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Josephine Baker's Secret War: The African American Star Who Fought for France and Freedom
The full story of Josephine Baker’s wartime and intelligence work in France and North Africa
Before the Second World War, Josephine Baker (1906–1975) was one of the most famous performers in the world. She made her name dancing on the Parisian stage, but when war broke out she decided not to return to America. Instead, Baker turned spy for the French Secret Services.
In this engaging, deeply researched study, Hanna Diamond tells the full story of Baker’s actions for the French and Allied powers in World War Two. Drawing on previously unseen material, Diamond reveals the vital role Baker played throughout the war, from counterintelligence work for the Allied landings in North Africa to serving in the French Air Force in 1944–45. A woman of colour operating in a white male environment, Baker exploited her celebrity to enable her war work across France, Spain, Portugal, North Africa, and the Middle East.
This groundbreaking account is the first to reveal the full significance of Baker’s wartime contribution.
Before the Second World War, Josephine Baker (1906–1975) was one of the most famous performers in the world. She made her name dancing on the Parisian stage, but when war broke out she decided not to return to America. Instead, Baker turned spy for the French Secret Services.
In this engaging, deeply researched study, Hanna Diamond tells the full story of Baker’s actions for the French and Allied powers in World War Two. Drawing on previously unseen material, Diamond reveals the vital role Baker played throughout the war, from counterintelligence work for the Allied landings in North Africa to serving in the French Air Force in 1944–45. A woman of colour operating in a white male environment, Baker exploited her celebrity to enable her war work across France, Spain, Portugal, North Africa, and the Middle East.
This groundbreaking account is the first to reveal the full significance of Baker’s wartime contribution.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published May 6, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 8, 2025
I found this biopic of Josephine Baker and her war years mesmerising, and eerily timely, at a time of fractured international relations. I had the pleasure of reading this book not far from Josephine’s Chateau des Millandes in France, where local people told me how her community efforts brought running water to the village. It was interesting to visit local resistance exhibitions and museums knowing so much more now about how the maquis may have received their funding, in galas in the Middle East, hosted by Josephine, in some cases.
This is a great work of history - herstory - but more notably for me, a work of devotion worthy of Josephine’s own life path. This word, “devotion”, crept through the pages with me all the way. On the desert roads, to dining halls with pashas, to the dark echoes of segregation, and into, at last, the crypts of the Pantheon.
My favourite part was the chapter on Josephine Baker in the Middle East which took us deep into the complex politics of the region in the early 1940s, ahead of the Balfour agreement, so relevant to the situation we see now in 2025. I have found it an extraordinarily timely read given all that hope and faith Josephine and so many had for race relations and international peace in the final years of the Second World War and afterwards. Someone once told me that artists are allowed to be somewhat delusional, and for the artist-activist, Josephine’s visions and dreams - if sometimes wilfully blind on the side of French postcolonial legacies - were inspirational.
I really recommend this work of history and respect to truth, legend and a remarkable life.
This is a great work of history - herstory - but more notably for me, a work of devotion worthy of Josephine’s own life path. This word, “devotion”, crept through the pages with me all the way. On the desert roads, to dining halls with pashas, to the dark echoes of segregation, and into, at last, the crypts of the Pantheon.
My favourite part was the chapter on Josephine Baker in the Middle East which took us deep into the complex politics of the region in the early 1940s, ahead of the Balfour agreement, so relevant to the situation we see now in 2025. I have found it an extraordinarily timely read given all that hope and faith Josephine and so many had for race relations and international peace in the final years of the Second World War and afterwards. Someone once told me that artists are allowed to be somewhat delusional, and for the artist-activist, Josephine’s visions and dreams - if sometimes wilfully blind on the side of French postcolonial legacies - were inspirational.
I really recommend this work of history and respect to truth, legend and a remarkable life.
April 17, 2026
Hanna Diamond often explores different microcosms of the period between 1900 and 1980, including movements for justice and related themes. I received an advance review copy (ARC), and it was well worth it.
Josephine Baker is widely known for her artistic achievements, but this book offers a far more complete picture of her life. In my view, it is the most comprehensive biography of this remarkable figure.
The author places particular emphasis on her role in the French Resistance and her work for the French military intelligence service, the Deuxième Bureau. This all took place at a time when intelligence services were dominated by men and white elites, and when a Black woman in such a position was extremely rare.
The book describes several conflict situations that are difficult to imagine today – and perhaps should be.
Her artistic work, both before and after the Second World War up to her death, is covered in such depth that it almost feels as if multiple authors were involved. Highly recommended.
Josephine Baker is widely known for her artistic achievements, but this book offers a far more complete picture of her life. In my view, it is the most comprehensive biography of this remarkable figure.
The author places particular emphasis on her role in the French Resistance and her work for the French military intelligence service, the Deuxième Bureau. This all took place at a time when intelligence services were dominated by men and white elites, and when a Black woman in such a position was extremely rare.
The book describes several conflict situations that are difficult to imagine today – and perhaps should be.
Her artistic work, both before and after the Second World War up to her death, is covered in such depth that it almost feels as if multiple authors were involved. Highly recommended.
November 12, 2025
This book successfully tells the tale of Josephine Baker's life and career during the Second World War; her work for the French intelligence services in gathering information, and playing a useful propaganda and morale boosting role for allied forces, constantly touring and putting on her shows, very much it seems at the cost of her health, which frequently lays her low for long periods of time. An unabashed and proudly naturalised French citizen she devotedly seeks to support France, refuses to perform in Paris under the Occupation, and also seeks to promote greater racial harmony through her committment to the war effort.
For someone like me who knew little of her life outside of this, then other biographies will be necessary to learn about her earlier life. This book is tightly focused on the war period, with the rest of her timeline either side of this restricted to a few pages.
I found it informative and very interesting, but in it's meticulous referencing, and with all due historian caution at play, a fuller sense of her personality, was - not absent, you can definitely get a flavour of who she was from her own testimony, and those who she worked with who greatly admired here - but nevertheless felt a bit limited. Additionally, it seemed to often feel like in the second half of the book, that it often became a series of listing places she performed with some reviews thrown in, there did not appear to be substantial detail as to war work outside of that, whereas earlier in the book we can see how she was accumulating information through her personal connections and passing it on. That may be due to the limitations to which the primary sources have placed on what we can know, and I may be being harsh, but sometimes in that later period I thought 'is that it?' at times.
Though that should not take away from the fact she was clearly an undoubted francophile who DID very much play an important role - she was awarded honours afterwards after all and her ashes interred in the pantheon - for which she was justly proud, and she should be rightly appreciated.
For someone like me who knew little of her life outside of this, then other biographies will be necessary to learn about her earlier life. This book is tightly focused on the war period, with the rest of her timeline either side of this restricted to a few pages.
I found it informative and very interesting, but in it's meticulous referencing, and with all due historian caution at play, a fuller sense of her personality, was - not absent, you can definitely get a flavour of who she was from her own testimony, and those who she worked with who greatly admired here - but nevertheless felt a bit limited. Additionally, it seemed to often feel like in the second half of the book, that it often became a series of listing places she performed with some reviews thrown in, there did not appear to be substantial detail as to war work outside of that, whereas earlier in the book we can see how she was accumulating information through her personal connections and passing it on. That may be due to the limitations to which the primary sources have placed on what we can know, and I may be being harsh, but sometimes in that later period I thought 'is that it?' at times.
Though that should not take away from the fact she was clearly an undoubted francophile who DID very much play an important role - she was awarded honours afterwards after all and her ashes interred in the pantheon - for which she was justly proud, and she should be rightly appreciated.
January 31, 2026
This is not a true biography of Josephine Baker, but a wonderful study of her life during World War II. Baker was living in France prior to the start of the war, she was a true star entertainer. While famous and successful she was outspoken against the Nazis and loyally stayed in Paris until just before it fell. Baker then went to Vichy France. She then volunteered to report on what she saw in France and communicate that to Allied Forces. The book recounts how her fame and charm allowed her to go to Portugal and Spain with minimal exam and then meet with Allies and pass on the information. She eventually had to leave even Vichy France and go to North Africa where she continued her intelligence work, often at the risk of discovery and capture.
Baker also supported the allies by entertaining Allied Troops in North Africa. The book shows that this was not the normal "Star" entertaining, but included difficult travel, lodging and being subject to enemy fire. It also details her going out of her way to meet with African American troops and fought against that day's segregation.
The book has its fun parts. Her various outfits, songs and dances are described, noting that she dressed and performed according to audience--more modest outfits and dances for the staid British, more provocative and risque for the fun loving French.
A great book!
Baker also supported the allies by entertaining Allied Troops in North Africa. The book shows that this was not the normal "Star" entertaining, but included difficult travel, lodging and being subject to enemy fire. It also details her going out of her way to meet with African American troops and fought against that day's segregation.
The book has its fun parts. Her various outfits, songs and dances are described, noting that she dressed and performed according to audience--more modest outfits and dances for the staid British, more provocative and risque for the fun loving French.
A great book!
July 14, 2025
Hanna Diamond seeks to unravel the mysterious story of Josephine Baker's clandestine work for the French Intelligence service during the Second World War in a metiulously researched and cross-referenced examination of the available historical records and newspaper archives. The need to maintain the historical context dominates the narrative of the African American woman from St. Louis who gained stardom in Paris as an entertainer, became a French citizen through marriage, and when war came, devoted her energies and service to her adopted nation.
The story is complicated by gaps in the archives, the details of intelligence missions supported by attestations rather that specific records. Inaccuracies in published accounts as well as exaggerations and revisions that crept into the retelling by the principals muddy the picture as well. In that sense, this reader was left with the impression of a story left undone. However, Josephine Baker's committment to France during the war is unquestioned. Her ability to adapt and reinvent herself as times and circumstances changed was remarkable, and her life as a whole inspirational.
The story is complicated by gaps in the archives, the details of intelligence missions supported by attestations rather that specific records. Inaccuracies in published accounts as well as exaggerations and revisions that crept into the retelling by the principals muddy the picture as well. In that sense, this reader was left with the impression of a story left undone. However, Josephine Baker's committment to France during the war is unquestioned. Her ability to adapt and reinvent herself as times and circumstances changed was remarkable, and her life as a whole inspirational.
October 3, 2026
What an exciting woman! And a brave woman too! She was far ahead of anyone, but especially women, when she made her own decisions about where to live (she was born in Louisiana but France also claimed her. A dancer, an artist, a spy for the Allies, and a great lover who orchestrated her romances.
Unfortunately for this author, I just finished Candace Millard’s “Teddy Roosevelt and the River of Doubt.” And comparing this biography to Millard’s , I can only say that the author recited what Ms. Baker did and where she was located, but without any dialogue, for me it fell short.
Unfortunately for this author, I just finished Candace Millard’s “Teddy Roosevelt and the River of Doubt.” And comparing this biography to Millard’s , I can only say that the author recited what Ms. Baker did and where she was located, but without any dialogue, for me it fell short.
November 17, 2025
While I knew Josephine Baker was an Allied spy during WW2, the specifics were entirely new to me. This book does a great job at bringing her story to life, while attempting to separate truth from embellishment. It also drives home just how much of what is taught in America about WW2 is through a very specific lens.
February 18, 2026
Josephine Baker’s life was fascinating to read about, but the writing was a bit dry and tended to go into details about other people that didn’t seem all that relevant. I have listened to her music before, though, without knowing anything about her and her part in World War II. So overall, I enjoyed learning more about this fascinating woman.
July 6, 2025
interesting story about a real French resistance "spy." Josephine was able to interact with people across cultures due to her status as an entertainer. Her later years were sad as she struggled to keep entertaining, fight racism, and get recognition for her war-time efforts.
January 20, 2026
The book is well written, but if you are expecting a fully fleshed out review of Baker’s actions during WW2, especially as a source of intelligence information, it really isn’t that. Instead it is a breakdown of her activities including that and her actions supporting the Allied troops.
March 18, 2026
3.5 First half of the book is a solid 4 but it drags and meanders off topic during the 2nd half.
August 8, 2025
Hanna Diamonds skildring av Josephine Bakers tid som hemlig agent för den franska motståndsrörelsen är en bok som lovar mycket i inledningen, men som tyvärr tappar i styrka mot slutet.
Berättelsen pendlar kraftigt i tempo; vissa partier – särskilt de som skildrar hennes dramatiska tid i Nordafrika – är levande, fängslande och djupt fascinerande. Andra avsnitt är betydligt tyngre att ta sig igenom. När de historiska källorna uppenbarligen inte räcker till faller författaren tyvärr i fällan att fylla ut tomrummen med transportsträckor som tillför väldigt lite till helheten.
Bakers personliga mod, hennes kompromisslösa engagemang i motståndsrörelsen och hennes livslånga kamp mot rasism är naturligtvis helt beundransvärda och höjda över alla tvivel. Mot den bakgrunden blir det dock en lite mänsklig paradox, och rentav överraskande, hur mycket av hennes efterkrigstid som tycks ha ägnats åt att aktivt söka personligt erkännande för just dessa insatser.
Samtidigt sätter beslutet att ge henne en plats i Panthéon år 2021 punkt för den diskussionen på ett fint sätt. Det var en historisk och välförtjänt upprättelse som slutgiltigt cementerade hennes plats i historien.
En läsvärd men stundtals ojämn biografi om en tveklöst extraordinär människa.
Berättelsen pendlar kraftigt i tempo; vissa partier – särskilt de som skildrar hennes dramatiska tid i Nordafrika – är levande, fängslande och djupt fascinerande. Andra avsnitt är betydligt tyngre att ta sig igenom. När de historiska källorna uppenbarligen inte räcker till faller författaren tyvärr i fällan att fylla ut tomrummen med transportsträckor som tillför väldigt lite till helheten.
Bakers personliga mod, hennes kompromisslösa engagemang i motståndsrörelsen och hennes livslånga kamp mot rasism är naturligtvis helt beundransvärda och höjda över alla tvivel. Mot den bakgrunden blir det dock en lite mänsklig paradox, och rentav överraskande, hur mycket av hennes efterkrigstid som tycks ha ägnats åt att aktivt söka personligt erkännande för just dessa insatser.
Samtidigt sätter beslutet att ge henne en plats i Panthéon år 2021 punkt för den diskussionen på ett fint sätt. Det var en historisk och välförtjänt upprättelse som slutgiltigt cementerade hennes plats i historien.
En läsvärd men stundtals ojämn biografi om en tveklöst extraordinär människa.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews