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julie_sapienza's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
dabutkus's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
bookwrm129's review against another edition
4.0
Cool story that is based on the real Virgina Hall. It's crazy to think that 1 woman helped liberate so many people, parts of France, all while being a amputee. If you like history, you have to read this.
koreydobbert's review against another edition
challenging
informative
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
buddygator's review against another edition
3.0
Felt this one was average. The real-life woman of this character (and all those who helped her) are of course astounding and heroic. I just personally couldn’t get past some of the terrible things described (yes, I know it’s WWII and Nazis were cruel - but it turned my stomach to read it ao bluntly). The story felt a bit meandering in the middle and I kept putting it down, feeling tired and sad and not sure I wanted to read more. Also, the “romance” (and I say that VERY loosely) that got chucked in at the end was highly unnecessary - she was being such a strong, independent woman, why was this even required to tack on?
rr_author's review against another edition
4.0
‘The Invisible Woman’ is a historical novel based on the life of Virginia Hall, a spy who served during WWII. It follows her journey through France, as she works with the resistance movement and tries to survive as a hunted woman among many enemies.
This story was fascinating, sorrowful and hopeful all at the same time. I grew attached to many of the characters, and knowing that they were real people made me care about their fate even more.
Mimi and her family were some of my favourites. They worked in the resistance, knowing that their lives were at risk and danger was all around them. But they never gave up hope. Even amid the darkness and horrors of the occupation, they were able to be a light.
—
“I’m more terrified of what could happen to him growing up in a world where his mother and father and uncle and cousins didn’t do everything in their power to stop evil. Terrified of losing the respect of the young man God gave me to mold and shape and bring light to the world. If every one of us are slaughtered in this war, it will be worth it to stand proud before God and watch the gates of heaven open before us.”
“I can’t take comfort from that. I don’t have faith in God.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Mimi says. “God has faith in you.”
—
This book was not written with a “Christian” perspective, although many of the side characters did believe in God. The above dialogue was one of my favourite parts. Throughout, it showcased the value of bravery, compassion, mercy and justice - contrasted with the depravity and cruelty of man.
Overall, I’m glad I picked this book up from the library. Virginia Hall was a fascinating woman, and I admire the courage of her and the citizens of France who risked their lives to save others.
CONTENT WARNING: There is quite a bit of violence. Mentions of people being killed and abused at the hands of the Nazis.
There is also a “fade to black” suggestive scene nearly at the end of the book that I skipped, and a mention of visiting a scandalous show in the prologue. Removing a star for those two scenes, as I’m not a fan of that.
This story was fascinating, sorrowful and hopeful all at the same time. I grew attached to many of the characters, and knowing that they were real people made me care about their fate even more.
Mimi and her family were some of my favourites. They worked in the resistance, knowing that their lives were at risk and danger was all around them. But they never gave up hope. Even amid the darkness and horrors of the occupation, they were able to be a light.
—
“I’m more terrified of what could happen to him growing up in a world where his mother and father and uncle and cousins didn’t do everything in their power to stop evil. Terrified of losing the respect of the young man God gave me to mold and shape and bring light to the world. If every one of us are slaughtered in this war, it will be worth it to stand proud before God and watch the gates of heaven open before us.”
“I can’t take comfort from that. I don’t have faith in God.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Mimi says. “God has faith in you.”
—
This book was not written with a “Christian” perspective, although many of the side characters did believe in God. The above dialogue was one of my favourite parts. Throughout, it showcased the value of bravery, compassion, mercy and justice - contrasted with the depravity and cruelty of man.
Overall, I’m glad I picked this book up from the library. Virginia Hall was a fascinating woman, and I admire the courage of her and the citizens of France who risked their lives to save others.
CONTENT WARNING: There is quite a bit of violence. Mentions of people being killed and abused at the hands of the Nazis.
There is also a “fade to black” suggestive scene nearly at the end of the book that I skipped, and a mention of visiting a scandalous show in the prologue. Removing a star for those two scenes, as I’m not a fan of that.
kristinalh's review against another edition
2.0
This one was just okay. A detailed storyline following Virginia Hall, one of the top OSS.
ydekoter's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
rollosbookshelf's review against another edition
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