Rose Rosetree > Recent Status Updates

Drawing closer to D-Day, it seems that time is running out for Virginia and those she is working tirelessly to protect.

The perfect disguise. Virginia has returned to France, disguised as an old peasant. And thus socially invisible.

What an act of selflessness for a striking attractive woman, in the prime of life, to sacrifice her appearance that way.

One more reason to love and admire Virginia! No vanity. Only purpose!

Those Nazis did unspeakable cruelty, creating such wreckage. As if they weren't nutso enough at this point, in France our Virginia was like their Public Enemy #1.

Meanwhile, amazingly, she's still surviving. Right now, as I follow her saga, she has gone to great lengths to change her appearance. Such as having her gorgeous teeth ground down to look like an elderly peasant.

I gave myself a day to read something less SCARY.

Virginia remains such a hero! Her story inspires me no end.

Wishing inspiration to all of you Goodreads Friends!

Usually I avoid physical suspense in movies and streaming entertainment. And I wouldn't even pick up a book with that.

Yet I have felt so drawn to the quiet heroism of Virginia. Where the greatest inspiration in her life came from her father - in a dream. That she MUST survive. And, I gather, she must keep helping the people.

Strong men, with two legs each, had given up to die on this horrible path.
Wolves and bears would eat them.

And wait, Goodreaders, until you read Virginia's (now legendary) little message that she was coming back.

Virginia is a woman of great importance to me. Escaping at the very last minute from Nazi-controlled France, her physical courage and endurance moved me so! Walking nonstop over mountains, in snow, with blood pooling in one of her socks because of injury to her prosthesis . . .

This isn't exactly about Amazing Virginia, leader of the French Resistance.

But today something here on Goodreads caught my eye, and I couldn't think of a better place to share this news.

Today I have officially reviewed 4,900 books. Not that I've finished them all. Fellow Goodreaders, I feel very comfortable in our community of people who read.❤️

Ugh, I've made the acquaintence of Aleche, a double agent who is putting Virginia and others in danger. An unscrupulous "priest."

At least the book is only halfway done. This brings me some hope.

No question, this is the most suspenseful book or movie or TV show I've ever seen.

The pacing of the narrative, the gorgeous audiobook narration, are never shrill. Only factual. And what facts!

Hitler is tightening the screws. His crackdown on The Resistance is beyond ugly.

Our hero is facing impossible odds.

Goodreaders, you think you have problems? You think you're under pressure?

Me too, sometimes.

It's so instructive and inspiring to learn about Virginia showing up every time. Effectively. No self-pity. No excuses. Just courage and effectiveness.

SHE IS MY HERO. What is a great book!

But Sonia Purnell's writing and pacing, the sheer humanity of this story as she tells it, has hooked me for sure.

If you read this, I'll bet you'll become a fan too. My audiobook copy comes from Libby, if that helps.

This just came out in an exchange here on Goodreads. With thanks to my 6 likers here:

Goodreads friends, I appreciate your likes. I've never read anything so suspenseful, nor have I watched any movie that approached this degree of suspense.

The suspense is building.

How long can Virginia last, as a linchpin of the resistance? How long can she last period?

So much hatred, torture, and cruelty from the Nazis in France, as the resistance picks up steam.

So much courage from heroic Virginia!

A hair-raising, breathtaking escape of Nazi prisoners.

Masterminded by Virginia.

Truly thrilling, far more than any movie I've ever seen. (Not that my taste runs to SCARY.)

We learn how vital wireless operators to keep the French Resistance going - and what one particularly courageous operator did to keep on broadcasting.

Incredible suspense, soul-stirring heroism!

These wild tales of indomitable, compassionate Virginia are leaving me open-mouthed. Her amazing rescues and her becoming THE leader of the French Resistance against Nazis - well, compared to her, "The Scarlet Pimpernel" was merely crocheting doilies!

(Much as I loved that book too.)

How grimy and sordid the business of war can be. Sonia takes us through the saga of Le Chatte, a TRIPLE agent.

How will Virginia ever get past this mess?

A horrifying scene, when Olive and Virginia were nearly in a death trap, yet escaped. Also, thank goodness, we see the last of Churchill, the braggart and incompetent spy.

Wasn't it enough that Virginia had the Gestapo to contend with? In the desperate poverty of France under the Vichy regime, even soap was hard to purchase.

Author Sonia Purnell used the word "grubby" to describe everyday life.

A boastful, chauvinistic upstart named "Churchill," unfortunately, is acting much like a villian. I hope he soon exits this true story.

One of the tricks employed for the sake of the Resistance involved Germaine's workers with syphillis.

Usually, once diagnosed, they received speedy treatment, and were not allowed to service customers until cured. But diseased workers were encouraged to turn tricks for the Nazi generals, then get treatment.

Virginia's friend Germaine - I've mentioned that Germaine was a madam. Today I read about how many of the prostitutes were in cahoots with the Resistance.

Helpful: Many of their regular customers were German generals. Hitler encouraged using prostitues. He said it helped his generals fight better.

At this point, doing what she can to set up the French Resistance, our heroine has three names.

She has befriended a woman with whom she has - surprisingly - a great deal in common: An influential Frenchwoman who runs a house of ill repute.

Both love danger and are fearless in their pursuit of restoring French independence from the Nazis - and the deplorable Vichy regime.

Family visited and I had the time of my life. Even superb books like this one pale by comparison.

I'm so grateful to you friends on Goodreads. You are a second kind of family to me. Wishing you a happiest yet kind of New Year.

Today I did almost no reading of books, almost no work, just visiting with family who are here from the West Coast, plus cooking and celebrating the goodness of close relationships.

Friends on Goodreads, I wish you that kind of happiness - whatever is your equivalent.

Libby took back the book. It was time.

Now I'll have to request it again. I sure will!!!!!!!

The connection between Eleanor Roosevelt and the food movement of feminists at Cornell University -- so important for transforming her into a woman who could find her place in the world.

And not just, as noted by Laura Shapiro, dress up and conduct small talk for the rest of her life.