The Sisterhood

The Secret History of Women at the CIA

By: Liza Mundy

Narrated by: Liza Mundy

Length: 18 hrs

Publisher's summary

A “rip-roaring” (Steve Coll), “staggeringly well-researched” (The New York Times) history of three generations at the CIA, “electric with revelations” (Booklist) about the women who fought to become operatives, transformed spycraft, and tracked down Osama bin Laden, from the bestselling author of Code Girls

A NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW EDITORS’ CHOICE • A FOREIGN POLICY AND SMITHSONIAN BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

In development as a series from Lionsgate Television, executive produced by Scott Delman (Station Eleven)

Created in the aftermath of World War II, the Central Intelligence Agency relied on women even as it attempted to channel their talents and keep them down. Women sent cables, made dead drops, and maintained the agency’s secrets. Despite discrimination—even because of it—women who started as clerks, secretaries, or unpaid spouses rose to become some of the CIA’s shrewdest operatives.

They were unlikely spies—and that’s exactly what made them perfect for the role. Because women were seen as unimportant, pioneering female intelligence officers moved unnoticed around Bonn, Geneva, and Moscow, stealing secrets from under the noses of their KGB adversaries. Back at headquarters, women built the CIA’s critical archives—first by hand, then by computer. And they noticed things that the men at the top didn’t see. As the CIA faced an identity crisis after the Cold War, it was a close-knit network of female analysts who spotted the rising threat of al-Qaeda—though their warnings were repeatedly brushed aside.

After the 9/11 attacks, more women joined the agency as a new job, targeter, came to prominence. They showed that data analysis would be crucial to the post-9/11 national security landscape—an effort that culminated spectacularly in the CIA’s successful effort to track down bin Laden in his Pakistani compound.

Propelled by the same meticulous reporting and vivid storytelling that infused Code Girls, The Sisterhood offers a riveting new perspective on history, revealing how women at the CIA ushered in the modern intelligence age, and how their silencing made the world more dangerous.

©2023 Liza Mundy (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Based on more than 100 interviews, published histories, academic articles, declassified documents and personal writings, The Sisterhood is a deeply researched, exhaustive read spanning seven decades of CIA history.”—Smithsonian

“Liza Mundy recognizes how rescuing stories from the past can illuminate bias and abuse, and she does so in her latest book. . . . The Sisterhood offers a different and valuable inside look at an agency that has long fascinated American culture.”—Washington Post

“Staggeringly well-researched . . . Mundy, who has written four other books, including the similarly sweeping Code Girls, delivers suspenseful stories of women like Heidi August, a onetime clerk who went on to spend three decades in the C.I.A. and became one of its first female station chiefs; and Lisa Manfull Harper, who worked menial jobs for a decade before being permitted to complete certification as a sleuth.”—The New York Times

Don’t Mess with these Women

This is one of the best books I have ever listened to. It is thoroughly researched and very well-written. The patriotism of the women whose stories are recounted is truly inspiring. It is such a shame that the talents and gifts of these extraordinary women were often overlooked, dismissed or ignored. Yet, they persisted. A great listen!

Fabulous Unknown History

What an eye-opener! I did not know any of this history and, as an older woman  who experienced the same prejudices,  I responded with strong emotions. A well -written, detailed  account of brilliant, strong and motivated women who have served our country.  A true contribution to American history.  So worthwhile. 

Outstanding Performance

The Sisterhood reads like a documentary you just don’t want to put down. Easy to listen to and gripping stories about the Women of the CIA.

Once again women save the day. Duh.

The enormous and often times unacknowledged contribution of women in the CIA and the abuse they faced in a system dominated by the male ego was staggering. I especially enjoyed the trip through history and around the world. It is simply outstanding.

Fascinating Information of CIA Operations

Although the book traces the contribution of women in the CIA from its beginning to the present, it reveals much more about inner CIA workings by using case examples. Part way through the book, I paused to watch the movie, Zero Dark Thirty. When I returned to The Sisterhood, I gained a whole new more realistic understanding of the operation. The result of listening to this Audible book is that I have a better understanding of important CIA cases and the role women played. Ron Perkins

Close to my heart

Great insider overview of momentous changes.
Many were far too slow in fruition.
Respect. #sempervigilis

Compelling

Compelling historical review of the essential role of individual women as the CIA transformed over the last 70+ years. So many interesting stories intertwined with history.

Misogyny doesn’t go away easily or quickly.

Fabulous read. Well written, great story telling, It’s an excellent addition to history that needs to be told.

Have now purchased five copies of this book. It is so interesting and informative and well written.

First, I purchased it on Audible and listen to it. Riveting! Then I purchased a hardcopy for myself, because Audible doesn’t include any of the pictures, etc. And I wanted to read it again with no distractions. Then I realized my friends would enjoy it, so I bought, four more hardcopies to give as gifts. Good grief, what an eye-opener. What an insight into past history, world happenings, and women fighting against the glass ceiling. Every story could be made into a movie. This would make a great documentary. Or regular movie. They would need some strong actresses to play these characters who were real life heroes or heroines if you prefer. I loved the fact that some men were also interviewed who agreed with the women’s plight and fight! Very enjoyable, please make the Sisterhood into a movie or a series or a documentary please please please

Fascinating

This book has satisfied an innate curiosity I’ve held for the CIA and has lifted my spirits in the way collaboration with strong women always has. A great listen! What brave women!