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The Secret War of Julia Child: A Novel

An instant international bestseller and a USA Today bestseller!

A Washington Post Best Historical Fiction Book of 2024!

A People magazine Best Book of Fall!

A New York Post Book of the Week!

Before she mastered the art of French cooking in midlife, Julia Child found herself working in the secrets trade in Asia during World War II, a journey that will delight both historical fiction fans and lovers of America's most beloved chef, revealing how the war made her into the icon we know now.

Single, 6 foot 2, and thirty years old, Julia McWilliams took a job working for America's first espionage agency, years before cooking or Paris entered the picture. The Secret War of Julia Child traces Julia's transformation from ambitious Pasadena blue blood to Washington, DC file clerk, to head of General "Wild Bill" Donovan's secret File Registry as part of the Office of Strategic Services.

The wartime journey takes her to South Asia's remote front lines of then-Ceylon, India, and China, where she finds purpose, adventure, self-knowledge - and love with mapmaker Paul Child. The spotlight has rarely shone on this fascinating period of time in the life of ("I'm not a spy") Julia Child, and this lyrical story allows us to explore the unlikely world of a woman in a World War II spy station who has no idea of the impact she'll eventually impart.

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Average rating: 7.42

12 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Mrs.MO
Dec 31, 2024
8/10 stars
As a history and food nerd, I really enjoyed this book! I love any WWII stories and it was very refreshing to read one taking place in the non-European parts of the war. I felt like I learned a lot of new perspectives and plan to dig in more to the historical accuracy once I’m finished. I also LOVED the detailed descriptions of food and how it drew Julia and Paul and bonded them during a very scary and stressful time in the world. I know it’s a story so may not necessarily be accurate, but it was well written and so sweet! Even if you don’t know anything about Julia Child, but love food, I’d absolutely recommend!

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