Book review: Nancy Wake by Peter Fitzsimons
Posted by Fiona Nevile in Reviews | 14 comments
Photo: Nancy Wake by Peter Fitzsimons
I was delighted when my new friend Pamela sent me this superb biography Nancy Wake: The Inspiring Story of One of the War’s Greatest Heroines
I’d not heard of Nancy Wake. She is an Australian who became a WW2 heroine in Nazi occupied France. A volunteer. She hated seeing what was going on in France.
Pamela had mentioned that she couldn’t put the book down and had to read it straight through. I was a bit envious and thought,
“I’d love to have the time to be able to read a book straight through.”
I woke early on Sunday morning, a week ago, and reached for Pamela’s book. Danny was cooking breakfast so I decided to treat myself to an hour in bed. Within a few pages I was gripped. I ate breakfast with the book propped on the tray and decided to give myself another half hour. As the small plastic clock ticked on with alarming speed I extended the range of my sojourn.
“I just have to read what happens next. I’m planning to clean out the chickens at one o’clock.”
The small minute hand passed two o’clock and then three o’clock
Danny, happy on his favourite football forum was indulgent.
“The chickens can wait until tomorrow. There is nothing urgent on your list. In fact, unless something is sick or dying, there is nothing pressing on most lists.”
Why should I feel bad about lounging in bed? Three other beings were indulging in a day in bed with hotties and the occasional cuddle. The Min Pins love the warmth and comfort and will happily forego their lists for a day in the human dog basket..
I finally finished the book at five pm and tottered downstairs, heady with so much information, awash with tales of Vichy France and the Maquis, where Nancy Wake really made her mark. I was proud too. Nancy had been trained in the UK. A real fillip in the present crisis. In times like these we need to read about heroines.
The chores were done later in the week and I didn’t reach for another book for seven days. This was no punishment. I just wanted to fully digest what I had read.
Thank you so much Pamela. This biography is a real inspiration. Like you I just couldn’t put it down. Well written and a true insight into a twentieth century heroine who saved thousands of lives and has never cashed in on her triumphs.
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I have been after a good book on Nancy for some time – my grandfather escaped during WW2 when a POW in Europe and he mentioned to me years ago when I was a kid about his time with the French Resistance and meeting a lady named Nancy Wake. Later I heard much more about here and came to realise who she was. I wrote a letter years ago to her but never sent it. I kick myself. However on Peter’s advice above I may just send it though I doubt she would recall my grandpa. I am sure she helped so many that they would all blur into one now. But I think I will write her just the same, and I finally found a Hardback copy of the book which is its on its way to me in the mail (Peter, a HB copy of your Tobruk arrived today – my grandad fought there as well, but the earlier battle against the Italians (6th div), not against Rommels army as Tobruk is most well known for in Australian lore.
this novel is an inspiration to all who read it, and a great lesson in history. Young and old would enjoy this faboulous novel of the war hero and the larackin Nancy Wake is
Ohhh I remember days like these… long time gone now.
I will keep an eye out for this book. Thanks.
Hi Wendy
Usually I save up my reading until I’m ill in bed. Then it’s about a book a day. Recently I’ve started reading voraciously at every possible moment and I’m loving it!
The day under the duvet with the Min Pins and this wonderful book was a wonderful journey way beyond my comfort zone!
Hello Pamela
I can’t thank you enough. You gave me a real switch back/heart in the mouth experience.
Hi Linda
Thanks for the recommendation. I will look out for this book.
I’m not a brave person but I love reading about heroines.
Hello Jacqui
I do hope that you like the book as much as I did.
Really delighted that you are enjoying my blog.
Hi Peter
Thank you so much for dropping by.
I loved reading your beautifully written biography. Thank you so much for spreading the word.
I Googled Star and Garter Home and discovered that it’s located in our (UK) Richmond. Marvellous news as your book indicated that Nancy wanted to return to the UK.
Hi Pamela
Yes I agree. Spending time with Nancy Wake must have been amazing.
Hello Peter, I bought and read this a few years ago on the recommendation of a friend of mine who I believe had recently met Nancy and found her to be a truly amazing person, in fact I think she must have emailed everyone she knew exhorting them to read about Nancy’s life. I literally could not stop reading once I started and was so disappointed when I got to the end and there was no more to read. I’m sure that Nancy was not the only woman (or man) who did such incredibly dangerous and vital work during the war and we owe them all a huge debt of gratitude. Thank you for spending the time putting it all down on paper for us to share. Spending the time with Nancy and researching must have been fascinating.
Pamela
I am the author of that book, and allow me to say how thrilling it is to read such a kind review. More importantly, I am honoured to report that Nancy is still alive, 96 years old, and living in the Royal Star and Garter home in Richmond. She loves receiving letters!
All the best,
Peter FitzSimons
Sleepless in Sydney
Well I’ve ordered this book upon your recommendation and I’m very much looking forward to reading it.
May I also take the opportunity to say how much I enjoy your blog. I look forward to it every day.
I love the idea of staying in bed for most of the day with three warm, cuddly creatures! I think you would enjoy “Debs at War” by Anne de Courcy as well. It is truly amazing what women were prepared to do then in order to do their bit.
I’m so glad to hear you were totally gripped by this book. It puts your own life into perspective when you read about someone who was a real heroine. I obviously made the right choice when I scanned my bookshelves to find a book to send to you.
How great – a lovely day enjoyed by all. Go with the flow I say, you need a little ‘me’ time. Glad that you enjoyed the book so much, will have to look out for it myself. x