R. J. Minney (1895–1979)

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 show more 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. show less

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 show more 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. show less

This is a biography that emphasizes the degree to which GBS constructed his own image, what part was the work of his publishers, and to what extent the public showed Shaw the person it would believe could give it the message he was sending. It makes an interesting experience.

R.J. Minney, an intimate of Shaw's draws on interviews of many who knew Shaw well, from H.G. Wells, Bertrand Russell, Dame Rebecca West, Greer Garson, and others, and Mrs. Alice Laden, Shaw's housekeeper for the last years of his law, to paint a portrait of the man.