The Spy Who Loved

The Secrets and Lives of Christine Granville

De: Clare Mulley

Narrado por: Elizabeth Sastre

The Untold Story of Britain's First Female Special Agent of World War II

In June 1952, a woman was murdered by an obsessed colleague in a hotel in the South Kensington district of London. Her name was Christine Granville. That she died young was perhaps unsurprising; that she had survived the Second World War was remarkable.

The daughter of a feckless Polish aristocrat and his wealthy Jewish wife, Granville would become one of Britain's most daring and highly decorated special agents. Having fled to Britain on the outbreak of war, she was recruited by the intelligence services and took on mission after mission. She skied over the hazardous High Tatras into occupied Poland, served in Egypt and North Africa, and was later parachuted behind enemy lines into France, where an agent's life expectancy was only six weeks. Her courage, quick wit, and determination won her release from arrest more than once, and saved the lives of several fellow officers―including one of her many lovers―just hours before their execution by the Gestapo. More importantly, the intelligence she gathered in her espionage was a significant contribution to the Allied war effort, and she was awarded the George Medal, the OBE, and the Croix de Guerre.

Granville exercised a mesmeric power on those who knew her. In The Spy Who Loved, acclaimed biographer Clare Mulley tells the extraordinary history of this charismatic, difficult, fearless, and altogether extraordinary woman.

The Spy Who Loved

Christine Granville lived a liberated life, yet she was always bound by the restraints of both gender and country. She loved many, married fewer, but her true loyalties were to Poland, freedom, and truly helping others. While her many romantic relationships became a focal point of her story, those who knew her best insisted that they did not define who she truly was.

Fortunately, The Spy Who Loved mostly reclaims her narrative, offering a well-balanced portrayal of both her personal and professional life. Rather than sensationalizing her romantic entanglements, the book gives due attention to her bravery, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to the causes she fought for. It’s a compelling read that restores the depth and dignity to one of history’s most remarkable spies.

Well Researched, Readable Narrative, A Bit Overheated

Obviously an amazing story that is deeply researched and respectfully told. The author works hard to recreate the time and life of the protagonist and people around her. The prose is sometimes a bit overheated, but it is the performance of the book that distracts and misses the mark. The performance is just a bit too precious and twee.

Well researched.

Was like listening to a novel, very good. I did have to listen at 1.5 speed otherwise the narrator dragged.

Fascinating!

Amazing story of an amazing heroine for all time. Christine was a tenacious woman of tenacity, bravery, and intrigue. A wonderful, wonderful story, not to be missed.

Great info about female spy in WW 2.

I hear about her in a spy novel. I don't remember the name of it. a lot of research went into writing this book. I enjoyed it.