A Woman of No Importance

This book is not purchasable in your country. Please select another book.

Listen to a sample

What to expect

'A METICULOUS HISTORY THAT READS LIKE A THRILLER' BEN MACINTYRE, TEN BEST BOOKS TO READ ABOUT WORLD WAR II

An astounding story of heroism, spycraft, resistance and personal triumph over shocking adversity.

'A rousing tale of derring-do' THE TIMES * 'Riveting' MICK HERRON * 'Superb' IRISH TIMES

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

In September 1941, a young American woman strides up the steps of a hotel in Lyon, Vichy France. Her papers say she is a journalist. Her wooden leg is disguised by a determined gait and a distracting beauty. She is there to spark the resistance.

By 1942 Virginia Hall was the Gestapo's most urgent target, having infiltrated Vichy command, trained civilians in guerrilla warfare and sprung soldiers from Nazi prison camps. The first woman to go undercover for British SOE, her intelligence changed the course of the war - but her fight was still not over.

This is a spy history like no other, telling the story of the hunting accident that disabled her, the discrimination she fought and the secret life that helped her triumph over shocking adversity.

'A cracking story about an extraordinarily brave woman' TELEGRAPH

'Gripping ... superb ... a rounded portrait of a complicated, resourceful, determined and above all brave woman' IRISH TIMES

WINNER of the PLUTARCH AWARD FOR BEST BIOGRAPHY

***Sonia Purnell's new book KINGMAKER: PAMELA CHURCHILL HARRIMAN'S ASTONISHING LIFE OF SEDUCTION, INTRIGUE AND POWER is out now***

User Reviews

Book 5.0
Narration 5.0
5.0
5.0
Such an important story that deserves to be heard…

A leading intelligence agent behind the French Resistance in WWII was an American woman hired by the British. A phenomenal organiser and fearless fighter, Virginia Hall is the hero we’ve never heard of. She is credited with building one of the most powerful spy networks in the south of France - ultimately distracting and delaying the Germans from being able to respond to the Normandy landings.

This book is thoroughly and painstakingly researched and Juliet Stevenson does a brilliant job bringing the story to life.

A must read for military historians interested in untold stories from the front line. Highly recommend!
kellifb 21/09/2025

About xigxag

Experience the best audiobooks with xigxag, an innovative and user-friendly audiobook platform designed for seamless discovery, purchase, and enjoyment of your favorite titles. Our flexible pricing model offers bestselling audiobooks for less, providing affordable prices and the best audiobook deals without requiring a subscription. Perfect for gifting, xigxag also features convenient audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.

 

Beyond the listening experience, xigxag stands as an exciting alternative to big tech, embodying a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. As the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service, we ensure a guilt-free listening experience from a leader in audiobook innovation.

 

Effortlessly search audiobooks, access honest audiobook reviews that evaluate both the content and narration, and easily discover hidden gems. Whether you prefer to download or stream top audiobook titles, xigxag provides the best possible listening experience anytime, anywhere, on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Discover the future of audiobooks today.