A Woman of No Importance tells the incredible, but true story of Virginia Hall, who overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to become one of World War II’s most influential spies. Born into a wealthy family in Maryland, Hall rebelled against her privileged upbringing and served as an ambulance driver during the Spanish Civil War. She then joined the American spy network in England and was one of the first Americans to be parachuted into Nazi-occupied France. There she organized Resistance networks and became known as “the limping lady” for evading capture time after time despite having lost part of her leg in a hunting accident. After D-Day, she helped lead Allied troops across Europe to liberate Paris before turning her sights on defeating Hitler from within Germany itself. Drawing on never-before-published material, A Woman of No Importance is both a riveting accountof clandestine operations during wartime and a timeless reminder thatordinary women can do extraordinary things.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for history buffs and those interested in World War II. It tells the story of a female spy who overcame many obstacles to help win the war.
Pros :
- Virginia Hall’s life is an incredible story of rebellion and heroism
- The book tells the story of a largely unknown female hero of World War II, which is important to remember
- Sonia Purnell has written a well-researched and compelling account
Cons :
- The book is too dry and factual for my taste
- It does not provide enough information about Hall’s life before the war
- The author focuses too much on the technical aspects of espionage and not enough on the human side
Learn more about the author
Sonia Purnell is a journalist and biographer who has written for the Guardian, The Times, and Newsweek. Her first book was published in 2009; it was shortlisted for the Biographers’ International Organization’s John W. Kluge Prize for best biography by an American author. She lives in London with her husband and two sons.” Praise For Clementineā¦.
Reader Reviews
“Sonia Purnell’s biography of Virginia Hall is a celebration of individual heroism and quiet determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. . . From cover to cover, this book is fascinating.”
“A rollicking good story…Sonia Purnell has written a lively, compelling account of Hall’s adventures.”
“This woman’s life is incredible! I cannot believe some of the things she did.”
“Sonia Purnell has written a riveting and impeccably researched biography of Virginia Hall, the oft-forgotten American spy who played an integral role in winning World War II. A Woman of No Importance is as much a story about overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles as it is a thrilling tale of espionage and subterfuge. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in women’s history and WWII history alike.”
