Nancy Wake was an Australian expat, living in France in the 1930’s. As a journalist, she saw the impact the Brownshirts were having in parts of Europe, and later, after moving to Marseilles and marrying Henri, Nancy becomes part of the Resistance. This is the story of a true hero, told in a dramatic way. I do think it could have been edited a bit more, hence the four stars, but I would recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction, particularly about women. Most of the characters are based on real people, enhancing the va,he of the story. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

4 1/2 ⭐️ Based the true story of Nancy Wade Fiocca, WWII heroine. Fiocca escaped from the Nazis and from the Viche after having helped many Jews, downed allied servicemen, and other wanted people escape occupied France. Then she joined British intelligence and was embedded in France to train and lead hundreds of resistance forces members in anticipation of the Allied landings. It is also the story of her and her husband’s fierce love for each other. Well written and hard to put down, the only reason that I didn’t rate 5 ⭐️ was that I found some of the dialog a little too contemporary for the times (solely based on my reading of like stories).

Absolutely wonderful historical fiction on a rarely discussed role that women played in WWII. The story of a woman who supervised parachute drops of supplies to the maquisards in France -- but so much more than that. I loved the interwoven tales of the various roles that she played in her life -- in the war and otherwise. Sometimes the story is harsh, but I think the level of violence that occasionally surfaces in the story is necessary.
Highly recommended.

Wow, what an exciting read. Had a bit of everything-romance, mystery, thriller, war. A page turner. Once I started I couldn’t put it down.. Even better the story was based on the life and exploits of a real person. And the book was very well written. A keeper. I had just read The Alice Network and was a bit skeptical of comparisons but this stood up to the comparisons. Highly recommend.

Nancy Wake left Australia at sixteen to see the world. She lands in Europe in the 1930s, just as it starts to seethe with fascists. Her fearlessness and fierce intelligence serve her well whether she is bluffing her way into a career in journalism, flirting with a ridiculously suave Frenchman, or dismantling the Nazi war machine as a leader of the French Resistance. Lawhon juggles several timelines, just as Nancy deftly handles mortal peril as reporter, socialite, and freedom fighter. A gripping, lightly fictionalized narrative of a warrior who wielded scarlet lipstick as her shield and profanity as her sword. Thanks, Netgalley.

I loved every single page. To me Code Name Helene is the perfect book: well-researched but atmospheric historical setting, a wonderful cast of distinct characters, and a heroine who is complex in every way, shape, and form. Truly, I couldn't love Nancy more. She's spunky and independent, whip smart and seemingly fearless. But she's had her losses, she has moments of pure confusion and terror. And yet, she rises above them. Her love story with Henri is one for the ages and is told with such beauty that, as a reader, I ached for the reunion throughout the story.

I think one of the most impressive things though in this book is the pacing. At nearly 470 pages, I was enthralled the whole way through. There really weren't any lulls in action or character development and I was always hungry to read more when I did have to put it down. It's a very honest story too; one of my qualms with war books in historical fiction is the addiction to happy endings. But that's not how war works. People die, people who didn't deserve to, and I won't say any more to risk giving it away but it hurts deeply even though it makes sense in reality.

Everything is so rich in this book, from the setting descriptions to the characters themselves to the emotions you get to experience as you read. It leaves you with a feeling of the time: triumphant at seeing victory but painfully bittersweet at the costs. I would absolutely recommend this story for ANY reader. Nancy is one of those characters you just have to meet.


Note: I received a free Kindle edition of this book via NetGalley in exchange for the honest review above. I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher Doubleday, and the author Ariel Lawhon for the opportunity to do so.

I knew I was going to like the heroine in Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon by the end of the first page.

By the end of the first chapter, I loved her!

The Story:
Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon begins with Hélène about to jump out of a plane for the first time — hungover, no less!

But who is Hélène?

She’s a woman of many names! The novel opens with a list of her many aliases:

NANCY GRACE AUGUSTA WAKE

Also Known As

the fighter

“Madame Andrée”

the smuggler

“Lucienne Carlier”

the spy

“Hélène”

the target

“The White Mouse“

from Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon
Nancy/Hélène is a smart, daring, sassy, reckless, and sensible woman. She starts out as a reporter who can’t even publish under her own name because no one takes females seriously. She travels to Vienna after interviewing a Jew who has been tortured there and what she finds changes her, and those around her, forever.

Nancy just can’t go back home once she’s seen the atrocity in Vienna. She has to DO something. She has to take back something that will get the attention of the people who can set the world right again! And she can’t help thinking… if it’s this bad in Vienna, what’s it like in Berlin? So she sets off to Berlin to find out. That decision turns out to be the turning point that eventually sends her into Nazi-occupied France leading the militia there in an effort to destroy the German forces there.

This book was nearly impossible to put down. It goes between before, after, and the beginning of Nancy’s joining the resistance. As soon as your hooked in what’s happening at the current time, you’re thrust into the past or current timeline and reminded of what you were dying to know at the end of a previous chapter. It just kept sucking me in!

When I got to the end, I was gutted. The closest I’ve ever come to feeling this way at the after a story was Auschwitz Lullaby. Seriously, I can’t remember ever being so sad for a novel to end before and this story is going to stick with me for a very long time!

The Characters:
The story of Nancy Grace Augusta Wake is an incredible one. Like I already said, she was an amazing woman! But the cast of characters in this novel were no less incredible than Hélène herself!

From Frank, the cameraman who went with her from Vienna to Berlin and back to France, to Nancy’s eventual husband and all-around perfect guy, Henri. These characters were well-developed and incredibly real. It felt as if I got to know every single one of them.

But this is wartime. So getting to know people in this story is dangerous.

You will love them. You will lose some of them. You WILL cry.

And it will be completely worth it!

Final Thoughts/Conclusion:
In case you haven’t already figured it out, I loved this book! I wish everyone would take the time to read it and that it finds a spot in the hearts of all of you just as it has found a spot in mine!

There are lots of Triggers in this book though so it may not be for everyone (war crimes, torture, rape, death, violence).

Thank you to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for providing me with a review copy of this book. This in no way affected my opinions or this review!

Thank you to NetGalley for the book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a novel set primarily during WW2 in France but a majority of the book we got to know Nancy and her soon to be husband Henri. As well as her single life with her married friend Stephanie. Nancy is Australian who we learn left home at 16 and has been earning a living as writer and journalist. Henri served during WW1 and we learn that he will have to serve during this war too. Nancy begins to stockpile supplies before anyone else thinks of it. She wants to help with the war. She becomes a spy, and has many different identities during the war. She is very successful and has a high price on her head. She believes in a coat of war paint red lipstick prior to fighting her battles!

Nancy was a real person don't look her up until after you've read the book! Its a great descriptive book.

I read a biography of Nancy Wake several years ago, and when I put it down, I actually teared up at the thought of never being able to meet this amazing woman. By the time I finished that biography, I felt like I knew her, and I had so much admiration for her. I was skeptical reading "Code Name Helene," because I didn't think anything could top the true story of Nancy's life. However, I was wrong. Code Name Helene perfectly captured what I imagined Nancy Wake's voice and thoughts would have been as she worked with the British SOE.

The key events of her life are here, from her breathtaking romance with her husband Henri to her parachute into the French wilderness to the time she killed a Nazi with her bare hands. Some of her own dialogue, from her autobiography The White Mouse, is here. All of her main undercover aliases are here, in four interwoven timelines. But, again, what author Ariel Lawhon does so well is pulling them all together into an edge-of-your-seat narrative that is by turns emotional, thrilling, hilarious at times, and terrifying.

I'm thrilled that Lawhon is bringing her story to more people. Nancy Wake is a legend, and Ariel Lawhon succeeds admirably in capturing her huge, fearless personality and incredible courage in "Code Name Helene." I knew how it all ended, and I still couldn't put it down!

"Code Name Helene' is based on the real-life story of Nancy Wake, a WW II spy and leader of the French Resistance. I have a great affinity for historical fiction and especially of WW II, so I was pleased to have the chance to read and review the book.

The book was a difficult read because of the intertwined timelines. Although the dates were given with each name, with each chapter, I had to give up on trying to piece together the chronology. It took me about 2/3 of the book to finally separate the four code names and missions which I could then follow to the end. Once I dispensed with the dates, I came to appreciate that 'Code Name Helene' tells the story of a remarkable woman at a remarkable period of time.

If it weren't for the odd structure of the book, I would rather see books like 'Code Name Helene' used in literature or history classes to tell the story of major events like WW II. Yes, it might be embellished, but telling the story of one person tells the story of the whole, and I think we have to integrate more literature into teaching history. I think knowing something about Nancy Wake is just as important - maybe more important - than lots of dates of battles in WW II.

I would rate this book much higher for the content, but the intertwined timeliines were a real distractor. I could not figure out the significance, if there was one, to choosing that structure. Nevertheless, I thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. I have voluntarily provided this review.

Code Name Helene is a a fictional account of real life WW2 socialite spy Nancy Wake. This historical fiction novel weaves together the stories of Nancy and her various alter egos that she used during the war.

Of note, I had no prior knowledge of Nancy Wake and was amazed by her role in the war. In the acknowledgement the author talks about how she researched Nancy’s life and what is real and what is altered. This is truly historical fiction.

Pros - I really enjoyed learning about Nancy and her role in the war. Strong female character! Also most WW2 historical fiction I’ve read follows a similar format and this was unique. It is told from 4 perspectives but all the same person and there is no present day component.

Cons - This book was long and it was a slow read for me. While I found it interesting, I just didn’t feel a connection with any of the characters.

Hélène, one of just four aliases used by Nancy Wake during the war – but the story encompasses some twelve years starting in 1936. Nancy was Australian by birth, bold by nature, with a prodigious memory, stunning looks, a great laugh and a penchant for “Victory Red” Lipstick – that she used as armor: to distract and build her own confidence. From journalist working under the Hearst Corporation banner as a non-bylined freelancer, to leading and directing Resistance fighters numbering in the thousands, scaling the Pyrenees to escape capture and managing to juggle aliases from Hélène through Mrs. Fiocca, Lucienne Carlier, The White Mouse, Hélène, and finally, Madame Andrè Each alias has a part of the story to tell, each with their own focus and worries – and all wholly descriptive, engaging and emotionally available.

We also have some perspective from Nancy’s husband, Henry Fiocca: the man who taught her to ride a bicycle, bought her a puppy, loved her like no other and ultimately was killed by (in the story) the Vichy-aligned chief of police. But it is the story of their coming together and separation, his inability to say ‘no’ to his wife, and his constant efforts to make her life better and easier with money, vehicles, prescient introductions to people and experiences as well as his teaching her to ‘swear’ like a man in French as well as hold her liquor. Not bashful or particularly willing to play games, her femininity was simply a tool, like a knife, that kept others on edge and often discounting the brave and very resourceful woman in front of them.

As a read – this was one that (and few do) after the first chapters where readers “meet” Nancy, the story takes hold of your mind and your imagination, and putting it down is NOT an option. I lost sleep over this book: the emotions, the scenery and terrors, admiration of Nancy’s bravery (or pure unadulterated luck) in many situations: her selfless willingness to step out first for dangerous and potentially deadly missions, and her determination to eliminate the first (and to her mind, the worst) of the Nazi scourge from the earth. With heart pounding tensions and action, and heart breaking losses, the woman who would not have a byline in any newspaper far surpassed that simple notoriety from her actions, her bravery and the personality that the author cleverly managed to insert and explain. This is a favorite read for many reasons: learning and being able to further investigate the life of Nancy Wake is a bonus and one I will undertake immediately. Don’t look her up before reading: take this story (and the author’s suggestions for more / other tales) and prepare yourself to meet a genuine heroic woman.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aEO/”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

I absolutely loved this book. I was so sad when I finished it.

It was hard for me not to Google her while reading this book because I had never heard of her before reading this. Yes, it shames me to say this because she seems to have played such a pivotal role for so many of her comrades during WWII.

Nancy Wake gives new meaning to the #girlpower #girlboss movement in our society and she was doing it way before it was "cool". So thankful that I found this book. I she continues to write about "The White Mouse".

Code Name Helene is a meticulously researched historical novel based on the life of Nancy Wake, an Australian born woman who makes her home in Marseilles, France during World War II. Aside from the beautifully written love story, which is really an aside, Nancy became a decorated hero of the French resistance fighting impossible conditions to free France from the Nazi’s. She worked as a British secret agent arming the French to defeat the Boche. It is an absolutely fascinating story of one woman’s courage and triumphs to save her “adopted” country. Highly accurate in it’s depiction, it is a story that had to be told, and it is told so well. Highly recommended for anyone interested in history, WWII, or heroines. This is a five star novel. Congratulations to Ariel Lawhon ...her years of work has produced an extraordinary novel...thank you for sharing Nancy’s story with the world.

Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon is a very strong historical WWII novel based on the real life resistance work of socialite turned secret agent, Nancy Wake. This amazing woman was a journalist in 1936 for Hearst. All of her stories that were published by Hearst didn’t even bear her name. (Women were supposed to write about society events and nothing so serious as the Germans taking over France). She writes of the atrocities beginning to take place at the hands of the “Brownshirts”.

Nancy began by helping smuggle documents across borders to help people leave occupied France. This progresses to her need to be more useful in the war effort. She then starts to help smuggle people. The office of the SOE recruited Nancy Wake. Working for the British she is dropped out of an airplane into France where she becomes one of the most powerful people in the French Resistance. Fearless and determined, Nancy Wake was a force to be reckoned with all while wearing red Elizabeth Arden lipstick.

Going by four different code names she up ended the Nazi’s at every turn and became one of the most wanted people by the Nazi’s. She took on members of the resistance who balked at taking orders from a woman. Nancy Wake was larger than life and what a life she had. She ultimately became one of the most decorated women in WWII.

Unfortunately, I had never heard of her until this book. It is so worth the read. This woman was brave, strong, funny, loyal, irreverent, patriotic and to learn her story will introduce you to an amazing woman. For me, she is without a doubt in my mind one of the most amazing women I’ve had the honor to read about. I am positive that there are more Nancy Wake’s still unknown, but this story will make you proud to know how much one person, one woman, can accomplish great things with grit and sheer determination. Well done! A very a well-told story. I can’t wait to see what you have for use next.

I found myself struggling with this book. I had issues with the alternating chapters as "before" the character undertook her "new" position. I was more interested in the "after" and found the background story to be a bit slow in comparison.

The author brilliantly weaves together two thrilling timelines one of how Nancy met Henri Fiocca, how they knew each other through mutual friendships, then how they became great friends and finally husband and wife. In the other timeline readers see a whole other side of this power team and how war changed their lives and everything around them. After I read this incredible novel based on a true story, I googled Nancy Wake. I wanted to know more about this remarkable woman. I was astounded at what I learned. She was a driven and passionate woman.

The author has readers walk in the shoes of this amazing brave woman who went by many code names, risked her life to save others and did what it took to fight the enemy. I liked the authors note to readers, “About the profanity; yes, I know, there’s a lot. And there’s a huge debate among readers and writers about how much is too much. When it’s overkill…But here is what you need to know; Nancy Wake used profanity, liberally, apologetically. And with flair. It was one of her greatest weapons in gaining dominance and respect with the Marquis of the French Resistance. If she was to lead those men, she could not appear weak, delicate, or easily offended. And there is no honest way to write the character of Nancy Wake without the use of profanity. If anything, I toned it down.”

I appreciated this note. She did not use the F word and maybe GD once or twice. Then she mentions the alcohol. “About the drinking, yes, I know there is a lot of that, too… It is important to note that all negotiations with the Maqui’s for supplies and arms were done over a bottle of brandy. They meant to use this tactic to take advantage of Nancy, but she repeatedly turned the technique against them.”

I liked that the author mentions that the heart of the book was about how the relationship developed between Nancy and Henri. (I also felt this about the story) In the mix there was war, other friendships, bravery and tragedy but her main focus was on the love relationship between this married couple. The author states, “Marriage is a subject I am perennially fascinated with particularly good, healthy, lifelong marriages. I wish there were more good marriages portrayed in print. And I believe that all good marriages have one thing in common sacrificial love.”

I read this book weeks ago and I’m still thinking about Nancy and how she saw what needed to be done and did it. I was intrigued at how their marriage relationship worked and how they stood by each other’s side in the middle of horrific circumstances. I highly recommend this as a book club pick. There is so much to discuss. You won’t want to miss out on meeting Nancy Wake – Fiocca. This is the first book I’ve read by this author it won’t be the last.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com

What a fascinating and courageous life Nancy Wake lived. Until I have read this book, I have never heard of Nancy Wake. I'm so glad to have read this historical fiction based on her life as one of the most powerful leaders in the French Resistance. She had several disguises, and there was a price on her head. I thought that this was a gripping, page-turner; especially, during the latter part of the book. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

From the first chapters of the book, I was drawn into the story of Nancy Wake..Code Name Helene. I loved the story as it took you from her personal life to her incredible brave time with the soldiers on the front. The shift in scenes and time frames did not bother me. I was drawn into the love, friendships and reality of War Time in the South of France and ultimately farther north as the war was gradually drawing to an end. The writing jumped off the pages as I was drawn into Nancy’s quick wit, sometimes brash decisions but regardless a sense of duty and intensity that swept this novel.

Code Name Helene may very well be my favorite book of 2020 so far. It chronicles the amazing (and TRUE) story of Nancy Wake, an Australian expat who was first a socialite and then a highly decorated resistance fighter in France during World War II, through the British SOE and largely in France fighting with the resistance. Nancy had a variety of code names throughout the war. Her bravery, courage, grit, and ingenuity were so inspiring to read about throughout this novel. My only complaint about this book was that the different timelines from different parts of the war (and different code names) made it hard to keep track of the many secondary characters. But that's more a testament to my lack of attention than the author's writing or anything else. Just a note to mention for future readers!

Not to downplay the war aspect (which is truly the major part of the plot!), but reading about Nancy's love for her husband, Henri, and the arc of their marriage was just absolutely beautiful, and was truly my favorite aspect of this great book. As the author remarked in the afterword, it's not common to read about happy marriages in fiction, and Henri and Nancy's marriage was just lovely in that regard. They adored one another, as well as their dogs. So sweet. This is a fantastic book. I highly recommend reading it as soon as possible! I know I'll be revisiting it in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.