Superb story let down by poor narration

What an exceptional person Pearl was! You can’t draw any other conclusion having listened to her story.

The events in pre-liberation France bear testament to the courage of the Resistance (whatever their political hue), the duplicity of the collaborators and the sheer evil of most Germans. There are stories of bravery in this book that will stir the soul and horrors that will make you shudder.

The narration lets this exceptional book down badly, though. Important acronyms like “SIS” (aka MI6) are mispronounced as the word “Siss” and the narrator lapses into ‘Allo ‘Allo French & German when recounting verbatim passages. This is cringeworthy.
Don’t let that put you off, though. This is a story that deserves to be heard.

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A very touching story, beautifully narrated.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It succeeded in generating a growing disappointment in the treatment of the women who undertook active military service, parachuting into occupied territory, evading the enemy and engaging in guerrilla action, leading from the front. Thankfully their stories are now emerging and they are able to stake their claim to a justified seat at the top table amongst the other heroes who freed Europe from the ravages of war.

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1 person found this helpful

Not what I expected but well worth a listen

I downloaded this audio book thinking it would be a novel based on the true story of Pearl Witherington however, the book is actually a chronological account of her life, interspersed with diary entries from a myriad of key players during the Second World War. That being said, although it was more of a history lesson, it was truly a breathtaking account of not just Pearl, but other agents lives as they worked in the field during WW2. These incredibly brave individuals gave so much for the freedoms we completely take for granted today. Their unwavering courage in some of most difficult and downright dangerous circumstances should never ever be forgotten. Thank God they were there.

If you’re interested in this period of history and the SOE then this book is and absolute must. Factual, informative and beautifully narrated, it really is a brilliant listen.

Spoiler alert!
I had no idea about British agents treatment post war. General De Gaulle in particular should be bloody ashamed. I was also appalled at the treatment of female agents when it came to recognition of their bravery with honours and awards. Unbelievably they couldn’t be given the same recognition as their male counterparts simply because they were women despite going above and beyond what many men of the time achieved. Truly an eye opener!

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Pearl and her colleagues’ courage.

Sometimes the necessary recounting of multiple names together with their corresponding’titles’ both military and otherwise, led to a kind of brain fatigue, resulting in ‘switching off’ from time to time. Not sure how differently this could have been handled though. Otherwise a good account of SOE and its many agents and activities. Thank you.

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Outstanding

These brave people should never be forgotten.
Great story, well researched, brilliantly narrated, it felt like you were there.
so moving.

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Courage and determination

I’m interested in people’s stories, and the SOE in particular. Having read about the exploits of , Yeo Thomas, and Roger Landes, I was keen to hear about Pearl Witherington. After a slow start the book finally gets down to her exploits. Personally I found the writing a bit Mills and Boonish, but if you can stick with it, and get past the author’s embellishments, you’re left with a tale of courage and heroism.

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unbelievable account

If you thought you knew about what happened during the occupation of France. Then unless you've listened or read this book think again.

what a story, what a women. Why she did not receive a Milatary Medal is a travesty and all in power should be ashamed

The narrator is fantastic as is the story. A few places the memoirs are a little factual or textbook.
but it is so good that the facts are in print and not forgotten

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2 people found this helpful

Interesting story but…

This story would have been told so much better as a story rather than as a repeated account of what people said or wrote. It has made a potentially exciting tale very dry and dull.

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