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Code Name Hélène

By: Ariel Lawhon
Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik, Peter Ganim
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Publisher's summary

"This fully animated portrait of Nancy Wake...will fascinate readers of World War II history and thrill fans of fierce, brash, independent women, alike." (Lisa Wingate, number one New York Times best-selling author of Before We Were Yours)

Based on the thrilling real-life story of socialite spy Nancy Wake, comes the newest feat of historical fiction from the New York Times best-selling author of I Was Anastasia, featuring the astonishing woman who killed a Nazi with her bare hands and went on to become one of the most decorated women in WWII.

Told in interweaving timelines organized around the four code names Nancy used during the war, Code Name Hélène is a spellbinding and moving story of enduring love, remarkable sacrifice, and unfaltering resolve that chronicles the true exploits of a woman who deserves to be a household name.

It is 1936, and Nancy Wake is an intrepid Australian expat living in Paris who has bluffed her way into a reporting job for 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.

As Lucienne Carlier, Nancy smuggles people and documents across the border. Her success and her remarkable ability to evade capture earns her the nickname "The White Mouse" from the Gestapo. With a five million-franc bounty on her head, Nancy is forced to escape France and leave Henri behind. When she enters training with the Special Operations Executives in Britain, her new comrades are instructed to call her Hélène. And finally, with mission in hand, Nancy is airdropped back into France as the deadly Madam Andrée, where she claims her place as one of the most powerful leaders in the French Resistance, armed with her ferocious wit, her signature red lipstick, and the ability to summon weapons straight from the Allied Forces.

But no one can protect Nancy if the enemy finds out these four women are one and the same, and the closer to liberation France gets, the more exposed she - and the people she loves - become.

©2020 Ariel Lawhon (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"A compulsively readable account of a little-known yet extraordinary historical figure - Lawhon's best book to date." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

“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)

“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)

What listeners say about Code Name Hélène

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Loved this book

This compelling WWII story had it all for me. LOVED the strong female lead in an era where females are not well represented or credited.

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A DIFFERENT VIEW OF SECOND WWII

I loved this Historical Fiction Novel. You think you know about the Second WW II,........ the role French RÉSISTANCE, played during the war, and the help of British intelligence to the partisanes. I wished I knew how to speak French. Congratulations ARIEL LAWHON and the excellent NARRATORS!!!

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Encaptivating!

Very entertaining and even better since it’s based on a true story! I thoroughly enjoyed it very much!

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So Good!!

This story kept my attention the whole way through! love that it is based on a real person and real events! it is a bit hard to keep track of at times but still very good!

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loved, Loved, LOVED

I read a lot of WWII novels, but this was especially touching knowing that most of the characters and the storyline were real and true. The author states the book is the story of a marriage, it’s a lovely romance based in true love and a great respect for one another. But, it’s also the story of a woman who managed to acknowledge her femininity while fighting as a warrior in battle. A great read!!

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Enjoyed this audio performance very much.

I loved that this story was a fictionalized account of real people who faced the extraordinary challenges of WW2 with such courage.

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WOW

I never knew about Nancy, but I will find everything I can find as the author noted! Wonderful story!

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Fascinating story of a remarkable woman!

Absolutely one of the most outstanding war heroines I have ever heard or read about. The author did a superb job not only researching but retelling the story of this amazing woman and her role in defeating the Nazis. The performance was perfection. I highly recommend this book as one of the best on that period of time. Very unique because Nancy Wake herself was one of a kind!

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Amazing

Captivating history and story! Will leaving you wanting to know more about the actual history of Nancy Wake! Once you start listening you’ll be dying to know what happens next.

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Inspiring!

I love that this is based on a real heroine! It’s amazing what she did with her life, and the great sacrifices that she made. I am grateful to know her story. Historical fiction is my favorite genre. And I have listened to a lot of them, and this is will be a the top of my list for all time favorites!! The novel is well written, and the narrators make the story! You must give it a listen!

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