Code Name Madeleine: A Sufi Spy in Nazi-Occupied Paris

by Arthur J. Magida, James Gillies (reader)

Raised in a lush suburb of 1920s Paris, Noor Inayat Khan was an introspective musician and writer, dedicated to her family and to her father’s spiritual values of harmony, beauty, and tolerance. She did not seem destined for wartime heroism. Yet, faced with the evils of Nazi violence and the German occupation of France, Noor joined the British Special Operations Executive and trained in espionage, sabotage, and reconnaissance. She returned to Paris under an assumed identity immediately before the Germans mopped up the Allies’ largest communications network in France. For crucial months of the war, Noor was the only wireless operator there sending critical information to London, significantly aiding the success of the Allied landing on D-Day. Code-named Madeleine, she became a high-value target for the Gestapo. When she was eventually captured, Noor attempted two daring escapes before she was sent to Dachau and killed just months before the end of the war.


Carefully distilled from dozens of interviews, newly discovered manuscripts, official documents, and personal letters, Code Name Madeleine is both a compelling, deeply researched history and a thrilling tribute to Noor Inayat Khan, whose courage and faith guided her through the most brutal regime in history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, World War II, France, War, Historical

1 pages, Audio CD

First published June 9, 2020

About the author

Arthur J. Magida's new book, Code Name Madeleine: A Sufi Spy in Nazi-Occupied Paris, will be published by W.W. Norton in June 2020.
Advance readers call Code Name Madeleine "a thrilling spy story & a moving portrait of Noor Inayat Khan's courage" and "one of the finest & most affecting true stories of espionage I have read."
A former professor at Georgetown University and at the University of Baltimore and a consultant to several PBS documentaries, Magida has been a columnist for the on-line religion magazine, Beliefnet.com; a contributing correspondent to PBS's "Religion & Ethics Newsweekly;" editorial director of Jewish Lights Publishing; senior editor of the Baltimore Jewish Times; environmental reporter for National Journal; writer/editor for Ralph Nader; director of publications for an energy conservation project; & a reporter for Pennsylvania newspapers.
His op-eds have appeared in major newspapers around the country, he has free-lanced for such publications as Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure, Tikkun & Geo. amd he has appeared on Dateline, the CBS Early Show, Court TV's "Catherine Crier Live," "The MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour," ABC's "World News Tonight," C-Span's "Booknotes," NPR's "Morning Edition" and an A&E documentary.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noor Inayat Khan was an unlikely spy - daughter of an Indian mystic,( a father to whom many chapters in this book are devoted, though for me, too many), Noor was horrified by the atrocities carried out by the Nazis, and decided that she could no longer look the other way, and so she volunteered to help the British as a secret agent.

After being trained in espionage, sabotage and reconnaissance, Special Operation Executives (SOE’S) were sent on their way to occupied France with the parting words “Merde Alors” loosely translating as “You’re in deep shit now “!

Though many doubts were raised about Noor’s suitability during training, with one report noting that she was not overburdened with brains, and was unstable and temperamental, she was nevertheless allowed to continue her training. She became a radio operator, transmitting crucial messages to the Allies and was known by the code name Madeleine.

After aiding the allies for many months, something which proved vital in the lead up to the D Day landings, she was betrayed by someone she knew for a monetary reward. She was captured by the Gestapo, and attempted to escape on two occasions, and was then incarcerated in a prison in Germany before being sent to Dachau concentration camp.

There were times when Noor was incredibly naive and careless - at one point leaving her notebook on the table at a house where she was staying - it contained important messages and codes, which in the wrong hands would have meant certain death for many agents and members of the resistance, luckily for her, the house owner was no Nazi sympathiser. However, let there be no doubt about it, she was an incredibly brave lady, and like so many other brave men and women, she paid the ultimate price in her fight for our freedom. She was executed in 1944 at Dachau concentration camp and uttered just one word before her death “liberté”. I am humbled by, and salute them all.

* Thank you to Netgalley and W.W.Norton for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. This is an excellent account of Noor Inayat Khan, a British spy in WWII occupied Paris. The author has spent a great deal of time time researching Noor's early life, training and activities in France under German occupation. She was captured and executed by the Germans at Dachau. Noor was brought up in the Sufi tradition of harmony, beauty and tolerance. Faced with the overwhelming evil of Nazi occupation of Europe, she realized that she must do something to combat this evil.
Pros: The author has provided a richly detailed portrait of Noor's life. The story is well written and reads easily.
Cons: The author spends the first few chapters explaining Sufism, a mystical religion in more detail than I liked.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a story of courage and resourcefulness in the face of the true depths of evil.
Two quotes:
Noor's father, Inayat Khan: "Rather, he taught the value of meeting the quotidian challenges of life with the wholeness of one's spirit and the truth of one's soul. 'We should first try to become human,' Inayat wrote. 'To become an angel is not very difficult; to be material is very easy; but to live in the world, in all the difficulties and struggles of the world, and to be hum an at the same time, is very difficult."
Noor's upbringing: "We were brought in such a way," Vilayat later said, "that we could not be like other children. The whole atmosphere was rarefied...It was as if we looked at life through stained glass windows."
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Thank You Goodreads, WW Norton and Arthur J. Magida for sending me this book.

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading about the women's contributions during World War 2. While I knew a little bit about the spy network from other nonfiction and historical fiction novels I have read, Noor Inayat Khan was not someone I was very familiar with prior to picking up this book. An interesting and brave woman and I'm glad the author saw the value in writing about her life.

Noor Inayat Khan was born in 1914 in Moscow but spent her childhood living in England and France. Her father, Inayat Khan, was a descendant of Tipu Sultan, a ruler who fought against Britain turning India into a colony. Inayat was a mystic and met Noor's mother during his travels in America. Noor and her siblings were raised in a peace loving home but after war broke out against the Nazis, she decided to join the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. She then trained to become a spy. She was sent to France with a new identity, Madeleine, and her mission as a wireless operator was to transmit secret messages back to the Special Operations Executive in England.

It's always amazing to read these real life stories of courage and there is no doubt Noor was a very brave woman. Now I'll admit one of the more fascinating things I picked up from this book was she wasn't exactly a top notch spy. She could be careless and that frustrated many of the people she worked with during the war. And that to me is what makes her story incredible. She wasn't the best, maybe not the brightest, but she was able to contribute in a meaningful way. She was resilient and wouldn't give up. You don't have to be perfect to be a hero. Noor was a hero.

The last few chapters were difficult to read as I could picture the location quite vividly as it is one I visited while living in Europe. I found myself having to stop and collect myself as I became so emotional while reading. There are certain books that stick with you and Noor and her story is definitely one of those for me.

I highly encourage anyone who likes World War 2 nonfiction or who enjoys learning about courageous women to pick this one up.

I won a free advance copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway by the publisher but was not obligated to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noor Inayat Khan, code named 'Madeleine' was one of the most successful British SOE (Special Operation Executive) wireless operators in Nazi occupied France. For four months in 1943, longer than any other radio operator, she passed messages between Paris and London that were crucial in the planning of D-Day. Arrested in October 1943, she was interrogated for weeks in a Gestapo prison in Paris but never told the Gestapo any information. After trying to escape twice she was transported to Dachau, chained and manacled and placed in a dark and damp isolation cell until she was killed by firing squad three months after D-Day.

Arthur Magida's book not only gives a detailed and well researched account of Noor's recruitment, training and time in Paris with the SOE, but also describes her upbringing in France as the daughter of a famous Indian Sufi mystic that made her a most unusual recruit for the SOE. Her Sufi upbringing meant that she would not tell a lie or kill anyone and it worried her trainers that she might not be able to lie to the Germans to protect herself. A writer of poetry and fairytales, Noor also seemed a little unworldly and dreamy and her beauty made her somewhat noticeable when an agent needed to be unremarkable to blend in. Nevertheless they did send her to France, but she didn't always follow orders, refusing to return to London when her network was compromised and destroyed. Despite SOE rules, she then sought out old friends in her home town to help her, but fortunately not one of them betrayed her. However, also against SOE rules, she inexplicably kept transcripts of the messages she sent and received in her notebook, which allowed the Gestapo to send bogus messages on her radio after her capture, resulting in London sending seven SOE operatives straight into Gestapo hands.

In many ways this account of Noor is stranger than any fiction. It's a fascinating account of a most remarkable young woman who died for her country, after surviving in Nazi occupied France on her wits and refusing to give any information to the Germans despite being imprisoned in the most heinous conditions.

With many thanks to W.W. Norton & Company and Netgalley for a copy of the book to read.

[Jill H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an unusual book which mixes a young woman's religious beliefs with her bravery as a spy during WWII. Noor Inayat Khan was raised in Paris in the Sufi religion of Islam in which her father was a leader. He taught her well in the meanings of truth, loyalty, and mysticism. She was a talented musician and wrote some beautiful poetry (some of which is included in the narrative).

When the Nazis invaded France and occupied Paris, she felt called to join in the struggle to overcome that evil and fled to England. She joined the SOE, which was a rather secret agency at that time and was trained in sabotage, espionage, and reconnaissance. She refused to kill as some spies are forced to do and was an unusual spy but determined to carry out her duties. She was dropped into the outskirts of Paris and set up her radio to report all the information that she could garner. And she was good at what she was sent to do.

I'll leave it there as there is much to tell which would be spoilers for the prospective readers. It is a heartrending history of a dedicated and exceptionally brave young woman and I recommend it.

[Obsidian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please note that I received this via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.

This was really good. I don't know what else to say. Magida did a great job with telling us the story of Noor and how she came to be a spy. Magida also has pictures of Noor's family and different locations that helped tell her story. I also loved that he included further reading for those out there that want to read more information. I finished this book at 80 percent, the remaining parts of it were notes.

"Code Name Madeline: A Sufi Spy in Nazi-Occupied Paris" follows Noor Inayat Khan. She is flying in a plane under the cover of night during a full moon into France. From there Magida traces her family's history (her father was Inayat Khan and was descended from nobility, her mother was Ora Ray Baker, an American). Magida goes into Khan's family and their disapproval of Ora and then we get to Ora's birth in Moscow of all places. The book jumps forward and then we are following Noor as she decides to do what she can to resist Hitler and the Nazi regime. Her story is one of determination and also sadness because you find out what became of her. I had never heard of her before this book and I have to say that Magida did her justice.

The writing I thought was crisp and was filled with so many historical tidbits it keeps you reading. Magida is able to fan your interest with not boring you to death which many writers of history are not that great at.

The flow of the book was really good and was broken up with pictures of Noor, her family, and other things. It really made her came alive to me with the addition of the pictures.

The setting of Europe during the Nazi regime is heartbreaking. Finding out what became of Noor and others during the war still boggles my mind. You wonder how human beings can be so cruel to each other.

The ending to me is bittersweet:

At the close of the day when life's toil fades away,

And all so peaceful sleep,

No rest do I find since Thou left one behind, 'Till

Death around me doth creep.

Bitter nights of despair hath made fragrant the air,

Tear drops hath turned into dew,

I watch and I wait 'till Thou openeth the gate, And

Thy love leadeth one through.

"untitled," Noor Inayat Khan

[Sarah-Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Code Name Madeleine is a rare combination: a work of history that is quick, compelling, and substantive. It's the perfect gift book for anyone interested in WWII or women's history, but it's also just a great—and true—story about what one woman can accomplish, despite her own imperfections (and we all have them).

Code Name Madeleine tell the story of Noor Inayat Khan, daughter of a Sufi mystic father and an American mother. Khan worked as a British agent in occupied France during WWII. Khan's upbringing focused on spiritual values: truth, a refusal to judge others, and non-violence. Her father, however, also taught her that failing to take action against an evil, even if taking action requires violence, can be worse than the original violence itself.

Khan is a quirky woman, ill-suited in many ways for undercover work, but her ill-suitedness actually creates its own kind of competence, not by the book, but effective nonetheless. She may be the only undercover operative ever who was committed to never lying, whether to her handlers or the enemy she way spying upon.

Whether or not you usually read nonfiction, you should read Code Name Madeleine. It will introduce you to a remarkable woman and help you think about the ways we can respond to injustice and cruelty in our own time.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via EdelweissPlus. The opinions are my own.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Liberté!”

Excellent tribute to Noor Inayat Khan. Magida goes to extreme lengths to track not only Noor’s story but also her faith and feelings. Kudos to Magida for a well researched and well written account of Madeleine capturing heroine spirit with insights into sufism.

[AcademicEditor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for profiles in courage, even though they often gloss over flaws and shortcomings, instead dwelling on the preternatural abilities, Hail-Mary saves, and lucky breaks that led to life as we know it.

Noor Inayat Khan's story has some of that, but it also has the more flawed side of things. Rather than choosing the the kind of person who blended in, like most spies, it was a questionable decision to put such a memorable person in Noor's assignment. Her background and personality weren't perfectly suited to espionage, and she made some careless mistakes. Yet her courage and loyalty are stunning and inspiring, and the last few chapters are excruciating to read, even if you know what's coming.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC for the purpose of an unbiased review.

[Becky Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I received this ARC from Goodreads Giveways.
If you’re interested in anything related to females who operated for England or the resistance during WWII in France, this is one that I would recommend! I recognized names from other books I had read like Code Named Lise.

I docked a star because it at times read like a research paper from college. Especially when talking about Sufism. And it leaned heavily on the interpretation of Noor’s father’s teachings and what those ~could mean for Noor. It was more impactful when it was actually Noor’s own words or someone talking about Noor explaining why she did what she did.

Also it just bothered me at times that the author, who is a white male, included offensive terms for minority groups in some of the quotes from people. Just felt very unnecessary.

But ultimately Noor lived a brave and incredible life and I’m glad I now know about her.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what I expected when I bought this book, maybe a spy adventure story. What the book is is so much more than that. Noor Inayat Khan's name is known and celebrated in England, France and at a church near Dachau where she was murdered by the Nazis. I had never heard of her, and I hope her story will become better known here. She was raised by a renowned Sufi musician and teacher, and she stayed clearly purposed as a SOE spy in Paris with her Sufi (a branch of Islam) convictions.

[Nick Guzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book of possibly the sweetest spy in world history. i’ve been reading about Noor for more than 15 years now and this sensitive and thoughtful book gives our dreamy children’s story writer/music student-turned-Allied operative in occupied France the comprehensive biography she deserves

[Maggie V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noor is a well known SOE spy in Europe but very little is known about her in America. I love the background of her family and faith and how she was called to resist and fight because of her Sufi faith. A good read for your WWII history buffs

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unlikely choice for a spy in many ways, Noor Inayat Khan proved her worth and her courage many times over during her time as a radio operator for SOE in occupied France. Having read a number of books about SOE operations, I was familiar with her name, some of her contributions to SOE's wartime efforts, and the tragic end of her story. Without glossing over its subject's flaws and mistakes, this excellent biography digs into Noor Inayat Khan's too short life, SOE activities, and death, drawing an inspiring portrait of one woman's vital work and unflinching bravery when it mattered the most.

[Bill Kupersmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the heroic women of the British Special Operations Executive French station who perished during the Second World War at the hands of the Nazis, Noor Inayet Khan is perhaps the most unlikely, yet the most iconic. Her nationality was neither British nor French, though she was posthumously awarded the George Cross and the Croix de guerre. Her father was a member of the Indian aristocracy who toured Europe and America teaching Sufi mysticism, and her mother an American, from of all places Leon, Iowa (yes, I have been there). Noor was brought up in England and France, a poet and author of children’s stories. At the outbreak of the war she joined the WAAF and was trained as a W/T operator, which made her an attractive prospect for the SOE, which relied on wireless operators to communicate with their agents, along with her fluent French. Despite a head-in-the-clouds poetic affect, and contrary to the expectations of her trainers, she proved a cool and capable operative, handling virtually the entire SOE communications in northern France in 1943 till she was betrayed to the Gestapo in October 1943. She told the Germans nothing, but unfortunately they captured her codes and notes to use against the British. After an escape attempt, Noor was sent to a prison in Germany. On 13 September 1944 she was executed at Dachau along with three other SOE women agents.

My first encounter with Noor was in Sarah Helms’ wonderful A Life in Secrets: Vera Atkins and the Lost Agents of SOE, and if you are learning about the SOE women for the first time, it’s where I would suggest you start. Code Name Madeleine is the first book I have read devoted entirely to Noor. The author Arthur J. Magida seems to have thoroughly researched the subject (i.e. he cites all the books I’ve read and some I haven’t) and I am grateful to have learned so much. Sometimes the tone seemed a trifle condescending, but then I cannot imagine trying to write a biography of someone who was more highly developed spiritually and very much braver than I could ever possibly be. The generation of the Second World War seems to have consisted of some of the very best—as well as the very worst—women and men who have ever existed. Magida writes in a slangy American style that clashes with the setting: an estate car turns into a station wagon and a Nissen hut into a Quonset. But despite the occasionally jarring prose and inaccuracies, the splendid radiance of Noor Inayat Kahn shines through. Would that all young people today knew her story, and those of the other heroic SOE women. A good starting place of YA readers would be Elizabeth Wein’s novel Code Name Verity.

[Maria-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing woman, talented and brave with a remarkable upbringing.
I can't help but think that some of the objectors during her training might have been correct in their assessment. On the other hand there wasn't sufficient training for what was needed mostly due to the time restrains. They really treated these agents as disposable not expected to survive more than a couple of months. It really amazes you how careless some of these agents where often risking their lives and others. Wanting to know a little more about Noor’s r writing I ordered the "Jātaka Tales” on amazon.
This book is well written which makes it an easy read with a lot of details. Obviously a lot of research went into this book. Highly recommend it.

[Samantha Fink · Rating 3 out of 5]

RECEIVED ARC COPY

I love learning about different perspectives to a story and this book allowed that. It showed us a different aspect of a war that most of us are familiar with.

I really enjoyed learning about the character’s life from beginning to end. It was also very moving to see pictures of letters and notes that Noor wrote or saw. It makes it so much more real, not just a story we are reading.

Overall this is a solid read that allowed me to become more knowledgeable and I was able to do it in an entertaining way. If you are interested in history, I would say this book is for you.

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was full of shocking tidbits about how Noor Inayat Khan, the daughter of a Sufi mystic father and an American mother became one of the most successful spies of the British SOE (Special Operation Executive) in Nazi occupied France. I was amazed at her bravery and dedication while reading. She is truly a hero whose name should be well-known in history.

[Jeanette (Ms. Feisty)]

A bit of a slog at times, but an interesting story. These female agents had such extraordinary courage.

[Anne Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Code Name Madeleine" is the moving story of one unlikely hero during World War II: Noor Inayat Khan. Growing up the daughter of a Sufi mystic, Noor learned never to judge others, never to be harsh to them, and never, ever, to lie. But when the Nazis invaded her home country of France she knew she needed to do more than nurse injured soldier- she needed to make a difference. Through Britain's clandestine SOE she learned to operate wireless radios, to hide from Nazis, and to help French resistance create chaos throughout France by damaging Nazi operations. Noor was a gentle, 'otherworldly', woman who had more courage than those who sent her to France anticipated.

The research for this book was detailed, even in places where you wouldn't expect much documentation- like Noor's final prison. There is more repetition than necessary, and in places the book moves slower than I would have expected because of this, but overall "Code Name Madeleine" is a touching and heartfelt story of an inspirational and courageous woman. Noor is one of the hidden heroes who helped bring the Nazi regime to its demise and this book does an excellent job of celebrating her achievements. Readers of "Last Hope Island" and "Madame Foucarde's War" will especially enjoy seeing another piece of British intelligence and French resistance at work.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were plenty of reasons to consider Noor Inayat Khan an unlikely World War II spy. Noor was born into a family with a legacy of Sufi mystics in the family tree. As a Sufi, her father taught that one should confront the struggles of the present, while maintaining one's humanity and avoiding killing. To Noor, that meant helping in the war against Hitler. She wasn't at the top of her Special Operations class, and a few of her evaluations mentioned she might not be suitable. She was small of stature, not particularly athletic, and she might not have the personality. However, she was fluent in French and she was a radio operator, a skill set needed in the build up to D Day. Noor became the first woman radio operator to be dropped into France, and even though most of her cell was captured, she stayed in France from June 1943 until until her own capture in October 1943. This is as much a family history as it is a personal biography and the photographs included put a face on this brave woman. She was arrested, imprisoned, tortured and executed, but she never betrayed any of the names of her colleagues. It was enlightening to read about this you woman, especially since this slice of history, an Indian Sufi working as a spy during WWII, is never mentioned in history books. Highly recommend to women's history and WWII buffs, or to anyone who wants to learn something new.

[Coleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

The author did a great job of investigating the story behind Noor Inayat Khan who spied for the Allies during World War 11 in Paris helping the resistance. Yes, the book moves slowly, but interestingly, detailing what and when and how. It took a lot of time for Noor to become Madeleine, a spy, but there is no doubt that it also took a lot of courage.

Eventually, she was 'successful' and the term is used loosely because even the most successful of those fighting the Nazi's in Paris and through the resistance had short shelf lives. I was amazed at how many of the resistance and spies died and / or were captured trying to out-guess the Nazis.

Knowing that World War 11 ended with the German's losing, is only some consolation. The book was a can't-put- down, keep reading to the very end! Despite some of the gruesome plot, I enjoyed it tremendously.

[Shari Suarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noor Inayat Khan was an unlikely spy. The daughter of an Indian mystic and an American woman, she was raised to believe in peace and nonviolence. But once WWII started she wanted to help the Allies defeat the Nazis. There were serious doubts about her ability to do the job but she was sent into the field and managed to do a brilliant job. Unfortunately, the SOE let her down and her life ended tragically.
This is a scholarly look into her life both before and during the war. It's well researched and a good portrait of a woman living a double life.

[Kenneth M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling book recounting the true story of an unlikely allied spy in World War II. You are transported with her across the English Channel in a flimsy aircraft, landing safely, evading capture for two months, saving thousands of lives by risking and eventually sacrificing her own. The writing is elegiac and captivating. Not preachy, but holds lessons for today about courage and dedication. Dr. Ken Klein

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tells the story of a Sufi-raised woman who has to flee France with her family as the Nazis march in. Arriving in England, Noor and her brother decide they can serve in the war effort without turning their backs on their Sufi upbringing so Noor begins training as a radio operator and is sent to Paris to transmit information back to England on Nazi whereabouts and plans as well as helping to bring other SOE personnel to France to disrupt the Nazi program.

Noor is a quiet person. She does not seem to be a good fit for the SOE in England but she becomes one of their best agents eluding the Nazis far longer than other radio operators. She is a vital link in the line to defeat the Nazis. I liked that her upbringing was discussed as was a brief lesson on Sufism and how her teachings could affect her ability to serve during the war but how she was able to live true to her faith and yet successfully serve. Noor did not seem that she would fit into that world but to watch her was amazing. She was courageous even after her capture. I was saddened that no one would tell or knew how her life ended but she was an inspiration. I am glad I won this book on Goodreads. I learned much as I had never heard of her or heard much about SOE and their part of WWII.

[miru · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will read this book again and again. Noor, you were an amazing person and very courageous, but you are a legend, you made history in World War II.
Just an amazing book ✨✨✨

[John Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently a number of very good non-fiction books have been written about women heroes of the French Resistance during World War II. Code Name Madeleine is one of these. I recommend it.

[A_Place_In The_Orchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't the first book I've read about, or at least involving, Noor Inayat Khan (and she even turtned up in an episode of Doctor Who at the beginning of the year). But it's certainly the most thorough - all the more so because the entire story is so surreal that even knowing it's true (and how it ends) doesn't mean you are able to fully suspend disbelief. The heroism of the SOE in general, and "Madeleine" in particular is something that should never be forgotten, and Magida gives both of those the tribute they deserve.

[Erikka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a stunning biography of a fairly unknown (at least in the US) hero of world war two. Noor Khan was a talented, dedicated, and extremely brave agent of the SOE, sending coded messages to England from Nazi-occupied France. What I enjoyed about this book was how much it humanized her. While embracing and celebrating her heroism, it also shared stories of some of her flaws, her mistakes, and the times when she made fairly iffy choices that could have put her and others in jeopardy. She wasn't some flawless movie spy: she was just a human being wanting to do what was right. I also loved how this book explored the contributions of other SOE agents, showing that even at her loneliest, she was never working alone. I could have done with significantly less detail about her dad and some of the tangential people who entered her life once and had little effect (there are three pages on the guy who flew her into France. Like, a paragraph maybe on that dude. It's Noor's story, not his. I also felt the writing got a bit flowery at times, which to me fits better in a fictional book. I don't need fluff when a person's life is this exciting. Happy 75th anniversary of VE Day and may the world never require the services of another Noor Inayat Khan. (Also, she was portrayed in an episode of Doctor Who about badass women. So that's neat).

[Donna Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was full of information I was totally unaware of. At first I struggled = as my knowledge was non-existent. It was a great read. Learned to know and love Noor. What an incredible woman she was.