A Woman of No Importance
The Untold Story of Virginia Hall, WWII's Most Dangerous Spy
(Autor) Sonia Purnell'A METICULOUS HISTORY THAT READS LIKE A THRILLER' BEN MACINTYRE, TEN BEST BOOKS TO READ ABOUT WORLD WAR II An astounding story of heroism, spycraft, resistance and personal triumph over shocking adversity. 'A rousing tale of derring-do' THE TIMES * 'Riveting' MICK HERRON * 'Superb' IRISH TIMES THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER In September 1941, a young American woman strides up the steps of a hotel in Lyon, Vichy France. Her papers say she is a journalist. Her wooden leg is disguised by a determined gait and a distracting beauty. She is there to spark the resistance. By 1942 Virginia Hall was the Gestapo's most urgent target, having infiltrated Vichy command, trained civilians in guerrilla warfare and sprung soldiers from Nazi prison camps. The first woman to go undercover for British SOE, her intelligence changed the course of the war - but her fight was still not over. This is a spy history like no other, telling the story of the hunting accident that disabled her, the discrimination she fought and the secret life that helped her triumph over shocking adversity. 'A cracking story about an extraordinarily brave woman' TELEGRAPH 'Gripping ... superb ... a rounded portrait of a complicated, resourceful, determined and above all brave woman' IRISH TIMES WINNER of the PLUTARCH AWARD FOR BEST BIOGRAPHY
Sonia Purnell
Sonia Purnell is a British author and journalist known for her biographies of remarkable women in history. Her most notable work is "A Woman of No Importance," which tells the story of Virginia Hall, an American spy who played a crucial role in the French Resistance during World War II. Purnell's writing style is engaging and well-researched, bringing to life the extraordinary achievements of her subjects. She has made significant contributions to the genre of historical biography, shedding light on lesser-known but inspiring figures. Purnell's work has received critical acclaim for its compelling storytelling and meticulous attention to detail.