Wow! Yet another incredible woman that I had never heard of until I picked up this incredible book. Dickey Chapelle and her groundbreaking work- her only goal to take the photo that would make humanity reject war once and for all. She was there when it happened- Iwo Jima, ( as an embedded military journalist she went ashore against direct orders and got the civilian press equivalent of a court marshal), participated in helping refugees escape the soviet invasion of Hungry ( she was imprisoned for 6 weeks in a soviet gulag as a spy for that one), travelled with rebels Che Gueverra and Castro to free Cuba from Batiste’s brutal regime ( only to see Castro turn around and do the same damn thing), Loas ( the US - war? What war, we aren’t in a war) and Vietnam ( nope, no US soldiers here) .

This incredible woman trained with the marines and loved her boys( she was more of a sister, mother to them), she went where they went and did what they did. She spent months living amongst the rebels building relationships and seeing a POV that other journalists missed by flying in for a couple days. She never lost faith that men ( because lets be honest- thats who creates and sustains war) could be persuaded to give it up, and stop the senseless suffering. She was passed over, scooped on a story, censored because “no one wants to hear the grisly details “ and put down more times that she could count, but never ever gave up. Truly an inspiration to women everywhere.

I listened to an audio version, and the narrator was excellent. Highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Last Assignment is one of those rare novels—and audiobooks—that grabs hold of you and doesn't let go, even after you've finished. I went in expecting a compelling work of historical fiction, but what I got was so much more: a gut-wrenching, soul-searching journey through grief, justice, and the complexity of forgiveness.

Erika Robuck writes with such raw honesty and grace. The way she portrayed Dickey Chapelle—her pain, strength, and emotional conflict—felt incredibly nuanced and a true consideration for the real person she was writing. After finishing, I felt compelled to learn more about Dickey Chapelle’s real life, diving into What's a Woman Doing Here?: A Reporter's Report on Herself and gaining a deeper understanding of the lasting impact she had.

This story is dark at times, yes, but it’s also deeply redemptive. It made me reflect on the weight of history, the choices we live with, and the cost of silence. If you love historical fiction that challenges you emotionally while keeping you fully engrossed, don’t miss this one.

Thank you to Erika Robuck, Tantor Media, and NetGalley for the absolutely stunning audiobook ARC.

This historical fiction novel details the life of award-winning photojournalist Dickey Chapelle. From her failed marriage to having her military accreditation revoked, her work with an international refugee association, time spent in a Hungarian prison, meeting Fidel Castro while covering the Cuban Missile Crisis, time spent in Vietnam during the Vietnam war, and so much more, the book was filled with her accomplishments, setbacks, and all of the danger that she faced in order to try to get the best pictures possible. While the subject matter was not one that really interested me, I did appreciate the fact that Dickey was a fascinating woman, and the author & narrator did an excellent job bringing her story to life.

Absolutely wonderful story. I loved it from start to finish! Easy 5 stars! Will be recommending to everyone and buying a few copies for friends and family.

This was a fascinating read about a strong, gutsy female heroine. Based on the life of photojournalist Dickey Chapelle—a woman who put her life at risk in order to fulfill her calling, vocation, and purpose.

The structure is interspersed with letters, cables, and interviews (which I assume are primary sources—I listened on audio so not sure of the formatting) to complement the fictionalized “based on the real life” parts.

You learn a lot about sad parts of history that are often overlooked being in the aftermath of WW2–places Dickey had assignments: the Hungarian Revolution, Cuban Revolution, and Vietnam.

Title: The Last Assignment
Author: Erika Robuck
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Kristin Price
Publication Date: 19th August, 2025
Publisher: Tantor Media

**Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media for the advanced audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.**

Erika Robuck delivers a raw, deeply human tribute to Georgette "Dickey" Chapelle—combat correspondent, photographer, and fearless trailblazer in a world where woman were rarely invited to the front lines. From the moment I read the synopsis, I knew this was a woman whose story demanded to be heard, and Robuck brings her to life with an authenticity that is both unflinching and tender.

The Last Assignment follows Dickey as she chases the photograph that would reveal the truth cost of war tot he world. We see her embedded with Marines, running humanitarian missions in hostile territory, surviving imprisonment, and charging into danger with the same determination she brought to challenging the male-dominated world of combat journalism. Dickey is brash, driven, and wholly dedicated to her calling—and Robuck refuses to soften her. That unvarnished portrayal is precisely what makes this novel so compelling.

The writing captures not only the grit of war reporting, but also the emotional weight of bearing witness to humanity at its most vulnerable. It's a story that resonates with urgency, honouring a woman who risk everything to tell the truth and show the world the faces behind the headlines. The pacing is tight, the historical detail immersive, and the emotional beats land with exact precision.

The audiobook, narrated by Kristin Price, is a standout. Price's performance gives Dickey's voice a strength and clarity that amplifies the story's emotion impact, weaving both steel and sensitivity into her delivery. It added an intimacy to the listening experience that made the danger, the determination, and the heartbreak all the more vivid.

At its core, The Last Assignment is a gripping, heartfelt account of a woman whose legacy deserves a permanent place in our collective memory. It is as inspiring as it is sobering—ultimately a story of courage, sacrifice, and the unyielding pursuit of what one person believes a necessity. This is a historical fiction at its most meaningful, and I will not soon forget the experience in learning about a remarkable woman.

A historical fiction account of war photographer Dickie Chappelle and her exploits from WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the unrest in Cuba. We hear about all of the firsts that she accomplished as well as the trials of beings leader in so many ways. There are exploits that endanger her, but also shows her advocacy for peace and a desire to end all wars. Great read thanks to NetGalley. The narrator did a spectacular job and really helped to connect to Dickie.

The Last Assignment by Erika Robuck.
I really didn't know too much about Dickey Chapelle. She was a woman photojournalist, a war correspondent who covered World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and others. She worked for National Geographic. What a unique opportunity to be one of the first women correspondents to cover these wars. She was a fearless woman who led an extraordinary life and captured amazing photos from the front line to those fighting, all while trying to survive. She also covered innocent civilians that were caught in the middle and Dickey was not afraid to be in the trenches.
I really enjoyed learning about her and love the way the author weaves this story to share the amazing history behind this incredible woman. I love that Dickey was honored by the military.
Thank you to the Author. I love historical fiction, I learn so much.
I was unbelievably lucky to receive an advanced copy of the audiobook and the narrator, Kristin Price really made this story come alive.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Media, for the gifted ARC.

Georgette Chappelle known as Dickie dedicated her life to photojournalism and the American people. She wanted to bring the truth of war situations to life through photographs. She mad military accreditation and faced danger.

Very well written and well narrated book (I listened to the audiobook). Excellent storytelling of Dickie’s life and her courage, often under fire as some of the events she covered are explored. Very entertaining and informative.

This is a somewhat fictionalized story of a female war correspondent who was involved in every major conflict from World War II to Vietnam. The book is full of stories of heroism and bravery, as well as acts of cowardice and major lies. The American government told its people. But mostly it’s the story of a woman who put her life on the line to report on the atrocities that occur during any war.

I love a good historical fiction that explorers individual experiences through a lifetime of service. This was a great never before seen point of view through a photojournalist and war correspondent. Can't wait to read more by Erika Robuck.

Manhattan, 1954.

Since her arrest for disobeying orders and going ashore at Iwo Jima almost a decade earlier, combat correspondent Georgette “Dickey” Chapelle has been unmoored. Her military accreditation revoked, her marriage failing, and her savings dwindling, Dickey jumps at the next opportunity. In the aftermath of a an assignment gone wrong, a flame is lit deep inside Dickey—to survive in order to be the world’s witness to war from the front lines.

Never content to report on battles unless her own boots are on the ground, Dickey and her camera journey with American and international soldiers from frozen wastelands to raging seas to luscious jungles, revealing one woman’s extraordinary courage and tenacity in the face of discrimination and danger. And it’s along the way, in Dickey’s desire to save the world, she realizes she might also be saving herself.

At a time when a woman's heroic spirit often gave way to homeland reality, Dickey blazed a trail for the revolutionary hearts inside us all.
Genres
Historical Fiction
Fiction

Once in a while a book comes along that just wows you. This is that book. I had never heard of the subject of the book before and that is a shame. Everything about this book was phenomenal. The narrator made you see what was happening as it was happening. After I listened to this I had to sit a reflect about what I had learned. As a member of a military service family and especially the time frames discussed I could easily relate to the story. I wish I could give more than 5 stars