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Judy Zell's avatar

I'm 3/4 of the way through Mademoiselle Alliance and loving Marie-Madeleine. But I don't believe that she was the only woman to head a French Resistance network. I have read 2 books about Virginia Hall, an American woman who led a Resistance network affiliated with SOE, the British rival of MI6. She also had a limp, and she crossed the Pyrenees on foot and wooden leg.

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Natasha Lester's avatar

Hi Judy, it's a complicated question, but a simplified answer is that Virginia Hall was employed and paid by SOE. SOE agents were responsible for helping the French to set up Resistance networks and then aided the French with equipping those networks. Like Nancy Wake, who also assisted a French Resistance network and a Resistance network leader. Marie-Madeleine had no employer. Only French people who didn't operate as employees of SOE or OSS have been granted official status as Resistance leaders. Of course none of that changes the fact that Virginia Hall was a truly courageous and remarkable women!

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Judy Zell's avatar

That is a complicated distinction. Thank you for the explanation.

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Jenny Chilton's avatar

I’m halfway through the book and have trouble putting it down. On holidays travelling so not able to pick it up as much as I’d like. I don’t like coming to the end of your books because it means having to wait for your next one.

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Natasha Lester's avatar

Hope you're having a wonderful holiday!

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Anna M's avatar

Just the kind of book I love to read. I love being educated while I am also being entertained.

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Natasha Lester's avatar

Me too, Anna!

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A French Table 1's avatar

Hi there Natasha! This is the kind of storytelling that makes me want to cancel my plans, pour a glass of wine, and pretend I live in 1941. Absolutely beautiful.”

Also, if you ever write a novel set in a chaotic French grocery aisle, I’ve got material. Just saying.

Am looking forward to following you!

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Natasha Lester's avatar

Thanks Jenny! And good luck in the grocery aisle!

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Kay Fernandez's avatar

Another excellent book from Natasha Lester. Meticulously researched with superb attention to detail. What a glorious book. Thank you for writing.

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Natasha Lester's avatar

My pleasure! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

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