Code Name Hélène

A Novel

By: Ariel Lawhon

Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik, Peter Ganim

Length: 17 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

"This fully animated portrait of Nancy Wake...will fascinate readers of World War II history and thrill fans of fierce, brash, independent women, alike." (Lisa Wingate, number one New York Times best-selling author of Before We Were Yours)

Based on the thrilling real-life story of socialite spy Nancy Wake, comes the newest feat of historical fiction from the New York Times best-selling author of I Was Anastasia, featuring the astonishing woman who killed a Nazi with her bare hands and went on to become one of the most decorated women in WWII.

Told in interweaving timelines organized around the four code names Nancy used during the war, Code Name Hélène is a spellbinding and moving story of enduring love, remarkable sacrifice, and unfaltering resolve that chronicles the true exploits of a woman who deserves to be a household name.

It is 1936, and Nancy Wake is an intrepid Australian expat living in Paris who has bluffed her way into a reporting job for Hearst newspaper when she meets the wealthy French industrialist Henri Fiocca. No sooner does Henri sweep Nancy off her feet and convince her to become Mrs. Fiocca than the Germans invade France and she takes yet another name: a code name.

As Lucienne Carlier, Nancy smuggles people and documents across the border. Her success and her remarkable ability to evade capture earns her the nickname "The White Mouse" from the Gestapo. With a five million-franc bounty on her head, Nancy is forced to escape France and leave Henri behind. When she enters training with the Special Operations Executives in Britain, her new comrades are instructed to call her Hélène. And finally, with mission in hand, Nancy is airdropped back into France as the deadly Madam Andrée, where she claims her place as one of the most powerful leaders in the French Resistance, armed with her ferocious wit, her signature red lipstick, and the ability to summon weapons straight from the Allied Forces.

But no one can protect Nancy if the enemy finds out these four women are one and the same, and the closer to liberation France gets, the more exposed she - and the people she loves - become.

©2020 Ariel Lawhon (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"A compulsively readable account of a little-known yet extraordinary historical figure - Lawhon's best book to date." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

“Magnificent. . . Lawhon carries us into the heart of the French resistance [and] into the mind of a badass heroine with uncanny instincts who takes on the Nazis and men’s arrogant sexism with uncommon bravado. . . Even long after the last page is turned, this astonishing story of Wake’s accomplishments will hold readers in its grip.” (Booklist, starred)

“A spellbinding work of historical fiction. . . [and] one of the most sensual romance novels you’ve ever read. . . She is real, this really did happen is the mantra you may find yourself repeating, in awe of every page.” (Bookpage, starred)

Mixed Feelings

Historical novels are my favorite genre so this one seemed like a slam dunk. The story, while sensationalized, was a good one and like most historical novels, it sent me to the Internet to learn more. A big problem I had was trying to figure out who was who. There were so many code names and not a whole lot of background to flesh out many of the characters so I sort of lost track and just kept reading. If I really understood who was doing what and their relationship to Nancy, I would have appreciated the book far more.

An even bigger problem for me was what one astute reviewer referred to as a "story-in-a-blender" style of writing. This is a popular gimmick in contemporary writing that I loathe. For me, it defeats the purpose of good storytelling. *Code Name Helene* time jumps so much I could barely keep track of the story line. There aren't chapters so much as 34 "episodes", each with a different date. Here's the progression:1944, 1936, 1944, 1936, 1944, 1936, 1944, 1937, 1944, 1939, 1944, 1939, 1944, 1940, 1944, 1940 1944, 1942, 1944, 1942, 1944, 1943, 1944, 1943, 1944, 1943, 1944, 1943, 1944, 1943, 1945, 1944 - or something like that. It would be difficult enough to keep track of this in a hardcover book where you can flip back and forth to jot down notes. With the audio version, it was impossible for me to keep track of these dates as the story unfolded. Only on reflection, do I see that the story alternated between two time periods, something I didn't pick up on while trying to focus on what was happening. I just found it choppy, confusing and difficult to follow.

In the end, I think planning to read the book twice would provide the most enjoyment. The story of this remarkable woman is definitely a good one and if you can get past the multiple code names and time jumps, I believe the author does justice to bringing Nancy Wake's incredible wartime exploits to life.

incredible!

I love reading about strong women in history and the author brings her to life in this remarkable story. More history classes need to celebrate brave women like Nancy.

Tremendous historical fiction listen

I was sucked in from the first page, and amazed to learn that nearly all of the events in this book were true. It just made it that much more incredible. I binged listened the last two hours because I had to finish the book, knowing I could not have gone to sleep that night without doing so!

Absolutely Exceptional

I loved every aspect of this fascinating story of a real life hero, Nancy Agustas Wake. Special thanks to the author for telling her story.

Grateful for this Story

So grateful that I found this book, that I gave the story a chance. I love the stories of World War II from the perspective of a female protagonist, and this one delivers. The depth of characters and knowing that it’s based on so many truths, I recommend this completely.

True Story!

I can’t believe I didn’t realize this book is based on a true story until the end. What incredible life! I am so glad I got to experience astonishing tale of bravery, strength, and sacrifice. Highly recommend!

the best book I've ever read/heard.

there are no words for this book, except read it. you will not be disappointed!

One of my best listens.

I highly recommend this story. I entered into Nancy's world and felt every moment with her. A great love, courage, bravery, loyalty. A fabulous accounting of her life. Will always be one of my favorites.

Intense tale of an Australian expat who marries a French businessman and joins the Resistance

Nancy Wake grew up in difficult circumstances. She left home at 16 and found a home in Paris where she captured the heart of French businessman and socialite Henri Faroq (?). The couple married just as the Nazi army invaded France. Her exploits on behalf of the French Resistance put her at the top of the German’s Most Wanted list with the sobriquet The White Mouse. She escaped to England and returned to France as a British agent who led an army of freedom fighters in support of the Allied fight to take back Europe

A Must Listen

Excellent! So good in fact that I plan to read more about the real Nancy Wake.