Author- Audrey Blake
Publisher- Sourcebooks Landmark
Rating- ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Summary- When Yvonne Rudellat's home was bombed during the Second World War, that was the final nail in the coffin. Having lived under the same roof with her estranged husband, at his mercy, for several years, she seemed to have no purpose in life. Her daughter, Jackie, was already busy with some war operations. When she decided to end her life, she was offered an opportunity of a lifetime; to work as Britain's first SOE agent and help the French resistance in fighting against the Germans. After undergoing a fierce training, she landed in France with a new identity. With her perseverance and power to go unnoticed, she soon became the leader of a resistant group. Her sabotaging activities became a concern for the Germans, who started searching for "the woman with no name". This novel is based on her story.
Review- It is a historical fiction based on the Second World War. The author has created a brilliant picture of the situation in France during the same. I was spellbound after reading about the risks taken by those, fighting against the Germans. The author also gives us an idea about the aggressive training undergone by the SOE agents. They were even instructed to swallow cyanide if caught by the Germans, lest they cannot endure anymore torture and spill the beans.
Yvonne Rudellat was a real life example of "It's never too late to pursue your dreams". The story of her journey in becoming the first female SOE agent deserves praise. Due to her determination, she was able to lead dangerous missions against the Germans despite being middle-aged.
This was an enjoyable read for me. It has brought to life, the life and deeds of a woman who was lost in history. I will surely recommend this book to all those who are interested in historical fiction.
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