Thank you Tantor Audio for the gifted ARC!

This book was hard to read at times, but also so inspirational!

I learned SO much about Dickey Chapelle from this book, a woman who I never heard of prior to this book. As a Wisconsin resident, I especially loved how she was born in Milwaukee in 1919 and how often Milwaukee and Wisconsin were referenced throughout the story.

In a time where woman were not often allowed in a war zone, she risked everything to go and photograph the reality of what was going on. Dickey's story will definitely inspire many to stand up for what they believe even when it's hard and/or unpopular.

I love when historical fictions teaches me so much about historical figures I knew nothing about, and this book did just that!

Hands down, I enjoyed The Last Assignment even more than The Women by Kristin Hannah! This novel is based on the true story of Dickey Chapelle, an American photojournalist and war correspondent who covered WWII, the Korean War, and various global conflicts. Her story fascinated me, as I was unaware of the full extent of her life and achievements. From her personal struggles to her professional triumphs, Dickey Chapelle was resilient, strong, and adventurous. Her life reads like fiction—from surviving a Soviet prison in Budapest to reporting from communist Cuba under Castro. Overall, the story is captivating, and I found it impossible to stop listening. The narrator also made the audiobook an exceptionally enjoyable experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media for providing an advance copy of the audiobook.

I love reading historical fiction books and I have recently had the opportunity to read several about strong women whom we know nothing about. Getting to know photojournalist Georgette Meyer “Dickey” Chapelle was a wonderful experience. She was an amazing trailblazing woman. This book will give you the opportunity to journey with her to Hungary during the Cold War, Cuba during the revolution of Fidel Castro, and Laos in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. (She is actually the person who took the iconic picture of the U.S. Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima.) She endures time in a Soviet prison in Budapest, learns how to parachute out of planes in the midst of a war so she can get a closer and more real picture of what it was actually like, stands for what she believes in. I loved the quote, “My stories and pictures help fight war, poverty, and injustice, and I’m dedicating my life to that, no matter the cost.” This sums up Dickey Chappelle. This is a story of a woman that will stay with me for a long time. I wish I had had the opportunity to meet her in person. She is a true hero in every sense of the word. A definite must-read book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebook Landmark for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

Adult Fiction
Biographical Fiction
Fiction
Historical
Historical Fiction
Photography
War

A whirlwind of a story that does a great job of reflecting the energy of its subject, Georgette ‘Dickey’ Chapelle. Dickey, a groundbreaking photo-journalist of the mid 20th Century, batted away stereotypes and tore through boundaries to bring the brutal truth of war to the American people through her photography. From World War ll through to the Vietnam war, as a writer for Life Magazine and National Geographic, she brought first-hand accounts of life in the front lines to life for normal people. Unapologetically honest, when (at times) her images and writing were deemed unsuitable for inclusion in magazine articles, they provided valuable intelligence for the government and US military.
Winner of numerous press awards, and honoured by the US Marine Corps for her bravery and optimism, this is the story of a woman who lived life to the full and honoured her calling.
She was quite a gal.
I loved this fascinating insight into the life of an eternal optimist whose energy and bravery knew no bounds.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Media for a chance to listen to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Kristin Price, and congratulations to Erika Robuck for such an excellent account of a fascinating life.
Five stars from me.
The Last Assignment published on August 19.

While I appreciate the history lesson and the amount of deep research that was put into this story, I didn't really enjoy it. I never cared for the character which is perhaps why I wouldn't connect. However it is still nice to recognize and bring to life her achievements. My thanks to Tantor Media for providing an audiobook via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Last Assignment pulled me in right away and held me through to the very end. Erica Rick has a gift for weaving together history, suspense, and emotion in a way that feels both fresh and deeply human. I loved the balance of well-researched historical detail with characters who felt layered and real.

The pacing was just right — tense and gripping in places, but also full of quieter, thoughtful moments that let me connect with the characters and their choices. I especially appreciated how themes of loyalty, courage, and sacrifice came through without ever feeling forced. By the end, I was fully invested and didn’t want to put it down.

This is exactly the kind of historical fiction I look for — smart, moving, and memorable. I’ll be recommending it widely, and I can’t wait to read what Erica Rick writes next

This was a fascinating biographical novel about Dickey Chapelle, a photojournalist in the 1950's who devoted her life to her career, which often put her in harm's way because she was a war correspondent who had to "live" her material. She couldn't write about war unless she was out there on the front lines. This impacts her personal life, including her marriage, and sometimes interfered with her objectivity. We see her change politically, from a naive Castro supporter to an anti Communist, almost going from pillar to post. The book was obviously well researched and really focused on her beliefs and achievements rather on her gender. It almost reads like a good memoir. I also learned about someone, who I had never heard of, who is an undersold historical figure. I listened to the audiobook for the first half and read the text later. The narrator was good and engaged the audience.
Four and a half stars rounded up.
Thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark and Tantor Media for providing me with the opportunity to read and listen to this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

The Last Assignment is for readers who would like Kristin Hannah's The Women but would like more faith and less violence.

Some of my favorite stories are those based on real people, especially if those people are women whose courage and determination helped change the world, yet their accomplishments remain buried in history’s archives. Georgette “Dickey” Chapelle was just one of those women, and this is her story.

I won’t lie, I wanted to jump through the pages and scream “Don’t do that!” more than once – her desire to “be the first,” coupled with her compassion and mission to “get the photo to end all wars” got the best of her judgment more than once. But this five-foot-zero woman was a force to be reckoned with.

The hallmark of a great historical fiction novel: The day after I read this book, I went to my local bookstore to find her autobiography and/or biography – I wanted to hear her story without the added fictional elements. And I’ve gone down a rabbit hole searching for her work in Reader’s Digest, Life, National Geographic, and anywhere else she made her mark.

If this sounds like your kind of main character, read this novel and be introduced to Dickey Chapelle! The book hit the shelves on August 19th, so the sooner you head to your favorite bookseller or local library, the better!

This audiobook was narrated by Kristin Price. I really enjoyed the way she added inflection and personality to the reading. This did result in quite a variation in volume, which made it difficult to moderate my earbud levels when in a noisy environment.

Thank you to Tantor Media, NetGalley, and author Erika Robuck for the complimentary advance copy! It was my pleasure to write this candid review.

A historical novel that paints the true life story of Dickey Chapelle, an award-winning combat photojournalist raising awareness of female and children war refugees in the late 1950s through the 60s. Her personal growth journey and the missions shared about her own hardships of the paradox o being a woman in a man’s profession as well as the suffering and resilience of the women she met in war torn countries was intense. This story, with a mix of narrative, descriptive and expository wiring styles, was full of history, danger, perseverance and courage.
I also was able to listen to parts of this story via audiobook on my commute to and from work. I enjoyed the female narrator, Kristin Price, as her pacing and emotions were well done and reflective of the details and sensitive topics.

I love historical novels. For some reason, I never made a solid connection with this story. I learned quite a bit of new to me history. Outstanding narration.

I was blessed with a Kindle and an audio ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

I greatly enjoyed this book after requesting it from Netgalley on a whim. I had absolutely no idea what the situation was like for women I photography back in those days, but Dickie Chapelle's trailblaizing ambition to take her spot on the front lines of international conflict and hopefully take the photo to end all wars was inspiring to say the least.

While I am sure that a lot of research went into making this novel as true to life as possible, what I appreciated were the small moments, the epistolary interactions with Dickie's best friend and the growth of the character who gradually gathered the strength to make her way in a man's world. Dickie Chappele was both the first female photographer to report back from the front lines and the first female photographer to be killed in action.

Thank you Netgalley for this ALC.

The Last Assignment tells the story of war correspondent ‘Dickie’ Chapelle who, having failed to become a pilot due to her poor eyesight, went on to train with the US Marines and cover wars - generally against Communist regimes - in both Cuba and Vietnam.

Her story is also a personal one of family, love and loss and, as a true story, this makes it all the more engaging.

The historical events - and often quite graphic descriptions - described in the book are fascinating and shocking in equal measure and the recounting of personal meetings with key players absolutely unforgettable. The insights that are shared about individual humans and how war marks and often changes them is something I hadn’t expected but were one of the most riveting aspects of this excellent book. I really couldn’t stop listening and ‘binged’ it almost non-stop.

It’s not always an easy read/listen but it certainly offers so many different views of this one woman’s life - a woman in conflict zones many of us will have heard of but are too young to have any real memory of and I urge you to read it. It’s a great way to improve your knowledge of fairly recent history but, even more so, it’s a brilliantly written page-turner about an amazing woman I’d certainly never heard of before.

Erika Robuck masterfully brings to life a compelling reimagining of the extraordinary Dickey Chappelle, who defied conventions as America's first female professional war photographer and tragically became the first American woman war correspondent to lose her life in the heat of battle in this moving novel, THE LAST ASSIGNMENT.

Through meticulous research and a richly engaging narrative style, Robuck immerses readers in the vibrant yet tumultuous world of Dickey Chappelle, not only celebrating her indomitable spirit but also her unyielding resilience in the face of adversity. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of historical significance, capturing the essence of a remarkable woman who broke barriers in a male-dominated profession.

The story is further animated by a rich tapestry of fictionalized letters, poignant diary entries, urgent telegrams, and captivating transcripts from radio and television broadcasts. Each element is thoughtfully crafted from authentic documents, personal accounts, and historical recordings that resonate with the echo of her groundbreaking journey, transporting readers into the heart of a life dedicated to truth, courage, and the pursuit of justice in a chaotic world.

About...

The award-winning photojournalist Dickey Chapelle is a tenacious figure, willing to risk everything to unveil the stark and often harrowing realities of war through the unflinching eye of her camera.

Manhattan, 1954.

Almost a decade has passed since Georgette Dickey Chapelle was arrested for defying orders during a daring incursion at Iwo Jima. Yet, the spirit of this combat correspondent remains unbroken, ignited by an insatiable desire for truth and a relentless pursuit of her craft.

Life has thrown countless obstacles in her path—military accreditation stripped away, a marriage fracturing under strain, and financial resources evaporating. But these trials only stoke the internal fire that fuels her determination. With a fierce resolve to bear witness to the realities of war from the front lines, Dickey embraces the next opportunity with open arms.

Across the globe, she ventures into chaotic war zones—dense jungles, turbulent seas, and barren wastelands—her camera a constant companion as she captures the unwavering spirit of both American and international soldiers. With extraordinary courage and unyielding tenacity, she navigates a world fraught with discrimination and danger.

In this quest to document the costs of conflict, she may well find not just a purpose, but also a path to self-redemption, emerging as a pioneering force known far and wide for her groundbreaking work and indomitable spirit.

My thoughts…

Erika Robuck, a master of historical fiction, once again captivates readers with her latest work, delivering a powerful and inspiring account of a remarkable woman who stands as a beacon of courage throughout history.

The story unfolds through the extraordinary journey of a woman who defies the odds, from her impressive education at MIT to her career as a skilled pilot. Despite facing challenges such as poor vision, she perseveres, training with the US Marines. She makes history as the first American woman to parachute into combat, daringly confronting enemy fire, only to find herself imprisoned and subjected to the harrowing brutality of torture by Russian forces in Hungary.

Dickey emerges as a fiercely daring protagonist, a woman driven not only by her passion for photography but also by an unwavering commitment to bear witness to history during a time when female photographers were often marginalized. Time and again, she places herself in perilous situations to aid war victims and freedom fighters, showcasing a relentless spirit and compassion.

THE LAST ASSIGNMENT is an essential read for aficionados of historical narratives, offering a gripping exploration of the tumultuous events of the 1960s. It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring strength and empowerment of women today. Through the vivid portrayal of Dickey, readers gain insight into the complexities of her character, her relentless determination to survive, and her profound willingness to uplift others amid chaos.

Rich in historical detail, the novel is suspenseful and intense, weaving a tapestry of love, peace, war, and the resilience of the human spirit. THE LAST ASSIGNMENT is the perfect choice for book clubs, inviting deep discussions and reflections. An extensive Author's Note and Suggestions for Further Reading enhance the experience, providing additional context and insight into the era.

Audiobook...

I had the privilege of not only reading the book but also immersing myself in the audiobook, masterfully narrated by the talented Kristin Price. Her compelling voice brilliantly brings to life the audacious adventures and perilous journeys of real-life combat correspondent Georgette "Dickey" Chapelle. With a remarkable blend of passion and fervor, Kristin’s narration transforms each scene into a vivid experience, allowing listeners to feel the adrenaline and intensity of Dickey's incredible stories firsthand.

In essence, Erika Robuck shines as a true artist in her storytelling, delving deep into the lives of remarkable women who have indelibly shaped the course of history. Her ability to weave their narratives with such depth and nuance is nothing short of extraordinary. Bravo!

Recs...

If you're an avid enthusiast of historical fiction, THE LAST ASSIGNMENT is a must-read. This gripping novel caters not only to devoted fans of the author but also to those captivated by the intricate tapestry of history.

I am a huge fan of the author's work, and exceptional historical fiction emerges from writers who possess the extraordinary ability to vividly resurrect the past, crafting narratives that are immersive and compelling. The most remarkable authors in this genre transport readers into bygone eras, weaving unforgettable stories that ensure the courage and resilience of remarkable women are celebrated and not forgotten.

For those who relish the works of esteemed authors like Charles Fraser, Paula McLain, Ron Rash, Kristin Hannah, Kate Quinn, Kelly Rimmer, Marie Benedict, Beatrice Williams, Dawn Tripp, Diane Chamberlain, Kristina McMorris, Kim Michelle Richardson, and Jennifer Robson, this novel promises an experience that aligns with the rich storytelling you adore.

Thank you...

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Sourcebooks Landmark, NetGalley, and Tantor Audio for graciously providing this remarkable historical narrative in both e-book and audio formats. Their generosity has allowed me to immerse myself in an extraordinary account, and I am eager to share my honest reflections on this captivating work.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins
@JudithDColins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Aug 19, 2025
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RECAP: In 1956 Manhattan, war correspondent Georgette “Dickey” Chapelle seizes a new assignment that sends her from Hungary to Cuba to Vietnam, determined to witness war from the front lines. This is the story of her courage, survival and one woman’s fight to save the world & herself.

REVIEW: I had never heard of Dickey Chapelle and went into this audiobook blind - holy COW. What a story, what a life!!! I thought this was extremely digestible for it being historical fiction, and it had me Googling a ton. I’ll probably go down a deeper rabbit hole now that I’ve finished it, specifically about her assignments in Cuba and with the subsequent refugees that fled to Miami after Castro came into power.

This narrator did a good job. While I wish she could have made each character sound way different, I'm sure she gave it her best. She kept me turning the pages and listening.

I have read and enjoyed several of this author's books. I have also learned quite a bit from each. This one is about a women I had never heard about. I'm very glad this was written. Not just for the story but for the info. How a female was a force to be during several wars. As a photojournalist. And as a strong, albeit, tiny female.

You meet Georgette "Dickey" Meyer Chapelle at the very beginning of this story. She's quite the woman too. You meet her family and quite a few friends. I liked every one of them except her "husband" and I use that term loosely. But Dickey loved him. She took up photography because of him. But he was not a faithful man and Dickely deserved better. Or to be free...

This book takes you from New York City in 1954 to October 1965. You'll learn how Dickey endured each war. Taking pictures of injured and innocent families. How she became a prisoner. How she met some strong leaders. Some of which totally let her down. Lied. Dickey loved her family but didn't have a strong bond with her mother. Seems her mother thought she should remain home and be a wife. Not that that was a bad thing. It was just not what Dickey wanted.

Dickey worked for several magazines and other places. She had pictures that the government confiscated due to the content. She loved the Marines more than anything and wanted to be one. But that was just not meant to be. Dickey knew how to survive. She went from WW2 through Vietnam photographing wars. She met so many kind and wonderful people. Of course there were some pretty awful ones too.

This book is kind of repetitive but it explains all of the things Dickey did and went through. You really get an in depth view of her life. Dickey lost some good friends and some family. She handled it as would be expected. I enjoyed this book but did wish it was a tad shorter. I learned about a woman who went after what she wanted and got it.

Well researched. Well told. I enjoyed the letters and posts from Dickey and others. I enjoyed learning about a strong female back when females were meant to be home having babies and waiting on husbands. I admire what Dickey did. A lot.

Thank you #sourcebookslandmark, @tantormedia, for this ARC.

Dickey Chapelle was a fierce, loyal, determined and incredibly confident woman. She was the friend you wish to have in your life who would fight for what she believes in while doing her best to take the photo to end all wars. Fiercely independent and the epitome of strength, Chapelle was unrelenting in her pursuit for authenticity and justice in her role as a war correspondent, covering seven wars in five years. Unafraid to work side by side with Las Marianas of Cuba; humanitarian aid workers; government officials, Hungarian freedom fighters; the home guard of Binh Hung, during the Vietnam War; the US Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines… The real life Dickey Chapelle reported on it all - efficiently and with heart in a bid to help others and make the world a better place.

Chapelle lived and breathed what she reported on, jumping off the page in her authenticity. It felt as though Dickey Chapelle was speaking directly to me as she recounted her life story through the exceptional skill of audiobook narrator @kristinpricevo who became Chapelle for me. @erobuckauthor writing never falters, bringing a depth and rawness to Chapelle’s life that would make the war correspondent incredibly proud. Engaging, layered, and nuanced, this is a story I couldn’t put down that will stay with me long after I read the final lines.

Thank you to @bookmarked and @tantoraudio for the complimentary advance audiobook and ebook to read on @netgalley

“Of one thing you can be sure: I’ll continue to push the boundaries until my dying breath, seeking the one thing I’ll never attain but which I’ll forever hope and strive. Before I get to my last assignment, I want to get the picture to end all wars,” Dickey Chapelle.

A trailblazer in her time, Dickey Chapelle would do whatever it took to get the shot—even getting arrested for going ashore in Iwo Jima as a combat correspondent against direct orders.

After losing her military accreditation and discovering her husband’s infidelity, Dickey wasn’t sure what was next. But boots-on-the-ground reporting had always been her M.O. When the chance came to cover an uprising and humanitarian crisis in Hungary, she jumped in—only to land in trouble once again. A stint in a communist prison ultimately restored her credentials, and from there she hit the ground running: first to Cuba, where Fidel Castro and Che Guevara were working to overthrow Batista, and then straight into the escalating conflict in Vietnam.

Fearless and uncompromising, Dickey was determined to make Americans see what was happening beyond their own borders. She leapt from helicopters, risked her life daily, and pursued her dream of capturing “the picture to end all wars,” working tirelessly until her final assignment.

At first, Erika Robuck’s novel can feel disorienting as she drops readers into Dickey’s whirlwind world with little pause. But once the threads come together, the story sharpens, and the relentless pace feels exactly right for its subject.

The Last Assignment is a vivid, fast-moving tribute to a woman who refused to look away. Both inspiring and sobering, it’s a reminder of the power—and cost—of bearing witness.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Media, and author Erika Robuck for the advanced copy of the audiobook. The Last Assignment is out on August 19th. All opinions are my own.

"The Last Assignment" is based on the true story of Dickey Chapelle, a combat correspondent, photographer and humanitarian, who goes into war zones and other dangerous destinations to get the pictures that show viewers the "real news."

After being kicked out of the military for breaking the rules in the Battle of Iwo Jima, Dickey experiences many personal and professional hardships. Her marriage is failing and Dickey decides to take a job following the Hungarian Revolution where she is taken prisoner.

Her story is extremely inspirational. Dickey put herself into many dangerous situations in the hopes of helping those whose lives are being torn apart by war. She is incredibly brave and very selfless. She went on in life to win many journalism awards. Later being killed in action.

Thank you Netgalley, Erika Robuck, and Tantor Media for the opportunity to review an advanced copy of "The Last Assignment." All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dickey Chapelle was a name I had never heard before a few days ago, but her story is one I am so glad to have discovered through this beautiful piece of historical fiction.

I’ve read other of Erika Robuck’s books, but I think this one is my favorite!

Dickey Chapelle filled up numerous passports as she traveled the globe as a war correspondent and photographer. She photographed war-torn countries and suffering people; she jumped out of planes and spent time in a Hungarian prison; she won awards and saw her photographs on the covers of magazines.

I listened to/read (another one of those immersive reads!) most of this one in a single day because I wanted to know more of the story. This type of book is why I will forever love historical fiction.

Aside from being a well-written, informative and enjoyable story, this book also made me proud to be an American and, more so, proud to be an American woman.

Dickey travels all over the world, getting stamp after stamp in her passport. What’s the most recent stamp in your passport?