Wise Gals

The Spies Who Built the CIA and Changed the Future of Espionage

By: Nathalia Holt

Narrated by: Erin Bennett

From the New York Times bestselling author of Rise of the Rocket Girls comes the never-before-told story of a small cadre of influential female spies in the precarious early days of the CIA—women who helped create the template for cutting-edge espionage (and blazed new paths for equality in the workplace) in the treacherous post-WWII era.

In the wake of World War II, four agents were critical in helping build a new organization that we now know as the CIA. Adelaide Hawkins, Mary Hutchison, Eloise Page, and Elizabeth Sudmeier, called the “wise gals” by their male colleagues because of their sharp sense of humor and even quicker intelligence, were not the stereotypical femme fatale of spy novels. They were smart, courageous, and groundbreaking agents at the top of their class, instrumental in both developing innovative tools for intelligence gathering—and insisting (in their own unique ways) that they receive the credit and pay their expertise deserved.
Throughout the Cold War era, each woman had a vital role to play on the international stage. Adelaide rose through the ranks, developing new cryptosystems that advanced how spies communicate with each other. Mary worked overseas in Europe and Asia, building partnerships and allegiances that would last decades. Elizabeth would risk her life in the Middle East in order to gain intelligence on deadly Soviet weaponry. Eloise would wield influence on scientific and technical operations worldwide, ultimately exposing global terrorism threats. Through their friendship and shared sense of purpose, they rose to positions of power and were able to make real change in a traditionally “male, pale, and Yale” organization—but not without some tragic losses and real heartache along the way.
Meticulously researched and beautifully told, Holt uses firsthand interviews with past and present officials and declassified government documents to uncover the stories of these four inspirational women. Wise Gals sheds a light on the untold history of the women whose daring foreign intrigues, domestic persistence, and fighting spirit have been and continue to be instrumental to our country’s security.

Intriguing untold history

I enjoyed learning about the women of the CIA, their plight, and learning some background on historical events. Excellent book, but in audio could be hard to follow if you are storing the subject. Audio format is great for a casual listen, but people who need the book for research may be helped by a text version.

Interesting

I enjoyed this very much. It was a well researched glimpse into a relatively unknown part of CIA history. I can appreciate that the detail might not be interesting for some listeners, but the detail is what appealed to me. The narration also worked for me.

The forgotten history of these important women.

I liked learning more about how brave persistent women have shaped our country. They made such an important difference in our fight for equality.

Fascinating and inspiring

Highly recommend this “hidden figures” of the CIA. I am inspired by the 4 women detailed - their courage and grit!

Excellent and thank inspiring

Great look at several trailblazing women in intelligence. Fascinating stories “behind the headlines” that make for compelling listening.