Code Name Hélène: A Novel
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Frozen River, this thrilling novel about a daring socialite spy chronicles the true wartime exploits of a woman who deserves to be a household name.
"Will fascinate readers of World War II history and thrill fans of fierce, brash, independent women." —Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours
It is 1936 and Nancy Wake is an intrepid Australian expat living in Paris who has bluffed her way into a reporting job for a Hearst newspaper when she meets the wealthy French industrialist Henri Fiocca. No sooner does Henri sweep Nancy off her feet and convince her to become Mrs. Fiocca than the Germans invade France and she takes yet another name—a code name.
Told in interweaving timelines organized around the four code names Nancy used during the war, Code Name Hélène follows Nancy’s transformation from journalist to one of the most powerful leaders in the French Resistance, known for her ferocious wit, her signature red lipstick, and her ability to summon weapons straight from the Allied forces. But with power comes notoriety, and no matter how careful Nancy is to protect her identity, the risk of exposure is great—for herself and for those she loves.
"Will fascinate readers of World War II history and thrill fans of fierce, brash, independent women." —Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours
It is 1936 and Nancy Wake is an intrepid Australian expat living in Paris who has bluffed her way into a reporting job for a Hearst newspaper when she meets the wealthy French industrialist Henri Fiocca. No sooner does Henri sweep Nancy off her feet and convince her to become Mrs. Fiocca than the Germans invade France and she takes yet another name—a code name.
Told in interweaving timelines organized around the four code names Nancy used during the war, Code Name Hélène follows Nancy’s transformation from journalist to one of the most powerful leaders in the French Resistance, known for her ferocious wit, her signature red lipstick, and her ability to summon weapons straight from the Allied forces. But with power comes notoriety, and no matter how careful Nancy is to protect her identity, the risk of exposure is great—for herself and for those she loves.
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Community Reviews
Having loved the Frozen River I had high expectations of this book and in the end I wasn’t disappointed. Although the first third or so was rather slow and the development of the Nancy/Henri relationship occupied too much space in my opinion, after that and especially in the second half, the pace and tension increased rapidly to the point where it became absolutely gripping.
Meticulously researched, well written, historical fiction at its best. The author’s notes are fascinating but should definitely be read at the end as the author recommends. Otherwise it would spoil the story.
A remarkable woman and I’m so glad I’ve been introduced to her story.
Just one irritation, Nancy’s narrative is full of Americanisms (gotten, faucet, purse instead of bag and others). An Australian/ British woman in the 1940s would not have used these words ever and I found they jarred somewhat.
I love a great historical fiction and it was great to learn about this woman who I had never learned about before. A female spy in World War II on the Germans most wanted list - excellent. It was a little slow in parts but the second half was wonderful.
THIS BOOK !!! 10/10 highly recommend ! Very well written with history knowledge and some added in fun and scary things ! I will be purchasing this book for a physical copy, that’s how much I loved it !
I have been desperate to find a book that I’ve loved and I finally found it in Code Name Helene. It has it all…strong female character, romance, espionage, history and it’s a true story. Amazing!
8 • ⭐️
It is 1936 and Nancy Wake is an intrepid Australian expat living in Paris who has bluffed her way into a reporting job for Hearst newspaper. Flash forward to the peak of WW2 and this once bright eyed journalist is now the most wanted woman to the Third Reich.
Espionage. World War 2. Nazis. French revolutionaries. True story. I write this in absolute awe of a Nancy Wake and her story. World War 2 seems like a dream with the evils done by Hilter and the Third Riech across Europe but to read novels like this and than see that this was a real woman with a real story… I can’t imagine what I’d done in her shoes.
Amazing read! Highly recommend.
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