The Indomitable Florence Finch
The Untold Story of a War Widow Turned Resistance Fighter and Savior of American POWs
by Robert J. Mrazek
Narrated by Dan Woren
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Pub Date Jul 21 2020 | Archive Date Aug 03 2020
Hachette Audio | Hachette Books
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Description
-Keith O'Brien, the New York Times bestselling author of Fly Girls
The riveting story of an unsung World War II hero who saved countless American lives in the Philippines, told by an award-winning military historian.
When Florence Finch died at the age of 101, few of her Ithaca, NY neighbors knew that this unassuming Filipina native was a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, whose courage and sacrifice were unsurpassed in the Pacific War against Japan. Long accustomed to keeping her secrets close in service of the Allies, she waited fifty years to reveal the story of those dramatic and harrowing days to her own children.
Florence was an unlikely warrior. She relied on her own intelligence and fortitude to survive on her own from the age of seven, facing bigotry as a mixed-race mestiza with the dual heritage of her American serviceman father and Filipina mother.
As the war drew ever closer to the Philippines, Florence fell in love with a dashing American naval intelligence agent, Charles "Bing" Smith. In the wake of Bing's sudden death in battle, Florence transformed from a mild-mannered young wife into a fervent resistance fighter. She conceived a bold plan to divert tons of precious fuel from the Japanese army, which was then sold on the black market to provide desperately needed medicine and food for hundreds of American POWs. In constant peril of arrest and execution, Florence fought to save others, even as the Japanese police closed in.
With a wealth of original sources including taped interviews, personal journals, and unpublished memoirs, The Indomitable Florence Finch unfolds against the Bataan Death March, the fall of Corregidor, and the daily struggle to survive a brutal occupying force. Award-winning military historian and former Congressman Robert J. Mrazek brings to light this long-hidden American patriot. The Indomitable Florence Finch is the story of the transcendent bravery of a woman who belongs in America's pantheon of war heroes.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781549101779 |
| PRICE | CA$32.98 (CAD) |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Cristie U, Bookseller
This biography shines light on a forgotten hero that saved many lives in the Philippines during World War II. I had never heard of Florence Finch, but after listening to this book, I definitely will not forget her, as she truly defined what a hero is.
Jorge P, Reviewer
Amazing story of survival under Japanese occupation in the Philippines. This book reads like a novel and keeps the reader engaged through. The narrator was very good.
Rosemary S, Librarian
They say history is written by the winners, I would add that it was written by the male winners; so many women have been left out of history books. Women who did incredible things have largely been forgotten, if they were ever given credit to begin with. Mrazek’s book remembers one of those women. The stories of Japanese atrocities in the Philippines has been documented many times, but this time, readers are able to learn about Florence Finch, the woman who risked her own life in a feat of bravery and sheer ballsiness that save the lives of hundreds of Americans. This story is true and it’s incredibly brutal, Florence paid dearly for her bravery and her story deserves to be heard. Woren does a find job narrated this harrowing story, but I admit I would have liked a female narrator to tell Florence’s story
Clifford J, Reviewer
Fast paced story of a true hero. As a history book, the narrator brings the perfect tone and pace for this genre. The author does a great job of writing the story in an easy to absorb fashion.
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance audiobook.
Mike P, Reviewer
My wife and I listened to this amazing story. and found it mesmerizing. We were both transfixed listening to the dramatic story of a true hero from World War 2. We just could not stop listening to this emotional story of a young woman in the Philippines trying to stay alive while at the same time lead a group to steal thousands of gallons of gasoline which were sold on the black market. The funds were divided a number of ways but it clearly saved hundreds of American lives. Towards the end of the war she was finally captured and tortured.
In are opinion everyone should listen to this story, if nothing else it will help us to keep things in our own lives in perspective. The narration was top notch. We sat on the edge of our seats with each word getting more and more absorbed into the story. Even if you have no interest in war stories this is truly a must listen/read.
Cheryl S, Bookseller
I love encountering a new book about a time/place/event I didn't know about. This book was perfect, an amazing mix of personal stories and essential facts about the Japanese occupation of the Philippines and the endurance of people left behind enemy lines. Always thrilling and engrossing, I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, even though I knew that Florence survived I couldn't imagine how.
As for the audiobook, the narrator had the perfect blend of gravitas and humor, a perfect storyteller for such an important story
Readers who liked this book also liked:
Jodi Picoult; Jennifer Finney Boylan
General Fiction (Adult), Literary Fiction, Women's Fiction
