What do you think?
Rate this book
Odette
ODETTE: THE STORY OF A BRITISH AGENT is perhaps the most moving of all records of war heroism. In 1942 a young Frenchwoman living in Somerset with her three little girls answered a broadcast appeal for holiday photographs to be sent to the War Office. She was invited to London for an interview, and a startling proposition was put to her. Reluctantly she accepted it. In a few months she had been trained as a British agent and, under the name "Céline", infiltrated into Southern France. Her run there was short but lively. She worked with the Resistance Movement, organising sabotage and the reception of parachuted agents and supplies. After six months the Germans arrested her with her Commanding Officer, known as "Raoul". So began her long ordeal in prison and concentration-camp. The Gestapo put certain questions to her; she had nothing to say, even after they had pulled out all her toenails. But her replies on other matters were such as to draw suspicion from her Commanding Officer to herself. The Gestapo condemned her to death, but did not kill her. After a year in a Parisian prison she was moved to the infamous concentration-camp for women at Ravensbrück. There she was buried for three months in total darkness, and witnessed the mass execution of her fellow-prisoners in the spring of 1945. To save his skin, the Camp Commandant took her with him to meet the advancing Americans. So Odette Sanson lived to receive the George Cross, the highest British decoration for gallantry that can be awarded to a woman. She also holds the M.B.E. and the French Légion d'Honneur. In 1947 she became the wife of her 'chief', Captain Peter Churchill, D.S.O., M.C.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1949
18 people are currently reading
222 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 5, 2018
This was a haunting tale of one woman’s incredible fortitude as a member of the French Resistance during World War II. The author, Penny Starns, has a doctorate in history, with her specialty being the Second World War. This biography is clearly well researched and so very readable! Although she had been born in France, Odette married an Englishman and lived in Britain during the early years of her marriage. There, she watched with increasing alarm as events in Europe escalated, and was eager to make a contribution to the war effort. Despite having three small children, and much to her husband’s dismay, Odette acceded to the recruitment efforts of the SOE. Being a French native enhanced her appeal as an undercover agent. After operating for a time in occupied France, she was captured, tortured, and ultimately dispatched to the notorious Ravensbruck concentration camp. Odette did manage to survive, although her ordeal was unspeakably bleak and horrific.
Returning to great acclaim in England as her exploits became known, she found herself the recipient of two very prestigious awards, the George Cross, the highest British decoration for gallantry that can be awarded to a woman, and the Member of the British Empire. During her time in France the beautiful Odette had had had an affair with her superior officer, Peter Churchill, and ended up marrying him after the war. All of this contributed immensely to the public fascination. Fame was short-lived, however, as adoring fans turned fickle, succumbing to doubts voiced by some as to the authenticity of her exploits. I believe the controversy surrounding her life remains somewhat unresolved.
Interestingly, she was a very humble person, maintaining that she’d done no more than numerous others, and making a great effort to see that many of those who failed to return were recognized. ‘Odette always maintained that her fellow female SOE agents had suffered and committed acts of bravery that were far greater and more important than her own.’ Amazing to me was the author’s revelation that Odette had come through her ordeal unmarred by bitterness or resentment! ‘When reflecting on the course of her life in later years Odette continued to express generosity and forgiveness towards those who had persecuted her, both during and after the war’. What an unforgettable tale of quiet heroism, although some may question whether her priorities were skewed.
Returning to great acclaim in England as her exploits became known, she found herself the recipient of two very prestigious awards, the George Cross, the highest British decoration for gallantry that can be awarded to a woman, and the Member of the British Empire. During her time in France the beautiful Odette had had had an affair with her superior officer, Peter Churchill, and ended up marrying him after the war. All of this contributed immensely to the public fascination. Fame was short-lived, however, as adoring fans turned fickle, succumbing to doubts voiced by some as to the authenticity of her exploits. I believe the controversy surrounding her life remains somewhat unresolved.
Interestingly, she was a very humble person, maintaining that she’d done no more than numerous others, and making a great effort to see that many of those who failed to return were recognized. ‘Odette always maintained that her fellow female SOE agents had suffered and committed acts of bravery that were far greater and more important than her own.’ Amazing to me was the author’s revelation that Odette had come through her ordeal unmarred by bitterness or resentment! ‘When reflecting on the course of her life in later years Odette continued to express generosity and forgiveness towards those who had persecuted her, both during and after the war’. What an unforgettable tale of quiet heroism, although some may question whether her priorities were skewed.
April 2, 2011
I finished this at half two this morning, which is an indication of how wonderful it is.
This is the biography of the remarkable Odette Samson, but the beautiful language Ticckel uses means it reads almost like fiction.
Only complaint I would have is that it ends when the war does; I would have loved to be able to carry on reading.
This is the biography of the remarkable Odette Samson, but the beautiful language Ticckel uses means it reads almost like fiction.
Only complaint I would have is that it ends when the war does; I would have loved to be able to carry on reading.
January 2, 2026
Absolutely fascinating mostly as a historical document, in that it purports to be a biography but does not reveal any aspect of how it has gotten its information. Presumably the author conducted interviews with Odette to write this but wouldn't you want to SAY THAT somewhere in the prose? Or even just the foreword or afterword? It is an enormous issue for any reader because this book frequently gives us Odette's private thoughts and feelings and because it quite frankly verges on hagiography. And makes NO reference to war records or idk interview transcripts which might have made it a more believable historical document! Well anyway there were some interesting differences from the film, and it IS very fascinating as a historical artefact.
July 21, 2020
This is a badly written book about a brave and inspiring woman. The flippant writing, meant, I suppose, to show off the wit and flair of the author,was a bore to wade through and did not do justice to his subject matter.
Question: How is it that after we learn she marries a Brit and moves to England, not one word is mentioned about her husband again until the end when we learn in a postscript that he died while she was imprisoned The poor man simply ceased to exist.
Question: How is it that after we learn she marries a Brit and moves to England, not one word is mentioned about her husband again until the end when we learn in a postscript that he died while she was imprisoned The poor man simply ceased to exist.
March 21, 2009
A remarkable true story from WWII. An ordinary mother, wife doing extraordinary things during the war, become a british agent and withstanding torture from the Gestapo and surviving prision, and Ravensbrook Concentration Camp - this story took me through so many emotions, I laughed and cried. A must read.
August 6, 2011
This book is well worth a read. It's ironic that a German officer had to point out to Odette that as a mother of 3 children her first loyalties should have been with looking after her children not as a spy in the war effort.....
October 31, 2019
“They are all our mothers and sisters. You would not be able to either learn or play in freedom today, yes, you may not have even been born, if such women had not stood their soft, slender bodies before you and your future like protective steel shields throughout the Facist terrors”.
No truer word spoken, and one in danger of being forgotten...this is what should be taught in schools...w should never forget the sacrifice these women made in conditions none of us can imagine , let alone experience.
What was shocking is out of the 7 SOE women incarcerated with her in Karlsruhe, she was the only one sentenced to death, but survived and then to return and be questioned as to whether she collaborated in order to survive!
Her mental strength is quite frankly inspiring..where others would have folded she stood fast and kept her secrets.
An amazing true story that you must read...it has effected me deeply. She is a real hero and should be more well known in today’s society.
No truer word spoken, and one in danger of being forgotten...this is what should be taught in schools...w should never forget the sacrifice these women made in conditions none of us can imagine , let alone experience.
What was shocking is out of the 7 SOE women incarcerated with her in Karlsruhe, she was the only one sentenced to death, but survived and then to return and be questioned as to whether she collaborated in order to survive!
Her mental strength is quite frankly inspiring..where others would have folded she stood fast and kept her secrets.
An amazing true story that you must read...it has effected me deeply. She is a real hero and should be more well known in today’s society.
November 5, 2023
One of the best spy books I've ever read.
The story of Odette Sansom during WWII whom is infiltrated into France as a spy courier.
When captured she is interrogated many times and badly tortured. Imprisoned in Fresnes then Ravensbruck as a political prisoner.
The story is very detailed and not for the faint at heart.
The story of Odette Sansom during WWII whom is infiltrated into France as a spy courier.
When captured she is interrogated many times and badly tortured. Imprisoned in Fresnes then Ravensbruck as a political prisoner.
The story is very detailed and not for the faint at heart.
May 3, 2018
3.5* A great book about a courageous woman.
May 11, 2018
Amazing woman and amazing true story.
June 8, 2021
Not my usual choice of book, but interesting to read
Want to read
May 15, 2023The film is bad enough, harrowing, so I'll probably ever get around to reading this. She was so brave.
December 16, 2024
Very slow start, gets better half way through.
May 8, 2025
re-read this recently.Great true story of a woman who became a spy in France in WW 2.
April 13, 2020
Connection Through Friends
I had read this book as a teenager and I have seen the film but decided to re-read it after discovering that my friend, Richard Hallowes, is the nephew of Odette's third husband.
It is the story of immense courage, personal sacrifice and human fortitude, written in the style of the 1960's it holds you from the first page to the last.
Courage like this should not e forgotten
I had read this book as a teenager and I have seen the film but decided to re-read it after discovering that my friend, Richard Hallowes, is the nephew of Odette's third husband.
It is the story of immense courage, personal sacrifice and human fortitude, written in the style of the 1960's it holds you from the first page to the last.
Courage like this should not e forgotten
December 12, 2017
A stunning book with everything one requires from adventure, romance, to complete terror, accept it is a true story- the life of Odette Sansom, Hallows, Churchill.
Tickell takes you on the ride through Odette's life from her early childhood, through to her war time endeavours where she was awarded the George Cross. It is harrowing at times, as she suffered terrible torture at the hands of the Nazi interrogators, to the time she was imprisoned in a blacked out cell with no heating for a winter.
A truly inspiring story for those with a strong stomach.
PS It is well worth knowing that Peter Churchill also wrote three books about the time during WW2,when he was Odette's lead in their undercover spy ring.
Tickell takes you on the ride through Odette's life from her early childhood, through to her war time endeavours where she was awarded the George Cross. It is harrowing at times, as she suffered terrible torture at the hands of the Nazi interrogators, to the time she was imprisoned in a blacked out cell with no heating for a winter.
A truly inspiring story for those with a strong stomach.
PS It is well worth knowing that Peter Churchill also wrote three books about the time during WW2,when he was Odette's lead in their undercover spy ring.
June 23, 2014
The book was written in 1948, and reissued in this format in 2008. I have read it before and seen the 1950 film several times.
It is a beautifully written narrative about an extremely brave Frenchwoman who left her three young daughters behind in England to work as a courier for the Resistance in France in 1942. Betrayed, she was arrested in April 1943 and spent the rest of the war in prison, interrogated by the Gestapo, tortured and finally sent to Ravensbruck to await her execution. Odette Sanson was one of the very lucky few who survived.
The book was written fifty years ago, and since then files have been opened; historians have examined the evidence; Vera Atkins has not allowed those women who did not come back to disappear from the radar as unknown unnamed statistics. But the book is of its time. The war might be over but living conditions in 1948 were still bleak. Europe needed heroes and heroines and stories of incredible courage. The biography reads as a simple, almost naive narrative. No questions. No attempt at analysis. We now know that there was a double agent in Paris with access to S.O.E. headquarters in London working for the Abwehr counter-espionage centre in Paris. Stupid blunders were made. But, ignoring this later knowledge, read the biography as is, a moving account of the triumph of spirit over adversity.
An advantage of this later edition is that we are given a brief insight into Odette's post-war life and activities.
It is a beautifully written narrative about an extremely brave Frenchwoman who left her three young daughters behind in England to work as a courier for the Resistance in France in 1942. Betrayed, she was arrested in April 1943 and spent the rest of the war in prison, interrogated by the Gestapo, tortured and finally sent to Ravensbruck to await her execution. Odette Sanson was one of the very lucky few who survived.
The book was written fifty years ago, and since then files have been opened; historians have examined the evidence; Vera Atkins has not allowed those women who did not come back to disappear from the radar as unknown unnamed statistics. But the book is of its time. The war might be over but living conditions in 1948 were still bleak. Europe needed heroes and heroines and stories of incredible courage. The biography reads as a simple, almost naive narrative. No questions. No attempt at analysis. We now know that there was a double agent in Paris with access to S.O.E. headquarters in London working for the Abwehr counter-espionage centre in Paris. Stupid blunders were made. But, ignoring this later knowledge, read the biography as is, a moving account of the triumph of spirit over adversity.
An advantage of this later edition is that we are given a brief insight into Odette's post-war life and activities.
May 16, 2016
I found this gushing one-dimensional book very tedious. Then on reading further the scandal following Odette and her lover (who became her second husband) and accusations they embellished and exaggerated their wartime contributions and dangers just tainted this biased book even more. I have no doubt she endured torture and hardship once she was captured and you had to be certain type of person to undertake espionage work, but I think as an insight into an SOE operative and a woman this book is so superficial it should be ignored. Especially since she only operated as an agent for less than a year and most of that was in Cannes.
May 10, 2012
Biographies can be tedious. Lists of dates, places and events. Not this one! The story of Odette, a Second World War Resistance fighter sent into occupied France as a British agent, is gripping from start to finish. The author treats the story more a s a piece of fiction rather than a factual account. In this instance it works very well.
A story of a woman with guts, courage, pride and love for her homeland, France.
A story of a woman with guts, courage, pride and love for her homeland, France.
September 17, 2011
Picked this one up at a local church book sale for $1.00.
Re-read this one again over some months - it is what I refer to as my handbag-book - the one that slots neatly into my bag to be brought out at various stages when I need to read.
I too was a bit disappointed that the story ended with the war - I would loved to have discovered more about this remarkable woman - one of many.
Re-read this one again over some months - it is what I refer to as my handbag-book - the one that slots neatly into my bag to be brought out at various stages when I need to read.
I too was a bit disappointed that the story ended with the war - I would loved to have discovered more about this remarkable woman - one of many.
September 26, 2025
This is the exceptional true story of an incredibly brave young woman.
A British agent infiltrated into southern France to work with the resistance. After six months she is captured by the Germans, tortured, and then sent to Ravensbruck.
Against all odds she survives.
A British agent infiltrated into southern France to work with the resistance. After six months she is captured by the Germans, tortured, and then sent to Ravensbruck.
Against all odds she survives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2009
An absolutely stunning film, starring Anna Neagle as Odette. The book was every bit as terrible and wonderful to read.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews