Liberation…
About the Book:
The must-read thriller inspired by the true story of Nancy Wake, the most decorated servicewoman of the Second World War, soon to be a major blockbuster film.
To the Allies she was a fearless freedom fighter, special operations super spy, a woman ahead of her time. To the Gestapo she was a ghost, a shadow, the most wanted person in the world with a five-million Franc bounty on her head.
Her name was Nancy Wake.
Now, for the first time, the roots of her legend are told in a thriller about one woman’s incredible quest to save the man she loves, turn the tide of the war, and take brutal revenge on those who have wronged her.
My Thoughts:
I had such high hopes for this novel but after only a few chapters, it was apparent these hopes were to be well and truly dashed. The novel reads like the ‘Hollywood Blockbuster’ it is promoted as becoming. All action, crass conversation, an overabundance of swearing and lewd intention, with little to no depth of feeling.
The French men are depicted as animals and Nancy herself appears as a cross between Wonder Woman and Jessica Rabbit. As an ode to Nancy Wake, a truly inspirational and brave woman, this is a woeful attempt and a bitter pill to swallow.
The only redemption offered is within the historical note at the end where the authors outline Nancy’s true actions against those they embellished and invented. It is my hope that readers interested in the life of this remarkable woman may seek out further reading in order to garner a much clearer and less debased and sensationalised view of Nancy Wake.
☕
Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing me with a review copy of Liberation.
About the Author:
‘Imogen Kealey’ is a pseudonym for Darby Kealey and Imogen Robertson.
Darby Kealey is a writer and producer, based in Los Angeles. His credits include the critically acclaimed series Patriot for Amazon, as well as a number of film and television projects currently in development. His feature script Liberation was nominated to the 2017 Blacklist. He has an MFA in Screenwriting from UCLA, and a BA in Politics from UC Santa Cruz.
Imogen Robertson is a writer of historical fiction. Now based in London, she was born and brought up in Darlington and read Russian and German at Cambridge. Before becoming a writer, she directed for TV, film, and radio. She is the author several novels, including the Crowther and Westerman series. Imogen has been shortlisted for the CWA Historical Dagger three times (2011, 2013 and 2014), as well as for the prestigious Dagger in the Library. She has also written King of Kings, a collaboration with the legendary international bestseller Wilbur Smith.
Liberation
Published by Sphere
Released 31st March 2020
Interesting I wonder how you would compare it to Code Name Helene, which I loved?
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I want to read that for comparison but then I also don’t! 🤷♀️
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I would also need to buy Codename Helene and if I didn’t like it, I’d be doubly let down!
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It;s interesting that there are a couple of new books out about Nancy Wake but neither of them are written by Aussie authors!
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I can’t think why there are two releasing on the same date. From what I can tell, there is no anniversary of her death, or other milestone/marker.
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How disappointing. I’m so glad you were straight up about the book’s problems. I read the new posts you put up, Therese. I know this is stupid but, how does one ‘like’ a blog page? I tried touching the star. I don’t mind putting in my email address but the message comes back from WordPress that I don’t exist!
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Really? That is so odd. Because clearly you have access because you can comment. Touching the like badge at the bottom is all you need to do and from there, you may be asked to log in for the like the to be processed.
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I agree, how disappointing. I remember watching a miniseries about Nancy Wake years ago. I think it starred Noni Hazelhurst. Interesting that there’s two books plus a film. Wondering what has sparked the interest.
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I can’t tell what’s sparked the interest, it’s got me puzzled! I remember watching the Noni Hazelhurst adaptation!
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I was incredibly disappointed to see that the author changed the nationality of Nancy Wake. In the book, it says she’s Australian, but she was actually a New Zealander. Why would they change a fact like that?
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Possibly just evidence of the author’s poor research. The book was so bad in so many ways, this is just another element to shake our heads over. Australia, New Zealand…aren’t they the same? 😠 Inconsiderate!
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