R. J. Minney (1895–1979)

This book tells a sad story. It no secret that it's about Violette Szabo, a young British agent who was caught by the Germans and killed. What I did not realise was remarkable and decisive action occurred behind enemy lines after D-Day, and that the Germans were murdering their prisoners as the Americans and Russians were closing in on Berlin.
This story is well told. There is much on the buildup to the action which makes the story very personal. It's a pity there is little information on the action. Hopefully more information will be available when files are opened in the future. However, it is likely in include further terrible details of the torture she had to endure.… (more)

This book is a slow boil, more a biography than a tale of daring do. I expected the book to be mostly about her wartime experiences with SOE but it is instead a biography with most of the book being her life before joining the SOE. While it wasn't what I was expecting it goes into details of her life that many would have left out and that would be a shame. It means the Author could build up her character so when she does go to France her actions are more understandable. One interesting item was her service with a mixed sex Anti-Aircraft battery before joining SOE. This book is for anyone interested in secret operations or women in WWII as well as being a story of courage.… (more)