What do you think?
Rate this book
Elegant Espionage: Women Spies Who Graced the Shadows of WW2- and Conquered Them
The world had gone insane.
The Gestapo lurked in hidden corners. Concentration camps were prepared for those considered superfluous or threatening. None felt safe under the heavy air of foreboding which hung over the land.
Soldiers left their homes to risk their lives in the air and on the front lines, combatting the treachery that seemed to grow with each passing day. And yet, it wasn’t enough. The Allies needed spies with stealth and an unassuming air. They needed women.
As the crush of Hitler’s boot trampled any visible signs of victory, female spies stepped up, taking on roles that would require every ounce of the strength and skill they possessed. Choosing to join the fight, these brave girls faced the same insurmountable odds as their brave male comrades in uniform.
Elegant Espionage offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of seven interesting and diverse women who stepped up and gave everything they had, some even down to their very lives. Buy now before the price changes!
The Gestapo lurked in hidden corners. Concentration camps were prepared for those considered superfluous or threatening. None felt safe under the heavy air of foreboding which hung over the land.
Soldiers left their homes to risk their lives in the air and on the front lines, combatting the treachery that seemed to grow with each passing day. And yet, it wasn’t enough. The Allies needed spies with stealth and an unassuming air. They needed women.
As the crush of Hitler’s boot trampled any visible signs of victory, female spies stepped up, taking on roles that would require every ounce of the strength and skill they possessed. Choosing to join the fight, these brave girls faced the same insurmountable odds as their brave male comrades in uniform.
Elegant Espionage offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of seven interesting and diverse women who stepped up and gave everything they had, some even down to their very lives. Buy now before the price changes!
- GenresHistorical Fiction
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2023
249 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 20, 2025
A poorly written rehash but an introduction to fascinating women.
Not very well written and little more than a summary of each woman. Disappointing but a starting point. There are other, excellent books about the SOE and the women who spied for England.
Not very well written and little more than a summary of each woman. Disappointing but a starting point. There are other, excellent books about the SOE and the women who spied for England.
May 28, 2024
An engrossing compilation of the stories of seven courageous woman who risked and at times lost their lives in the effort to impede, obstruct and harass Nazi efforts to dominate the countries the Germans had conquered in the early years of the war. They helped to organize the various resistance groups, they facilitated communications between those groups and their leaders in London, and they developed and conducted underground railways to repatriate downed allied pilots and others. And on and on.
And they volunteered to do these things willingly and at times enthusiastically. Often leaving their husbands and children behind - amazing. The book also brought back the realities of Nazi occupied Europe, the fragility of life and the willingness to make life changing decisions with little hesitation, like rapid courtships for example. One just didn’t know what lay ahead - long term planning just wasn’t an option. I came away with an enormous respect for the courage and relentless persistence of these seven women and was indeed uplifted by their feats as recounted in this excellent book.
And they volunteered to do these things willingly and at times enthusiastically. Often leaving their husbands and children behind - amazing. The book also brought back the realities of Nazi occupied Europe, the fragility of life and the willingness to make life changing decisions with little hesitation, like rapid courtships for example. One just didn’t know what lay ahead - long term planning just wasn’t an option. I came away with an enormous respect for the courage and relentless persistence of these seven women and was indeed uplifted by their feats as recounted in this excellent book.
May 31, 2024
At a time when too many Americans have forgotten—or never learned—the value of freedom, “Elegant Espionage” invites us into the lives of seven brave women who fought, some to the very death, against the Nazis and Fascism. What sets this compelling book apart from other historical biographies is its suspenseful dramatization of these women’s amazing lives. “Elegant Espionage” reads like a well-measured thriller, wherein the fortitude and integrity of its real-life characters thrill to the bone. Highly recommended!
February 19, 2024
Daring Operations by the women of SOE.
(Notes for the author Page 2 Full stop end of page. Whisky spelled differently from page to page; page 91 , 99, 143; has spacing issues;)
Daring operations.
I was already familiar with the story of Violet Szabo - her story is told in the gripping but grim war movie ‘Carve her name with Pride’, and I’ve read books on her and others exploits.
I visited the commando memorial last year whilst in Scotland and the thought crossed my mind that this was probably the training ground for SOE operatives too. The land was rugged and beautiful.
Maybe all will reveal itself but the start of Nancy’s journey is puzzling because Sydney to Liverpool is a bit of a leap?
Ah. I see now - an inheritance.
I’ve come across the story of the ‘White Mouse’ before as well.
The third story is interesting; one tends not to think of Ethiopia as having a role in the war.
Interesting too, a look at Polish Resistance.
I’m a bit puzzled again by jumps in the story; one minute in Poland and Hungary and the next in Egypt?
There are gaps and unanswered questions. For example, did Nancy’s time in England really help her family back in Australia?
The part where Krystyna faced down the two German soldiers is quite funny; less funny is the ending she had after the war.
Odette Sansom is another of whom I’ve heard. The name Peter Churchill and the Spindle Circuit are also familiar although once again I’m puzzled as to why Odette is traversing the Med’ in a Polish boat? Would she not have left old Blighty for a parachute insertion into France? Perhaps all will be revealed?
The name of Fresnes and the 84 Avenue Foch in Paris is notorious.
Familiarity too with the name of Noor - the Indian Princess.
A nice touch seems to be the letter from one agent to the next.
The story line follows the bravery of another few women agents who risked everything for future generations.
The title seems appropriate, apt.
(Notes for the author Page 2 Full stop end of page. Whisky spelled differently from page to page; page 91 , 99, 143; has spacing issues;)
Daring operations.
I was already familiar with the story of Violet Szabo - her story is told in the gripping but grim war movie ‘Carve her name with Pride’, and I’ve read books on her and others exploits.
I visited the commando memorial last year whilst in Scotland and the thought crossed my mind that this was probably the training ground for SOE operatives too. The land was rugged and beautiful.
Maybe all will reveal itself but the start of Nancy’s journey is puzzling because Sydney to Liverpool is a bit of a leap?
Ah. I see now - an inheritance.
I’ve come across the story of the ‘White Mouse’ before as well.
The third story is interesting; one tends not to think of Ethiopia as having a role in the war.
Interesting too, a look at Polish Resistance.
I’m a bit puzzled again by jumps in the story; one minute in Poland and Hungary and the next in Egypt?
There are gaps and unanswered questions. For example, did Nancy’s time in England really help her family back in Australia?
The part where Krystyna faced down the two German soldiers is quite funny; less funny is the ending she had after the war.
Odette Sansom is another of whom I’ve heard. The name Peter Churchill and the Spindle Circuit are also familiar although once again I’m puzzled as to why Odette is traversing the Med’ in a Polish boat? Would she not have left old Blighty for a parachute insertion into France? Perhaps all will be revealed?
The name of Fresnes and the 84 Avenue Foch in Paris is notorious.
Familiarity too with the name of Noor - the Indian Princess.
A nice touch seems to be the letter from one agent to the next.
The story line follows the bravery of another few women agents who risked everything for future generations.
The title seems appropriate, apt.
September 27, 2024
Seven women and a cinematographic way of telling their life stories. A couple of scenes from their peaceful past. One scene when the protagonist learns about the outbreak of the World War II. Some scenes showing the woman’s work for the Resistance or for the British secret service. Some scenes where she faces Gestapo. And finally the pay-off – sometimes dramatic, sometimes tragic and in any case quirky. The sequence of presenting us these seven stories is not random. Each new story starts with a letter of admiration, which the chapter’s hero receives from the protagonist of the previous chapter.
Of diverse backgrounds and characters, these women had one thing in common: they ardently fought for freedom. I appreciate the book exactly for this spirit, which has faded in modern Europeans. Nowadays we appease dictators, tolerate inhumanity and are prone to succumb. The book was published in November 2023, amid terrible attacks on Ukraine and Israel. In these dark hours, I found it a timely reminder that we must fearlessly fight our enemies with everything we can.
Of diverse backgrounds and characters, these women had one thing in common: they ardently fought for freedom. I appreciate the book exactly for this spirit, which has faded in modern Europeans. Nowadays we appease dictators, tolerate inhumanity and are prone to succumb. The book was published in November 2023, amid terrible attacks on Ukraine and Israel. In these dark hours, I found it a timely reminder that we must fearlessly fight our enemies with everything we can.
June 22, 2025
Courage Amidst Chaos
"Elegant Espionage" delves into the tragedy of World War II, exploring Nazi-occupied Europe through the courageous sacrifices of seven women. These remarkable characters abandon their old lives to make profound changes in a perilous time, showcasing the true value of life and the strength of the human spirit.
The story presents a compelling premise, but the execution falls short. The writing lacks depth, often telling rather than showing the emotions at play; phrases like “Her first shot was as invigorating as she’d imagined” or “She ran furiously” detract from the impact. Moreover, there are many places in the book where the sentences have the same length and structure, so the reading often becomes redundant.
Despite these shortcomings, the novel highlights the significant yet often overlooked role of women during one of history’s darkest chapters. If you are interested in historical fiction, "Elegant Espionage" is a thought-provoking read worth exploring.
"Elegant Espionage" delves into the tragedy of World War II, exploring Nazi-occupied Europe through the courageous sacrifices of seven women. These remarkable characters abandon their old lives to make profound changes in a perilous time, showcasing the true value of life and the strength of the human spirit.
The story presents a compelling premise, but the execution falls short. The writing lacks depth, often telling rather than showing the emotions at play; phrases like “Her first shot was as invigorating as she’d imagined” or “She ran furiously” detract from the impact. Moreover, there are many places in the book where the sentences have the same length and structure, so the reading often becomes redundant.
Despite these shortcomings, the novel highlights the significant yet often overlooked role of women during one of history’s darkest chapters. If you are interested in historical fiction, "Elegant Espionage" is a thought-provoking read worth exploring.
March 3, 2024
I don't typically read novels, but I do like good biographies. This historical fiction type novel was hard to put down. 7 different women spies, all different personalities and written in short story format so that one can "finish the story" in one evening before mocing on to the connecting segue that leads to the next story. Attention gripping. Fascinating. Stories of real women, who did brave and marvelous things.
October 29, 2025
I forced myself to read past page 10 where I emphatically wanted to drop it in the bin, all the way to page 25 where I officially gave up. The writing leaves a lot to be desired, which is putting it kindly. Somehow I saw the 4+ star reviews and the beautiful cover and thought this would be a riveting historical tale of brave women spies...but I failed to see that there were only 15 reviews. Lies. I was duped. Big face palm.
November 15, 2023
Excellent biographies of seven courageous women who defied tradition to serve as spies and informers against the Nazis during WWII. Each one had their unique story of bravery and torture, even giving their lives to serve their cause and secure a better future for their countries and loved ones. Highly recommended in honor of their sacrifice through a worthy historical perspective.
February 17, 2024
Extraordinary Women
I really enjoyed reading this book that tells the tales of seven extraordinary women who worked with various government spy agencies, resistance groups and support services during WW2. These women didn’t let their gender or the dangers of war stop them from serving their countries.
I really enjoyed reading this book that tells the tales of seven extraordinary women who worked with various government spy agencies, resistance groups and support services during WW2. These women didn’t let their gender or the dangers of war stop them from serving their countries.
January 7, 2026
I had high hopes for this one. But it came up short in so many ways including, writing that felt like it was at a fifth grade level including glaring typographical errors and annoying jumps in the timelines within each story. But the worst and most unforgivable shortcomg to me was the factual error regarding one person's death. In short I wouldn't recommend it and have no desire to read it again.
August 4, 2024
Unbridled courage
These are stories of heroic women who should never be forgotten. Their contributions in WW II , along with many others, should be a reminder that our freedom must always be guarded. We should all be inspired to do all we can to preserve it.
These are stories of heroic women who should never be forgotten. Their contributions in WW II , along with many others, should be a reminder that our freedom must always be guarded. We should all be inspired to do all we can to preserve it.
September 28, 2024
Till today, the immense impact of WWII still lingers and is never to be forgotten, and yet, we, as a nation, worldwide are gravitating toward similar causative factors. As the author illustrated in the allegory, we need fearless heroes to rid us of the modern-day Gestapo. Kudos!
June 9, 2024
Bite-sized bits of history, written in story form! 7 short stories of 7 brave women in WWII. A highly enjoyable read, even if there wasn’t always a happily ever after. I definitely recommend :)
August 21, 2024
This was an interesting and informative collection of short stories about women who served as spies in World War 2. I'm so happy I stumbled upon this book. Well done!
July 23, 2025
Some of these stories were a little deep, and heart breaking. Others had a happy ending. That they were all true was amazing.
November 12, 2025
As the title indicates, this is several stories of the women of the Resistance in France during WWII.
November 11, 2023
If you love World War II history, you will love this collection of short stories based on the lives of real women who risked their lives for the world. Very well written and informative!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews