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megmacinnis's review
The beginning is very intriguing but shortly afterwards I lost interest.Â
lizbethandthelifeinbetween's review
3.0
Okay, so this is the exact same book as A Cool and Lonely Courage by the same author. While I admire her drive to share this story with the world by repackaging and marketing it three different times, I wish I'd had been a bit clearer that this was the same story. I was really excited to read a fourth account of SOE, but this was just a book I've already read and that disappointment is why I'm giving one less star than I did the original book.
My opinions still stand though, It's an amazing story following some of the most amazing women ever to live, but the writing could use a lot of work. Reading this for a second time after reading Kim Philby's memoir was interesting as the first time I had had no idea who the guy was but now I do.
My opinions still stand though, It's an amazing story following some of the most amazing women ever to live, but the writing could use a lot of work. Reading this for a second time after reading Kim Philby's memoir was interesting as the first time I had had no idea who the guy was but now I do.
donnareadsbooks's review
4.0
The author tells the true story of sisters Eileen and Jacqueline Nearne who were special agents for Britain in the French resistance during WWII. Their lives before, during and after WWII are covered. Their stories are at times frustrating, tragic, and ultimately inspiring.
catherine_t's review
4.0
When Eileen Nearne died in 2010, it made headlines around the world. Although leading a seemingly reclusive life in Devon, England, Nearne, along with her sister Jacqueline, had joined the Special Operations Executive during World War II. Working as a wireless operator in occupied France, Eileen was captured by the Nazis, tortured, and sent to the infamous Ravensbrück concentration camp. She was only 23 years old.
Susan Ottaway had met and interviewed Eileen for a book she wrote about another SOE operative, the tragic Violette Szabo. During that interview, Eileen had extracted a promise from the author not to reveal her name or her whereabouts. After Nearne's death, however, Ottaway felt she had an obligation to write Eileen's story as well.
What Ottaway has done with Sisters and Spies is document the story of two remarkable women, amongst the many remarkable men and women who risked their lives to defeat the Nazis and help the French Resistance. Jacqueline helped run one of the largest Resistance cells, codenamed Stationer, in the south. Eileen was stationed in Paris for the few weeks before her capture, sending and receiving messages between SOE headquarters and the Resistance. Both women were perfectly fluent in French and English, being the products of an English father and a French mother and having the benefit of a French upbringing. They were uniquely qualified to fight for the freedom of both Great Britain and France.
This is not an easy book to read. The atrocities that Eileen suffered are truly horrifying. At the same time, the fact of her survival, and that of her sister, is uplifting. If you're the more sensitive sort, I don't recommend this book. However, if you're looking for a book that tells you more about the role of women in World War II, this is definitely one to read.
Susan Ottaway had met and interviewed Eileen for a book she wrote about another SOE operative, the tragic Violette Szabo. During that interview, Eileen had extracted a promise from the author not to reveal her name or her whereabouts. After Nearne's death, however, Ottaway felt she had an obligation to write Eileen's story as well.
What Ottaway has done with Sisters and Spies is document the story of two remarkable women, amongst the many remarkable men and women who risked their lives to defeat the Nazis and help the French Resistance. Jacqueline helped run one of the largest Resistance cells, codenamed Stationer, in the south. Eileen was stationed in Paris for the few weeks before her capture, sending and receiving messages between SOE headquarters and the Resistance. Both women were perfectly fluent in French and English, being the products of an English father and a French mother and having the benefit of a French upbringing. They were uniquely qualified to fight for the freedom of both Great Britain and France.
This is not an easy book to read. The atrocities that Eileen suffered are truly horrifying. At the same time, the fact of her survival, and that of her sister, is uplifting. If you're the more sensitive sort, I don't recommend this book. However, if you're looking for a book that tells you more about the role of women in World War II, this is definitely one to read.
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