A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of Virginia Hall, WWII’s Most Dangerous Spy

A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of Virginia Hall, WWII’s Most Dangerous Spy is a 2019 biography by Sonia Purnell. It tells the story of Virginia Hall, a US spy whose efforts were critical to France’s success in World War II. Despite its larger-than-life nature and importance to the Allies’ success, Hall’s story has remained largely unknown until now. In recounting Virginia Hall’s life, Purnell examines themes like the importance of Serving a Higher Purpose, Choosing One’s Own Sense of Liberty, and The Relationship Between Loneliness and Courage, and The Hypocrisy of Discrimination Against Women in Wartime.

Summary

Virginia Hall was born into an affluent family. Her mother, Barbara, wanted her to climb the social ladder and marry into money as she had. Uninterested in both romance and wealth, Virginia traveled to Paris instead. When World War II began, her love for France, her need for adventure, and her loathing of fascism prompted her to join the espionage effort.

Originally denied entry to the Foreign Service because of her sex and her disability—her foot was amputated after a hunting accident—Virginia persevered and joined

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