Reviews

Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon

sumsunalli's review against another edition

4.0

I looooved this story, and it reminded me (as most historical fictions do) that there are truly so many unsung heroes of the wars we have weathered.

My only complaint is that the jumping timelines had me confused throughout certain points.

mildibobildi's review against another edition

emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

deniselk's review against another edition

5.0

Very well done. The best book I've read so far about women and their part in the war.

anna_still's review against another edition

4.5

It took me a while to get into this one but then I really liked it 

mecr's review against another edition

3.0

It was interesting and #grlpwr but historical fiction just isn’t my vibe

hartyharrharr's review against another edition

adventurous emotional informative inspiring tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

readangieread's review against another edition

adventurous emotional inspiring sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

morethanmylupus's review against another edition

adventurous

I don't think this book does justice to Nancy Wake's life story. It's so melodramatic and casts her so strongly in the seductress stereotype that it takes impact away from her accomplishments. I found myself bored and skimming to finish. 

liziev's review against another edition

adventurous emotional informative inspiring tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

bsmith27's review against another edition

4.0

A fictional novel of a real woman. Nancy is an australian living in Paris in 1938. She meets Henri and falls in love. Right before they marry war is declared. They marry and soon after Henri joins the french forces. Nancy begins smuggling papers for jews and other resistance work. Henri comes home but soon he discovers that Nancy is being followed so he sends her to Barcelona and then in to England. Meanwhile Henri is imprisoned and later dies at the hand of an exlover. Because the story is told in flashback form we also know that Nancy goes undercover for the Brits into france and commands resistance guerilla bands. She comes across this exlover if Henri and shoots her but doesn't know what happened to her husband. She is well respected and a great leader. She returns to her home when france is liberated and learns of her husband. She still fights in. A good story that droned on a bit at parts.