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Signed, Mata Hari
In the cold October of 1917 Margaretha Zelle, alias Mata Hari, the infamous exotic dancer, sits in a prison cell in Paris awaiting trial on charges of espionage; the penalty, death by firing squad. As she waits, Mata Hari tells stories - much like Scheherazade in The 1001 Nights - to buy back her life from her interrogators. She spins tales of native lovers and fragrant Javanese jungles; she tells of the ugly disintegration of her family. Then, in flight from her brutal husband, Margaretha reinvents she becomes the temple dancer Mata Hari - dressed in veils, admired by Diaghilev, performing for the crowned heads of Europe. Tender, subtle and intensely erotic, Murphy's retelling of an iconic story is a haunting portrait of love and treachery.
288 pages, Paperback
First published November 14, 2007
18 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
Yannick Murphy
25 books65 followersYannick Murphy is the author of the novels, The Call, Signed, Mata Hari, Here They Come, and The Sea of Trees. Her story collections include Stories in Another Language and In a Bear's Eye. Her children's books include The Cold Water Witch, Baby Polar, and Ahwhoooooooo!. She is the recipient of various awards including a Whiting Writer's Award, a National Endowment for the Arts award, a Chesterfield Screenwriting award and her story In a Bear's Eye was recently published in the 2007 O'Henry Prize Stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
July 22, 2008
See, even though I'm a communist-leaning hippie, I, like any good little consumer, have a bit of a newness fetish. I wear the new (thrift-stored) skirt as soon as I have a sufficiently nice opportunity, I start using the new (freecycled) hair gel before I have quite finished the old one, the new (salvaged) bowl seems so much nicer than the other ones in the cupboard. And so it is with my books as well. Even though I have a little library filled with hundreds and hundreds of pretty paperbacks, more than half of which I've not read, the ones that are so new they haven't even been properly shelved yet are the ones I always grab. Which, when you think about it for even a minute, is just so stupid. What is it about 'new' that somehow means better, or even good? Freaking nothing.
And that, patient friends, is my excuse for letting the fantastic Signed, Mata Hari – a crisp, glossy, hard-spined, over-priced proof copy, no less – languish on my shelves for months and months before being read. That whole time I was trudging through Savage Detectives, all the weeks I spent reading (admittedly good) short story collections but yearning for something more substantial, this lovely slim volume was waiting calmly, pristine-ly, quietly glowing, for me to pick her up. So good freaking thing I finally came to my senses and did. Because what a treat! Yannick Murphy has such skill with language, such a gift for herky-jerky, back-and-forth-and-back-again structure, such lush descriptions and compelling characters... in short, she is a great lady who writes great, great books. I admit that I didn't love this one quite as much as Here They Come, but no matter. It was awesome. Slippery, pulsating, devastating, and sharp. Give me more, Yannick, give me more!! I promise next time I won't wait so long.
And that, patient friends, is my excuse for letting the fantastic Signed, Mata Hari – a crisp, glossy, hard-spined, over-priced proof copy, no less – languish on my shelves for months and months before being read. That whole time I was trudging through Savage Detectives, all the weeks I spent reading (admittedly good) short story collections but yearning for something more substantial, this lovely slim volume was waiting calmly, pristine-ly, quietly glowing, for me to pick her up. So good freaking thing I finally came to my senses and did. Because what a treat! Yannick Murphy has such skill with language, such a gift for herky-jerky, back-and-forth-and-back-again structure, such lush descriptions and compelling characters... in short, she is a great lady who writes great, great books. I admit that I didn't love this one quite as much as Here They Come, but no matter. It was awesome. Slippery, pulsating, devastating, and sharp. Give me more, Yannick, give me more!! I promise next time I won't wait so long.
July 19, 2024
This novel is probably better then three stars, I've read it twice, most recently during the first COVID lockdown so I have to admit the second reading, while not forced, was not entirely without the compulsion of circumstances. I noted that I enjoyed it on my first reading and I enjoyed it on my second, but I wasn't totally happy with it. There have been quite a few fiction versions of Mata Hari's story in the run up to the centenary of WWI, most of them offering a more sympathetic version of Mata Hari's life than the cliched one of the great female spy of WWI. While there is no doubt that Marguerite Zelle, Mata Hari's real name, was the victim of a kangaroo court and that the version of her story was for years told through a grossly misogynistic prism. But that doesn't mean she was actually a good, nice or interesting person. You can be a victim of patriarchal society and still be a vulgar, money grubbing, self important and self promoting delusional liar. I actually think Mata Hari with faults is more interesting than her as an idealised female heroine/victim.
Murphy's book reads beautifully, but it is presented as told by Mata Hari so there is plenty of, maybe not distortions, but evasions and the presentation of unfortunate facts in a way that evades any taint on Marguerite Zelle's good intentions. Successful 'Historical' fiction is always balanced on knife edge of being free to invent but being true to what we know (I know there are plenty of people who believe we know nothing and history is all interpretation but I don't accept that and I don't think even those who preach it really believe it. I am pretty sure they believe that there are things they 'know' about their own lives as 'true' and would claim the right to denounce others as false or 'untrue'). Writing a novel with Marguerite Zelle's voice and allowing her to elide the facts of her life, without providing another voice to point this out, is problematic. Zelle/Hari's story has always been fictionalised. At first we were told these fictions were true, now we have novelists, telling her story as if Zelli/Hari is telling lies.
None of that gets us closer to understanding the real Zelle/Hari. All it does is create another layer of fiction obscuring and distorting the story of Zelle/Hari.
Ultimately, although I am interested in knowing what is 'true' in the Zelle/Hari story, neither she nor her story is interesting enough to invest the time in working through the myriad fictions or fictional truths that have acruied around her.
Murphy's book reads beautifully, but it is presented as told by Mata Hari so there is plenty of, maybe not distortions, but evasions and the presentation of unfortunate facts in a way that evades any taint on Marguerite Zelle's good intentions. Successful 'Historical' fiction is always balanced on knife edge of being free to invent but being true to what we know (I know there are plenty of people who believe we know nothing and history is all interpretation but I don't accept that and I don't think even those who preach it really believe it. I am pretty sure they believe that there are things they 'know' about their own lives as 'true' and would claim the right to denounce others as false or 'untrue'). Writing a novel with Marguerite Zelle's voice and allowing her to elide the facts of her life, without providing another voice to point this out, is problematic. Zelle/Hari's story has always been fictionalised. At first we were told these fictions were true, now we have novelists, telling her story as if Zelli/Hari is telling lies.
None of that gets us closer to understanding the real Zelle/Hari. All it does is create another layer of fiction obscuring and distorting the story of Zelle/Hari.
Ultimately, although I am interested in knowing what is 'true' in the Zelle/Hari story, neither she nor her story is interesting enough to invest the time in working through the myriad fictions or fictional truths that have acruied around her.
January 14, 2008
While not historically accurate, it was a rather poignant and lyrically beautiful story. Yannick's writing is simply wonderful and you find yourself being sucked into this world she's created for you. At times it's rather blunt and a bit graphic, but never vulgar. I finished this much more quickly than I originally thought I would because at times, I just couldn't stop reading.
September 6, 2019
This biographical, historical, women’s fiction novel, is very unique in that it is told almost as a memoir, but with a twist I think makes it special. I hope you’ll check out my #bookreview for this novel, on my blog here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2019/09/0...
November 7, 2021
Leitura fluida, macia e bonita. O estilo de escrita da Yunnick é um agrado. Gosto das descrições, dos devaneios. O mundo montado da vida de Mata Hari é muito envolvente. O final é uma cereja pra coroar o bolo. Só um detalhe me incomodou (bastante): Mata Hari não me pareceu inteligente durante a leitura. Parecia infantilizada e ausente, distraída e meio perdida. Entendi que é um personagem sensível e devaneador, mas me pareceu extrapolar um pouco.
March 31, 2008
Beautifully written, prose, at times this book read like a dream.
Mata Hari was one of the most well-known exotic dancers of all times, yet her true fame came after the accusations that she was spying for Germans during the First World War. A fascinating person in real life, she takes on added dimensions in the beautifully written novel "Signed, Mata Hari" by Yannick Murphy. This exquisite novel portrays Mata Hari as a daughter, a lover, a wife, a friend, a mother and more, but first and foremost as a woman.
The novel's setting is a jail in Paris, France; that's where Mata Hari awaits her trial. Charge: spying. Penalty: death by a firing squad, if found guilty. While in prison, Mata Hari tells stories and writes letters to her estranged daughter, Non. It is through those stories, letters and conversations with a nun, Sister Leonide, that we get acquainted with Mata Hari, whose real name was Margaretha Zelle. From the lean years of her youth and the exotic, if not exactly happy years as a young wife of a Dutch naval officer, living in Java - and to her years as a famous performer with invented and wondrously embroidered past, associating with many men from different sides, Mata Hari is revealed as an intricately complex personality, perennially searching for happiness and fulfillment.
Mata Hari was one of the most well-known exotic dancers of all times, yet her true fame came after the accusations that she was spying for Germans during the First World War. A fascinating person in real life, she takes on added dimensions in the beautifully written novel "Signed, Mata Hari" by Yannick Murphy. This exquisite novel portrays Mata Hari as a daughter, a lover, a wife, a friend, a mother and more, but first and foremost as a woman.
The novel's setting is a jail in Paris, France; that's where Mata Hari awaits her trial. Charge: spying. Penalty: death by a firing squad, if found guilty. While in prison, Mata Hari tells stories and writes letters to her estranged daughter, Non. It is through those stories, letters and conversations with a nun, Sister Leonide, that we get acquainted with Mata Hari, whose real name was Margaretha Zelle. From the lean years of her youth and the exotic, if not exactly happy years as a young wife of a Dutch naval officer, living in Java - and to her years as a famous performer with invented and wondrously embroidered past, associating with many men from different sides, Mata Hari is revealed as an intricately complex personality, perennially searching for happiness and fulfillment.
October 16, 2007
I wouldn't have read this if I wasn't reviewing it. I have very mixed feelings about it - the writing was gorgeous - erotic, lyrical, and when Murphy was imagining the life of Marguerite Zelle, things took off. But overall the book wasn't very good - any historical information is uncomfortably tacked on and try as she might, Murphy does not create a sympathetic character.
The most interesting part of her life - to me - is how an untrained Dutch orphan passed herself off as an exotic temple dancer. That would have made a much more interesting novel.
I would check out Murphy's other fiction, though. I'm interested in her writing.
The most interesting part of her life - to me - is how an untrained Dutch orphan passed herself off as an exotic temple dancer. That would have made a much more interesting novel.
I would check out Murphy's other fiction, though. I'm interested in her writing.
April 17, 2018
I enjoyed the writing and structure of the book and am interested in Mata Hari so a good read for me.
November 5, 2020
Trash. Mata Hari's inner voice sounds like a bewildered child. If you want to write a hand-wringing protagonist without agency, why base it off someone like Mata Hari who, if nothing else, tread her own path? To be fair, I gave up 2/3 of the way through so maybe there's a big change after that. But I doubt it.
A final note, only someone from the US could plausibly enjoy (or write) this book
A final note, only someone from the US could plausibly enjoy (or write) this book
April 26, 2022
Knyga, kuri mane nustebino.
Knyga, kurios anotacija/pristatymas...na, man nelabai atitiko turini...
Man tai sakyciau, kaip dienorascio, prisiminimu kratinys, arba tiesiog vieno zmogaus gyvenimas, i kuri itraukiami kiti asmenys, ipinami ju likimai...
Tai pasirinkimas, kuris nulemia viska... Cia nera faktu, istorijos peripetijos...
Tai pasakojimas, su pabaiga.
3.5⭐
Knyga, kurios anotacija/pristatymas...na, man nelabai atitiko turini...
Man tai sakyciau, kaip dienorascio, prisiminimu kratinys, arba tiesiog vieno zmogaus gyvenimas, i kuri itraukiami kiti asmenys, ipinami ju likimai...
Tai pasirinkimas, kuris nulemia viska... Cia nera faktu, istorijos peripetijos...
Tai pasakojimas, su pabaiga.
3.5⭐
January 2, 2008
Signed, Mata Hari is fictional account of the life and times of Mata Hari, the exotic dancer whose death by firing squad during WWI catapulted her into the public imagination as a femme fatale. Murphy explores how a Dutch girl who went with her husband to Java when it was part of the Dutch East Indies become one of the notorious women of the 20th century. Sort of.
Although Murphy's subject is fascinating, her approach feels over-determined. The narrative is chopped up into extremely short chapters and by giving each one a title she calls attention to language that is consistently pedestrian. On the page, the novel resembles a collection of flash fiction, but the prose lacks the form's immediacy and intensity.
Murphy couples her modular approach with no less than four modes: first person for scenes describing Mata Hari's girlhood and marriage; third person for when she's a prisoner in France; second person for ironic commentary about being a spy, exotic dancer, etc.; and the occasional/convenient third person view from secondary characters in the last third of the book. The multiplicity of perspectives makes for some arresting scenes, but in a novel divided into such short installments it feels a bit undisciplined. The result is an immensely readable book with plenty of surface, but not a lot of depth.
Thankfully, the subject ensures that the story is never dull, even if Murphy fails to show how a poor little Dutch girl became the toast of Europe. The first half of the book concerns her life in Java, the second half deals with how she came to be incarcerated, but the middle act--her meteoric rise to fame--is largely glossed over.
Incredibly, Murphy shreds her contract with the reader in the last paragraph with a direct address from Mata Hari that alludes to the author of the novel. Why? To inform the reader that the writer is telling "the story the way it should be told." It's an unfortunate indulgence and one that very few readers in the habit of reading historical fiction ought to be willing to accept, especially with a controversial figure like Mata Hari. And if that isn't bad enough, the book's last words are also its title.
Although Murphy's subject is fascinating, her approach feels over-determined. The narrative is chopped up into extremely short chapters and by giving each one a title she calls attention to language that is consistently pedestrian. On the page, the novel resembles a collection of flash fiction, but the prose lacks the form's immediacy and intensity.
Murphy couples her modular approach with no less than four modes: first person for scenes describing Mata Hari's girlhood and marriage; third person for when she's a prisoner in France; second person for ironic commentary about being a spy, exotic dancer, etc.; and the occasional/convenient third person view from secondary characters in the last third of the book. The multiplicity of perspectives makes for some arresting scenes, but in a novel divided into such short installments it feels a bit undisciplined. The result is an immensely readable book with plenty of surface, but not a lot of depth.
Thankfully, the subject ensures that the story is never dull, even if Murphy fails to show how a poor little Dutch girl became the toast of Europe. The first half of the book concerns her life in Java, the second half deals with how she came to be incarcerated, but the middle act--her meteoric rise to fame--is largely glossed over.
Incredibly, Murphy shreds her contract with the reader in the last paragraph with a direct address from Mata Hari that alludes to the author of the novel. Why? To inform the reader that the writer is telling "the story the way it should be told." It's an unfortunate indulgence and one that very few readers in the habit of reading historical fiction ought to be willing to accept, especially with a controversial figure like Mata Hari. And if that isn't bad enough, the book's last words are also its title.
March 21, 2014
What is more captivating of the imagination than the story of a beautiful dancer turned enemy spy? I was thrilled to check this book out of my library, but ultimately was disappointed with the story of a woman who should have been easily able to capture the attention.
First of all the writing is technically good, but I found it very difficult to read through the jumble of short vignettes that Murphy loosely tied together. I like more depth and detail in my books and this novel is striking in its absence of details, mostly focusing on emotion and a dream-like quality that seemed to surround Mata Hari. A lot of the time names weren't used and two or three paragraphs would go by only referring to "her" meant to mean Mata Hari but I was never completely sure if it was or if Sister Leonide and Ana Lintjens were supposed to be the focus.
Historically I think that Murphy tried to stay true to the facts of Mata Hari's life, her early marriage, life in Indonesia, death of her son etc, but I felt no connection to these events as I felt like a biographical novel should have. This could have been about anyone or someone completely made up, nothing seemed unique, except the one phrase that repeated itself over and over "I have walked across the sea." One of the things that I did appreciate was a woman writing about another woman who was seen simply as a sex object without any hint of hidden feminism or a subtext that it was somehow wrong. Mata Hari chose that life, and to her it was what she needed to do to escape the monotony and brutality of her life.
This book read too much like a rambling death row confession and it just wasn't appealing to my desire to sink into a story and inhabit the world an author creates. Too much of this story was simply dark walls and black stone beyond which lay a world of white. Characters seemed flat and the pace was very slow even though the chapters were never more than a few pages. I would probably not recommend this book in the future and I wish I hadn't had to finish it for a discussion group. Worst of all I picked this book out for myself expecting a sumptuous tale of dancing, sex and espionage.
First of all the writing is technically good, but I found it very difficult to read through the jumble of short vignettes that Murphy loosely tied together. I like more depth and detail in my books and this novel is striking in its absence of details, mostly focusing on emotion and a dream-like quality that seemed to surround Mata Hari. A lot of the time names weren't used and two or three paragraphs would go by only referring to "her" meant to mean Mata Hari but I was never completely sure if it was or if Sister Leonide and Ana Lintjens were supposed to be the focus.
Historically I think that Murphy tried to stay true to the facts of Mata Hari's life, her early marriage, life in Indonesia, death of her son etc, but I felt no connection to these events as I felt like a biographical novel should have. This could have been about anyone or someone completely made up, nothing seemed unique, except the one phrase that repeated itself over and over "I have walked across the sea." One of the things that I did appreciate was a woman writing about another woman who was seen simply as a sex object without any hint of hidden feminism or a subtext that it was somehow wrong. Mata Hari chose that life, and to her it was what she needed to do to escape the monotony and brutality of her life.
This book read too much like a rambling death row confession and it just wasn't appealing to my desire to sink into a story and inhabit the world an author creates. Too much of this story was simply dark walls and black stone beyond which lay a world of white. Characters seemed flat and the pace was very slow even though the chapters were never more than a few pages. I would probably not recommend this book in the future and I wish I hadn't had to finish it for a discussion group. Worst of all I picked this book out for myself expecting a sumptuous tale of dancing, sex and espionage.
November 25, 2009
Mata Hari was a dancer, a courtesan, a spy. Above all she was a mystery. As she awaits death by a firing squad in 1917, she whispers some of her secrets to us...
I don't know how much of this is fictionalized but the author did a good job in keeping my interest. The majority of the book is in first person with Mata Hari telling her life story beginning with her childhood in the Netherlands, through a loveless marriage in Java to her scandalous life as an dancer and later a spy during WWI.
I don't know how much of this is fictionalized but the author did a good job in keeping my interest. The majority of the book is in first person with Mata Hari telling her life story beginning with her childhood in the Netherlands, through a loveless marriage in Java to her scandalous life as an dancer and later a spy during WWI.
August 15, 2013
I was curious about Mata Hari and didn't know much about who she was so when I found this book, I immediately started reading it. I feel the story, although fictional, gave me an insight into who the character was. The writing is really good too, very creative. I found some brilliant verses here and there. The author is definitely talented and I will be looking to read her other books.
March 10, 2020
Imagine the life of the world's most infamous spy. This novel alternates between Mata Hari's history from childhood to her final weeks in prison in France. As she recollects her most significant memories while fighting to save her life the reader gets a deeper view of who she was, and how possible events in her life may have led to her to her ultimate downfall.
Murphy weaves historical facts with human emotion when telling the story of Mata Hari. She shines a light on the relationship between Mata Hari and her husband and some of the lovers that followed. Mata Hari used her sensuality for personal pleasure but also in an aim to secure herself financially to reunite with her child.
This story ends in heartbreak, not just for the fate of Mata Hari but for the lives of those around her as well. Murphy closes out the story in such a heartbreaking manner that while you are uplifted by the strength of Mata Hari in her final moments, your soul is keening for her daughter and loyal friends.
I was enthralled enough by this novel to take sometime and learn a little more about Mata Hari, to get some idea of what the author possibly invented to serve the story. In my opinion, inspiring readers to learn more about a subject is always a sign of a great book. I would definitely recommend this title to readers who are fans of historical novels featuring strong women.
Murphy weaves historical facts with human emotion when telling the story of Mata Hari. She shines a light on the relationship between Mata Hari and her husband and some of the lovers that followed. Mata Hari used her sensuality for personal pleasure but also in an aim to secure herself financially to reunite with her child.
This story ends in heartbreak, not just for the fate of Mata Hari but for the lives of those around her as well. Murphy closes out the story in such a heartbreaking manner that while you are uplifted by the strength of Mata Hari in her final moments, your soul is keening for her daughter and loyal friends.
I was enthralled enough by this novel to take sometime and learn a little more about Mata Hari, to get some idea of what the author possibly invented to serve the story. In my opinion, inspiring readers to learn more about a subject is always a sign of a great book. I would definitely recommend this title to readers who are fans of historical novels featuring strong women.
February 6, 2021
Wow, this book is nothing like I thought it'd be. It's told in vignettes, changing between Mata Hari in prison and her life before she got there. I honestly couldn't get much out of the story. There was almost nothing about spying in there and a whole lot of men desiring Mata Hari.
There were times I enjoyed what I was reading but I was mostly confused about what this book was trying to convey to me. The ending was bittersweet though and I liked that a lot.
Except for me not understanding what was going on for the first half, Murphy's writing style was not the problem here. I pretty much enjoyed the way she wrote the story and I'd read more from her.
There were times I enjoyed what I was reading but I was mostly confused about what this book was trying to convey to me. The ending was bittersweet though and I liked that a lot.
Except for me not understanding what was going on for the first half, Murphy's writing style was not the problem here. I pretty much enjoyed the way she wrote the story and I'd read more from her.
August 2, 2019
Needed to remind myself over and over again that it's not in fact a true story of her life, but fiction, based on a few facts. It's so beautifully written, so sincere that I was completely immersed in the story.
At first, flipping through the book, those short chapters felt a bit odd, but in fact those stories told in different times, of different times, all perfectly melted into one.
Would definitely recommend for anyone loving stories on historical figures, however much truth in those stories might be.
At first, flipping through the book, those short chapters felt a bit odd, but in fact those stories told in different times, of different times, all perfectly melted into one.
Would definitely recommend for anyone loving stories on historical figures, however much truth in those stories might be.
February 10, 2018
This is the story of the dancer and courtesan Mata Hari. It’s beautifully written with vivid descriptions of life on Java. It switches between past and present and first person to third person, which was a clever way to distinguish between the different timelines. Overall I found the story didn’t engage me and I didn’t develop any empathy for Mata Hari.
March 7, 2024
Based on a true story. Mata Hari was a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was shot by a firing squad for espionage during WWI. Her guilt is widely contested. The book mostly focuses on her relationship with her abusive husband, death of her son, and being separated from her daughter when her husband takes custody of her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2019
La redacción deja bastante qué desear. La historia es repetitiva y superficial; los personajes, insustanciales, y en conjunto, bastante decepcionante.
January 3, 2022
Great book!
May 28, 2025
I now need to read an actual biography of Mata Hari. This was a sort-of tone poem novel and was horrifying and sad and beautiful.
February 13, 2017
2 and 1/2 stars, really.
I don't know how to review, I have mix feeling about this.
The early chapters are very promising but during the course of reading, the mixture of the 1st person and the 3rd person narration became very confusing, still the writing was great but the character Mata Hari/Margaretha Zelle was under-developed, I feel I didn't learn anything new about her, she's still a mystery even after I finished reading. The thing is Murphy tells a lot about her and how she feels but they are not brought well so the author fails to show how this woman became one of the most compelling figures of World War I.
The story goes back and forth between Mata Hari's final days in jail to her earlier years as a daughter, wife, mother, prostitute and a "spy". Murphy presents a tragic woman but she didn't steal my empathy. On one side is her quest to get her daughter back, on the other side it's about her sex life and yes, plenty of erotic descriptions which you do read but wonder why they were really there afterwards. If Yannick hasn't really tried to get our empathy, then I'd have no problem but clearly she wants us to feel sorry for the character and I just didn't feel it.
On plus sides: It was a quick read, the writing was easy on the eyes and the even plot was simple, despite the fact Mata Hari doesn't take the spot-light, you would want to read the book till it ends. So I don't mind checking another book by Murphy.
Recommended? I don't know, may be, if you are interested in reading about mysterious figures from the past, specially the ill-fated ones.
I don't know how to review, I have mix feeling about this.
The early chapters are very promising but during the course of reading, the mixture of the 1st person and the 3rd person narration became very confusing, still the writing was great but the character Mata Hari/Margaretha Zelle was under-developed, I feel I didn't learn anything new about her, she's still a mystery even after I finished reading. The thing is Murphy tells a lot about her and how she feels but they are not brought well so the author fails to show how this woman became one of the most compelling figures of World War I.
The story goes back and forth between Mata Hari's final days in jail to her earlier years as a daughter, wife, mother, prostitute and a "spy". Murphy presents a tragic woman but she didn't steal my empathy. On one side is her quest to get her daughter back, on the other side it's about her sex life and yes, plenty of erotic descriptions which you do read but wonder why they were really there afterwards. If Yannick hasn't really tried to get our empathy, then I'd have no problem but clearly she wants us to feel sorry for the character and I just didn't feel it.
On plus sides: It was a quick read, the writing was easy on the eyes and the even plot was simple, despite the fact Mata Hari doesn't take the spot-light, you would want to read the book till it ends. So I don't mind checking another book by Murphy.
Recommended? I don't know, may be, if you are interested in reading about mysterious figures from the past, specially the ill-fated ones.
July 29, 2011
What were the events that lead up to Mati Hari's appointment with death, by firing squad? Was she a spy? Maybe. A victim of certain acclimate circumstances? Most definitely.
This book shows what happens to a woman with few resources in a maddening cloud of war. Mati Hari did her best to reclaim her identity and her children. She may have been a high priced call girl, but the book illustrates that she did this out of dire need. She was left behind by an abusive husband; the husband took her child and deserted her. Mati Hari had to find a way to scratch at the surface of a dried out Europe in hopes to find some nourishment. But, the events in this book take place before and during World War I; the war that would forever change the Geo-Politics of Europe. It was a time that asked a woman where is your place between the bullets and contracts? Yannick Murphy does a great job of illustrating the events that would place Mati Hari in a position to be declared a double-spy; she found herself a midst a "no man's land" with no direction home.
The book is haunting and worth reading. Signed Mata Hari is poetic and moves you in between the sheets of a body politic. This book is also timely considering the politics of the body prevalent in media coverage today.
Caveat Lector (Let the Reader Beware) the book has a number of sexually explicit scenes that may not be for everyone. I believe these scenes are needed to show what currency Mata Hari had, and what she was willing to do to carve out a niche in a dangerous world.
This book shows what happens to a woman with few resources in a maddening cloud of war. Mati Hari did her best to reclaim her identity and her children. She may have been a high priced call girl, but the book illustrates that she did this out of dire need. She was left behind by an abusive husband; the husband took her child and deserted her. Mati Hari had to find a way to scratch at the surface of a dried out Europe in hopes to find some nourishment. But, the events in this book take place before and during World War I; the war that would forever change the Geo-Politics of Europe. It was a time that asked a woman where is your place between the bullets and contracts? Yannick Murphy does a great job of illustrating the events that would place Mati Hari in a position to be declared a double-spy; she found herself a midst a "no man's land" with no direction home.
The book is haunting and worth reading. Signed Mata Hari is poetic and moves you in between the sheets of a body politic. This book is also timely considering the politics of the body prevalent in media coverage today.
Caveat Lector (Let the Reader Beware) the book has a number of sexually explicit scenes that may not be for everyone. I believe these scenes are needed to show what currency Mata Hari had, and what she was willing to do to carve out a niche in a dangerous world.
March 6, 2008
I wasn't as taken with this novel as I have been with all of Murphy's past works, but I'm still giving it four stars as it possesses the skill and contemplation that I have come to expect in her novels. I must admit that I previously had no interest in Mata Hari as a person and that I recognize the main character in this novel as a fictional character. I think people who like "historical fiction" that is a genre that contains a bit of information that is accurate might be disappointed by this "account" of Mata Hari's life.
The topic seems appropriate for Murphy, the same issues that haunt her other novels are present in this story: the botched relationship between a husband and wife, the portrayal of the odd issues that exist between parents and children. This novel differed from her others in that it was from the perspective of a mother rather than a child, but I found the sentiments of the relationships involved to be similar.
The novel poses a lot of interesting questions regarding relationships, fiction, historical fact, etc. It would be a good read for a book club or an undergraduate English/Women's Studies class...
The topic seems appropriate for Murphy, the same issues that haunt her other novels are present in this story: the botched relationship between a husband and wife, the portrayal of the odd issues that exist between parents and children. This novel differed from her others in that it was from the perspective of a mother rather than a child, but I found the sentiments of the relationships involved to be similar.
The novel poses a lot of interesting questions regarding relationships, fiction, historical fact, etc. It would be a good read for a book club or an undergraduate English/Women's Studies class...
December 26, 2014
Estava com muitas expetativas em relação a este livro, pois Mata Hari foi um espia fora do vulgar. No entanto, acabou por ser uma história banal...
Em 1917, Mata Hari está numa prisão francesa à espera de ser julgada por espionagem. Com muito tempo livre, ela recorda a sua vida e reflete sobre a sua situação atual. Mas, em vez de focar a parte mais fascinante do percurso de Mata Hari, aquilo que a transformou numa mulher singular – as danças exóticas e a sua capacidade para espiar os dois lados em conflito – a autora debruça-se sobre a sua juventude em Java, o seu casamento desastroso com um oficial holandês, que lhe retira a filha, e as suas constantes tentativas para a recuperar. Ou seja, acaba tudo por ser um vulgar melodrama familiar, sem qualquer intriga ou suspense que se estaria à espera num livro sobre uma das mais famosas espias da Primeira Grande Guerra.
Para redimir, a escrita é muito poética e os cenários exóticos de Java ganham vida, dando-nos vontade de visitar a ilha.
Em 1917, Mata Hari está numa prisão francesa à espera de ser julgada por espionagem. Com muito tempo livre, ela recorda a sua vida e reflete sobre a sua situação atual. Mas, em vez de focar a parte mais fascinante do percurso de Mata Hari, aquilo que a transformou numa mulher singular – as danças exóticas e a sua capacidade para espiar os dois lados em conflito – a autora debruça-se sobre a sua juventude em Java, o seu casamento desastroso com um oficial holandês, que lhe retira a filha, e as suas constantes tentativas para a recuperar. Ou seja, acaba tudo por ser um vulgar melodrama familiar, sem qualquer intriga ou suspense que se estaria à espera num livro sobre uma das mais famosas espias da Primeira Grande Guerra.
Para redimir, a escrita é muito poética e os cenários exóticos de Java ganham vida, dando-nos vontade de visitar a ilha.
November 21, 2010
I suppose my lack of research for books on Mata Hari should be rewarded justly - by a novel more fiction than any type of historical contextual element. I wish that I had picked a more accurate telling but all the same I did get a somewhat high level idea of Mata Hari's life and times in a very romanticized, poetic, slightly soft core porn-ish way.
Yannick Murphy's strength is captured with the way that she can turn a phrase and make mundane descriptions really sing. However the novel was frantic, with chapters a few paragraphs long at some points -- which did nothing to help my short attention span -- and the main character was kept too far away from the reader to identify with but too close to be objectionable about. In the end I found the storytelling lacking.
Mata Hari, however, is an even more intriguing persona. If that is indeed the full intent of the author, she managed to succeed in her feat well.
Yannick Murphy's strength is captured with the way that she can turn a phrase and make mundane descriptions really sing. However the novel was frantic, with chapters a few paragraphs long at some points -- which did nothing to help my short attention span -- and the main character was kept too far away from the reader to identify with but too close to be objectionable about. In the end I found the storytelling lacking.
Mata Hari, however, is an even more intriguing persona. If that is indeed the full intent of the author, she managed to succeed in her feat well.
September 13, 2012
Light on detail,
Long on getting anywhere.
How awful to be thinking, when you know someone is going to get executed ... get on with it! But that's the way it was.
This was a quick, easy read and, while the writing had a strong poignant quality, I did not find enough depth to satisfy me. The story was told in flashback, jumping between Mata Hari in prison and Margaretha growing up. We are presented with a picture Margaretha : an abandoned girl, a young woman in a loveless marriage, an ingenue in the making BUT I never felt that the effort was made to present a picture of Mata Hari : exotic dancer, courtesan, spy. That part of her life lacked vivacity and colour and she seemed always to be presented as rather pathetic and a bit of a bumpkin.
I love The Call by Yannick Murphy ... and thoroughly recommend it. It was the reason I went in search of other works by her.
Long on getting anywhere.
How awful to be thinking, when you know someone is going to get executed ... get on with it! But that's the way it was.
This was a quick, easy read and, while the writing had a strong poignant quality, I did not find enough depth to satisfy me. The story was told in flashback, jumping between Mata Hari in prison and Margaretha growing up. We are presented with a picture Margaretha : an abandoned girl, a young woman in a loveless marriage, an ingenue in the making BUT I never felt that the effort was made to present a picture of Mata Hari : exotic dancer, courtesan, spy. That part of her life lacked vivacity and colour and she seemed always to be presented as rather pathetic and a bit of a bumpkin.
I love The Call by Yannick Murphy ... and thoroughly recommend it. It was the reason I went in search of other works by her.
May 15, 2008
I enjoyed the story of Mata Hari and how it was written, alternating between her life in prison prior to her execution and her life before her arrest, from a young girl to her fame as an exotic dancer.
I enjoyed many of the discriptive passages from the book...for example, Mata Hari digging up the tulip bulbs, or how she discribed the smells of Java.
The book also told of the struggles of poor children or women who did not have a decent man too support them. They seemed to have no rights; the men in their lives could abuse them as they pleased. I don't know how much has changed, but atleast women have more options for supporting themselves.
I enjoyed many of the discriptive passages from the book...for example, Mata Hari digging up the tulip bulbs, or how she discribed the smells of Java.
The book also told of the struggles of poor children or women who did not have a decent man too support them. They seemed to have no rights; the men in their lives could abuse them as they pleased. I don't know how much has changed, but atleast women have more options for supporting themselves.
May 21, 2008
Absolutely phenomenal read. I stayed up half the night to finish it. Beautifully written. I love how graphic the story plays out in this woman's life and the author allow's the reader to ponder at times between the reality and guessing - is Margaretha living the life she thinks she has or is she envisioning all of this for herself? Breathtakingly described through lush seas to the dingiest hotels and brothels where she is asked to do the unimaginable ~ her story is one that could have been any woman in the early 1900's, trying to survive after tragic events unfold with her young children and abusive husband.
Dramatic, right up the very end. 5 stars!
Dramatic, right up the very end. 5 stars!
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