Code Name Hélène

A Novel

De: Ariel Lawhon

Narrado por: Barrie Kreinik, Peter Ganim

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Frozen River, this thrilling novel about a daring socialite spy chronicles the true wartime exploits of a woman who deserves to be a household name.

"Will fascinate readers of World War II history and thrill fans of fierce, brash, independent women." —Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

It is 1936 and Nancy Wake is an intrepid Australian expat living in Paris who has bluffed her way into a reporting job for a Hearst newspaper when she meets the wealthy French industrialist Henri Fiocca. No sooner does Henri sweep Nancy off her feet and convince her to become Mrs. Fiocca than the Germans invade France and she takes yet another name—a code name.

Told in interweaving timelines organized around the four code names Nancy used during the war, Code Name Hélène follows Nancy’s transformation from journalist to one of the most powerful leaders in the French Resistance, known for her ferocious wit, her signature red lipstick, and her ability to summon weapons straight from the Allied forces. But with power comes notoriety, and no matter how careful Nancy is to protect her identity, the risk of exposure is great—for herself and for those she loves.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Ariel Lawhon delivers in Code Name Hélène. This fully animated portrait of Nancy Wake— underground operative, charmer in red lipstick, loving wife, and hard-hitting woman of her times, will fascinate readers of World War II history and thrill fans of fierce, brash, independent women, alike. A stark exploration of the remarkable difference one person, willing to rise in the face of fear, can make." –LISA WINGATE, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

"Fascinating"
—NEW YORK POST "REQUIRED READING"

“A spellbinding work of historical fiction. . . [and] one of the most sensual romance novels you’ve ever read. . . She is real, this really did happen is the mantra you may find yourself repeating, in awe of every page.”—BOOKPAGE, *STARRED*

"A compulsively readable account of a little-known yet extraordinary historical figure—Lawhon's best book to date." –KIRKUS REVIEWS, *STARRED*

“Magnificent. . . Lawhon carries us into the heart of the French resistance [and] into the mind of a badass heroine with uncanny instincts who takes on the Nazis and men’s arrogant sexism with uncommon bravado. . . Even long after the last page is turned, this astonishing story of Wake’s accomplishments will hold readers in its grip.”—BOOKLIST, *STARRED*

"Readers will be transfixed by the story of a woman who should be a household name."–LIBRARY JOURNAL *STARRED*

“Riveting. . . [A] stunning, moving story.”—BOOKREPORTER.COM

“Masterful. . . Exhaustively researched and vividly woven. . . As much an epic love story as an engrossing narrative of an unlikely anti-Nazi combatant. . . Lawhon has proven herself a master at her craft, and she does readers a great service with Code Name Hélène.”—CHAPTER16

“Captivating. . . [Lawhon] sweeps readers into Nancy’s wry, fast-talking, first-person account of her adventures. . . While Nancy cuts a vivid, stylish figure through the novel’s pages, her supporting case is also well drawn [and] Lawhon’s elegant plotting makes them shine. . .Lawhon’s gripping narrative gives ‘Hélène’ her due.”–SHELF AWARENESS

"Gripping…Lawhon throws readers into the middle of the action… Lawhon’s vivid, fast-paced narrative will keep readers turning the pages, and a detailed afterword makes plain how much of the account is factual. This entertaining tale does justice to Lawhon’s larger-than-life subject.”
—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

Well written, beautifully narrated - best of genre

Great story of a great woman, fictionalized to grab the reader's interest, and it surely does. I love to listen to historical fiction of the era, and this is as good an example as any.

Some seem to think that the magnitude of WWII alone is enough vehicle to carry a story, but this author does her job, delivering depth of character and interaction with events as a backdrop; like a good story should.

Fascinating page turner

Loved the book, but although based on a true character and events the author did make it seem a bit exaggerated or flowery at times. Overall highly recommend, but there were times I felt the story writer came out.

Great story for this time period

I tend to be intrigued by this period in time. I don't understand how this period in time actually happened. Good story and narration. Believability seems a bit questionable at times.

FASCINATING!!

This book was absolutely addictive!! The fact that it was based on a true story held me enthralled for each new chapter. The author provides such insight into the feelings and thoughts of Nancy and her husband and their devotion to each other. And the author brings to life the many other key figures in this story. I plan on listening to this book again which I’ve only done once before. Brava to to Nancy Wake and the author Ariel Lawhon!!

Absolutely loved this book!

I read (listened) to this book in less than a week. it was so good I couldn't stop. The courage of Nancy Wake was so admirable and I really enjoyed how the story was broken into 2 parts with the story slowly merging into one another. I highly recommend this book.