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A review by rr_author
The Invisible Woman by Erika Robuck
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.