I love a good historical fiction story and Code name Helene did not disappoint. Lisa Wingate, author of Before We Were Yours ‘Underground operative, charmer in red lipstick, loving wife and hard-hitting woman of her times, Nancy Wake will fascinate and thrill fans of fierce, brash, independent women, alike.’ Even long after the last page is turned, this astonishing story of Wake’s accomplishments will hold readers in its grip.’ Booklist, starred review Lawhon carries us into the heart of the French resistance into the mind of a badass heroine with uncanny instincts who takes on the Nazis and men’s arrogant sexism with uncommon bravado. But the closer to liberation France gets, the more exposed Nancy – and the people she loves – will become.īased on the true story of an extraordinary woman who saved countless lives, Code Name Hélène is a thrilling tale of danger, intrigue, unfaltering courage, remarkable sacrifice – and love. Finally, with mission in hand, she is airdropped back into France as the deadly Madame Andrée. Forced to flee France, Nancy is trained by an elite espionage group under the codename Hélène. When Nancy falls in love with handsome French industrialist Henri Fiocca, no sooner has she become Mrs Fiocca than the Germans invade France and Nancy takes yet another name, a codename – the first of many.Īs the elusive Lucienne Carlier she smuggles people across borders and earns a new name ‘ The White Mouse’ along with a five million franc bounty on her head, courtesy of the Gestapo. In 1936 intrepid young Australian journalist Nancy Wake is living in Paris after witnessing firsthand the terror of Hitler’s rise in Europe, firing her resolve to fight against the Nazis. 1) Is this book appropriate for a 13 year old? 2)ĝo you enjoy books about true fe …more I know this is a bit late, however hopefully this helps someone else.Optioned for a film starring Elizabeth Debicki, a rollercoaster ride full of danger, intrigue and love based on the extraordinary true story of Australia’s most beloved war heroine, Nancy Wake.įebruary 29, 1944: I am about to jump out of an aeroplane for the first time … I don’t care that every man is looking at me as though I don’t belong.

Sara I know this is a bit late, however hopefully this helps someone else.

Code name helene