Reviews

Code Name Hélène: Inspired by true events, a gripping WW2 story by the bestselling author of THE FROZEN RIVER, a GMA Book Club pick by Ariel Lawhon

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sctrip19's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

sarafara's review against another edition

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5.0

This was the best book I’ve read in a long time.

arlakan's review against another edition

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5.0

Stayed up late to finish this very exciting book! The author has a knack for historical fiction that I do enjoy. This story focuses on an Australian ex-Pat who becomes a spy to help the French resistance in WW2. I was a fan of the British comedy ‘Allo allo, but this book has a few humorous situations but mostly it is filled with the stories of regular people trying to defeat the Nazis who are deplorable. Action packed thriller!

fdoubledashx's review against another edition

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emotional sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I’d expected the book to be more focused on the espionage/military aspect of Nancy’s life, so I was surprised by how much detail went into Nancy and Henri’s relationship. But I’m glad it did, as their love for each other is far better written than many romance novels I’ve read before. As disheartening as the ending was, I understood that it was based on real life events, and the world is often unnecessarily cruel.

lfredholm's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

dmantonya's review against another edition

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5.0

I so enjoyed reading this book and then to find out that a lot is based on the book by Nancy Wake. This is her story with a bit of fiction added in. She was a British intelligence person sent to France during WWII. Her job was to help the French resistance prepare the way for allied forces entering France. Nancy, also known as Helene, or Duckie, or the white mouse was born in Australia, moved to London, moved to New York, and finally moved to Paris. When she first arrived in Paris she was a reporter for Hearst Publishing. While in Paris she met her future husband and began working with the French Resistance.