Code Name Hélène: Inspired by the gripping true story of WWII spy Nancy Wake
Lawhon specialises in historical fiction, and her latest work is based on the real-life happenings of Nancy Wake, a socialite-turned-spy of World War II. Hélène is one of the many code names Nancy donned throughout the war.
The story shifts between two timelines: the first starts with Nancy’s life in France up to her departure and the second with her infiltration back into France; the first ending where the second begins. Despite starting off slightly unnerving, the timelines weave the story together so masterfully that they left me wanting to skip over the next chapter to continue with the current frame of events.
I was sceptical of whether I would enjoy the novel, for I was no history guru (dates and names give me headaches). However, my worries were completely unfounded because it turned out to be an absolutely riveting read that haunted my thoughts long after. Reading Nancy’s story was like peeling away at the skins of an onion—the more you unravel, the more you end up in tears.
“The thing about lipstick, the reason it’s so powerful, is that it is distracting. Men don’t see the flashes of anger in your eyes or your clenched fists when you wear it. They see a woman, not a warrior, and that gives me the advantage. I cannot throw a decent punch or carry a grown man across a battlefield, but I can wear red lipstick as though my life depends on it.”
Tenacious and unwavering, Nancy was the epitome of classy, sassy and badass rolled into one legendary heroine. She sacrificed a life of luxury to flit between dangers yet still enjoys rare indulgences on tea, silken bedsheets and lipstick.
Lawhon’s storytelling was of breathtaking emotional intensity, poignant and taut, never softening the atrocities of war to narrate from a female perspective yet retaining a tender and humorous touch. The book will leave you laughing, crying, and rejoicing on the edge of your seat. It’s a story of courage and inspiring bravery that encourages reflection on the harshness of life in a wartime era. Part history and part fiction, the author shares her sources and edits in the ending note (please save it for the end to avoid spoilers).
I feel like I am going down the rabbit hole of historical fiction… So hit me up with your favourites!
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