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Code Name Butterfly
Inspired by the incredible true story of Josephine Baker in the French Resistance, this is a heart-wrenching, unforgettable tale of the strength of the human spirit in the darkest days of World War II.
Paris, 1941. Journalist Elodie Mitchell has found bohemian Paris a huge culture shock compared to her hometown of Chicago – but she loves the new-found freedom she's felt walking its streets. That is until the threat of Nazi occupation starts to loom larger by the day.
After a mysterious man invites her to a Josephine Baker show, Elodie is perplexed but dazzled by the decadence of the performance. But when Elodie is mistaken for Josephine and whisked backstage, she realises that the star's glamorous shows have been hiding a darker, far more important movement than anyone could have possibly imagined.
As Elodie gets embroiled in a whisper network of spies working to resist the occupation of France, she is given an assignment to go undercover as Josephine's cousin. Her mission? To gather crucial information that will protect not only the country she now calls home, but all the people within it who she has grown to love so dearly – and getting caught is not an option.
A heart-breaking wartime epic of love, bravery, survival and one woman’s stand against prejudice in all its forms.
Paris, 1941. Journalist Elodie Mitchell has found bohemian Paris a huge culture shock compared to her hometown of Chicago – but she loves the new-found freedom she's felt walking its streets. That is until the threat of Nazi occupation starts to loom larger by the day.
After a mysterious man invites her to a Josephine Baker show, Elodie is perplexed but dazzled by the decadence of the performance. But when Elodie is mistaken for Josephine and whisked backstage, she realises that the star's glamorous shows have been hiding a darker, far more important movement than anyone could have possibly imagined.
As Elodie gets embroiled in a whisper network of spies working to resist the occupation of France, she is given an assignment to go undercover as Josephine's cousin. Her mission? To gather crucial information that will protect not only the country she now calls home, but all the people within it who she has grown to love so dearly – and getting caught is not an option.
A heart-breaking wartime epic of love, bravery, survival and one woman’s stand against prejudice in all its forms.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2024
776 people are currently reading
1806 people want to read
About the author
Embassie Susberry
23 books86 followersI still remember the exact day I fell in love with reading. It was nighttime and raining. Mom and Dad had already sent me and my sister to bed. But I couldn't sleep. We didn't have cable (and I'm pretty sure the parents wouldn't allow it) and cartoons were over for the day. I remember turning on the light, looking across the room at my snoring sister and then at my bookcase filled with books. I wasn't a reader at the time, but my mother was. She was constantly buying me something. I walked over to the bookshelf and pulled my newest book off the shelf and just began to read. For the first time, I learned what it was to leave my room and go someplace else; to care about imaginary people so much, I had to turn the next page; to get so caught up in a story, hours flew by. And it is that exact feeling that I want so much to create in my readers. Enjoyment, entertainment, and feeling blessed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
August 21, 2023
In the present day, Christine and her relations are enthusiastically researching their family tree and collecting DNA for a wider response. When they receive a message from Ange Marie Preston in France concerning their grandmother Elodie (Elly) Mitchell, they are utterly astonished. In 1940 Elly is in France, studying and working as a journalist when her path unexpectedly crosses that of Josephine Baker. This is Elly’s story entwined with that of the famous Miss Baker as the Nazi invasion of France is imminent.
I find this a bit slow initially as the scene is set and Elly meets the key characters. However, once Josephine Baker is on the scene I become more and more invested in the novel. Although I know some of her story, this book allows you to become more personally involved and gives me a bigger picture. I’m particularly drawn to Josephine, she’s absolutely fascinating and larger-than-life. Her portrayal is excellent, as is that of Elly who I warm to and then grow to admire as I do the other characters such as Grant Monterey. I enjoy the way the characters interact and the relationship between Grant and Elly is especially interesting. All three have fascinating back stories which makes you admire them even more.
The author captures pre-invasion France extremely well and it’s full of atmosphere. All three are accepted in France but particularly Josephine (égalité etc) with each of them having very different experiences in their native USA as Black Americans. You also distinctly feel the danger in the air of the impending invasion as Elly et al get drawn into the spy network of the Resistance. The tension really grows, it’s all around becoming especially taut with the collapse of French defences. It becomes “horribly exciting” as Elly learns what they’re up against and a story of intrigue, daring, courage and bravery emerges.
However, this isn’t just a wartime story although that of course is pivotal. There’s racism, love, self realisation and for Christine’s family the importance of not labelling the older generation as they were young once.
Embassie Susberry has researched this very well and has created a novel that fans of historical fiction and World War Two will enjoy.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books U.K. for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
I find this a bit slow initially as the scene is set and Elly meets the key characters. However, once Josephine Baker is on the scene I become more and more invested in the novel. Although I know some of her story, this book allows you to become more personally involved and gives me a bigger picture. I’m particularly drawn to Josephine, she’s absolutely fascinating and larger-than-life. Her portrayal is excellent, as is that of Elly who I warm to and then grow to admire as I do the other characters such as Grant Monterey. I enjoy the way the characters interact and the relationship between Grant and Elly is especially interesting. All three have fascinating back stories which makes you admire them even more.
The author captures pre-invasion France extremely well and it’s full of atmosphere. All three are accepted in France but particularly Josephine (égalité etc) with each of them having very different experiences in their native USA as Black Americans. You also distinctly feel the danger in the air of the impending invasion as Elly et al get drawn into the spy network of the Resistance. The tension really grows, it’s all around becoming especially taut with the collapse of French defences. It becomes “horribly exciting” as Elly learns what they’re up against and a story of intrigue, daring, courage and bravery emerges.
However, this isn’t just a wartime story although that of course is pivotal. There’s racism, love, self realisation and for Christine’s family the importance of not labelling the older generation as they were young once.
Embassie Susberry has researched this very well and has created a novel that fans of historical fiction and World War Two will enjoy.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books U.K. for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
November 13, 2023
Paris, 1941. Elodie Mitchell has found living in Paris very different to her hometown of Chicago and where she was raised by her aunt and uncle who have strong Christian values. Elodie is a journalist and studying her master’s degree and she sends articles to a Chicago newspaper and about life in France.
Elly is worried about the Germans invading, she's thinking about returning home, until she meets a handsome stranger and he invites her to a show starring famous American cabaret artist Josephine Baker. Elly gets to go backstage after the performance, she discovers Ms. Baker is involved with an undercover network and Elly's keen to help.
They tell everyone she’s Josephine's cousin, she passes on information and anything she overhears to Grant Monterey. He’s a bit of an enigma, as part of the ruse they have to sometime pretend they’re a courting couple, to throw off any suspicions about them meeting and it makes Elly feel rather flustered. When it gets too dangerous the group flee to the French countryside, they join the throngs of refugees on the congested roads, it’s slow going in the two cars and dangerous.
I received a copy of Code Name Butterfly by Embassie Susberry from Avon Books UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed how Christine, Elodie's granddaughter took a DNA test, she wanted to know about her family history and the whole novel is constructed around Elly's secret wartime exploits.
The fast paced narrative is based on the real life of Josephine Baker, an American dancer, singer, and actress, and a member of the French Resistance, and a coloured woman who fought chauvinism, racism and the Germans.
A well written historical fiction story about two brave, courageous and inspirational women, and the friendship and bond formed between them. The balance of characters is perfect and I liked and admired Josephine, Elodie, Polly, Danny, Pierre and the chemistry between Elodie and ex-Harlem Hellfighter Grant Monterey is smoldering hot. Five stars from me and I highly recommend.
Elly is worried about the Germans invading, she's thinking about returning home, until she meets a handsome stranger and he invites her to a show starring famous American cabaret artist Josephine Baker. Elly gets to go backstage after the performance, she discovers Ms. Baker is involved with an undercover network and Elly's keen to help.
They tell everyone she’s Josephine's cousin, she passes on information and anything she overhears to Grant Monterey. He’s a bit of an enigma, as part of the ruse they have to sometime pretend they’re a courting couple, to throw off any suspicions about them meeting and it makes Elly feel rather flustered. When it gets too dangerous the group flee to the French countryside, they join the throngs of refugees on the congested roads, it’s slow going in the two cars and dangerous.
I received a copy of Code Name Butterfly by Embassie Susberry from Avon Books UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed how Christine, Elodie's granddaughter took a DNA test, she wanted to know about her family history and the whole novel is constructed around Elly's secret wartime exploits.
The fast paced narrative is based on the real life of Josephine Baker, an American dancer, singer, and actress, and a member of the French Resistance, and a coloured woman who fought chauvinism, racism and the Germans.
A well written historical fiction story about two brave, courageous and inspirational women, and the friendship and bond formed between them. The balance of characters is perfect and I liked and admired Josephine, Elodie, Polly, Danny, Pierre and the chemistry between Elodie and ex-Harlem Hellfighter Grant Monterey is smoldering hot. Five stars from me and I highly recommend.
November 3, 2023
Journalist Elodie Mitchell was in Paris for six months, sending her pieces back to her paper in Chicago. It was 1941 and while Elodie loved Paris, the shimmer of war was on the periphery of her life. When a handsome stranger gave her tickets for a show featuring Josephine Baker, she was in two minds about going. But she went, and after the decadent, awe-inspiring show, she was invited backstage. Meeting Jo, plus subsequent events, turned Elly's life around as she realised what Jo and others were involved in...
With Elly now undercover as Jo's cousin, her role was an important one, and as she passed messages to the enigmatic Grant, some of the things she overheard led her to believe their safety was at risk. When they needed to flee Paris for the country, they joined the other refugees, desperate to escape the Nazis. Would they do it? Could they continue to fight against the Germans from far away?
Code Name Butterfly is a story of courage and strength, of bravery and love - and a fight against the deep prejudices the characters came up against on a daily basis. Based on fact, Code Name Butterfly brings Josephine Baker to life. She was born in June, 1906, in St Louis, Missouri, and was a French dancer, singer and actress. She was also the first black woman immortalised in France's Pantheon. (Fictional) Elly became great friends, almost like sisters, with Jo and together they made a wonderful team. Author Embassie Susberry has done an impeccable job with her research and bringing the courage and tenacity of people like Elly and Jo to her readers. Highly recommemded.
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
With Elly now undercover as Jo's cousin, her role was an important one, and as she passed messages to the enigmatic Grant, some of the things she overheard led her to believe their safety was at risk. When they needed to flee Paris for the country, they joined the other refugees, desperate to escape the Nazis. Would they do it? Could they continue to fight against the Germans from far away?
Code Name Butterfly is a story of courage and strength, of bravery and love - and a fight against the deep prejudices the characters came up against on a daily basis. Based on fact, Code Name Butterfly brings Josephine Baker to life. She was born in June, 1906, in St Louis, Missouri, and was a French dancer, singer and actress. She was also the first black woman immortalised in France's Pantheon. (Fictional) Elly became great friends, almost like sisters, with Jo and together they made a wonderful team. Author Embassie Susberry has done an impeccable job with her research and bringing the courage and tenacity of people like Elly and Jo to her readers. Highly recommemded.
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
arc
March 18, 2024As a massive fan of WWII history and historical fiction, I was so excited to get my hands on this book. It's rare to find one based on a black woman (or man, for that matter), and Elodie is a wonderful protagonist. The premise is interesting, and the research and historical accuracy is solid (no glaring anachronisms that rip you out of the time period you're reading about and bring you back to real life!). Bohemian Paris in the months leading up to Nazi occupation is brought to life vividly by the author - you can feel freedom slipping away, and tension and unease building. I'm drawn to stories of the French Resistance as I love to hear about ordinary, everyday people rising to the occasion and doing far more than they think they're capable of when faced with monsters at the gate, and this book delivers on that front.
August 23, 2023
“Don’t leave Paris without seeing Jo. You’ll regret it for the rest of your life if you walk away from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
I’ll let you be the judge. You must read this to see how this invitation changed the rest of Elodie Mitchell’s life.
I loved this story.
The setting and atmosphere is stellar! I felt like I was in Paris swept up in the tense and bizarre mixture of avant-garde, carefree life as it became increasingly more unsettling. Susberry’s vivid descriptions were phenomenal. I’ve read many books with this setting, pre-Nazi occupation, but none as wonderfully immersive as this one. I was whisked back to our visits to Aix en Provence and our time savoured under the shadow of a tree in the square eating crepes and sipping on coffee. I love it when a book does that!
The segue into the historical focus was phenomenal! It was so natural and fluid. Some books I feel as though I’m riding a ten-speed bike with a faulty gear shift mechanism, but this transition was smooth. I loved the DNA thread of this story because, although I’ve never done testing myself, I’m curious.
The symbolism of the title was intriguing and drove me to Google immediately. I love it when that happens. Although I’ve read plenty about the resistance movement, this felt fresh. I drew many parallels between this creature and the woman who earned this code name.
Josephine Baker - the name that initially captured my attention in the synopsis - was another reason I was reaching for my phone to Google for more information. I had to know more about this woman who embodied the French spirit. I can’t believe I’d never heard of her before. Thanks to the author for spotlighting little-known history for us historical fiction lovers. Again, the segue into Elodie Mitchell’s involvement was a smooth transition and I loved the mistaken identity angle. The author played on my curiosity and hooked me along as I turned pages to see how it would work out for everyone - past and present.
There’s so much I loved about this book …I could go on and on and on. You’ll have to see for yourself why this story of courage, survival and stand against prejudice is earning top stars with most reviewers.
I was gifted this copy by Avon Books UK and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I’ll let you be the judge. You must read this to see how this invitation changed the rest of Elodie Mitchell’s life.
I loved this story.
The setting and atmosphere is stellar! I felt like I was in Paris swept up in the tense and bizarre mixture of avant-garde, carefree life as it became increasingly more unsettling. Susberry’s vivid descriptions were phenomenal. I’ve read many books with this setting, pre-Nazi occupation, but none as wonderfully immersive as this one. I was whisked back to our visits to Aix en Provence and our time savoured under the shadow of a tree in the square eating crepes and sipping on coffee. I love it when a book does that!
The segue into the historical focus was phenomenal! It was so natural and fluid. Some books I feel as though I’m riding a ten-speed bike with a faulty gear shift mechanism, but this transition was smooth. I loved the DNA thread of this story because, although I’ve never done testing myself, I’m curious.
The symbolism of the title was intriguing and drove me to Google immediately. I love it when that happens. Although I’ve read plenty about the resistance movement, this felt fresh. I drew many parallels between this creature and the woman who earned this code name.
Josephine Baker - the name that initially captured my attention in the synopsis - was another reason I was reaching for my phone to Google for more information. I had to know more about this woman who embodied the French spirit. I can’t believe I’d never heard of her before. Thanks to the author for spotlighting little-known history for us historical fiction lovers. Again, the segue into Elodie Mitchell’s involvement was a smooth transition and I loved the mistaken identity angle. The author played on my curiosity and hooked me along as I turned pages to see how it would work out for everyone - past and present.
There’s so much I loved about this book …I could go on and on and on. You’ll have to see for yourself why this story of courage, survival and stand against prejudice is earning top stars with most reviewers.
I was gifted this copy by Avon Books UK and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
April 7, 2024
3.5 🌟
This one started out strong and then lost some steam for me. Elly and singer Jo Baker become spies in France during WWII. Unfortunately the relationships seemed shallow and the romance was trite and unbelievable for me. I guess I wanted more history and less fiction. Interesting idea, but not greatly executed for my liking.
This one started out strong and then lost some steam for me. Elly and singer Jo Baker become spies in France during WWII. Unfortunately the relationships seemed shallow and the romance was trite and unbelievable for me. I guess I wanted more history and less fiction. Interesting idea, but not greatly executed for my liking.
December 1, 2023
Paris, 1941. Journalist Elodie Mitchell has found Bohemian Paris a huge culture shock compared to her hometown of Chicago - but she loves the new-found freedom she's felt walking its streets. That is until the threat of Nazi occupation starts to loom larger by the day. After a mysterious man invites her to a Josephine Baker show, Elodie is perplexed but dazzled by the decadence of the performance. But when Elodie is mistaken for Josephine and whisked backstage, she realises that the star's glamorous shows have been hiding a darker, far more important movement than anyone could have possibly imagined.
This story was inspired by the incredible true story of Josephine Baker. I do like a story that's based on true events, and this story has been well-researched.
Journalist Elly (Elodie) Mitchell has been living and working in Paris for the last six months. A stranger gives Elly tickets to see Josephine Baker, and she is invited backstage to meet Jo after the show. Elly's life was turned around after the meeting, and she now works undercover as Jo's cousin. Elly had been sought after to join a secret intelligence group. Josephine and Elly are strong characters. This is a story of love, courage, bravery, and strength. It's a complex and well-written story.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #EmbassieSusberry for my ARC of #CodeNameButterfly in exchange for an honest review.
This story was inspired by the incredible true story of Josephine Baker. I do like a story that's based on true events, and this story has been well-researched.
Journalist Elly (Elodie) Mitchell has been living and working in Paris for the last six months. A stranger gives Elly tickets to see Josephine Baker, and she is invited backstage to meet Jo after the show. Elly's life was turned around after the meeting, and she now works undercover as Jo's cousin. Elly had been sought after to join a secret intelligence group. Josephine and Elly are strong characters. This is a story of love, courage, bravery, and strength. It's a complex and well-written story.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #EmbassieSusberry for my ARC of #CodeNameButterfly in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2023
A riveting WWII story inspired by the real life experiences of Josephine Baker, entertainer extraordinaire and spy for the French Resistance. Histfic fans will adore it!
November 21, 2023
Code Name Butterfly is a historical fiction set in France at the beginning of World War II. Although the story begins and ends in present time with Elodie’s descendants, it is for the most part concerned with the WWII period.
“… if you do the things you were placed on this earth to do, you will die, knowing that you lived.”
Elodie Mitchell is an American student and journalist living in Paris who is invited to see fellow American entertainer, Josephine Baker. Elodie, unwittingly, has been sought after to join a secret intelligence group that revolves around the social events Josephine gains access to. I was unfamiliar with Josephine Baker and enjoyed learning both the fictional and actual fame that surrounded her. Both Josephine and the fictional Elodie were strong female characters staying true to their ethos and philosophy.
“I’m still trying to figure that out but it came down to doing something I can be proud of when I look back on my life.”
The story is rich in research and I appreciated this fresh lens of African Americans with the author seemingly accurately capturing what life would have been like at this time. The story does move somewhat slowly with drama not really unfolding until the latter pages and then things happen rather quickly. However, there are so many interesting layers to this book from the resistance movement, to life at this time seen through different cultures, to a little bit of romance. I also appreciated both the realism and overarching life themes presented throughout.
“I believe what you put into the world is what you get out of it. I put a lot of goodness and light into those around me. I want to make this world a better place.”
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
“… if you do the things you were placed on this earth to do, you will die, knowing that you lived.”
Elodie Mitchell is an American student and journalist living in Paris who is invited to see fellow American entertainer, Josephine Baker. Elodie, unwittingly, has been sought after to join a secret intelligence group that revolves around the social events Josephine gains access to. I was unfamiliar with Josephine Baker and enjoyed learning both the fictional and actual fame that surrounded her. Both Josephine and the fictional Elodie were strong female characters staying true to their ethos and philosophy.
“I’m still trying to figure that out but it came down to doing something I can be proud of when I look back on my life.”
The story is rich in research and I appreciated this fresh lens of African Americans with the author seemingly accurately capturing what life would have been like at this time. The story does move somewhat slowly with drama not really unfolding until the latter pages and then things happen rather quickly. However, there are so many interesting layers to this book from the resistance movement, to life at this time seen through different cultures, to a little bit of romance. I also appreciated both the realism and overarching life themes presented throughout.
“I believe what you put into the world is what you get out of it. I put a lot of goodness and light into those around me. I want to make this world a better place.”
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
April 22, 2024
I truly enjoyed this historical nugget. I had heard that Josephine was part of the French Resistance, but this novel makes her real & believable. I also love how Elodie is folded into the group & its resistance efforts.
The frame of now and then worked wonderfully for me!!
The frame of now and then worked wonderfully for me!!
November 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this audiobook. Am interesting novel.
July 10, 2024
If I knew who Josephine Baker was when I first saw this book from Netgalley, I never would have requested it.
What I was hoping would be a clean spy tale wound up being a scandalous thing that left my face burning just a few chapters in.
While I know nightclubs, strippers and provocative dancers may be no biggie to some, it's just plain wrong how this woman acted.
Seriously, making a living selling yourself and your soul to the public is nothing to be proud of, nor what any other women should look up to or model themselves after.
There were so many mentions of Josephine dancing in the nude (in the past and being famous for it), mentions of outfits that barely covered parts that should be covered, and mentions of public posters with her draped over objects. Also, Elodie's landlord (a woman) suggests Elodie needs a nice romantic affair to pick up her life. *cringes*
This was not at all what I expected of this read, and I absolutely do NOT recommend it to anyone.
I received a complimentary e-book from the publisher to review through Netgalley, and was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and opinions above are my own.
What I was hoping would be a clean spy tale wound up being a scandalous thing that left my face burning just a few chapters in.
While I know nightclubs, strippers and provocative dancers may be no biggie to some, it's just plain wrong how this woman acted.
Seriously, making a living selling yourself and your soul to the public is nothing to be proud of, nor what any other women should look up to or model themselves after.
There were so many mentions of Josephine dancing in the nude (in the past and being famous for it), mentions of outfits that barely covered parts that should be covered, and mentions of public posters with her draped over objects. Also, Elodie's landlord (a woman) suggests Elodie needs a nice romantic affair to pick up her life. *cringes*
This was not at all what I expected of this read, and I absolutely do NOT recommend it to anyone.
I received a complimentary e-book from the publisher to review through Netgalley, and was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and opinions above are my own.
September 30, 2023
Paris 1941, the Nazi occupation is imminent. When journalist Elodie Mitchell received an unexpected invitation to a Josephine Baker performance... meeting Jo will be a life changing event.....Beneath the glitz and glamour is a network of spies with mission to gather vital intelligence...
This fiction is the unforgettable tale inspired by the life of Josephine Baker who during the darkest days of WW11 has shown the extraordinary strength of the human spirit and of a young woman caught in the web....Both are Black Americans.
This is a complex story about family, racism, courage and love. It captures the flavour of France before and during the occupation. The setting and atmosphere is fantastic and seize perfectly the turbulent swirl of events during that time. The story is extremely slow moving at first but when France is invaded and tension grows among the population then the story has wind in its sails and we are off into one very exciting adventure following the two heroines and their friends, members of the resistance, blowing trains and killing or dodging the enemy and assisting those in need. Eventually escaping to Portugal and finally home...Only to return to France to their love....yes there is a hint of romance amongst the background of war...why not.
The style is fluid, eloquently written, the words have punch and no doubts came from the heart. The handful characters are colourful, well represent and easy to follow. I especially loved how the most celebrated night-club entertainer; the flamboyant Ms. Baker is featured.
Event with its slow tempo, this story captured my attention from start to finish and I can honestly say “Code Name Butterfly’” is a good book to enjoy and spend time with.
My thanks to Avon Books UK and Netgalley for this ARC
This fiction is the unforgettable tale inspired by the life of Josephine Baker who during the darkest days of WW11 has shown the extraordinary strength of the human spirit and of a young woman caught in the web....Both are Black Americans.
This is a complex story about family, racism, courage and love. It captures the flavour of France before and during the occupation. The setting and atmosphere is fantastic and seize perfectly the turbulent swirl of events during that time. The story is extremely slow moving at first but when France is invaded and tension grows among the population then the story has wind in its sails and we are off into one very exciting adventure following the two heroines and their friends, members of the resistance, blowing trains and killing or dodging the enemy and assisting those in need. Eventually escaping to Portugal and finally home...Only to return to France to their love....yes there is a hint of romance amongst the background of war...why not.
The style is fluid, eloquently written, the words have punch and no doubts came from the heart. The handful characters are colourful, well represent and easy to follow. I especially loved how the most celebrated night-club entertainer; the flamboyant Ms. Baker is featured.
Event with its slow tempo, this story captured my attention from start to finish and I can honestly say “Code Name Butterfly’” is a good book to enjoy and spend time with.
My thanks to Avon Books UK and Netgalley for this ARC
February 19, 2024
I really enjoyed this one.
September 11, 2023
3.5 stars.
Code Name Butterfly is historical fiction set in France at the beginning of World War II.
Elodie Mitchell is an American student and journalist living in Paris. She is fortunate enough to be given a highly sought-after ticket to see American entertainer Josephine Baker. Her invitation includes an exclusive after show party. She’s drawn to mysterious fellow countryman Grant; unbeknownst to Elodie, Grant has already picked her to join their secret intelligence group.
Josephine’s fame means admission to parties and social events where high ranking military men are guests. She uses these occasions to glean top secret information; now Elodie will join Josephine, posing as her cousin.
The resistance angle of this book appealed to me greatly, and I quite enjoyed the introduction to Josephine, her entourage and how Elodie worked with them in the build-up to the invasion of France. The storyline kept up a good pace as Hitler's Army marched ever closer to Paris; however, I was disappointed to reach three-quarters of the way through the book without much ‘resistance action’ occurring. Some events took place off screen or without Elodie’s involvement and I felt that the last chapters in France and Portugal were rushed.
The story begins and ends in present time with Elodie’s descendants;
Code Name Butterfly is historical fiction set in France at the beginning of World War II.
Elodie Mitchell is an American student and journalist living in Paris. She is fortunate enough to be given a highly sought-after ticket to see American entertainer Josephine Baker. Her invitation includes an exclusive after show party. She’s drawn to mysterious fellow countryman Grant; unbeknownst to Elodie, Grant has already picked her to join their secret intelligence group.
Josephine’s fame means admission to parties and social events where high ranking military men are guests. She uses these occasions to glean top secret information; now Elodie will join Josephine, posing as her cousin.
The resistance angle of this book appealed to me greatly, and I quite enjoyed the introduction to Josephine, her entourage and how Elodie worked with them in the build-up to the invasion of France. The storyline kept up a good pace as Hitler's Army marched ever closer to Paris; however, I was disappointed to reach three-quarters of the way through the book without much ‘resistance action’ occurring. Some events took place off screen or without Elodie’s involvement and I felt that the last chapters in France and Portugal were rushed.
The story begins and ends in present time with Elodie’s descendants;
April 28, 2025
Enjoyed this story
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨ (4.4 stars)
Code Name: Butterfly by Embassie Susberry is a refreshing, powerful WWII historical fiction set in 1941 Paris, shining a spotlight on the unsung African American women who fought back during the German invasion. Through Elodie’s first-person perspective, we’re pulled deep into themes of resistance, racial identity, courage, and sacrifice.
The characters are vivid—especially Elodie’s transformation from journalist to resistance fighter, and the legendary Joséphine Baker as her fierce mentor. Romance simmers quietly in the background (low spice), keeping the focus on survival and loyalty. The ending is bittersweet but satisfying, honoring both love and loss.
If you want a war story that’s rich with history, heart, and heroines you won't forget, this one belongs on your shelf.
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨ (4.4 stars)
Code Name: Butterfly by Embassie Susberry is a refreshing, powerful WWII historical fiction set in 1941 Paris, shining a spotlight on the unsung African American women who fought back during the German invasion. Through Elodie’s first-person perspective, we’re pulled deep into themes of resistance, racial identity, courage, and sacrifice.
The characters are vivid—especially Elodie’s transformation from journalist to resistance fighter, and the legendary Joséphine Baker as her fierce mentor. Romance simmers quietly in the background (low spice), keeping the focus on survival and loyalty. The ending is bittersweet but satisfying, honoring both love and loss.
If you want a war story that’s rich with history, heart, and heroines you won't forget, this one belongs on your shelf.
June 16, 2024
I did not intend to read two historical fiction books, one after the other, but I did, and I highly recommend both. I just posted my review of The Goddess of Warsaw, and for this novel, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the characters; the one most known is Josephine Baker. While Miss Baker is not the protagonist, she plays a huge role as the reader learns about her involvement in espionage during World War II. She works among a group of people whose ordinary daily roles do not attract attention while providing cover for their daring acts. While is a time of history we are all aware of, the roles that individuals play are often not the focus. I highly recommend this book.
September 13, 2025
3.5 stars
July 17, 2024
A 3.5-star read for me, rounded up.
Despite the way they packaged/presented this historical fiction novel to make Josephine Baker its prominent point of interest, that iconic entertainer and agent isn't the protagonist of this story.
This is Elly Mitchell's story, with Baker in one of the supporting roles. And Elly's being fictional doesn't take away from the importance and power of the novel's angle on World War II and more, where Black people indeed sacrificed, strategized, and fought for humanity.
Now, I'll admit I wasn't sold on the present-day aspect of the novel, written as a prologue and epilogue.
That is, I understand that people may keep certain secrets and that not everyone in older generations talks much about the past. But in this case, the older couple in question was especially concerned with education, activism, and the future of their people. So, for that couple to have said practically nothing to anyone in their family about their critical involvement in particular national and international affairs in this story? It might have been a more convincing situation to me if, rather than the present-day characters just now hearing this major news about their late mother/grandmother and father/grandfather who'd lived alongside them for years, they were instead hearing something about distant family members from further in the past who would've been unable to pass on their legacy directly.
The end of the prologue says, "And maybe they could find out why [Elly] had decided to take this story to her grave." If the mysterious "why" concerning Elly's virtual silence is revealed or at least revisited later on in the book, I missed it.
At any rate, I was intrigued by the central question of what it would take for Elly to truly live her life. Granted, I didn't emotionally connect with her or the other pivotal characters during the slower, pretty low-key unfolding of the novel's first half. But in the midst of the events going to another level during the second half, I really began to care about the characters.
On a technical note, I often had to backtrack during the dialogue to see which character was saying what. Whenever the dialogue in a novel switches between characters, it's supposed to start a new paragraph, which doesn't always happen in this book. Also, I think the paragraphs should have been separated to keep one character's dialogue distinct from another character's actions, rather than mixing different characters' words and actions together in the same paragraphs without dialogue tags.
Nonetheless, in addition to the historical significance and how the key characters came to grow on me, I appreciated seeing what Elly learns about herself. I'm already planning on reading this author's next novel.
Note:
• some scenes of war-related violence
• a few details on suicides
• no profanity
• no explicit sexual content
Despite the way they packaged/presented this historical fiction novel to make Josephine Baker its prominent point of interest, that iconic entertainer and agent isn't the protagonist of this story.
This is Elly Mitchell's story, with Baker in one of the supporting roles. And Elly's being fictional doesn't take away from the importance and power of the novel's angle on World War II and more, where Black people indeed sacrificed, strategized, and fought for humanity.
Now, I'll admit I wasn't sold on the present-day aspect of the novel, written as a prologue and epilogue.
That is, I understand that people may keep certain secrets and that not everyone in older generations talks much about the past. But in this case, the older couple in question was especially concerned with education, activism, and the future of their people. So, for that couple to have said practically nothing to anyone in their family about their critical involvement in particular national and international affairs in this story? It might have been a more convincing situation to me if, rather than the present-day characters just now hearing this major news about their late mother/grandmother and father/grandfather who'd lived alongside them for years, they were instead hearing something about distant family members from further in the past who would've been unable to pass on their legacy directly.
The end of the prologue says, "And maybe they could find out why [Elly] had decided to take this story to her grave." If the mysterious "why" concerning Elly's virtual silence is revealed or at least revisited later on in the book, I missed it.
At any rate, I was intrigued by the central question of what it would take for Elly to truly live her life. Granted, I didn't emotionally connect with her or the other pivotal characters during the slower, pretty low-key unfolding of the novel's first half. But in the midst of the events going to another level during the second half, I really began to care about the characters.
On a technical note, I often had to backtrack during the dialogue to see which character was saying what. Whenever the dialogue in a novel switches between characters, it's supposed to start a new paragraph, which doesn't always happen in this book. Also, I think the paragraphs should have been separated to keep one character's dialogue distinct from another character's actions, rather than mixing different characters' words and actions together in the same paragraphs without dialogue tags.
Nonetheless, in addition to the historical significance and how the key characters came to grow on me, I appreciated seeing what Elly learns about herself. I'm already planning on reading this author's next novel.
Note:
• some scenes of war-related violence
• a few details on suicides
• no profanity
• no explicit sexual content
January 2, 2024
Thanks to #Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this story.
Briefly set in the present day at the start and end of the story. Family members are astonished to find that through DNA details they have information that ties their grandmother Elodie Mitchell to the famous Josephine Baker.
We are then told of the story of Elodie a young black female, who is a journalist and student writing in Paris at the beginning of WW2. Her strange encounter with Grant leads her to befriend Josephine Baker the famous black performer and her entourage.
Not all is as it seems with Josephine or her friends who are a part of the resistance movement spying for France. Elodie is soon part of the spy movement being nicknamed the moth and she gathers intelligence for France.
For me the book was quite light on the resistance activity as it centred more around Paris in the beginning of the war. The book focuses on the friendships between all the characters and love and loss.
I did enjoy seeing a different slant on a war story that this book took and know that Josephine Baker was a real person during this time.
An enjoyable read that I would recommend.
Briefly set in the present day at the start and end of the story. Family members are astonished to find that through DNA details they have information that ties their grandmother Elodie Mitchell to the famous Josephine Baker.
We are then told of the story of Elodie a young black female, who is a journalist and student writing in Paris at the beginning of WW2. Her strange encounter with Grant leads her to befriend Josephine Baker the famous black performer and her entourage.
Not all is as it seems with Josephine or her friends who are a part of the resistance movement spying for France. Elodie is soon part of the spy movement being nicknamed the moth and she gathers intelligence for France.
For me the book was quite light on the resistance activity as it centred more around Paris in the beginning of the war. The book focuses on the friendships between all the characters and love and loss.
I did enjoy seeing a different slant on a war story that this book took and know that Josephine Baker was a real person during this time.
An enjoyable read that I would recommend.
January 4, 2024
Code Name Butterfly
By: Embassie Susberry
5🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
I loved this novel which publishes today!
🦋
1941-We follow American Journalist Eloide Mitchell in Paris. She accepts tickets from a mysterious man to see Josephine Baker and is mistaken for her. Josephine Baker is a singer and is well known for her singing amongst other things.
🦋
She gets an opportunity to pose as Josephine’s cousin and her life becomes a whirlwind as her assignment has her gathering information.
🦋
I was absolutely invested in her life which brought intrigue, prejudices, a little romance and bravery.
🦋
Thank you Netgalley and Avon for this advanced copy.
#codebamebutterfly, #embassiesusbeeey, #avon, #netgalley, #stamperlady50, #bookreview, #bookstagram, #booksconnectus
By: Embassie Susberry
5🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋
I loved this novel which publishes today!
🦋
1941-We follow American Journalist Eloide Mitchell in Paris. She accepts tickets from a mysterious man to see Josephine Baker and is mistaken for her. Josephine Baker is a singer and is well known for her singing amongst other things.
🦋
She gets an opportunity to pose as Josephine’s cousin and her life becomes a whirlwind as her assignment has her gathering information.
🦋
I was absolutely invested in her life which brought intrigue, prejudices, a little romance and bravery.
🦋
Thank you Netgalley and Avon for this advanced copy.
#codebamebutterfly, #embassiesusbeeey, #avon, #netgalley, #stamperlady50, #bookreview, #bookstagram, #booksconnectus
June 11, 2024
Another WWIl Novel...
About a black woman in Paris being a journalist who is drawn into the war in a very interesting and enlitening way.
About a black woman in Paris being a journalist who is drawn into the war in a very interesting and enlitening way.
July 18, 2025
An interesting read that encompasses World War II France, Josephine Baker, and a family history journey. I really enjoyed this book and wish more fiction featured Josephine Baker and her fascinating life.
January 4, 2024
The synopsis for this book really caught my attention but once you started reading the book, it just didn’t catch my attention at all and I found myself skim reading for long parts of the book. Interesting characters and they certainly liked to live the life but equally put their lives on the line for the sake of the war.
September 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. While I knew it was fiction there were parts of it I could see being part of a real story. I have never thought about Blacks living in France during WWII so it was an interesting perspective that I enjoyed reading.
The author did a great job pulling readers into the story. I loved all of her character development. I could literally smell Jo’s zoo with all of her animals. And see Jo’s extravagant outfits. As someone who studied abroad I could appreciate Elly’s struggle with French. As well as her take on “home”.
The spy story was at times unbelievable but kept me captivated! I should say I could see it all working as they claim until towards the end when they’re at the chateau. Using the girls to spy by wining and dining military men was genius. Towards the end where they were blowing up trains it seemed a little bit more unbelievable to me. And Grant and Elly’s love story intertwined brought the book together. I was so relieved that the author didn’t kill off Grant or let him stay in France at the end.
Overall I would recommend this book. Totally clean read and appropriate for even younger HS students. I told my daughter she could read it after me and give me her thoughts as she loves a good spy story.
Thanks NetGalley for another book!
The author did a great job pulling readers into the story. I loved all of her character development. I could literally smell Jo’s zoo with all of her animals. And see Jo’s extravagant outfits. As someone who studied abroad I could appreciate Elly’s struggle with French. As well as her take on “home”.
The spy story was at times unbelievable but kept me captivated! I should say I could see it all working as they claim until towards the end when they’re at the chateau. Using the girls to spy by wining and dining military men was genius. Towards the end where they were blowing up trains it seemed a little bit more unbelievable to me. And Grant and Elly’s love story intertwined brought the book together. I was so relieved that the author didn’t kill off Grant or let him stay in France at the end.
Overall I would recommend this book. Totally clean read and appropriate for even younger HS students. I told my daughter she could read it after me and give me her thoughts as she loves a good spy story.
Thanks NetGalley for another book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2025
I bought the book in a shop appealed by the reviews and the plot. I thought that I would enjoy the book set in Paris featuring a great artist, Josephine Baker.
My overall feeling is a mixed one. Is it because I am French and my vision of France under German occupation might be somewhat different from the narrative in the book? (I have memories of tales reported by my relatives)
I sometimes struggled with American expressions that I had to look up on the web (COGIC for instance)
I found that the second half of the book, which entailed more action, would make for a good film.
While the story is likeable, I won't add the book to my shortlist of favourites.
My overall feeling is a mixed one. Is it because I am French and my vision of France under German occupation might be somewhat different from the narrative in the book? (I have memories of tales reported by my relatives)
I sometimes struggled with American expressions that I had to look up on the web (COGIC for instance)
I found that the second half of the book, which entailed more action, would make for a good film.
While the story is likeable, I won't add the book to my shortlist of favourites.
January 21, 2024
A wonderful story which has bits of true events in it.
Elodie is a journalist telling the people of the States what it is like to live in Paris just before France capitulates. She meets up with Joséphine Baker and Grant. We see what happens when they escape to the country and do some resistance work.
I enjoyed the book it The book flowed I enjoyed reading what the main characters did.
Well written book.
Elodie is a journalist telling the people of the States what it is like to live in Paris just before France capitulates. She meets up with Joséphine Baker and Grant. We see what happens when they escape to the country and do some resistance work.
I enjoyed the book it The book flowed I enjoyed reading what the main characters did.
Well written book.
Read
August 21, 2023nice book to read
May 16, 2024
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀, 𝟭𝟵𝟰𝟭: Journalist Elodie Mitchell has spent the last six months in Paris, sending pieces back to her paper in Chicago. Any time not studying or writing is spent sightseeing, often spotting the same handsome man in the same places she frequents. One day, that stranger gives her tickets to a Josephine Baker show. At first, Elly is reluctant to attend - the performer isn't really up her alley. Yet - she's about to return home to America, so what's to lose?
At first, Elly is amused by the comments that suggest that her and Josephine look alike. Personally, she just doesn't see it. That's until she's mistaken for the superstar and becomes embezzled in a world that she really doesn't understand. The Germans are coming, and the French Resistance needs recruits to stop them.
Elly is given the most impossible task. In order to gain and pass on certain intelligence, she must assume the role of Josephine's cousin. As she is introduced to all the glitz and glamour, she must also be trained to act appropriately and respond to all situations, no matter how dire. Elly has a desire to 'live', and oh boy, isn't that wish granted!!
There's something joyous about this World War 2 novel. Yes, there's tension and unpredictability amidst an ongoing war. Yet, romance strikes up between Elly and her recruiter/trainer, Grant Monterey, even though the latter is dealing with horendous inner battles. There's unlikely friendships forging, most importantly the one between Elly and Jo. Hope shines through relentlessly, and love is expressed boundlessly. As clearly reminded, there's faith that with every bad experience, something good must occur in its place.
American born French actress, dancer, and singer Josephine Baker was a real person, I was surprised to learn. This flamboyant, impulsive, quirky yet golden hearted soul played an important role in World War 2 and is still celebrated to this day. I absolutely got on board with her positivity. Jo absolutely lit up a room just with her presence, much needed when the going got tough. Today, I researched Jo further, and she's just as gorgeous outside. She gave zero #$%! about the colour of skin or body image nor to those who had something to say about it. Jo just thought, 'I'm simply the way I was meant to be', and went with it. That acceptance and freedom simply gave Jo a unique insight into what was happening around her. What an icon!!
Throughout, I was a bit conflicted about the need for a prologue. Was it actually necessary for the plot? Indeed, it was, by the time I finished the epilogue.
Embassie Susberry doesn't shy away from the tough topics, in this case, Black History. As an Australian, the significance is something that I truly will never understand. Still, I have walked away more educated than before, thanks to the incredible research undertaken. It's clear that this is a topic that Embassie cares about deeply.
You know that feeling when you come across a brand new author, someone you haven't had the pleasure of experiencing before? And you instantly add their entire backlist to your TBR list? That's me right now.
Code Name Butterfly comes with a 5 🌟 rating. Historical fiction is something I like to read on occasion, in particular, one set in World War 2. This is a completely unique take on the genre, so what are you waiting for?
At first, Elly is amused by the comments that suggest that her and Josephine look alike. Personally, she just doesn't see it. That's until she's mistaken for the superstar and becomes embezzled in a world that she really doesn't understand. The Germans are coming, and the French Resistance needs recruits to stop them.
Elly is given the most impossible task. In order to gain and pass on certain intelligence, she must assume the role of Josephine's cousin. As she is introduced to all the glitz and glamour, she must also be trained to act appropriately and respond to all situations, no matter how dire. Elly has a desire to 'live', and oh boy, isn't that wish granted!!
There's something joyous about this World War 2 novel. Yes, there's tension and unpredictability amidst an ongoing war. Yet, romance strikes up between Elly and her recruiter/trainer, Grant Monterey, even though the latter is dealing with horendous inner battles. There's unlikely friendships forging, most importantly the one between Elly and Jo. Hope shines through relentlessly, and love is expressed boundlessly. As clearly reminded, there's faith that with every bad experience, something good must occur in its place.
American born French actress, dancer, and singer Josephine Baker was a real person, I was surprised to learn. This flamboyant, impulsive, quirky yet golden hearted soul played an important role in World War 2 and is still celebrated to this day. I absolutely got on board with her positivity. Jo absolutely lit up a room just with her presence, much needed when the going got tough. Today, I researched Jo further, and she's just as gorgeous outside. She gave zero #$%! about the colour of skin or body image nor to those who had something to say about it. Jo just thought, 'I'm simply the way I was meant to be', and went with it. That acceptance and freedom simply gave Jo a unique insight into what was happening around her. What an icon!!
Throughout, I was a bit conflicted about the need for a prologue. Was it actually necessary for the plot? Indeed, it was, by the time I finished the epilogue.
Embassie Susberry doesn't shy away from the tough topics, in this case, Black History. As an Australian, the significance is something that I truly will never understand. Still, I have walked away more educated than before, thanks to the incredible research undertaken. It's clear that this is a topic that Embassie cares about deeply.
You know that feeling when you come across a brand new author, someone you haven't had the pleasure of experiencing before? And you instantly add their entire backlist to your TBR list? That's me right now.
Code Name Butterfly comes with a 5 🌟 rating. Historical fiction is something I like to read on occasion, in particular, one set in World War 2. This is a completely unique take on the genre, so what are you waiting for?
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