Nancy Wake: World War Two’s Most Rebellious Spy Paperback – December 17, 2019

I read this after having read Kristin Hannah’s novel The Nightingale. There were questions as to how could all of this happen to one person. Since Nancy Wake was one hero the book was based on- I searched and found her.What an incredible woman!! What an astounding hero! Quick thinking, compassionate, unfazed by dangers, authoritative- definitely that, loving wife, resourceful… Why have we not had more GOOD movies centered on the people of the resistance? (And I watched the movie/documentary on Nancy Wake…it got better, but it was never great. Won’t someone fix this?!)Now for the actual book, and writing style. Russell Braden gathered so much information through multiple interviews that he was able to put together a very detailed sequence of events. Some of the details were a bit over the top and probably unnecessary, but it left me with such an in-depth picture of what it was like to be in the French countryside during WWII. I feel that I traveled alongside Nancy and those with her. It is told with warmth and respect. He provides an inside view of daily life with the men who worked tirelessly to overcome a formidable enemy without delving into a lot of gory details.I did like that this was available as an audio book as well, so the last half-third I relied heavily on the well done narration.I do recommend this to anyone interested in women in war but not just, as this is not a book for or about women. It’s about the Resistance, the Maquis. It is a tribute to a woman and her remarkable abilities, and the hundreds with whom she served.Really, who would believe this was real except that it be told by those who lived it.

The author interviewed her for hours in order to write the book, so it is accurate and true

Before I offer my assessment of this amazing book, I would make one comment that does not in any way reflect upon Nancy Wake. The front cover proclaims Nancy as "SOE's Greatest Heroine." I would take issue with that statement. I am not sure that people of such character and stature should be graded as if competitors. They all performed their duties in a manner and with a passion that set them apart, many of them gave their lives. Nancy lived through amazing events in which she was fully engaged at a personal level, but I don't think that Nancy herself would suggest that she merits a higher level of admiration and respect than her 153 colleagues in SOE who fought and died. My above comment goes to the publisher, who in my opinion put dollar signs before human courage and sacrifice. Nancy's book doesn't need to be made to sound dramatic, it is drama from beginning to end.If this book were fiction, it would be a #1 Best Seller. That it is fact make it (almost) unbelievable. Russell Braddon knows about war from personal experience. He is also a writer, not just someone who writes. We must credit him with writing an amazing story about an amazing lady. A lady who was ready to commit her life in defence of her adopted country at any cost and in any circumstances. Her survival throughout an incredible period of action after D-Day puts the exploits of "007" to shame. Nancy Wake was accepted as a leader by a large group of tough French Resistance men who recognised in her a brand of courage and determination that is not given to many. Australian by birth, she adopted France as her country because she married a Frenchman and she loved France.If you are an avid reader of the exploits of the SOE, you cannot pass this book by.If you are inspired by reading true adventures that demand extraordinary courage, loyalty and personal sacrifice, you will find more than enough inspiration within the pages of this account of the exploits of Nancy Wake.We have degraded the status of "Hero" or "Heroine" by awarding it to everyone from sports stars to the neighbour who brings your kitten down out of a tree.Nancy Wake qualified in the original true sense of the word as a "Heroine".A lady of indomitable courage, bravery, determination and integrity.If you cannot find excitement and admiration in your heart as you read these chapters, I would recommend that you proceed direct to the mortuary from wherever you are and do not collect $200.00.

This version of the biography of British SOE operative in France is soooo exciting. What makes it thus is that the events are true, as well as that the author knew Nancy. The book was originally published in 1956 so close after WWII ended. Therefore many of Nancy's friends and colleagues were living to recount their close feelings and the broad spectrum of events together to the author whom they trusted. If you saw a movie of these scenes and of Nancy's brashness to all she met, you would simply say, pshaw! this is impossible for one person to accomplish all of this and still fall in love (quite a love story). Her main accomplishent especially how she was able to organize the multitude of the fragmented groups of the Maquis French resistance into a cohesive 7000 member striking force against Nazi Germany. Wow!! This book brings together situations in WW II France that I never knew. Stop reading this review and order the book. Note: there are other books about Nancy Wake but none by the author of this book. I recommend reading this book first and if you want then purchase the others. BTW I call her Nancy because I feel I know her and was with her throughout her daring escapades. I wouldn't be surprised if you, gentle reader, will too.

Christmas Present loved it

Highly recommend, my order was handled promptly and efficiently, excellent service

The true bravery of Nancy Wake has finally been shown in Mr. Braddon's words.Thank you, Sir. For taking us through this amazing lady's story.

This is one of the most enthralling books I have read. Knowing of Nancy Wake I started reading this book of Russel Brandon's. Could not put it down, just finished it. Now living in Tasmania, from Sydney, have had to follow Peter Fitzsimons article of Nancy,s address in Sydney. Recommended to any one who is interested in these stories. Pat Abley.

This is one of those rare stories that you come across which amazes you from start to finish. The feats that this woman accomplished are enormous. She was a indomitable woman and what she did deserve much praise. This book will keep the reader engrossed from start to finish. Buy this and you will not be disappointed...