D-Day Girls: The Spies Who Armed the Resistance, Sabotaged the Nazis, and Helped Win the Second World War

The dramatic, untold story of the extraordinary women recruited by Britain's elite spy agency to help pave the way for Allied victory

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 14 May 2020
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

The untold story of the remarkable women recruited by Britain's elite spy agency to help pave the way for Allied victory is revealed in "D-Day Girls," a gripping novel for fans of "A Woman of No Importance" by Sonia Purnell. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this captivating book delves into the lives of these brave women who risked everything to sabotage the enemy.

The mission is clear: read "D-Day Girls" today. Not only for its thrilling spy flair, but also because this history feels more relevant than ever. As an army of women and girls once again finds themselves in a fight for the common good, the story of these extraordinary women resonates deeply.

Thoroughly researched and written as smoothly as a good thriller, "D-Day Girls" is a mesmerising story of creativity, perseverance, and astonishing heroism. Publishers Weekly, in a starred review, praised the book for its "thrilling story of creativity, perseverance, and astonishing heroism."

In 1942, the Allies were losing, Germany seemed unstoppable, and every able man in England was fighting. Believing that Britain was locked in an existential battle, Winston Churchill had already created a secret agency, the Special Operations Executive (SOE), whose spies were trained in everything from demolition to sharpshooting. Their job, he declared, was to set Europe ablaze. But with most men on the front lines, the SOE was forced to do something unprecedented: recruit women. Thirty-nine answered the call, leaving their lives and families to become saboteurs in France.

In "D-Day Girls," Sarah Rose draws on recently declassified files, diaries, and oral histories to tell the thrilling story of three of these remarkable women. There's Andrée Borrel, a scrappy and streetwise Parisian who blew up power lines with the Gestapo hot on her heels; Odette Sansom, an unhappily married suburban mother who saw the SOE as her ticket out.

These women were not ordinary spies. They were trained to be fearless, resourceful, and able to think on their feet in the face of danger. They faced countless challenges, from being pursued by the Gestapo to navigating the treacherous terrain of occupied France. But their courage and determination never wavered.

Through their stories, "D-Day Girls" sheds light on the role of women in World War II and the sacrifices they made to help win the war. These women were not just heroes, but they were also trailblazers, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in the military and intelligence fields.

"D-Day Girls" is a must-read for anyone who loves history, adventure, and the untold stories of women who have shaped our world. It is a testament to the power of courage, determination, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Weight: 270g
Dimension: 126 x 197 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780751578270