43 pages • 1 hour read
A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of Virginia Hall, WWII’s Most Dangerous Spy
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Book Brief
368
Biography • Nonfiction
Europe • 1940s
2019
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of Virginia Hall, WWII’s Most Dangerous Spy by Sonia Purnell is a biography of Virginia Hall, an American who became a highly effective spy for the Allies during World War II. Despite being initially rejected by the Foreign Service due to her sex and disability, Hall's tenacity led her to join the Special Operations Executive's F Section, where her espionage efforts significantly contributed to the French Resistance's success against Nazi forces. The book contains instances of wartime violence and torture.
Inspirational
Informative
Mysterious
Challenging
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
74,584 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Sonia Purnell's A Woman of No Importance receives praise for its compelling narrative and thorough research, bringing to life the story of Virginia Hall's heroic efforts in World War II. While some critics find the pacing uneven and the heavy detail potentially overwhelming, the book is widely appreciated for its historical depth and inspiration.
Who Should Read A Woman of No Importance?
A reader who enjoys biographies of extraordinary historical figures and espionage thrillers will relish A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell. Fans of Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City and Ben Macintyre's Agent Zigzag will appreciate this riveting tale of Virginia Hall, a World War II spy who defied the odds.
74,584 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Edwin “Ned” Hall
Edwin “Ned” Hall
Virginia’s supportive father who encourages her adventurous spirit until his death, which significantly impacts the family’s financial situation.
Barbara Hall
Barbara Hall
Virginia’s socially-conscious mother who pressures her to conform to societal norms and marry well, struggling to understand her daughter's defiance.
Nicolas Bodington
Nicolas Bodington
An officer in the British Secret Service who plays a crucial role in Virginia's initial clandestine operations in occupied France.
Dr. Jean Rousset
Dr. Jean Rousset
A gynecologist and member of Virginia's network, who cleverly uses his position to subvert Nazi efforts in France.
Klaus Barbie
Klaus Barbie
A notorious Nazi torturer, infamously nicknamed the “Butcher of Lyon,” who becomes obsessed with capturing Virginia.
Paul Goillot
Paul Goillot
A fellow OSS agent and Virginia’s romantic partner, recognized for his charm and respect for her achievements.
Robert Alesch
Robert Alesch
A German spy masquerading as a priest, who becomes a formidable adversary to Virginia by infiltrating her network.
Pierre Fayol
Pierre Fayol
A leader in the French Resistance initially skeptical of Virginia due to her gender, who later advocates for her recognition.
368
Biography • Nonfiction
Europe • 1940s
2019
Adult
18+ years
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