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Code Name Hélène

By: Ariel Lawhon
Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik, Peter Ganim
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Summary

Woman. Wife. Smuggler. Spy....

A thrilling and heart-wrenching novel inspired by the astonishing real life story of Nancy Wake. Perfect for fans of Suzanne Goldring's My Name Is Eva, Kate Quinn's The Alice Network and Imogen Kealey's Liberation, soon to be a blockbuster movie.

In 1936, foreign correspondent, Nancy Wake, witnesses first-hand the terror of Hitler's rise in Europe. No sooner has Nancy met, fallen in love with and agreed to marry French industrialist Henri Fiocca, than the Germans invade France and force her to take on her first code name of many. The Gestapo call her the White Mouse for her remarkable ability to evade capture when smuggling Allied soldiers across borders. She becomes Hélène when she leaves France to train in espionage with an elite special forces group in London. Then, when she returns to France, she is the deadly Madame Andrée. But the closer Frances gets to liberation, the more exposed Nancy - and the people she loves - will become.

Inspired by true wartime events, Code Name Hélène is a gripping and moving story of extraordinary courage, unfaltering resolve, remarkable sacrifice - and enduring love.

©2020 Ariel Lawhon (P)2020 Headline Publishing Group Ltd
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Critic reviews

"Lawhon breathes new life into Nancy Wake's extraordinary story. Rich and thoroughly researched, an exciting, well-written account of wartime valour and the protagonist's qualities shine through." (The Times)

"A gripping thriller based on the life of Nancy Wake.... Lawhon's vivid, fast-paced narrative will keep readers turning the pages." (Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about Code Name Hélène

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That was the best audio book I have ever listened too in 163 titles

I love the fact this was based on the life and times of a real person who made history for us all. It’s very cleverly written in the before and after both running parallel in an easy way to follow despite the complexity of the tale .
I cannot rate this highly enough most fascinating, enjoyable, moving and poignant in equal measure.

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Loved this book and the narration

Hard to believe it was based on a real story.
Will look out for more books from this author.

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The White Mouse

A remarkable story of an extraordinary woman. Born in New Zealand, I found Nancy Wake to be a tough, no nonsense woman, who says it how it is, and had a lively and cheerful personality. It is incredible what Nancy Wake and other women did during WW2. The autobiography from Nancy Wake is my next port of call.

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Heart Thumping Real Life!

I absolutely LOVE this book!

The narration is beyond excellent.

Such a beautiful inspirational love story through the heart of the most horrific nazi brutality and fighting constantly to overcome.

Did not want this to end!

Ten stars from me.

More please ….. !

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Fantastic- didn’t want it to end

I absolutely loved everything about the book. The story, the way it was written, I literally could listen again straight away. Fantastic.

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Nancy Wake a heroine for all time

Full of danger, bravery and heart, much of this ‘story’ is true. It is well put together and moves forward with pace. I am very happy to have learned about Nancy Wake. Anyone, even slightly interested about WW2, needs to know about her and her amazing role in occupied France. A great example of the massive input of many women in the war effort and how real femininity need not be incompatible with great warriorship.

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Amazing

Remarkable story, brilliantly written with very clever use of different time frames and beautifully narrated. Highly recommend.

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Brilliant

Gripping story and all the more amazing because it was true!!
Only criticism is - surely you could have found a French man to read the part of Henri!!!

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Wonderful

Brilliantly written and beautifully narrated. Couldn’t wait to continue before work, driving to work and after work.

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The courage of this incredible woman

A story that is gripping, horrific and yet full of loyalty and love. A true story which still remains incredible to imagine. What a woman !

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