A Woman of No Importance
The Untold Story of Virginia Hall, WWII's Most Dangerous Spy
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A Woman of No Importance
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Narrated by:
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Juliet Stevenson
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By:
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Sonia Purnell
About this listen
The New York Times best seller.
In September 1941, a young American woman strides up the steps of a hotel in Lyon, Vichy France. Her papers say she is a journalist. Her wooden leg is disguised by a determined gait and a distracting beauty. She is there to spark the resistance.
By 1942 Virginia Hall was the Gestapo's most urgent target, having infiltrated Vichy command, trained civilians in guerrilla warfare and sprung soldiers from Nazi prison camps. The first woman to go undercover for British SOE, her intelligence changed the course of the war - but her fight was still not over.
This is a spy history like no other, telling the story of the hunting accident that disabled her, the discrimination she fought and the secret life that helped her triumph over shocking adversity.
Winner of the Plutarch Award for Best Biography
©2019 Sonia Purnell (P)2019 Hachette Audio UKListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
"A rousing tale of derring-do." (The Times)
"Riveting." (Mick Herron)
"Superb." (Irish Times)
What listeners say about A Woman of No Importance
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- Christopher Allen
- 03-05-19
Exceptional read.
Very interesting and humbling subject matter, a story of quiet bravery and commitment. Beautifully read.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Harpoman
- 01-02-21
Ultimate female wartime agent
Gripping story of Virginia Hall’s wartime exploits, narrated well by Juliet Stevenson. Her heroism is unsurpassed, but sadly not reflected in her treatment by the authorities after the war. Excellent research and recounting by Sonia Purnell, without which Virginia’s award of the Croix de Guerre with Palm might still have remained unrecorded. Recommended read.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 08-09-20
Excellent in every way .....
I’d never heard of Virginia Hall - what a woman and what an inspiration. Hugely enjoyed the story and narration.
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- Monique
- 26-01-23
A truly remarkable woman’s life
Having not lived through a war, this was an insight into a truly remarkable woman’s life, showing determination and courage despite all odds. Thank you to Sonia Purnell who took the time to capture Virginia Hall’s story in the greatest of detail which is an inspiration of what good leadership can achieve.
Narrated beautifully by the talented Juliet Stevenson who brings the story to life.
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- Kate Harrison/Helm
- 08-07-19
Superb story of courage
Incredibly absorbing and brilliant book, about a heroine who displayed unbelievable courage. Beautifully narrated, too.
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- Sara Jane Grace
- 21-01-24
Inspirational
Don’t miss this book. Beautifully narrated and fascinating story. One of the best books I have listened to. Humbling to learn of the bravery and sacrifice made during the occupation of France.
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- Pen
- 16-03-21
Brilliant story, well performed
I think it's the best book I've listened to especially as it's true. It really puts into perspective our current worries in this pandemic and shows what can be achieved if one puts their mind to it. Juliette Stephenson narrated it brilliantly.
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- Cabaspre
- 23-04-19
Astounding story very well told
The one niggle I would have with this is that the cover does not include the name of Virginia Hall, who is the subject of the book and should be remembered as such. About half way through I almost gave up as the details became very hard to hear but I felt that this deserved to be heard. I think, that if this were a film, one would say that it was exaggerated. What a strong, modest and brave person. How she achieved what she did was incredible. It was particularly upsetting that she was not given the recognition in later life for her achievements. I definitely recommend this.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- london-customer
- 24-11-22
Wonderful story of WW2 hero
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves history. It is the amazing story of American spy Virginia Hall who risked torture and her own life to help liberate France from the Nazis. You wont be able to stop listening!!
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- kate bluffield
- 13-11-23
Utterly Absorbing
This is the account of a phenomenally courageous ww2 spy (who happened to be a woman)…. Couldn’t stop listening. As usual, expertly read by Juliet Stevenson. Makes you sickened to hear of the relentless atrocities committed during this time, particularly by Klaus Barbie.. but also by the (also relentless) sexism post war, directed towards a war hero….best book that I’ve listened to in ages. And it’s all true.
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