A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of Virginia Hall, WWII's Most Dangerous Spy - 'Reads like a thriller' (Ben Macintyre)

Good book

I am amazed that this woman is so little known about. She was obviously phenomenal! The book also gives a lot of insight into how resistance to the Nazis was successfully built up within France, despite numerous setbacks and great danger. The written style does not flow as easily as I would like, but many people would not notice this much, because the story is so compelling.

This is the amazing and true story of one of the heroines of the French Resistance in WWII. Virginia Hall was an American lady of impeccable lineage who didn't want to be a society hostess with all that title suggests, no husband or children and certainly no tea parties with suitable friends. She wanted to travel and be of use, so she did. Her incredible exploits were instrumental in shortening the war by coordinating resistance efforts across France, culminating in stopping reinforcements on their way to the Channel as D-Day got under way. I'm lost for the words to say how much I admire her, and really you must read this book for yourself. It is brilliant. Highly recommended.

Virginia Hall's life is an amazing roller-coaster of a story on its own, but it was made even more memorable by the utterly brilliant writing. Not only has the author carried out meticulous research, she has crafted those details into a highly readable story. There were times when I foirgot this was a biography as it read like a thriller - a testament to a singular life and the author's writing skills.

I didn't realise that this was written by a renowned biographer until I started reading. I am fascinated by the resistance in WW II. The drama, suffering, tragedy and excitement is gripping. It's also shocking and sobering as well as intensely moving. Often when witting on this subject other authors will not make much of the infighting and internal politics from this period (within the resistance itself). This is not the case with this biography. We've all heard of Odette but Virginia Hall was unknown to me. What a remarkable women. It's humbling to think of what these people went through for the love of freedom and the fight against injustice. I was so impressed that I looked into the author and realised who it was. Sonia Purnell has written a number of biographys and is probably best known for her writting on Boris Johnson. I can't recommend this wonderfully researched book enough.

Arrived promptly in excellent condition. An unbelievable account of one of the bravest women who headed up French resistance activity in WW2 despite being an American and living with a disability. Virginia Hall’s role was pivotal in thwarting the Nazi occupiers. Well researched, meticulous in detail (perhaps a little too much detail in parts, I found my concentration wavering at times) but overall a fascinating and well written biography

Sonia Purnell has crafted a brilliant biography of a truly extraordinary woman. Whilst it may be an exaggeration to say that the story is previously "untold", the author has built on the existing record and created an enthralling portrait. Virginia Hall's accomplishments during the second world war are scarcely credible, above all because at almost every turn she had to overcome rigid and unhelpful male attitudes. Given the complexity of her clandestine operations, it is unsurprising that the book introduces many other characters that she interacted with during her years of active service: some of them were almost equally amazing and courageous. With the author interchangeably using names and aliases I did find myself referring to the index on a regular basis to remind myself of who various people were. This is not a criticism - the story is clearly presented and flows logically from one amazing episode to the next. Towards the end of the book I became intensely moved, a reaction that Virginia Hall herself would no doubt have found deeply unimpressive. I think the emotion was triggered more than anything by the heartfelt respect and loyalty expressed by some of those who had seen her in operation as an agent, people on whom she had left a profound imprint.

I read this book one year ago. Now I have bought it to give to a friend for her birthday. I am certain she will be just as fascinated by it as I was.

The book keeps you in the edge like a spy thriller movie more than that it is the characteristic of Virginia which I found very interesting and not many people live like that..the inner quest, her courage, her command over others......She is truly a Wonder Woman...

Good biography of an incredible women in difficult times

Extremely well-researched story that reads like a really good novel. This could easily be a TV movie. Virginia Hall fought blatant sexism and a serious wound to run probably the most successful Allied spy ring, certainly in southern France, in all of World War II. Her staggering bravery, wit, loyalty and professionalism saved many, many prisoners - at the daily risk of arrest, torture and murder by the Gestapo official who knew of her and was actively hunting her. Her efforts were only partly recognized with serious medals from the British, the French, and the Distinguished Service Cross (our nation's 2nd highest award for valor) given by General William "Wild Bill" Donovan and President Harry S. Truman at the White House. To use some now ancient slang, this is a ripping yarn!

Foremost a story about an extraordinary heroine but the book also tells the story about the birth of the western intelligence agencies SOE and OAS

Cuando pedí el libro no conocía al personaje. Quedé sorprendida de lo valiente y dedicada que fue está mujer que vivió en las sombras. Muy bien escrito y ameno. Lo recomiendo ampliamente.