Liberation

By: Imogen Kealey

Narrated by: Penelope Rawlins

Length: 11 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Inspired by the true story of World War II's greatest heroine, this international bestseller and "cinematic treat" tells the story of Nancy Wake and the impact she had on the world (Publishers Weekly).

Hero. Soldier. Spy. Leader. Her name is Nancy Wake.

To the Allies, she was a fearless freedom fighter, a special operations legend, a woman ahead of her time. To the Gestapo, she was a ghost, a shadow, the most wanted person in the world.

But at first, Nancy Wake was just another young woman living in Marseilles and recently engaged to a man she loved. Then France fell to the Nazi blitzkrieg. With her appetite for danger, Nancy quickly finds herself drawn into the underground Resistance standing up to Nazi rule. Gaining notoriety as the White Mouse, with a five-million-franc bounty hanging over her head, Wake rises to the top of the Nazi's most-wanted list—only to find her husband arrested for treasonous activity under suspicion of being the White Mouse himself.

Narrowly escaping to Britain, Wake joins the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and parachutes into the Auvergne, where she must fight for the respect of some of the toughest Resistance fighters in France. As she and her maquisards battle the Nazis, their every engagement brings the end of the war closer—but also places her husband in deeper peril.

A riveting, richly imagined historical thriller, Liberation brings to life one of World War II's most fascinating unsung heroines in all her fierce power and complexity. This is the story of one of the one of the war's most decorated women, told like never before.

©2019 Darby Kealey (P)2020 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Kealey (a pseudonym for two coauthors) has written a heart-stopping reimagining of the exploits of a real-life heroine."—People

"[A] thrilling debut with a fast pace, vivid set pieces, and a believable, larger-than-life protagonist. Featuring plenty of espionage and a memorable female lead, this is a cinematic treat for fans of wartime adventure novels."—Publishers Weekly

"Readers who enjoy World War II fiction and stories of extraordinary women will savor this first collaboration between screenwriter Darby Kealey and novelist Imogen Robertson, which is slated to be a motion picture."—Library Journal

amazing

Lovely story only to find out it's true. Loved the narration and depth that was given. Narration is key and I found myself almost repeating her accent. I love historical novels and this was a well written book. I will read more from this author.

Excellent

I’m new to audible & have found that listening to books I often get bored & have no idea what’s going on. This story took me away. I found I could not only listen but be entranced by the storyline, exciting characters, & love of historical references. I found it to be wonderful!

Liberation

you can't beat true stories, it's history. thank God there are "little white mice." Amen.

Exaggerated for Interest

Although this book took great liberty with the plot by adding a lot of fiction, changing dates, places and people, it does have its good points. I reminded myself that this woman really took on a roll that was more field work in areas of battle. How difficult it would be for someone who was not athletic with pre ious experience in sports or a career managing people. She needed to learn everything. She had to get the men to respect her and she had to earn that as well.

Very Good But Not Great

A great story that needs to be told of a truly amazing, courageous and inspiring woman. I feel that unfortunately the initial stories and description of Nancy were modernized in a way that, according to the reviews and in my opinion, put off some readers unnecessarily.

This is the first time I ever gave a less than positive review of a narrator. She does not even attempt a German accent for her German characters. So many other narrators do so and do so well. I also found it hard based on the narration to distinguish between the various male characters. They all sound similar and very British, even the French and German characters. It is these two issues that in my opinion keep this novel from being great. I highly recommend reading/listening to it for fans of this genre and fans of good strong women characters. It is wonderfully heartening to know this is based on a true story.

Definitely recommend

This is a really good “read” with twists and turns. What makes it even better is to know it’s a true story!

Excellent

Did not know the plot or characters when I picked up this book. Was pleased to find the subject matter was Nancy Wake and the French resistance as I knew her story. Very well done, excellent voice exciting throughout!

Must read

It made me hope, it made me feel angry for them, sad, frustrated and even amused at times by Nancy’s personality and bold ideas

Great story, great reading

I liked the story and it is mostly true, which is my favorite. The narrator was amazing, able to perform so many different accents that make listening even better. I will definitely look for the same author and narrator again.

Don't waste your time

I've read much better books. So sorry I wasted my money.No depth writing flat boring.