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A Woman of No Importance

The Untold Story of Virginia Hall, WWII's Most Dangerous Spy

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A Woman of No Importance

By: Sonia Purnell
Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
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About this listen

The New York Times best seller.

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.

Winner of the Plutarch Award for Best Biography

©2019 Sonia Purnell (P)2019 Hachette Audio UK Espionage Historical Military True Crime Women War Inspiring Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Imperialism

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Critic reviews

"A rousing tale of derring-do." (The Times)

"Riveting." (Mick Herron)

"Superb." (Irish Times)
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I think it's the best book I've listened to especially as it's true. It really puts into perspective our current worries in this pandemic and shows what can be achieved if one puts their mind to it. Juliette Stephenson narrated it brilliantly.

Brilliant story, well performed

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The one niggle I would have with this is that the cover does not include the name of Virginia Hall, who is the subject of the book and should be remembered as such. About half way through I almost gave up as the details became very hard to hear but I felt that this deserved to be heard. I think, that if this were a film, one would say that it was exaggerated. What a strong, modest and brave person. How she achieved what she did was incredible. It was particularly upsetting that she was not given the recognition in later life for her achievements. I definitely recommend this.

Astounding story very well told

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I would recommend this book to anyone who loves history. It is the amazing story of American spy Virginia Hall who risked torture and her own life to help liberate France from the Nazis. You wont be able to stop listening!!

Wonderful story of WW2 hero

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This is the account of a phenomenally courageous ww2 spy (who happened to be a woman)…. Couldn’t stop listening. As usual, expertly read by Juliet Stevenson. Makes you sickened to hear of the relentless atrocities committed during this time, particularly by Klaus Barbie.. but also by the (also relentless) sexism post war, directed towards a war hero….best book that I’ve listened to in ages. And it’s all true.

Utterly Absorbing

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Incredibly absorbing and brilliant book, about a heroine who displayed unbelievable courage. Beautifully narrated, too.

Superb story of courage

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Don’t miss this book. Beautifully narrated and fascinating story. One of the best books I have listened to. Humbling to learn of the bravery and sacrifice made during the occupation of France.

Inspirational

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The story, the writing and the narration were strong so it held my interest well. Just enough information to understand the horrors and the bravery of the resistance work in WW2 without overshadowing the people themselves. Virginia Hall should be better known. Highly recommended

Powerful story

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Very interesting and humbling subject matter, a story of quiet bravery and commitment. Beautifully read.

Exceptional read.

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Gripping story of Virginia Hall’s wartime exploits, narrated well by Juliet Stevenson. Her heroism is unsurpassed, but sadly not reflected in her treatment by the authorities after the war. Excellent research and recounting by Sonia Purnell, without which Virginia’s award of the Croix de Guerre with Palm might still have remained unrecorded. Recommended read.

Ultimate female wartime agent

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I’d never heard of Virginia Hall - what a woman and what an inspiration. Hugely enjoyed the story and narration.

Excellent in every way .....

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