Sonia Purnell
Format
Trade Paperback
Language
English
Topic
Women, Military / World War II, Espionage, Europe / France, Political
Publication Year
2020
Genre
Biography & Autobiography, True Crime, History
Number of Pages
368 Pages

Dimensions

Item Length
8.4 in
Item Height
0.8 in
Item Width
5.4 in
Item Weight
11 Oz

Additional Product Features

Intended Audience
Trade
Reviews
Praise for A Woman of No Importance : "[An] excellent biography... if Virginia Hall herself remains something of an enigma -- a testament, perhaps, to the skills that allowed her to live in the shadows for so long -- the extraordinary facts of her life are brought onto the page here with a well-judged balance of empathy and fine detail. This book is as riveting as any thriller, and as hard to put down" -- The New York Times Book Review "[A] compelling saga of a remarkable woman whose persistence was honed early on by her battles against low gender expectations and later on by her disability." - USA Today "A gripping take... a compelling biography of a masterful spy, and a reminder of what can be done with a few brave people -- and a little resistance." -- NPR.org "Never have I read anything like it. Every page is compelling and demands not just to be read, but absorbed. Every act reflects incredible bravery. This is what heroism looks like...Sonia Purnell has ensured Virginia Hall''s place in that great pantheon." --FOX News "Electrifying" --Smithsonian.com "A fitting and moving tribute to an amazing woman." - The Economist " Reads like a detailed novel... Purnell''s fascinating book supports her description of Hall''s life as a ''Homeric tale of adventure, action, and seemingly unfathomable courage." -- The Columbus Dispatch "Sonia Purnell has written a riveting account of Hall''s work as a ferociously courageous American spy... [she] writes with compelling energy and fine detail." -- The Minneapolis Star-Tribune "Purnell''s writing is as precise and engaging as her research, and this book restores overdue attention to one of the world''s great war heroes. It''s a joy to read, and it will swell readers'' hearts with pride." --Booklist, Starred Review "A groundbreaking biography that reads like a spy thriller...a suspenseful, heartbreaking and ultimately triumphant tale of heroism and sacrifice." --BookPage, Starred Review "Purnell vividly resurrects an underappreciated hero and delivers an enthralling story of wartime intrigue...fans of WWII history and women''s history will be riveted." -- Publishers Weekly "A remarkable chronicle...this lively examination...shows how, if Hall had been a man, dropping undercover in and out of occupied Vichy, Paris, and Lyon, setting up safe houses, and coordinating couriers for the Resistance, she would now be as famous as James Bond...Meticulous research results in a significant biography of a trailblazer who now has a CIA building named after her." -Kirkus "Impressively researched and compellingly written, this brilliant biography puts Virginia Hallâˆ’and her prosthetic leg, Cuthbertâˆ’back where they belong : right in the heart of Resistance history." --Clare Mulley, author of The Women Who Flew for Hitler: A True Story of Soaring Ambition and Searing Rivalry "In this astonishing, intriguing book, Sonia Purnell presents one of the most breathtaking stories yet told of female courage behind enemy lines. Its strength lies not only in Purnell''s intimate and moving portrayal of Virginia''s secret work, but also in the new light shed on the betrayal, bravery, and bungling of Churchill''s Special Operations Executive for which Virginia worked." --Sarah Helm, author of RavensbrÃ¼ck: Life and Death in Hitler''s Concentration Camp for Women "What a fascinating story! Sonia Purnell skillfully takes you deep into the covert operations Virginia Hall led in Nazi-occupied France. Readers will find this tale of her cunning and courage riveting." --Douglas Waller, author of Wild Bill Donovan: The Spymaster Who Created the OSS and Modern American Espionage
Dewey Decimal
940.54/8641092 B
Dewey Edition
23

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4.9 out of 5 stars based on 15 product ratings

15 product ratings

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5 out of 5 stars
by jupiterstratMar 20, 2023
A Woman Of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win WWII By Sonia Purnell
The hype/publicity around this book is spot on!! Truly a compelling nugget of little known WWII history. Sonia Purnell does a masterful job of taking the reader into the world of one Virginia Hall. An extremely Brave, Smart, Courageous Tactical Person, An Agent of Uncommon Valor. I, for one, sure am glad she was on the allies' side, though she sure wasn't treated with anywhere near the Respect and Dignity she deserved by her handlers/bosses and some colleagues. This person was/is so Fearless, I'm hopeful Hollywood will make a great movie about this American Hero, with a compassionate, respectful director, writers, cast and Ms. Purnell's input so that more people can become aware of this most valuable treasure of a person. I am an avid history enthusiast and this has given me an extremely clearer view of the WWII era. This glimpse behind the scenes and yet on the proverbial front lines is an absolute must read for any serious history buff. Highly Recommended!! 5 Stars!!!!! A+++++Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
5 out of 5 stars
by queenielabeauAug 22, 2022
a rare woman
this is about a woman who almost singlehandedly helped win WW11 despite a handicap of an artificial leg. she was thwarted at every turn yet pressed on. it also showed how inept and undiscerning the powers that be can sometimes be and the awful mistakes they make that cost lives.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
5 out of 5 stars
by litlolmanNov 30, 2021
A true life hero
I have only started the book but it promises to be a great read.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
5 out of 5 stars
by nmOYEhd4Suy@Del...Aug 31, 2021
Amazing story...
I learned of Virginia Hall's story by watching "A Call To Spy"... a new movie on Showtime. Both the movie and the book are compelling. Ms. Hall was one tough lady!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
5 out of 5 stars
by marvgolJun 11, 2020
A woman of no importance (an understatement)
I have just started reading it so can't say very much but it is really compelliing and what is called a page turner.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New

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A Woman of No Importance : The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II by Sonia Purnell (2020, Trade Paperback)

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A Woman Of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win WWII By Sonia Purnell

a rare woman

A true life hero

Amazing story...

A woman of no importance (an understatement)

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