Code Name Hélène

By Ariel Lawhon

Code Name Hélène - Ariel Lawhon
  • Release Date: 2020-03-31
  • Genre: Historical Fiction
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 833 Ratings

Description

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Frozen River, this thrilling novel about a daring socialite spy chronicles the true wartime exploits of a woman who deserves to be a household name.

"Will fascinate readers of World War II history and thrill fans of fierce, brash, independent women." —Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours


It is 1936 and Nancy Wake is an intrepid Australian expat living in Paris who has bluffed her way into a reporting job for a Hearst newspaper when she meets the wealthy French industrialist Henri Fiocca. No sooner does Henri sweep Nancy off her feet and convince her to become Mrs. Fiocca than the Germans invade France and she takes yet another name—a code name.

Told in interweaving timelines organized around the four code names Nancy used during the war, Code Name Hélène follows Nancy’s transformation from journalist to one of the most powerful leaders in the French Resistance, known for her ferocious wit, her signature red lipstick, and her ability to summon weapons straight from the Allied forces. But with power comes notoriety, and no matter how careful Nancy is to protect her identity, the risk of exposure is great—for herself and for those she loves.

Reviews

  • Unexpected triumph

    5
    By bebe_555
    A gripping tale of courage, pain, humility and above all, the power of love. In the face of often overwhelming odds, true heroism finds its mark, again and again. It was almost impossible to put this book down until I reached the end. And even then I wished for more.
  • Amazing

    5
    By carocross
    Somehow I overlooked this woman was real. As I read the book, I kept saying to myself “so unreal! No one is this good.” Shame on me. Incredible story. Highly recommend.
  • Must read!

    5
    By SLPhoto
    One of the most well written books I have ever read! It captured my attention from start to finish.
  • Wonderful

    5
    By kyfdf
    There were times when I was reading that Things went slow. There were times when Nancy irritated me. Unbelievable events that had to be fiction. Then when her story was told, I missed her. And cried.
  • Great read!

    5
    By LindsayL7
    This was such an interesting story inspired by the real life of Nancy Wake. I wish I could start the book over for the first time!
  • All Time Favorite

    5
    By beneaththesewesternskies
    Great story about an amazing woman!
  • Good read

    5
    By 77Jackie77
    Thoroughly engaging.
  • code name helen

    2
    By OK-me2
    skips around way too much